Kiss Me if You Can (Most Eligible Bachelor Series Book 1)
Page 26
“Okay kids, time for new assignments,” Dan said.
Ben rolled his shoulders, leaning his elbow on the table. “Let me have it, boss.”
“You might not be so eager when you hear what it is but keep in mind, we are out of options. Everyone’s on another assignment.” Dan eyed him with a healthy dose of an apology in his gaze followed by his tough shit look.
The hair on the back of Ben’s neck stood on end. “What’s going on?”
“A little show and tell is in order for this assignment,” Dan said, gesturing to the screen behind him. He pulled out his computer and tapped a few keys.
Up popped a photograph of Jade Glow, one of the world’s most popular contemporary recording artists in the world. “Jade Glow needs an opening act and couldn’t decide between two up and coming singers. Her solution? To give both women a chance to build their star power while she waits, watches audience reaction, and makes a decision.”
Dan chose his words carefully. He always did. Which was why the words star power stood out like a beacon to Ben. Four years ago, he’d been a security guard on the set of the hit television show of the same name, where he’d met, fucked and then proceeded to be fucked over by one of the show’s up and coming stars.
He’d not only had sex with one of the contestants, Summer Michelle, he’d violated his contract by doing so. Someone had turned him in but the producers made it clear to him – the word had leaked from Summer herself. Ben had lost his job for consorting with the talent, while she’d gone on to tie for runner up in the show. His current boss knew the whole sordid story but he believed in second chances and besides, Ben had come highly recommended from the firm he’d worked for prior to Dan’s. He’d had to take a trial period while he earned his position and proved to his then-bosses he could be trusted to think smart on the job. Be a professional. Keep his dick in his pants. Not get taken in by a pretty face.
Ben’s lesson had been learned the hard way.
“No. Fucking. Way.” Another thing about Dan. He invited his people to speak their mind, which was why Ben had no problem expressing himself now. “If you are telling me I’m now bodyguard to Summer Michelle… that’s a hell no.”
Dan ran a hand over his cropped short, salt and pepper hair. “I’m not finished with the explanation, although now that you’ve put together who’s involved…” Dan hit a key on the laptop and Summer’s picture jumped onto the screen alongside a girl he remembered from the show as well, Tawny Renee.
Ben’s visceral reaction to Summer’s photo didn’t bode well for this potential assignment. He hadn’t seen Summer in years but looking at her was like a punch to the gut and a kick start to his groin all at the same time. The publicity photo accentuated her glossy black hair still long, still curling over her shoulders in a glorious silken wave. Her golden brown eyes stared back at him while her pink lips were glossed in a pretty pout. And he distinctly remembered having those same lips wrapped around his dick, while her tongue did her best to make him come.
Damn. How had fate landed her back in his lap?
Okay bad choice of words, he thought, and cringed.
“You with me?” Dan asked.
Beside them, Jared and Ava were silent, no doubt either enjoying his discomfort or uncomfortable themselves by the situation Ben now found himself in.
“I’m listening,” Ben muttered to Dan.
The older man nodded. “Vague threats have come to Jade Glow’s people regarding picking Summer for the opening act, so Orion Motors, the sponsor of her world tour, wants to hire protection for both women just to be safe.”
“Are you giving me a choice of who I get to protect?” Ben asked. Neither option appealed. Tawny had been a spoiled brat with constant demands but for some reason, Summer had liked the other girl. The two had been friends. Maybe that should have been Ben’s first clue to steer clear of Summer Michelle.
“No. There’s no choice for you. We’re the best in the business and Jade’s people want us to look out for Summer, since the threats focused solely on her. Unfortunately we have no other bodyguards to offer, at least for the moment, so they hired another firm for Tawny. You going to be okay?”
Since he didn’t have a choice, he nodded.
“Good. Everything else you need to know about the case is in the file,” Dan went on. “Her itinerary is in there as well, so you’ll know where to meet up with her later today. She has a series of events lined up over the next two weeks in Manhattan. You’ll stick close.”
“How close?” Ben asked warily. Some cases involved daytime surveillance only.
“Summer lives on the West side in a one bedroom walk up. No doorman. No protection. So we’re talking twenty-four-seven cover.”
Of course they were. Because why should he catch a break?
Summer Michelle had been Ben’s undoing four years ago, but he was determined not only to keep his distance but to make certain that he was the one calling the shots this time around.
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Carly Phillips is the N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of over 50 sexy contemporary romance novels featuring hot men, strong women and the emotionally compelling stories her readers have come to expect and love. Carly’s career spans over a decade and a half with various New York publishing houses, and she is now an Indie author who runs her own business and loves every exciting minute of her publishing journey. Carly is happily married to her college sweetheart, the mother of two nearly adult daughters and three crazy dogs (two wheaten terriers and one mutant Havanese) who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. Carly loves social media and is always around to interact with her readers. You can find out more about Carly at www.carlyphillips.com.