“Love you more, bestie.” I disconnected the call. I wanted to crash on the soft bed and fall asleep, but I needed to shower. There was no way I was going out in public with Kellon Barnes not looking and smelling my best. Grabbing the bag from the bed, I fumbled through it, checking its contents and snatching up the soap and character pajamas. Smiling, I headed toward the bathroom.

“Holy shit!”

Just like the rest of the room, it was gorgeous. I would have to figure out a way to thank Kellon for giving me his room. Placing the clothes on the sink, I made my way over to the walk-in shower and turned on the water before climbing inside. Kellon’s smile lingered in my mind as the water hit my naked body.

“Be for real, Phileigh,” I scolded myself, running my hand over my belly, bringing myself back to reality. This impromptu trip was for business purposes only. I needed the funds. That was it.

“You ready to go?” Kellon asked as soon as I swung the front door of my room open.

“Yes! I’ve only wanted to do this my entire life,” I replied.

My heart raced at the sight of him. He looked fine as hell in his blue Nike sweatsuit. There was just something about how the navy blue complemented his dark skin that had my mouth watering. I had to touch my lips to make sure I wasn’t drooling.

“Let’s not waste another second then, ma.”

He took hold of my hand and pulled me out of the room. As we entered the hallway, my gaze immediately fell on the security guards flanking us. There were three more than there were last night. All of them were dressed in black.

“Phileigh, this is Rich, Malcom, and Monte. They’re my security.” He introduced me. “Fellas, this is Phileigh.”

“Hi.” I waved shyly.

“Some shit pop off, protect her before me,” he told them, and my heart skipped a beat. Was he putting my life before his own? “Y’all got it?”

“Got it,” they all said in unison as we headed down the hallway to the elevators.

My hand was still wrapped in Kellon’s, and my mind was in disbelief. I was being led through the happiest place on earth with Kellon Barnes.

“I hope the security isn’t too much for you,” he said as we all stepped on to the waiting elevator.

I forwarded another phone call from my mother to voicemail. I wasn’t ready to face her, and she would flip if I told her where I was.

“It’s different.”

“I don’t usually travel this heavily, but it’s the day after the Super Bowl. Sports fans can get a little crazy.”

“I bet.” I nodded as I texted my mom, letting her know I was tired and would reach out later.