The Mogul And The Muscle

Brandy popped in to remind me it was time to go and my driver was waiting downstairs. I’d been asked to visit Miami Kid-Ovation, a summer and after-school program that provided art and STEM activities for kids, and an organization I personally funded. Jude was already standing, his laptop stowed in his backpack. Always one step ahead.

I forwarded the email to both Jude and IT so they could look into it, just in case it was relevant. Then I put it out of my mind.

Jude fell in step behind me and we took the elevator to the parking garage. Downstairs, Joe held the door for me as I slid into the back seat of the Mercedes SUV. Jude got in the passenger’s side and moved the seat back as far as it could go.

The poor guy probably didn’t fit in most cars. At least this was roomy.

He looked fantastic today in his cream button-down and slacks. I was going to miss the view when he didn’t work for me anymore. Those arms were a work of art.

I felt an odd dip in my stomach at the thought of not seeing Jude anymore. And it wasn’t just because of the arm porn. Or the shoulder porn, back porn, leg porn, or any other part of his gloriously muscular body.

So many of my private thoughts about him were exceedingly inappropriate. But there was something else simmering beneath the surface. Something I wasn’t sure I wanted to admit.

I liked him.

A lot.

I found myself dreading the moment—which seemed inevitable at this point—when he’d tell me I didn’t need him anymore. That I’d been right all along, and full-time personal security wasn’t necessary.

What was I going to say when that happened? Thanks, it was nice to have met you, good luck with retirement? Wait, I was wrong, I’m terrified for my life and I need you to stay? Come home with me and lick key lime tart off my stomach?

This was a problem.

Trying to put my latest inappropriate Jude sex fantasy out of my mind—but god, what would it feel like to be pinned down by those huge hands?—I focused on the notes Brandy had sent me.

GIVE short talk on why science and engineering are awesome. Bullet points below. Then the kids will show off their projects. Indoors. No need for sunscreen.

I GRINNED at the sunscreen remark. She knew me too well.

We pulled out of the parking garage onto the street and Jude adjusted the seat again. Thinking about his size, and that stony brick wall impression he did so well, made me wonder how this afternoon was going to go. He was so serious. I didn’t want him searching the Kid-Ovation facility like he expected to find assassins hidden around every corner, or watching the kids with that suspicious glare that seemed to come so naturally to him.

“Is there any way you can tone it down?” I asked.

He glanced over his shoulder. “Tone what down?”

“The scary bodyguard thing. We’re about to be surrounded by a bunch of elementary school kids.”

“Do you think I’ve never been around kids before?”

“I wouldn’t know,” I said.

He chuckled softly, but didn’t reply.

I’d just have to hope for the best.

I spent the rest of the drive reviewing the talking points Brandy had outlined. We got to the campus—an old high school I’d helped them purchase. Half of it was still under construction. It was being remodeled in phases so they could use parts of the facility, since their old location had been too small for their growing program.

Joe parked out front and I thanked him when he opened my door. I checked my email again while we walked in—Jude in front of me to assess potential threats or whatever it was he did—hoping Noelle hadn’t sent another email to argue with me further. I decided if she had, I’d ignore her until tomorrow. I had too much to do to get caught up in a debate with her.

Sheri Cruz, Kid-Ovation’s executive director, met us just inside the double doors. Old lockers lined the hallway and the linoleum floor had seen better days.

“Cameron, it’s so nice to see you,” Sheri said.

“Thanks for having me. I’m excited to see what you’ve all been up to.” We shook hands and I gestured to Jude. “This is Jude Ellis.”

“Nice to meet you.” Sheri shook hands with Jude. “We’re ready for you, if you’ll come with me.”