Bodyguard Book Boyfriend (Book Boyfriend Dating Agency)

Chapter 3

Chapter Three

TARAE

I t’s been almost a week since the Honey Black concert was interrupted due to a bomb. That’s right you heard what I said, a bomb! According to authorities, the would-be terrorist is a man by the name of Donnie Vance, a well-known white supremacist. Vance confessed once he was caught and presented with evidence. Now, the tea is that Honey’s fine bodyguard is the reason the man was caught.

I have been watching all the gossip on social media about the Honey Black scandal. I can’t say that I’m happy that someone almost blew up thousands of people, but the heat is officially off of me and my horrible breakup.

I knew that as soon as something big happened, my little, messy situation would fade into obscurity. Unfortunately, my agent couldn’t, or should I say wouldn’t, get me out of hosting the ELFIEs, so I still need a date. I refuse to go by myself like I can’t get a man.

I mean, yeah, in the back of my mind, I know I don’t have anything to prove to anyone, but dammit, I was the victim in this situation. I have been dragged all around the internet like I’m the one who cheated. I’ve been called names and made to be the bitch. So, if it’s the last thing I do, I will show my ex and his new chick that I am better than the situation they put me in.

As soon as the thought crosses my mind, my phone beeps with a notification. I grab my phone, and to my surprise, I have a match on the dating service CeCe talked me into signing up for.

I swipe right, and my jaw almost hits the damn floor. “Well, I’ll be damned, it’s Honey’s bodyguard!”

The piercing dark gaze of a bearded Greek God stares back at me. I have been around plenty of fine men, but even through a photograph I can tell this man is different. He’s not just handsome; he’s otherworldly.

I didn’t even read his profile before I hit accept on the match. My greedy eyes eat up every picture on his profile, and I can feel myself getting hot all over. It’s like his pictures were taken just for me. Even though he’s popular with Honey’s fans, I don’t think anyone has actually heard him speak. Even when I see them on social media, he’s always in the background.

He’s never been seen this candidly, and I like it. I guess it’s his job to fade into the background, but his gorgeous face is definitely worthy of being in front. Grant Ford is definitely my type.

I’m still lusting over my perfect match when a message notification pops up on the app. I smile, giddiness taking over. I haven’t felt this excited in a long time.

Hi, I’m Grant Ford. How are you?

Hi Grant, I’m Tarae Green. I’m great now that I’ve matched with you ;)

I hit send before I can second-guess my horrible flirting. I’ve never been the sexting type, but I’m willing to continue to step outside my comfort zone. I’ve never used a dating service either, so I might as well get all my “I nevers ” out of the way.

A few bubbles pop up before disappearing, and I start to doubt my response. Maybe my answer was too corny. I’ve been out of the dating game for two years, and Mark is the one who slid into my DM’s.

“If he doesn’t like your flirting, it’s his loss.”

Giving myself a pep talk is the only way I can keep from overthinking and stressing out. I know I’m a catch, and I have a lot to offer, but these last couple of months have been hell on my confidence and ego.

I say months because Mark had started to treat me badly before the story broke of him cheating. I should’ve seen the red flags, but I was trying to be a ride-or-die and stand by my man. I learned my lesson with that shit. I won’t ride-and-die for not nan other man. Loyalty is reciprocal, and if a man can’t ride for me, then he can ride by himself.

Can I call you? I’m not too good at all this texting stuff. I understand if it’s too soon, but I would love to hear if your voice is as beautiful as your profile pictures.

I melt into a puddle of heart eyes and butterflies before I shake my head and frown. I have to snap out of it. A couple of sweet words is how I got bamboozled by a narcissistic professional athlete. I have to keep my eyes open, but I will give Grant a chance.

Sure, hopefully, your voice is as sexy as your profile pictures…

I can’t help but flirt as I send my number to Grant. I know that with all the paperwork, STD screens, and background checks I had to go through, Grant is safe. There’s no way any creep could get past the screening process that the Book Boyfriend Agency has.

It doesn’t take a full five minutes before my phone rings, and my face breaks into a glorious smile. A giggle escapes before I take a deep breath and answer.

“Hello?”

“Damn, I was right. Your voice is gonna be my favorite thing to hear,” the deep rumble tickles my ears, and I know I’m a goner.