Chapter One #2
Kuba had not been prepared. Not by a long fucking shot.
Nothing penetrated his focus when he was in the zone.
Kuba had known the second Diesel appeared and hadn’t stopped being hyperaware of his presence since.
Diesel looked as if he had what it would take to watch his back and hold his own, but Kuba wondered if he wasn’t in bigger danger with Diesel.
Holy hell. His name should be Hollywood Hottie.
Even as a dude, he wasn’t blind, and some truths were just truths.
Everything about the guy was flawless. Blond hair.
Blue eyes. He was the epitome of masculine good looks who could grace any movie screen.
Kuba bet good money Diesel had been approached more than once by modeling agencies.
Oddly, though, Diesel either didn’t know he was God’s favorite, or he didn’t use his looks as part of his arsenal.
Either way, Kuba was intrigued. If he had any sense, he would send Diesel on his way and ask for less.
He didn’t need the distraction Diesel would no doubt cause.
Of course, that could work to his advantage.
Everyone would be looking at his bodyguard.
He might finally get some peace. Every second he spent in Diesel’s company made him want one more.
Kuba couldn’t explain that. It was as if the guy gave off a vibe that made people want to be around him.
Kuba couldn’t bring himself to do the right thing.
Instead, he showed Diesel where he would be living.
The lights flared to life as he opened the door that led to his living quarters inside the converted warehouse.
“Home sweet home,” Kuba said, waving broadly toward his home.
“I looked at houses and a building for my gym around town. For being downtown, it made a lot more sense to renovate this warehouse than to purchase two buildings.”
If Diesel liked the place, Kuba would never know. Diesel’s expression remained neutral. “Considering the prices in this area, I’d say you made a genius move.”
“Genius.” Kuba chuckled. “Yeah, I like that. Anyhow, your room is back here.” He led Diesel inside a large bedroom decorated with expensive but comfortable furniture.
At least that was what the designer had said.
He didn’t know shit about any of that. Kuba would also die before he admitted he’d hired a designer.
That wasn’t shit men did. “This is you. There’s a full bathroom and two closets.
” He shrugged. “This is your home. So, you’re free to chill wherever and use whatever.
” His gaze skirted down Diesel’s body. “You look like you work out quite a bit. My gym is your gym.”
A genuinely nice-looking smile flashed his way. “Thanks. In my off-time, I’ll likely stay with my mom. She’s the reason I’ve been waiting for a position to open in the area. L.A. has been a heck of a trip to see her as much as I can.”
A momma’s boy. He really was a man after Kuba’s heart.
“It’s good to hear you’re close with your mom.
Mine was my best friend until she passed away two years ago.
People liked to pick at me about doing everything with her and not the guys.
I’d just shrug and tell them I’m sorry their mom doesn’t love them. ”
A bark of laughter burst from Diesel. “That’s what I tell people too. I think you’re the first person I’ve met who gets it.”
Kuba tilted his head and inspected Diesel even closer. “Steel really did send the best match for me. I’ve heard he’s scarily good at pairing clients. My dad has known him forever. He’s always spoken highly of the guy.”
Diesel sat on the end of the bed and focused on Kuba as if settling in for a conversation. “Honestly, I think this time it was an accident. When I saw your dad at the office, and Steel offered me this job, he seemed shocked to find out it would be you I’m guarding and not your dad.”
Kuba called on a lot of acting skills to hide his reaction. “Nah. My dad doesn’t need anyone.” He left it at that.
Diesel stood. “Well, I guess it was fate, then. If we’re settled, I think I’ll head out.
Mom isn’t expecting me until tomorrow, so I thought I’d surprise her.
Steel made it sound like you’d be good without me until after the holidays.
If that’s not the case, say so. I’m cool with starting earlier if you need me.
My guess is Dread doesn’t take the holidays off from his bullshit. ”
Why did Kuba like this guy so much? Kuba rarely liked anyone at all.
He had the weirdest feeling while in Diesel’s company.
It was like an old friend had come to visit—like there was a slight awkwardness due to not having seen each other in a while, but a deeper sense of friendship that always prevailed.
Diesel was probably one of those guys who everyone he met thought he was their best friend.
Kuba shook off the sensation. “Yeah, I need to jump in the shower. We’ve got each other’s numbers, so I can let you know if I need you sooner. As of right now, Dread is actually out of town to spend the holidays with his family. I should be good.”
His claim seemed to give Diesel pause. Kuba hoped he didn’t ask how he knew Dread’s business. That wasn’t a topic he cared to discuss.
Whatever had crossed Diesel’s mind, he kept his thoughts to himself.
Another gorgeous smile appeared. “I’m completely cool with that.
Just keep me posted. Otherwise, I’ll be here ready for duty on the second.
If anything suspicious happens before then, let me know.
” Diesel’s tone changed. He sounded like a man who could take care of anything.
“I’m serious, Kuba. Don’t hesitate. I’ll be here. ”
Why did that shit warm his chest? Diesel was literally getting paid to be his guard.
“Sure thing. If you get bored, hit me up. We can find some trouble to get into. I know you’ll technically be my employee, but I’d love to be friends too, if you’re cool with that.
Things will be less awkward around the house that way.
” There. While he still didn’t like the way that came out, he had said the thing.
Kuba was really bad about speaking his full thoughts.
He always fucked up his words and ended up having private conversations with himself later about what he should have said.
While he was confident to the point of cocky, speaking emotions wasn’t the same thing.
He could be fake all day, but he couldn’t keep that bullshit up twenty-four seven with Diesel living here.
“I’d really like that too.”
A tidal wave of relief washed over Kuba. The limb he had gone out on hadn’t broken. Everything would be fine. They would get along great.