Chapter 26
26
Disbelief filled her. “You’re supposed to say that no, it doesn’t. But that whatever I do tell you should be the truth.”
“Why would I say a stupid thing like that?” he demanded.
“That’s what the hero always says in the romance stories,” she told him.
“We’re not in one of your romance books and I am far from a hero.”
She wasn’t so sure of that. The way he’d flown out to look after his sister seemed like something a hero would do.
The way he had taken care of her the other night . . . also rather heroic. Most people would have just left her to cope on her own in the storm.
But not Reuben.
So yeah, she thought he was a hero. Or had hero qualities anyway.
“Now, tell me why you were upset.”
“I was just . . . you were being so nice and sweet. I wasn’t upset. I was happy.”
He sighed. But it didn’t sound impatient. “You’ve got a soft heart, don’t you?”
“You make that sound like a bad thing.”
“In some ways, it is. But you’re lucky. You have me to protect you.”
She rolled her eyes at the arrogance of that statement. While inwardly, she thought Reuben declaring that he’d protect her heart was exactly what a hero would say.
“As much as I want you here, there isn’t any point in flying out when I’m coming home tomorrow night.”
“You are?” She couldn’t keep the happiness out of her voice.
“Yeah, baby,” he said in a husky voice. “And I can’t wait to see you.”
“I . . . I can’t wait to see you either. Oh! Cat was here.”
“What? She was? With Alejandro?” he asked.
“Uh, no. With a bodyguard. A big guy called Rafael.”
“I wonder if Alejandro knew about that excursion.”
“She thinks we’re going to be best friends.”
“Best friends?” There was some alarm in his voice.
“You don’t want that?” She tried to keep the hurt from her voice. Maybe he didn’t think she was good enough for Cat. Or he was trying to protect the other woman in case things didn’t work out between them.
“You are not to get involved in her shenanigans, do you hear me?”
“Um, what?”
“Her pranks. Her recklessness. There’s a reason she has a bodyguard, and it isn’t entirely about Alejandro’s enemies. Cat gets into trouble. All the time. You will not. Hear me?”
“I, uh, I’m not a person who gets into trouble.” She was a rule follower. A people pleaser.
“That’s my good girl. You can be friends with her, but do not let her become a bad influence on you. If she tries to get you to do something dangerous or naughty, you call me.”
Irritation filled her. “You do realize you can’t dictate my friendships, right?”
“I have to go. What time are you leaving tonight?”
“Uh, around six.”
“Wrong answer. You’re leaving at five. Don’t think I’ve forgotten about your naughtiness yesterday.”
“I wasn’t naughty,” she protested.
“Yes, you were. And it’s being added to your tab.”
Yikes. She was starting to regret that decision.
“I want you to get ready at my place on Saturday,” he said suddenly.
“What? No. I can’t. I need Cammie to do my hair and makeup.”
“I’ll hire someone to do that for you.”
“No . . . I . . . I’d rather she do it.”
He grunted. “Fine. I will pick you up at seven. Eat something first. The shit they serve at these functions is barely edible. Some of it tastes like you’re eating air and I don’t want you getting lightheaded. Understand?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“I will see you soon.”
He ended the call abruptly.
“I miss you too,” she whispered.