Page 3 of Forced Proximity

‘How, exactly, do I “fit the bill”?’

A moment passes that feels way too long. ‘Don’t make me say this.’

I cross my arms. ‘You’re gonna have to ’cause I don’t get it.’

The silence builds and Marcus stiffens. ‘Because you’re an attractive woman, which creates less of a scene than surrounding yourself with huge, burly men.’

Oh, for Christ’s sake.

As a kid, I spent my entire adolescence feeling awkward and unattractive. I was taller, larger and more muscular than anyone else in my grade, including the boys. My dad used to grab my arms and call me ‘Hercules’, egging me on to arm wrestle my four brothers. As if being adopted wasn’t enough to make me feel different, none of us looked anything alike. My straight, thick, jet-black hair, dark eyes and large body frame stood out in family photos next to my pale, skinny, blond and blue-eyed siblings.

‘So, I’m getting this job because of my gender and looks? Even more of a reason to turn it down,’ I say, no longer attempting to hide any disdain. After everything that happened with my ex-wife, Assignment Day is one of the few things I look forward to. On Assignment Day, there’s always a chance for a new exciting adventure. One that helps me forget my past, forget The Incident, helps me feel alive. And now, it’s being ruined.

‘You know I don’t do well with these kinds of guys,’ I say. ‘Remember when you assigned me to that idiot rock star, Titus McFeary? We don’t want a disaster like that again. Justin’s not gonna like me, and I’m not gonna be nice to him just because he’s a client. Besides, I still don’t see how this must be me.’

Marcus stands and pours himself a glass of lemon-infused water from the crystal pitcher on the table behind him. ‘The paparazzi follow him. Not as much as other celebrities, but they do. Contrary to what you think, his image is that he’s “approachable” and doesn’t have bodyguards so his fans can access him.’ He pauses to sip. ‘With you around, we can play it off that you’re a publicist, or lawyer, or girlfriend—’

‘Girlfriend?’ My head snaps up so fast I’m going to need a trip to the chiropractor. ‘No chance.’

Marcus throws up his hands, the water nearly spilling. ‘Okay, fine. Not a girlfriend. But part of his staff. I wouldn’t assign this to you if I didn’t think you were the best fit.’

I exhale a very deep, very exaggerated, very annoyed breath. ‘Do I have a choice in the matter?’

He grins. ‘Of course. Always. This or find a different job.’

Dammit. Marcus will never force me into something I’m uncomfortable with, but after twelve years, I’m fiercely loyal, and he knows that. I crack my knuckles and think. ‘How long did you say I had to do this?’

‘Three months. Six, max,’ he says, lowering himself onto the chair. ‘If the stalker isn’t found after six months, then you can choose your next assignment.’

‘Jesus, that’s a long time.’ I haven’t even had a post-divorce relationship last that long. ‘And what’s my key role? Who else is part of the security detail? Give me all the information, and then I’ll decide if I’m quitting and taking the standing offer in Amsterdam from your competitor.’

Marcus chuckles, because he knows I’ll never actually leave him, and gives me the full download. My primary role will be to accompany Justin on typical outings, ranging from work, doctor appointments, social events and press junkets. He’s in the beginning stages of a new action movie, meaning he’ll have months of table reads and rehearsals before filming starts. My shift will be from noon to midnight, and the night bodyguard, Jack, will stay with Justin for the overnights.

So … babysitting. Unbelievable. ‘Does Justin know about the threats?’

‘They’re mostly keeping it from him. They want him to be safe but not know the seriousness of the stalking.’ He hands me another folder. ‘Here are the details for your meeting on Friday.’

From here until the day I die, no one better ever question my loyalty to Marcus. I cannot believe I’m even considering this. I tuck the file under my arm and move to the door. ‘Anything else?’

‘Yes,’ Marcus says with a playful grin. ‘Can you please wear a blazer?’

I wrinkle my nose and try and shoot him the most menacing glare I can muster, but a quick chuckle escapes. ‘3:30 p.m. on the mats, today. Since you’re the only person I can take down without being arrested, prepare for some serious pain.’

Marcus laughs as I close the door. In the hall, I press the folder against my chest.

What the hell did I just agree to?

Chapter 2

Lexi

Sometimes I trace my thumb across my ring finger, spinning a phantom wedding ring. It’s odd that the motion brings me comfort. Even when Katey and I were married, I rarely wore my gold band. In my line of work, jewelry is an occupational hazard. It can catch on something; it doesn’t allow for proper fist formation and can be used against you. Anything that inhibits me from protecting someone is a liability.

Most often, I don’t even notice I’m doing the motion until I look down. But today, as my Jeep Wrangler rolls to a stop on the immaculately smooth, dark pavement outside of Justin Greenwood’s house, I’m acutely aware that I’ve been doing this nearly the entire ride and if I don’t stop, I’ll rub myself raw.

I slam the Jeep door with a heavier thud than intended, punch out a sharp breath, and scan the property. The massive stone water fountain in the center of Justin’s circular, perfectly maintained driveway makes my Jeep look tiny, and the marble steps leading to his front door look like they were delivered straight from Italy. Intricately manicured greenery surrounds the property, and the faint scent of jasmine and rose wafts to my nose.

Katey would’ve loved this place. Not that she was into flashy or materialistic items. She had a sort of innocent wonderment about her and could see the beauty in so many places that I couldn’t. Sometimes on days off, we’d hit the beach, and she’d tug at me to marvel at a piece of translucent sea glass.