The Protector (Barrett Boys #3) - Jordan Ford Page 0,18
boss vouches for you, is obviously very disappointed they had to let you go.”
I nodded, trying to play it cool.
“And my brother speaks highly of you. Says you work hard and are a great sparring partner at his gym.”
“Yes, sir.” I tried to smile, but it no doubt came off like an awkward grimace.
“You don’t quite have the experience I was hoping for, and you’re younger than I’d like. But we need young-looking, and I imagine in jeans and a casual shirt, you could play quite the part.”
I shifted in my seat, unable to hide my grin. He had no idea. I hated wearing suits and ties.
“If you are selected, your job will be to accompany Miss Shaw to her college campus and be an in-house guard, protecting her at all times and in all situations. She’s very clear that she does not want people to know you’re her bodyguard, so you need to be discreet. I will expect daily check-in phone calls. You are to be vigilant, focused, and I expect you to return her home for Thanksgiving without one scratch or a single mishap.”
“Yes, sir.” I tugged on my pant leg, trying to make it seem like I was up for the task.
He assessed me with a gaze that felt like laser beams, then nodded. “I can tell you that you’re a very strong candidate for this position. If you’re successful, you will start work tomorrow morning. Your pay will be sixty-eight thousand dollars per year, plus benefits.”
I nearly choked on my own saliva.
“Do you have any questions?”
Shaking my head like a dumb idiot, I gripped the side of the chair and tried to play it cool.
“Right. I’ll be in touch at the end of the day to let you know my decision.”
“Thank you, sir.” I rose and shook his hand, hoping my sweaty digits didn’t gross him out.
Sixty-eight thousand dollars!
A smile toys with my lips as I walk into my room and grab a pair of shorts off the end of my bed. Waiting for this phone call is going to be torture.
I pace my room for a second, then wander to the kitchen, figuring an early dinner might use up some time.
“Hello! Anyone home?” I call into the silent apartment and am relieved to hear the sound of silence. I kind of love it when Kenny and Bridget are out, because it means I don’t have to deal with any of their BS.
The living area reeks of pot, and when I step into the kitchen, my gag reflex kicks in. Kenny trying to cook is always a disaster, especially when he’s high. It looks like a freaking crime scene in here. Pasta and marinara sauce plastered on the cabinetry, grated cheese littering the floor, along with… what is that?
I creep toward the sink and spot a furry green chicken salad sandwich that I swear wasn’t there this morning. Bridget probably took it out of her work bag this morning and just dumped it.
The trash can is one foot away, but no, she chose the sink.
Pinching my nose closed, I dip my head and shuffle out of the room.
I’m not hungry anymore.
As I stalk away, my mind wanders back to another kitchen—a sunny, warm one.
“Don’t even think about leaving a dirty dish there, you douchebag. I just spent the last twenty minutes tidying this place!” Deeks slapped the rag onto the bench and finished wiping the water into the sink.
“I was just—”
“Nope!” He pointed at me. “Clean it.”
“Why are you being such a dick?” I grumbled, grabbing the plate and rinsing it off the way Michael had shown me.
“I can think of a million other chores I’d rather be doing than the freaking dishes. It puts me in a foul mood, so shut the hell up and don’t make my job any harder than it has to be.”
“Such a baby,” I muttered, knowing I’d be in for it.
Deeks froze and I bit my lips together, fighting a smile as I watched his nostrils flare, his jaw working to the side.
The rag slapped onto the kitchen counter, and I dropped the plate into the sink.
“Ahhhh!!!” Screaming out the back door, I took off running, laughter doubling me over as Deeks gave chase.
By the time we reached the barn, I was laughing so hard, I could barely keep running. He tackled me into the hay and pinned me down, scrubbing my head with his sharp, pointy knuckles until I screeched, “I give! You’re not a baby!”