The Bodyguard (Hosie)

Chapter 21

Her bodyguard was already there when Josie got to the café they had agreed to meet in. it wasn't Josie's first choice–she had wanted to talk to Hope in her own home, but her bodyguard had stubbornly refused to meet unless it was at premises outside of her home. Also, since it was the next day, Hope was technically no longer her bodyguard but Josie wasn't going to let it be. Hope was still her bodyguard.

"What would you like to have?" Hope inquired as soon as she sat down. "It's my treat today."

Josie was surprised by the ready smile on Hope's face. Why was her bodyguard acting all friendly again? Did she have split personality disorder or something?"

"Americano."

"Alright. Anything else?" Hope asked as she stood.

"New York cheesecake."

"Okay. I'll be right back."

Josie sat back and watched as her bodyguard headed to the counter to place the order. Why was she acting so differently? She had been friendly and polite enough back at the house but it felt as though there were a solid wall between them. Here in this café, it felt almost as though they were on a date. Her eyes took in the rugged denim jeans hanging on Hope's hips. Her bodyguard's slim but toned calves tapered into bare ankles and a pair of sporty white sneakers. Something about the look warmed her heart. Her brown eyes then climbed back up in appreciation to observe the plaid shirt hanging off shoulders that Josie wanted to put her arms around. Damn. Where did that thought come from?

Josie looked away when Hope turned her body and focused on the cup of coffee on the table. It looked like cappuccino. Her bodyguard liked sweeter things, she thought, remembering the packets of sweets she had seen Hope eating before. She was a bit like a kid in that aspect. But nothing like a kid when it came to everything else.

A steaming cup of coffee and a plate of cheesecake were placed on the table.

"Did you sleep well last night?" Hope asked after taking her seat.

"No," Josie replied as she cut out a piece of the cake with her fork. "Do you want to have some?" she asked, holding out the cake on her fork.

"If you don't mind," said Hope.

Before Josie could hand the fork over, her bodyguard had already held her hand and put the cake into her mouth. She stared, empty fork hanging in the air, as her bodyguard chewed with a smile.

"It's very smooth." Hope gave a nod to affirm her review. "It's good."

"What are you trying to do?" Josie asked at last.

"What am I trying to do?"

"This. Smiling. Buying me coffee. Eating my cake."

"If you don't want me to eat your cake, don't offer it."

Josie leaned back and crossed her arms. "You're up to something. You obviously know what I meant but you're acting dodgy."

"I'm like this when I'm off duty." Hope smiled. "And since I'm not your bodyguard anymore, I can be my usual self."

"About that. I won't accept your resignation."

Hope shook her head. "I didn't resign."

"Stop playing around with words. You know what I mean."

Hope sighed and leaned forward on her elbows. "I didn't resign. My contract with your father will only run for as long as your life is in mortal danger. Now that the main threat has been arrested, the contract is effectively over. Your father tried to extend the contract too. He's willing to offer me very attractive payment and terms so it's not his fault that I rejected his offer."