“I’m not fucking scared of anyone. But she’s…different.” He shifts once again, and I wonder if he’s already seen the girl. “Didn’t her brother tell you she has some phobia? Do you really think I’m the right fit to shadow someone skittish?” He waves toward his towering frame, his arms covered in colorful tattoos.

I’m almost tempted to doubt my decision, but I know in my gut Gavin is the right fit. “Andy said shy, not skittish,” I correct him. “You’re also the one person who doesn’t give a fuck about all the other celebrities in this wedding. Just be with her twenty-four seven and protect her for a few days, that’s it.”

Gavin mutters a soft fuck, and there’s an amusing smile on Connor’s face when his eyebrows arch upward.

But before we can discuss more, the doorbell rings, indicating the arrival of Clementine’s family for dinner.

29. Autumn

29

AUTUMN

Lukas and I return to his apartment after dinner. We hadn’t planned on staying the night, but we also hadn’t realized it would get this late.

In all honesty, I’m also curious to see the place where he lives. When he grabs the key from under the doormat, I can’t help a chuckle.

“This is completely unexpected from a guy who works in a security business.”

He grins. “Only because I know there’s no safer place in the world than this campus.”

“Good to know,” I reply as he waves his hand, asking me to enter.

“A secondary benefit of leaving the key behind for the housekeeper is you always have a clean apartment.”

And he’s right. It’s really clean.

Lukas’ industrial-style apartment is unlike our rustic inn. There’s sleek furniture and a shining white floor. There isn’t a single item that doesn’t have a utilitarian purpose.

Crossing the black leather couch, I walk to the open kitchen and flop onto one of the high chairs.

“Would you like something to eat?” Lukas asks, going behind the counter.

Even though Keith and Clementine had laid out an amazing spread, I couldn’t eat much. Seeing Lukas with everyone was like a reminder that he has a life here in St. Peppers, and there isn’t a vacancy for me in his world.

He places a bowl between us and dumps some tortilla chips into it. “You didn’t eat much. Do you want me to make you something?”

I shake my head no.

“You didn’t like anyone?” Lukas grabs a bottle of sparkling wine from under the counter and shows it to me.

This time a nod in a yes. Some wine would be good. It’ll also mean we’ll talk, and I’ll get to know this man, who was never a stranger in my life, even though this evening felt like otherwise.