“Look, Tina,” Felix said, advancing on me, “yes, it’s possible this is just some idle threat. But it’s possible it’s not, and I, for one, can’t take that chance. I don’t know if you know this, but I once worked a story where an actress was receiving threatening letters. She ignored them. Two dead bodies followed. I know this may seem a little overprotective to you, but I can’t take the chance of that happening to you.”

I felt my irritation subsiding a little, the genuine worry in his voice touching me. “I appreciate your concern,” I said, meaning it.

He shrugged. “Of course I’m concerned. Half our advertising comes in because of your column.”

And just like that the irritation was back. “Gee, love you, too,” I said, sarcasm dripping from my voice.

Felix elected to ignore me. “So,” he continued, “you have two choices. Desk duty or…” He trailed off, gesturing to the rent-a-goon.

I took a deep breath, thinking about three dollars worth of nasty words.

“Fine,” I finally spat out. “But I get Pines back.”

Felix bit the inside of his cheek, contemplating the negotiations for a moment. “You can share.”

“With Barbie?”

“Allie.”

“Whatever.”

“Allie works with you on this. End of discussion.”

I crossed my arms over my chest and stared him down.

He crossed his arms over his chest and returned the look.

Neither of us gave an inch.

Unfortunately, it was his name on the door, so I knew who was ultimately going to win.

“Fine,” I repeated. Then I turned on my sneakers and stomped out, well aware that I probably looked like a truculent three-year-old.

I plopped myself back down at my desk with a huff.

And realized the goon was right behind me.

“Please tell me you’re not going to hover all day,” I told him. “Seriously, I think I’m safe at my desk.”

He took the hint, moving to an empty desk a couple feet away. But he didn’t take his eyes off me.

“You’re creeping me out. Quit staring at me.”

I looked up to find him grinning. And not just with his eyes this time. One corner of his lips tugged upward in something that I could only describe as a smirk.

“What?” I asked.

He shrugged and shook his head. “Nothing.”

“Look, pal—”

“Cal. You can call me Cal.”

“Fine. Cal. This was not my idea.”

“Clearly.”

“I don’t need a bodyguard.”

“So I heard.”

“Felix is totally overreacting.”

“Probably.”

“This was just a prank.”

“Could be.”

“You always this agreeable?”

“No.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. His eyes? Still laughing at me. Big, hearty chuckles.

“Well, if you have to be my shadow, just…don’t talk to me. Okay?”

He nodded. “Done.”

“Good.”

I turned back to my computer screen.

This was going to be a very long day.

Chapter Four