Fake Summer Boyfriend

It was completely bizarre, but perhaps this was the kick in the pants I needed to actually get a tiny bit of summer fun into the next few weeks.

Here I thought I was going to have to hide away indoors the entire time. Turned out that all I needed was a fake summer boyfriend.

Neat.

Chapter 2

_____

Leif

I was about to urge Hayden to go inside, then heard the car engine. That Craig jackass might not have even realized that his old Chevy had a distinctive rumble that was easy to spot.

“He’s still there, Hayden. Shall I walk you inside? It would make me feel better to—”

Hayden’s eyes were growing wide with fright.

“I’m sorry. I’ve worked security for so long that I’m paranoid. If you were my client, I’d insist on coming in right now to check the locks and windows. If he hasn’t tried to come in by now, he’s not going to.”

Her perfect full lips pressed together as she thought. Damn, she was so beautiful. Yet it wasn’t just the big, innocent brown eyes, the dark hair that swished around her shoulders, and the adorable way she could never quite stay still. These are all things I’d noticed while trying not to ogle her in the diner over the past few weeks.

It was her sweetness. There was just something about her that made me need to step in and protect her.

I’d been a bouncer, a bodyguard, and formal security over the years. I’d never felt anything close to this level of overprotectiveness before.

“Hayden, I don’t want to invite myself in if that makes you uncomfortable. If you prefer, just go inside and text me when the door locks behind you. May I see your phone?”

She fished it out of her purse, unlocked it, and handed it to me. I entered myself as a contact, then sent a text immediately.

“Has Craig ever been inside your apartment?”

“No.”

“Do you want me to say goodnight here, or come in and check it out?”

She hesitated. I hated seeing this fragile

girl looking so lost.

“If you’re thinking you don’t want to bother me, please, it’s not a bother. Put me to good use. I love feeling helpful,” I smiled.

Hayden nodded. “If you don’t mind, that would be great, thanks.”

I followed her in, my eyes riveted to the luscious round ass walking up the stairs in front of me. Then I reminded myself to stay in work mode.

The lobby had a flimsy lock, but was clean and well lit, as were the stairwells. I wished they had mirrors so you could see who was around the corner, but I didn’t mention that. I was trying to calm Hayden down, not worry her any more than she already was.

There were only two apartments on her floor. “Who lives there?” I asked, pointing to the other door.

“Janice. I feel a lot better when she’s home, but she works an extra late shift on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.”

“That’s why you’ve been in the diner so much.”

Hayden unlocked her door, then looked at me sheepishly. “Yeah.”

We went in, and I didn’t mention that I was going to get her a stronger lock as soon as possible. Her apartment was small, but neat and homey. Most of the larger pieces were in earth tones, making the kitchen-dining-living room warm and cozy.

I couldn't help noticing that the electric bill on her hallway table said her full name was Hayden Thompson.