Bodyguard Book Boyfriend (Book Boyfriend Dating Agency)

Chapter 4

Chapter Four

GRANT

A fter hearing her sexy, husky voice, I was a goner. Tarae Green was mine from the time I laid eyes on her profile picture. I wouldn’t call myself a romantic sort or even a believer in love at first sight, but the way her brown eyes called to me through the screen… was simply mesmerizing.

I knew I had to know this woman. She needed to be in my life, and I wanted to know everything about her. It wasn’t a second thought for me to swipe right. I was relieved when she let me call her. I hadn’t been on any dating sites before, so I didn’t know the proper way to approach in-person meet-ups.

But this wasn’t your run-of-the-mill dating site, and the matches that were sent to my account were specifically for me. Although all of the women that I matched with were technically my type, Tarae was above and beyond what I wanted in a woman.

I felt it in my soul, but hearing her voice sealed the deal for me in every way. We talked a few more times before we decided to meet, and our conversations were always easy. I looked forward to seeing her name light up on my phone.

Now, walking into this upscale restaurant, I have to admit that I’m a little nervous. And nothing makes me nervous. I’m the man of steel when it comes to nerves.

I have a lot of experience in dangerous situations, which is why I didn’t hesitate when I found a live bomb at the concert. My training kicked in, and I did what was natural to me. The praise the media placed on me wasn’t unwarranted, but it took Honey’s PR team so my name wouldn’t officially be released to the public. However, in the age of social media, my image is everywhere. It couldn’t be helped, but it is what it is. I just hope my newfound fame won’t get in the way of my newfound dating life.

When I approach the hostess stand, I see a shapely woman with with the smoothest skin I’ve ever seen. It looks soft to the touch, and the pretty shade of brown is the same color as her hypnotic eyes.

I peruse her voluptuous body slowly. She’s wearing a fitted black boat neck dress that skims her curves just right. The shoes she’s wearing have to be at least four inches and she still only stands about five-seven. Her shoulder-length jet-black hair is in waves that surrounds her face. Tarae Green is officially one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen in my life.

“Tarae?” I call her name to get her attention.

She looks up at me, and her face lights up with recognition before she smiles. I have to stop myself from gathering her in my arms and kissing her breathless. I have to remind myself that we’ve only had a few conversations, and this is our first time meeting. We’re strangers, no matter how strong the connection may be.

“Grant? Oh, thank goodness!” Tarae tip toes and pulls me into a hug.

I wrap my arms around her and pull her even closer as I inhale her sweet scent. Even though she’s a tiny little thing compared to my six-six height, she fits perfectly.

“Why, thank goodness? Did you think I wouldn’t show up?” I question confused.

Who in their right mind would stand up this gorgeous woman? A fuckin’ moron, that’s who!

“No, it’s not that. I’m just glad to see you actually look like your pictures.” She smiles again, and I can’t help but return the gesture.

“Oh, well, I’m glad I didn’t disappoint,” I good-naturally chuckle. “Why don’t we check in so we can be seated?” I say, nodding my head toward the hostess, who is not so subtly watching us.

“Sure, I’m excited to try this place. I—” Tarae’s words die off, and her eyes round with shock as she looks behind me.

I turn to see what made her uncomfortable, and I see a bunch of paparazzi surrounding a couple. The guy is tall and muscular with light brown skin and the girl is tall and slender with a dark tan and light sandy blonde hair. It’s not unusual to see famous people here in Dallas, but seeing paparazzi is out of the ordinary. That’s more of a Hollywood type of thing.

“Shit,” Tarae mumbles as she turns away.

“Do you know them?”

“It’s a long story,” she sighs, sounding defeated.

“Well, it’s a good thing I’m a good listener. Let’s get seated, and you can tell me all about it.” I smile, leading her to the hostess station, where we are led to our seats.

I made sure to get a secluded table. Even though I’m not exactly famous, I’m still recognized as Honey’s personal bodyguard from time to time. So sometimes, when people see me, they think Honey is around, and it can get hectic.

We’re finally seated, and we are able to place our drink order right away. The paparazzi couple are seated far enough away that they can’t see us, but we can see them. I can tell by the way Tarae is fidgeting that she’s uncomfortable. The problem is, I’m not sure why these people are making her uneasy.

“So, not to pry, but…” I nod my head across the room.

Tarae cuts her eyes in their direction, and I see anger flash for a quick second before she takes a deep breath and pushes her shoulders back. We’ve talked about everything under the sun in the few times we’ve talked. But the look I just saw can only be caused by hurt.

“That’s my ex, Mark Davis. He’s a pro football player, and that’s the girl he cheated on me with. I can deal with the betrayal, but they’ve made me out to be some scorned bitch that was keeping them apart. Their whole torrid love affair was put on hold because I was in the way. It’s ridiculous, but you know how social media is nowadays.” Tarae rolls her eyes.

I nod my head in understanding. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen the girl before, but I can’t place her face. Although I’m a football fan, I didn’t instantly recognize Tarae’s ex, but now, looking at him and hearing his name, he looks vaguely familiar.

“He’s a fuckin idiot for cheating on you, but now I have my chance. Maybe I’ll send a bottle of wine over to their table to thank him for the opportunity.” I smirk.

Tarae laughs before shaking her head, “No, don’t do that. They’ll probably accuse me of stalking them. Even though it’s their fault that I’m the one with a stalker now.”

“Wait, what do you mean? Stalker?” I ask, sitting up.

The smile is replaced with a deep frown. I don’t play around when it comes to safety, and although we just met, I’ve already decided that Tarae Green is mine to protect.

“Well, I’ve just been receiving crazy messages and people commenting online, but you know how some people are. People think they have a say so in your life when you’re a public figure. I was told it came with the territory, especially because I’m one of the few female sports reporters on my network.” Tarae shrugs, but I can see the worry.

“Sounds like you need yourself a bodyguard.”