The Bodyguard

Chapter 16 - Care to Share?

Gabriel must have left once I fell asleep. He removed my shoes and tucked me under the covers, lying next to me.  He stroked my hair and kissed my head and before long I was gone. When I woke up I was alone.

I am momentarily low because he is gone but when I check my phone to see a message from him, my mood lifts instantly.

Last night was amazing beautiful. I’ll miss you so much this week. Please let me take you to the countryside this weekend, we can go Saturday after you finish work and spend some alone time together. G x

I smile as I read it and all my worries about not being enough are calmed.

Alone time.

A trip the the countryside could be just what I need and the alone time certainly sounds appealing after last night. I reply:

That sounds great. Have a safe flight, I’ll miss you too. K xx

I slip into my fluffy robe, grab my towel and practically skip to the bathroom.  I'm definitely acting like I had s*x, I need to chill out before Amy sees me.

Once I’m showered, I’ve cleaned my teeth and dressed and my hair and makeup are done I head to the kitchen.

Amy is there buttering toast and she greets me with a knowing grin.

“Have fun last night?” She teases.

“It was acceptable,” I'm trying to be vague, but I'm sure my blushing is giving me away.

“I know you had fun because I saw Gabriel sneaking out when I got water in the night.” She explains.

My cheeks burn.  Oh god, please tell me she didn't hear anything.  "So..." she prompts, clearly hoping for details.

“I’m not discussing my s*x life!” I yell.

“Ok, fine. Was it good though?”

I nod enthusiastically looking shyly down, I can't look her in the eye while talking about this.

“Told you so,” she says cockily and resumes wiping the butter across the hot toast.

She offers me a slice and I eat it while I make myself a coffee. I put it in a takeaway cup, grab my bag and head out the door before she interrogates me any further.

It isn’t too bad for a Monday, the day flies by and before long I’m at work.

My boss, Mr Smith snaps me out of my daydream.

“Kristen?! Are you listening?”

“Errr... sorry Sir...” I mumble in reply.

“Can you check the temperature in the fridge for me? It’s been playing up recently and I don’t want the milk to spoil.”

“Yes, of course,”

I head off to the fridge and bump into my colleague Sandy on the way. She’s a short, middle aged lady who is friendly enough, but a real gossip so I keep my distance as a rule.

“You know you’ve had a silly grin on your face all day,” she pries.

“Have I?” I say innocently.

“Yes, care to share? Who’s the lucky man?” God, she’s so nosey.

“I’ve just had a good day that’s all,” I insist.

“Well if you are looking for love, I know Jordan, the other Saturday help is interested,” she says with a smirk. “He’s always staring at you and you’d make a cute couple,” she finishes.

“Errr... I’m not really interested in relationships right now,” I reply trying to stay vague.

“Suit yourself," she replies and I sigh with relief as she takes the hint and leaves.

Jordan likes me? Since when? We hardly even talk since Saturdays are always so busy. He doesn’t even know me. She’s just a busybody and doesn’t know what she’s talking about.

I push the thought from my mind and find the thermometer in the fridge. I make a note of the temperature and return to Mr Smith’s office to tell him the figure.As I leave the office to manage the counter, I start thinking about what Sandy said.  I don't think Jordan does like me and even if he did, I have Gabriel now and there's no room for anyone else in my life.  I give myself a talking to, I'm acting like we're in a committed relationship, but I don't actually know what we are yet.  I know I don't want to see anyone else at the moment and I hope he feels the same.  Maybe we should have the chat when he gets back, the one where we define what is our relationship, ask him are we friends with benefits or more?  Then again, he might think I'm desperate and needy asking that question after just two dates and one s****l encounter.  I guess I'll have to wait and see how the weekend goes.