The Mogul And The Muscle

“Morning.”

Whipping around, I pointed the pepper spray in the direction of the voice.

The corner of Jude’s mouth twitched, like he was trying not to smile. “Nice reflexes.”

“Don’t scare me like that.” I tucked the pepper spray into my purse. “I could have sprayed you.”

He shrugged, like it wouldn’t have mattered to him if I’d burned his eyes. He had a black backpack slung over one shoulder and was once again dressed in a crisp button-down shirt and slacks.

It was a good look on him.

“How long have you been here?”

“I arrived a few minutes before you.”

“Is that a coincidence, or are you psychic? I didn’t tell you when I’d be in.”

“Emily texted me when you left home,” he said. “And we can talk about schedules upstairs.”

I wanted to argue with him. It was like an instinct I could barely control. But I had hired him, and it did make sense to coordinate our schedules in the comfort of my office, rather than standing here in the parking garage.

Still, I narrowed my eyes. I didn’t want him thinking he’d scored points on me this early in the day. “I have a few things to take care of, then I can meet with you after my eight-thirty rundown with Brandy.”

He acquiesced with a small nod.

I pretended to ignore him as he fell in step behind me and followed me into the elevator. My skin tingled at his presence, like he emitted biological radiation that warmed me from the inside. It was both comforting and disconcerting.

“What’s in the backpack?” I asked. “Your secret bodyguard arsenal?”

“No. Laptop.”

“That’s very mundane,” I said. “I suppose you keep a gun tucked in your belt or somewhere no one can see it.”

“I don’t carry a gun,” he said. “Not unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

“How would you know if it’s going to be necessary?”

He was quiet for a beat before answering. “I always know.”

I wasn’t sure how I felt about that answer.

Once in my office, I got to work, putting Jude out of my mind. Thankfully, he didn’t linger in my doorway or try to stand guard behind my desk. I didn’t know where he went, but somehow I could sense him nearby. Maybe he’d taken up a position at Brandy’s desk or parked himself in the small conference room next door.

A report from my research and development team captured my attention. We were testing elements of a new guidance system that was going to be crucial to managing aircraft reentry into the atmosphere. Initial results were promising, although I could see from a quick sweep of the data that we had more work to do.

I blinked in surprise when Brandy poked her head into my office.

“Hey boss lady. Ready for me?”

“Sure.” I minimized the report on my screen and took out my phone to open my calendar.

Jude came in behind Brandy and silently took the seat next to her, as if he’d been invited to our morning meeting.

My eyes flicked to him briefly, but I decided to allow it. I needed to figure out what to do with him while I was just sitting here working anyway.

Brandy went over my schedule and her list of reminders for me. She didn’t seem bothered by Jude. In fact, when she noted I had a lunch meeting at a nearby restaurant, she glanced at him, as if acknowledging that he’d be joining me. Which was interesting, considering I hadn’t had a conversation with her about his role yet.

“One more thing,” Brandy said when she’d finished our usual rundown. “Do you need me to get paperwork for Jude from HR?”

“No, Mr. Ellis and I have a private contract,” I said. “It’s a personal expense.”

“Sounds good. Also, Bobby was here about ten minutes ago, but he took one look at Colossus here and left.”

Jude’s brow furrowed and he glanced sideways at her.

“Colossus?” she asked. “He’s a superhero. Big guy. Sorry, my husband’s a comic book nerd.”

“Wow, effortlessly saving me from a Bobby Spencer encounter,” I said. “You’ve already earned your keep today.”

“I aim to please,” Jude said.

“Since we’re on the subject, what am I supposed to do with you during the day when I’m working?” I asked. “Are you really going to hang around the office in case my would-be mugger gets through security in the lobby and rushes in here to try to grab my purse again?”