The Rockstar's bodyguard { A Bethanny Mcnarie novel }

Chapter 42: The Wrong Blessing { Aaron POV }

My plan was not working out so well.

           The Mcnarie family was having a huge party for their family and close friends to celebrate the birth of Gibson, Bryan's new son. I was lucky enough to be invited. It was perfect timing, because I could utilize Joel's good mood. How could Joel not be happy? He was a grandfather and his son was engaged to an amazing woman. It was a good week. It was a good time to ask for favors, like asking for permission to date his very young daughter. What could possibly go wrong? So as the women went to take the baby out for a walk and Bryan took a much needed nap, I sat down with Joel. He poured me a drink, and I grinned. The man had expensive taste in Liquor, which I couldn't help but appreciate.

"Joel, I need to ask you a favor," I said, my voice shaking.

"How much," Joel replied.

"What?" I said, my voice cracking.

"A young cop with bills and no time for a social life comes to his millionaire pal for a favor," Joel said. "I assume you need to borrow money."

"Why?"

                   "It's no big deal, bro. I'm loaded. Long as it's under a million, I can bankroll you. You saved my Daughter's life once."

"Thanks, but it's not about money."

"Oh," Joel said. "What's up, Aaron."

"It's about your daughter," I said, my voice shaking. "I like her."

"I knew it!" Joel chuckled with a grin.

"You did," I stammered. "But aren't you angry?"

"No," Joel said. "You're what she needs. Not to run around with some asshole with a guitar, but to be with a good man. You're a good man, stable, kind, honest. I like you. You're practically my son, but you have competition."

"What competition?" I said, my heart speeding up.

                "Wow, you clearly don't read the papers," Joel smiled, taking a drink. "Blake is dating that country star, Brady, you met the douche bag."

"Joel, I think you're confused..."

"And Blake was close to that investor guy, David. I like him, but he's no Aaron if you know what I mean. He's a solid second place in my book."

"Joel," I said firmly, trying to get it back on track.

I liked his other daughter, the one that was inappropriate to like because of our vast age difference and our previous working relationship. Before I could find the words, the doorbell rang.

"That must be Benji, My brother in Law," Joel said. "You remember Ben. He'll give you some good advice. He was once an expert at love triangles."

"Joel, I really need to..."

                  Before I could stutter out my explanation, Joel got up to answer the door. I routinely risked my life, but one chat with Joel and I was like a bumbling school girl

"What are you doing here?" Joel said.

I looked at the door, only to see the very familiar face of Brady Smith. Joel's calm body language changed as his shoulders stiffened and I felt my mood drop. Our chat would have to continue later.

"Hey," Brady said. "I hope you don't mind, but I wanted to surprise Blake. I was in town, and so is she. We don't get to see each other much..."

"Good," Joel said. "And I do mind, so get the fuck off my lawn."