Isabelle

I couldn’t believe I was actually having this conversation—with Slater, of all people. He was my first real crush—practically my first real kiss, since I wasn’t counting the quick pecks I’d gotten before I panicked on what few dates I’d been on.

And panicking was once again exactly what I was doing.

No wonder I was still a virgin.

But I swore to myself that this time would be different, since I liked Slater too much not to give this a try. So I took a deep breath, steeled my nerves, and decided to be brave. “It’s what I want. And not just because I’m tired of being a twenty-six-year-old virgin. I really like you, and there’s no one else I’d rather have as my first. Though I completely understand if you’d rather not deal with someone so inexperienced.”

I’m sure it would freak some guys out—and then others would probably want me just for that reason alone, which was no better. But I wanted someone to want me because of who I was. Not because I was a virgin or for my money. And I didn’t think Slater wanted me for either of those reasons.

“I’ll admit, you probably deserve someone a hell of a lot more wholesome than me, if this is going to be your first time. But call me selfish, because I want you all to myself and the thought of another guy touching you and taking you to his bed is enough to make me crazy.” The intensity in his voice and in his gaze sent my heart racing. And when he tangled his fingers in my hair and bent his head to mine, it was all I could do not to lean into him, my body desperate to know what it would be like to be at his mercy.

Yet there were complications, and the last thing I wanted was for Slater to get in any sort of trouble because of me. “This is definitely what I want, but what about your job? Isn’t that against your company’s policy?”

“It is.” He let out a ragged sigh, his eyes distant as if mulling something over. “And though I’d happily have Emerson move me to a different job, I don’t like the idea of leaving you unguarded. Not until we know for sure that you’re safe, and they haven’t let this psychopath out on some technicality.”

Even as I tossed the ball for Lola, I tried to ignore the disappointment that settled deep in my chest, wondering if this would ever happen. “I guess that means I’ll have to wait.”

“I don’t want to, love. But…we probably should.” He let out his breath in a huff, looking a bit deflated, which at least made me feel like that he wanted this too. “Not that I can guarantee that I’ll manage to keep my distance. Even if it means I need to quit my job—or Emerson fires me. ’Cause I’ve been trying damn hard to resist you, and it hasn’t exactly been working all that well.”

“I don’t want you to lose your job, Slater.” Why did everything always have to be so complicated? “But if the guy who murdered my mother is in prison, and there’s little chance of him getting out on bail, then I don’t really need an official bodyguard, right?”

“Technically, yes. Though I’d rather take a more cautious approach when your life might be at stake.” Gripping my hips, he pulled me to him, his fingers firm with a barely controlled passion.

My body brushed against his, coming to life with a need I’d never experienced before, so that I couldn’t resist slipping my arms around his neck, desperate for so much more.

“But you’ll still be around to keep me safe. Right?” I brushed my lips against his, feeling bold for flirting with him, and even bolder for kissing him. “Though if it’s the money and you need to get paid…I can hire you directly.”

Slater tipped my chin up, a serious look in his eyes. “Sweetness, I don’t need, nor do I want, your money. But I will take care of you. I don’t want you worrying.”

Something about his declaration made me fall for him even more.

“Does that mean we can actually be together?” I didn’t care if I was being forward, especially when I was rewarded with one of his heart-stopping smiles.

“Are you sure that’s what you want?” He nuzzled me, his lips just a breath away, teasing me and making it damn hard not to kiss him, even as Lola waited patiently for one of us to throw the ball. “’Cause I’m not sure it’s such a smart idea—though I’ll be damned if I can let you go.”

“Then that sort of settles it, I would think.” I smiled at him, ecstatic and nervous that this might actually happen, and even more excited that Slater would be my first. “Maybe I could even take Lola and Winston home for added protection.”

He pulled back to look at me, his brow furrowed with curiosity. “Really? You’d adopt both of them?”

“I don’t see why not. I mean…I haven’t met Winston yet, but Lola is amazing and if Winston’s her buddy, then I can’t imagine separating them. Besides, I’ve always wanted to have a dog and a cat, so this is perfect.” Especially after losing my mother. The mere thought already made me feel less alone.

He bent down and gave Lola a big scratch, his voice touched with an emotion I hadn’t expected. “Did you hear that, girl? You’re going home.”

It felt so right, I knew my decision was a good one. “Can we go and meet Winston?”

“Yeah, of course. But…just a bit of a warning on Winston. He’s a great cat—but he’s been through some stuff.” Slater hooked Lola’s leash to her collar, leading the way as my curiosity got the better of me about my new cat. Not that it mattered.

I’d made my mind up, and I wanted to take them home with me. “I guess that makes him an even better fit then. We’ve all been through some stuff, right?”

“We have.” He cupped the back of my neck and kissed the top of my head as we headed indoors and he quickly spoke to the woman behind the counter, handing her Lola’s lead and letting her know that I’d be adopting Lola and was going to meet Winston.

Though the cat area had cages, the enclosed room was like a cat jungle gym, with ladders, walkways, and sleeping nooks that gave the cats the opportunity to play and socialize. Except that Winston was one of the few cats still in a cage. “He doesn’t really play too nice with the other cats, so…”

Just like Lola, Winston was huge. And fluffy. And he looked like he’d seen his share of fights: parts of his ears missing, along with a chipped fang, and scars that crisscrossed his face. I had to laugh at myself. “I have to admit, I’m kind of scared and intimidated.”

“Now you know why Lola’s still here. But honestly, Winston isn’t bad. He warms up to people nicely if they just give him a chance.” Slater opened the cage door and put his hand in, letting Winston take the lead. The scruffy cat head-butted his hand and let Slater pet him and even pick him up. “Here we are.”

With Slater holding him, I pet Winston, marveling at how soft his thick tiger-striped fur was—though when he purred, I was caught off guard. “He’s so sweet.”

“He is. But…when he’s had enough, he lets you know and it’s usually best not to press your luck at that point.” Slater’s crooked smile made my heart beat just a little faster. “Are you still sure this is what you want to do?”

“I’m positive.”