Bennett: an m/m bodyguard romance (Hunter Security), page 2
The clicking of heels and other heavy footsteps alert me that people are approaching the conference room. I glance up from my computer as a tall, handsome man, who I assume to be Archer, enters the room. A much more petite woman is by his side, followed by Nixon.
At six foot two, I thought I was decently tall, but here I am being proven wrong again.
Standing, I plaster on a smile and reach out to Archer, who looks fantastic in dark wash jeans that cling to his thick thighs and a tight black T-shirt that shows he works out often. There’s something about a fit man, not to mention his beard.
“It’s nice to meet you,” I say, offering my hand. He takes it, and I hope he doesn’t see how distracted I am as I take him in. “I’m Bennett.”
His palm is warm, and the calluses of his fingers tickle the back of my hand as we shake. He stares at me for a moment, his blue-green eyes almost peering into my soul, causing my heart to race. But as I’m trying to figure out what is going on in his head, he blinks rapidly, shakes his head like he’s caught off guard by something, and drops my hand like it suddenly burned him.
“I’m Archer, but I bet you already know that,” he says, then gestures to the woman at his side. “This is Aria, my sister and band manager, and the reason we are here today.”
She rolls her eyes and shakes my hand. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m not the reason we are here today. I’m just smarter than my brother and take threats seriously.”
As we all take a seat, I say, “It’s smart to err on the side of caution. Being drugged isn’t a joke.”
Archer runs a hand through his well-groomed beard, and my eyes track the movement. What would it feel like to run my cheek along it? Would it tickle my lips if I kissed him? Shit, I shouldn’t be thinking like that. He’s a client, not a bar pickup.
“You’re right,” Archer says, pulling me back to the conversation, where my head should be and not in some lust-filled daydream. “But it’s still weird to me to have to hire a bodyguard. I didn’t really think I was at that point in my career.”
“I’m surprised you haven’t needed security sooner,” I admit. “Not just for obsessed fans but to deal with the possible backlash of coming out.”
“We had temporary security around at that time, but the backlash wasn’t as bad as we thought it was going to be. Another celebrity quickly took the heat off Archer,” Aria supplies on behalf of her brother, but I keep an eye on him as she talks, wanting to know how this all makes him feel even if he won’t tell me. “But things are different now. Country Skies has really blown up, and we are touring sold-out stadiums constantly. As lead singer, Archer is the front person for the band and has the most attention on him on and off the stage. It’s in everyone’s best interest to have our own security team now.”
Archer keeps quiet. It’s obvious by his body language that he doesn’t agree with his sister. His arms are crossed against his broad chest, and he even rolls his eyes a little when his sister mentions him having most of the attention. It was subtle, and if I weren’t paying as close attention as I am, I bet I would have missed it.
It’s my job to be aware of everything, but I must admit that I’m tuned in to Archer more than I ever have been to any previous clients.
“Bennett is going to be the head of the team and Archer’s personal bodyguard,” Nixon supplies.
Aria smiles at this knowledge, but Archer’s neutral expression holds strong. He isn’t giving me much to work with. If he would look at me, I might be able to get a better read.
“Is it possible to get a copy of what the band is currently scheduled for event-wise?” I request. “I want to make sure the team is available.”
“Yep. I’ll send a PDF file. I’ll also attach the link to sync the band’s calendar to yours.”
“That would be great,” I tell her, then turn my attention to Archer. “As for your personal security, I will be on call for you twenty-four seven. Any time you leave your house, I am to be with you. While on tour, we can discuss sleeping arrangements, but it’s usually best to book suites, and I’ll sleep in the spare bedroom.”
The idea of sleeping close to this gorgeous man is intriguing, and if he weren’t a client, I’d think about inviting him into my bed, but I don’t cross lines I shouldn’t. Yet, if he did the inviting, I don’t know if I would turn him down.
“Think of me as your shadow,” I continue. “Where you go, I go. If, for whatever reason, I need to take a break, one of the other security members will fill in for me temporarily, but you will be aware of this well ahead of time. If you feel like I am not a proper fit for you, you can contact Nixon at any time, and I will step down with no hard feelings. This is about making you safe, and your feelings matter.”
I hope he doesn’t want another bodyguard, as I’d like to get to know this man who has me reacting like this to a client for the first time, but I would respect his wishes. I meant what I said. His feelings are what matter the most.
“Thank you,” he whispers but doesn’t meet my eyes, making it hard to decipher his emotions. Is he acting aloof because he doesn’t want to be here, or is there something more?
“Who is your current security system with?” I check with Archer, who casts a glance at his sister.
“He has a cheap system right now, but Nixon was saying you offer something better.”
I’m already aware they have had this conversation, but I don’t want them to think we are making plans behind their backs.
“We do. Are you interested in switching to our in-house security system?”
“Yes,” Aria says.
Archer sighs. “Whatever makes this one happy,” he murmurs, gesturing to his sister.
“What are your plans for this afternoon?” I ask.
Archer doesn’t immediately respond, so Aria speaks for him. “He has no plans today. Tomorrow, the band has rehearsal at Archer’s place, so that might be a good time to introduce the team to everyone.”
“That would be perfect. Would it be okay if Nixon and I came by this afternoon to install the new system?” I ask, my attention on Archer, but he keeps his gaze on the table.
“That should be fine,” he responds quietly.
The man’s walls are high, and I need to figure out how to get them down. Obviously, he doesn’t see the need for security and a bodyguard but cares enough about his sister to push his feelings aside to make her happy.
“Is there anything else you want from your security team?” I inquire.
“I just want everyone to feel safe,” he supplies.
“We’ll make sure that everyone is as safe as possible,” I assure him.
Chapter Four
Archer
A sleek black SUV follows me on my drive home, which would be worrisome in any other circumstance. However, it’s different this time because it’s not a stranger behind me. It’s my new bodyguard.
My bodyguard.
A man who is sex on legs and is causing my brain to short-circuit.
“Why were you so surly in there?” Aria asks as I try to focus on driving.
“I wasn’t,” I argue.
At least, I don’t think I was. Even if I was, it’s because I was thrown off when we entered the conference room. I’m not sure what I was expecting from my bodyguard, but it sure as hell wasn’t Bennett—a tall man with broad shoulders, deep umber eyes, warm brown skin, and a voice so deep and smooth it sends shivers down my spine.
I’m around attractive people reasonably often in my career, but I was still taken back by how sexy he is. Most security guys I’ve worked with in the past all looked average, but I swear Bennett could be a model.
“Look, I know having a full-time bodyguard isn’t something you really wanted, but Bennett seems like a nice guy.” She pauses and sighs. “Can you just give him a chance?”
Oh, she thinks I’m acting off because I don’t want a bodyguard.
That’s better than her knowing the truth—that I’m ridiculously attracted to him. But how do I agree to give this man a chance when he makes me all hot and bothered? It’s not like I’m constantly having to work closely with people I’m attracted to. Honestly, it’s rare I’m this instantly attracted to anyone.
“I’ll give him a chance,” I assure her, praying I can push away this attraction.
It would be all kinds of wrong to mess around with my bodyguard, wouldn’t it? Besides, I don’t even know if he’s into guys.
Turning my focus to the road again, I try to forget about the handsome bodyguard who is going to be a new permanent fixture in my life. It takes us about half an hour before we pull up to my acreage, and I put in the code to open the gates at the entrance of my driveway.
One of the reasons I didn’t see the need for an expensive security system is my property is hard to access. Why would someone need some state-of-the-art system when their house is in the middle of nowhere?
I smile when my house comes into view, bringing the memories I’ve already made here to the surface. When I bought this property five years ago, the building that was originally here was in disarray, but I didn’t care because I knew I wanted to start fresh. I wanted a place that felt like home every time I walked through the door, and I was able to make my dream come true. The five-bedroom, two-story modern farmhouse might be too simple for some people who live around here, but it’s perfect for me. I don’t need a mansion, and I hate flaunting my money.
Normally, I would park in my attached garage, but I decided against it since Bennett is here. I don’t want to be rude and make him wait for me to walk out of my garage.
“Nice place you’ve got here,” Bennett notes as he and Nixon walk over to Aria and me. He offers me a genuine smile that lights up his face and has my heart racing.
“Thanks,” I reply, shoving my hands in my pockets. Aria shoots me a be nice look at my gesture, again thinking I’m being rude, when, in reality, I’m trying to hide how I feel about this man. “I know it’s not a mansion, but it’s home.”
“What’s that building over there?” Nixon asks, pointing toward the back end of my property.
“It’s my recording studio. It’s where practice will take place tomorrow.”
Bennett writes something on a pad of paper that he brought with him. “Mind if we walk around for a minute?” Bennett asks, adding, “We’ll meet with you after to go over a game plan for the security system.”
“Take all the time you need. I’ll pour us all some water and meet you on the back porch,” I tell him, then Aria and I head inside.
“They are both super handsome,” Aria whispers as we walk to the kitchen.
“I’ve noticed,” I mumble.
My sister squeaks. “Is that why you’re acting weird?” she questions, and I know I can’t lie to her. “Because you think Bennett is hot?”
I sigh, rolling my eyes. “Maybe.”
Aria laughs, shaking her head. “This is fantastic. But if it makes you too uncomfortable, we can ask Nixon to bring on someone else.”
“No, Bennett seems like a good guy. I probably just need to get laid. I haven’t been with anyone since Peter and I broke up six months ago. Clearly, I’m just horny and losing my head a bit.”
Aria raises a brow, not convinced. “Whatever helps you sleep at night,” she sing-songs, reaching for some glasses.
I help her fill them with ice and water, then carry them outside and wait for our guests. Then, when Bennet walks by, waving at us with his killer smile, my heart races.
How the hell am I going to be able to blow off steam with a new shadow?
Chapter Five
Bennett
It’s six o’clock in the evening by the time we have everything set up and connected to the servers. I’m surprised we worked as quickly as we did, especially with all the covert glances I kept stealing at Archer. I was trying my hardest not to stare at the sexy musician since I didn’t want Nixon to pick up on my attraction, but it’s hard not to. The man is fucking hot.
“Do you have any questions?” I ask Archer.
“Nah, this is all pretty straightforward. I’m still going to stand behind the fact that I think this is overkill, but it’s pretty cool that I can see almost all of my property from the cameras,” he tells me, and there is a hint of a smile on his lips.
What would it take to get a full grin out of him?
“It’s just a precaution, but no one will be able to get on your property without us knowing now.”
“What if I’m having a guest over?” he asks.
“Send me a text so I know the person was invited. Same thing goes if you get any deliveries.”
“Okay,” he mumbles, tipping his head in agreement.
“If you have any questions, reach out to me whenever. My phone will always be on. If you have even the slightest bit of unease, I’m here for you,” I assure him, staring into his soulful blue-green eyes.
He holds my gaze longer than most would but eventually blinks like he did at the office and stares at the floor. “See you tomorrow,” he murmurs, that wall I noticed in the office fully in place again.
“You bet,” I reply casually, trying to make my voice cheery and bright, hating this uncomfortable space between us. He should feel confident and secure knowing I will keep him safe. That’s something I’m going to have to work on.
When clients don’t want a bodyguard, it makes my job harder. Often, they end up doing stupid shit because they think they are invincible and the precautions we’ve put in place aren’t necessary. I hope Archer isn’t one of those guys, and his love for his sister and band members is enough to keep him in line.
With Archer’s approval of the system, Nixon and I say goodbye, then make our way back to the office to unload the unused equipment and for me to grab my car.
“Do you think Archer is going to be a challenge?” Nixon asks during the drive.
I tilt my head from side to side. “The possibility is there. He doesn’t believe there is a threat against him, and he definitely doesn’t want a full-time bodyguard. But it’s evident that he cares for his sister and bandmates, so hopefully he takes things seriously.”
Nixon hums his agreement. “What’s your gut telling you about Archer’s threat level?”
“It isn’t happy,” I admit. “There’s the possibility that the drugging was a one-off, but something about that doesn’t sit right with me, but I don’t know why yet.”
“Talk to Sophy,” Nixon encourages me, mentioning the company’s tech guru. “I already have her checking the footage of the hotel bar the night Archer was drugged to see if we can ID the guy, but maybe she can scrub Archer’s social media accounts and fan emails to see if there are any concerning messages.”
“I was thinking that too. I’m also going to ask Aria for Archer’s physical fan mail.”
“It might be a good idea to try and become friends with Archer too,” he suggests. “People are often more at ease and willing to listen to people they trust. His sister obviously trusts our company, but he’s not one hundred percent there yet.”
“I’ll work on it,” I reassure him.
It’s just after nine when I get home, and I’m brainstorming ideas on how to get Archer to trust me more when my phone dings in my pocket.
Aria: Archer goes for a run every morning. I completely forgot to mention it, but he often runs off his property. I have a strong suspicion he isn’t going to message you in the morning, even though I told him to.
An image of Archer running with sweat dripping down his body pops into my head. Of course, in this daydream, he isn’t wearing a shirt, and he’s pouring a bottle of water over his head because he’s too hot. My cock loves the idea and hardens behind my pants zipper.
Shit. I can’t be thinking like this. It’s so unprofessional. This has never been an issue for me in my years as a bodyguard.
Why is Archer different? Why do my thoughts keep going straight for the gutter regarding this man?
I give my head a shake and respond to Aria.
Me: Thanks for the heads up. I’ll send him a text now.
Aria: He might lie to you.
I smirk because I was already thinking that would be the case. From the way Archer has been putting up barriers between us, it’s easy to see that he isn’t going to want to have too much one-on-one time with me quite yet. But it’s my job, and I don’t plan on failing at it.
Me: I’m prepared for that. What time does he normally leave the house?
Aria: Anywhere between five and six. He’s one of those awful morning people.
I snicker because I’m also an awful morning person.
Me: Sounds good. I’ll make sure to be outside his property around that time.
Aria: You’re the best!
Exiting that text conversation, I create a new one for Archer.
Me: I hear you like to run in the mornings.
Archer doesn’t respond right away, but I wasn’t expecting him to. There is a strong chance he won’t reply at all. So, instead of waiting around, I head to my bedroom and strip out of my clothes, ready for a hot shower to wash away the day.
As the water is warming, my phone dings, and I’m pleasantly surprised when Archer’s name appears on my screen.
Archer: I hear my sister has a big mouth.
I chuckle, and a second text comes in before I have time to respond.
Archer: I’ll stay on my property tomorrow. No use you getting out of bed at the ass crack of dawn. I know most people hate mornings.
A sudden pang of disappointment radiates in my chest at his rejection. I knew this lie was coming, yet for some reason, it hurt, but I won’t let it deter me. I’ll figure out a way to get him to let me in.
Acting like his message doesn’t affect me, I reply.
Me: Lucky for you, I’m also a morning person and love a good run.
Another message doesn’t immediately come through, but from the dots floating in the corner of the screen, it’s obvious he’s typing away, so I wait patiently for the excuse he’s coming up with.
