Page 15 of Always Right Here

“She’s coming as a guest today. That’s Jesse. He comes to switch shifts with Korie at night so she can get some rest. He’s here today so Korie could get ready for the party.”

“Ah, makes sense.” He beelined straight for the snacks set out on the kitchen counter as he continued. “How’s all that going by the way? I was stoked to hear she was going to help you out.”

“Really great.” I grabbed a drink and settled next to him as the rest of the family crowded around. “I feel a lot safer with her here.”

Satisfied with that answer, Eddie went to take Chrissy to find a room to feed and change the baby in. Guests arrived one after another and before I knew it, I had a full house of family and old friends.

Warmth filled me as I looked around the room full of people that showed up for me. For a moment, I felt completely safe and secure,even without Korie there. The second she popped back in my mind, though, I searched around the room. There was no sign of her. I found my phone on the kitchen counter and swiped it open. No texts from her.

I tried not to panic. There was no way the stalker could’ve gotten to her, right? She was safe. She was a professional bodyguard for fuck’s sake, I wouldhopeshe could defend herself from that. Before my twisting insides could hinder me too much, I was pulled into a group of old friends by Rayne.

Of course, they asked what was up with the bodyguard at the door. Rayne was more than happy to fill them in as I just smiled along and nodded awkwardly. It wasn’t something I had wanted to go into much detail about, but once you got Rayne started, there wasn’t any stopping her.

She told them every detail of our night and how Korie was my new bodyguard. Of course, most of the girls knew her as we all went to high school together and Korie was just a grade above us.

“Wow, that’s so scary. I’m so sorry that happened to you.” One of my old teammates, Eden, patted my arm in sympathy. “Have any more scary things happened since then?”

I hesitated, not wanting to share too much and cause any more panic than I was already feeling.

“Nope, nothing else. Maybe Korie scared them away.”

“I can be pretty scary.” Korie’s low, warm voice came from behind me.

Her presence instantly covered me in chills. My whole body relaxed again, knowing I was safe with her here. But the second I turned toher, my heart was erratically beating throughout my whole body. The same heat she stirred inside me came rushing back. Somehow, everyone and everything in the room melted away and I could only see her in front of me.

She wore an all-black outfit. Dress pants, a long-sleeved button-down and shining dress shoes to match. It was tailored so perfectly to her body that it almost looked to be a part of her. It was just fitted enough to see the contour of her sculpted body under the fabric.

Her rich, deep brown hair was pulled up into a bun. Her thick eyebrows were neatly arched to perfection. Her intoxicating cologne called me in like a siren. At that moment, I didn’t care who she was. My brother’s best friend. My bodyguard. It didn’t matter. I wanted her.

Giggles erupted from behind us and the world came back into view.

“Korie!” Another old teammate, Cora, chimed in as she took a step towards her. “It's been so long! You look great and it seems like you are doing very well for yourself. Tell us about your security business.”

My whole body tightened in irritation. The urge to roll my eyes burned my skull. I wanted to wrap my arm around Korie’s waist and pull her towards me. I wasn’t sure which jealous demon had possessed me, but she was about to take over.

Korie adjusted next to me, inconspicuously brushing her fingers over the small of my back as she proceeded to tell the group about her business and its accomplishments. The tiny action cooled me back down. As embarrassing as her noticing my jealousy was, it was sweet that she went out of her way to soothe it. Another way for her to cement the fact that I was not a burden to her.

“Wow, celebrity contracts? How impressive!” Cora squealed.

“Where’s the application? Sign me up!” Eden added.

Korie chuckled along with them as she slid her fingers around my hip and gave it a tender squeeze.

“It was nice catching up, but I’m going to need to steal the woman of the hour for a moment. Hope you understand, ladies.”

She smiled politely to the group then tapped her hand over my hip, guiding me to a quiet corner of the living room.

“The woman of the hour is you, it seems.” Once we reached the corner, I turned to her and gestured with my chin to Eden and Cora, who had yet to take their eyesoff of Korie.

Korie peeked back for a moment before turning to me, her brow cocked and a knowing smirk on her lips.

“Yet I’ve only got eyes for you.” Her voice was low and smooth, melting into my skin.

“I-” I flustered, feeling the heat burn in my cheeks. “Well, that’s your job.”

“Right.” Her voice was laced with sarcasm. “Speaking of my job, I sent Jesse home. He said everyone was cleared. I’m going to go do a quick sweep around the house just in case. Has there been anything that’s concerned you since I’ve been gone? Any more messages?”

I crossed my arms over my chest, face scrunching in frustration.