Chapter 3 — Reed

“Morning.”

Reed walked into the living room and flopped down on the sofa, rubbing his eyes. His sandy blond hair, normally styled meticulously, was pointing in all directions—a true case of bedhead.

Kellen Walker flipped the slices of bread out of the toaster and onto a plate, grabbing the butter. “Hey, how’d you sleep?”

Ever since Reed had landed back in the US three days ago, Kellen had insisted that he stay with him until the threat was neutralized. Reed, scared out of his mind, didn’t hesitate to take up his best friend’s offer.

“Not bad, thanks. Still feeling a little rough around the edges, though.”

Kellen flattened his lips but didn’t comment on Reed’s appearance. “Coffee?”

“Yes, please. And add at least three sugars to it. I need a boost of some sort.”

Reed watched as Kellen grabbed the mugs and got to work with brewing a fresh round of coffee. He knew Kellen’s routine like the back of his hand. Reed had heard him leave the apartment two hours ago, as with each morning, he knew Kellen liked to pound the streets with a morning run. Now, Kellen looked bright as a button and his damp hair told Reed that he was freshly showered.

He brought the plate of toast and mugs of coffee over to the coffee table, setting them down in front of Reed. “Here you go. You need to eat.”

Reed ran a hand over his face, his hands catching on his day-old stubble. “I’m not hungry.”

“Too bad. If you’re staying in my place, then you need to abide with my rules. Now, eat.”

Reed sat up, mock scowling. “Jeez, I can see why they shot you up the ranks to lieutenant. Bossy, much?” He reached for the slice of toast and took an exaggerated bite. “See,” he said, talking with his mouth open, “I’m eating. Happy now?”

Kellen’s mouth lifted at the corners. “Yes. And, I’m just looking out for you, man. You’ve barely eaten properly in two days.”

Reed sighed, replacing the half-eaten bread back onto the plate. He picked up his mug of coffee and blew across the top, chasing away the steam, and took a small sip. “I know. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be snippy with you.” He paused, looking away. “I just can’t get over the fact that the sicko was in my house. Jesus, I feel so violated, you know?” Reed involuntarily shivered in his seat.

“We’re gonna get him, Reed. I promise. I implicitly trust Michael Barnes and when he told me he had just the man in mind to be your bodyguard, I knew he meant business.”

Reed’s interest was piqued. “So, have you met this bodyguard before?” Secretly, he was pleased that he was going to have someone looking out for him twenty-four seven. It made him feel important, like he was a celebrity or something. But on the other hand, he was conflicted. As much as Reed displayed to the world that he was outgoing and carefree, at heart, he was most comfortable with his small set of friends, where he could be his true self. He didn’t know how he’d feel having a stranger watch his every move, getting in his way or continually following him around. Reed knew that he’d have no privacy at all.

Kellen looked at Reed sympathetically. “Yeah, I have. Just briefly, though. He was sitting in the car once when I had a quick meeting with Michael. We just literally exchanged pleasantries but he seemed cool enough. And don’t worry, it will just be for the short-term. You’ll get your life back.”

Reed pouted. “Tell me something good. Is he cute?”

Kellen burst out laughing. “Trust you to ask that.”

“What? I’m just curious.”

Kellen shrugged. “I don’t know…he’s okay, I guess? Dark hair, closely cropped, but couldn’t see his eyes as he had shades on. Looked pretty stacked.”

“Hmmmm….sounds just like my type.” Reed fluttered his lashes at Kellen. “I better make an effort with my appearance in that case. What time are they getting here?”

Kellen shoved his shoulder. “Stop. They’re due here in an hour and a half.”

“What?” Reed bolted upright in his seat. “How in hell will I have time to get ready so fast? I’ve gotta shave, shower, fix my hair, figure out the best outfit for my first impression—”

“Reed. Seriously, relax. This isn’t a date. This is the guy who’s supposed to be guarding your life, remember? That’s it. And besides, you ever heard of not mixing business with pleasure? I’m pretty sure there’s a rule that states he won’t be able to get involved with his clients.”

Reed’s shoulders deflated and he sunk back against the cushioned back. “Fair enough. Spoilsport. A man can dream, right?” He crossed his arms. “It’s been so damn long since I’ve been on a decent date with anyone.”

Kellen’s mouth tightened and he looked away, fiddling with his cup. “Yeah. A man can dream.”

Reed reached across and placed an arm on his shoulder. “I’m so sorry, K. Here I am, bitching about myself as usual. I can’t begin to even place myself in your shoes.”

Kellen offered him a sad smile. “Thanks. It sure isn’t easy being a closeted gay man.”

“Then why don’t you come out? I bet it wouldn’t be as bad as you thought.”

Kellen scrunched up his face and crossed his arms. “Are you kidding? I’d be ripped apart.” He shook his head. “Looks like I’ll always be on the outside, looking in.”

“It doesn’t have to be that way.”

“Yes, it does, Reed. The best I’m gonna get is to keep meeting guys in underground, shady bars, where no names are exchanged or where there’s no chance of being recognized.” He snorted, looking away. “Just an hour of dark, soulless pleasure.”

Reed’s heart filled with sadness. Kellen rarely spoke so openly about his feelings. “You really think it would be that hard to come out?”

“Do you know the opposition I’d face?” He shook his head, his brows knitted. “I can’t afford to risk my career, Reed. Like you, I love my work.”

“I know, hon. But is it enough? What happens when suddenly you wake up one day, alone and lonely, and you realize you gave up the chance for love, just because of, what—your career? We’re twenty-seven now, Kellen, we need to start thinking about that.” Reed picked some imaginary lint off his pajamas. “I’m sick of playing the field, of the one-night stands. I’d love to settle down, and maybe one day, if I’m lucky enough, to have a family.”

Kellen nodded. “Me too, you know I love kids. That’s the main reason I volunteer at the children’s shelter once a month. No matter how bad my week might be, when I see their happy faces, it makes all my troubles disappear.” His smile was so sad, it almost broke Reed’s heart. “But that’s it for me. That’s the closest I’ll ever get to having my own family.”

Reed crossed his arms. “Fine. I won’t settle down if you won’t.”

“Don’t be such a dork.” Kellen stood, stretching. “Ain’t gonna happen, bro. I think my father would keel over and die.”

Reed’s lips pursed. Kellen’s father was a retired police officer back in their hometown. A regular hero. Growing up, he’d never approved of their friendship and both men knew of his homophobic views. “Screw him. It’s your life.” Reed’s face suddenly lit up with a grin. “You know what, Kellen Walker? Someday—and I hope it’s soon—you’re going to meet some ridiculously hot guy, fall crazy in love and you’ll come out, loud and proud. And that my friend, will be the best.day.ever. And, I’ll be standing right by your side, cheering you on. In fact, you know what? I may even design a wedding collection in your honor.”

Kellen groaned, throwing a cushion at him. “God, you really are a hopeless romantic. Hate to burst your Disney-esque bubble but I repeat—it ain’t gonna happen.”

Reed pulled the cushion away from his face. “You ever heard of serendipity?”

“Nope.” Kellen popped the p as he walked away.

“Liar.”

***

An hour later, Reed was freshly shaved and showered. Selecting his cologne, he sprayed it into the air and then stood under the mist of spray, spinning around. Perfect. The only thing now that was letting him down were his nails. Unfortunately after his fainting spell in Tokyo, there weren’t any opportunities for spa treatments since both he and Marie were so focused on getting back home. As soon as they’d touched US soil, Kellen was waiting for him, whisking him straight to Kellen’s apartment. Reed had been here for the past few days, under Kellen’s protection, where he felt a lot safer.

He thought back to a couple of days ago when Kellen dropped a bombshell on him:

“Hey, how you feeling?” Kellen popped his head around the door, holding two mugs of steaming coffee. “Can I come in?”

Reed shifted in bed and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. “Sure. I think I only fell asleep a couple of hours ago, but even then, it’s broken sleep.” He yawned loudly. “I can’t sleep, just keep thinking about those photos.”

Kellen walked across the room and sat on the edge of the bed, placing their cups on the bedside table.

“Thanks, Kel. For everything you’re doing for me. I really appreciate it.” Reed shuffled up the bed into a sitting position and carefully took the warm mug, wrapping his hand around it. He inhaled the scent appreciatively and took a small sip.

“You’re welcome. I actually want to talk you about that.”

Reed raised an eyebrow. “Go on?”

Kellen ran a hand through his hair. “I’m really worried about this nutcase, Reed. I can’t protect you twenty-four seven—I have to work—but I’m not comfortable leaving you alone, either.”

Reed nodded. “What are you suggesting then?”

“I want you to hire a bodyguard.”

Reed nearly spat out his coffee. He smiled at Kellen. “You’re kidding, right?”

Kellen furrowed his brow. “Not at all. I’m deadly serious, Reed.”

Reed placed his coffee mug down and crossed his arms, pouting. “Absolutely not.”

“Reed, you need to—”

Reed’s jaw dropped open. “I hate the thought of some big bodyguard following my every move. You know how much I value my privacy.”

“I know that.” He leaned forward, his voice softening. “Of course I know. But you’re not safe, Reed. The stalker was in your house. How do you think you’d be able to protect yourself if he comes at you with a gun or something?”

Reed swallowed hard, a chill running up his spine.

Resigned to his fate, he found he had no choice but to agree. “Okay, fine.”

Reed knew he couldn’t face going back to his house on his own, even though the police had completely swept the place and it was now under constant surveillance. Last he heard yesterday, they were still investigating how the security footage had gone down, as well as the seemingly non-break-in.

From the bathroom, he heard the buzzer. He glanced at his watch. Right on time. Giving himself a few minutes, Reed stayed there, pinning his ear to the door as he heard faint voices coming from the distance and some laughter, too. Then the voices grew louder, indicating that there were probably heading to the front room.

The quick rap on the door had Reed jumping back in fright. Get a grip.

Kellen spoke from the other side. “Reed, they’re here.”

“K, I’ll be out in just a sec.”

He blew out a deep breath and ran his hand down the front of his shirt. His stomach suddenly felt queasy. Everything felt surreal. Reed wrapped his hand around the handle, pulled back the door and moved to the front room. At first, Kellen, standing, was blocking his view, so Reed cleared his throat to gain their attention. All three men stopped mid-conversation and turned to face him.

“Hi, thanks for coming.” Reed moved forward with a tentative smile.

Kellen gave him a reassuring nod and indicated the men in front of him. It was obvious to see which of the two men was going to be his bodyguard. The younger guy, who looked similar in age to him, was built like a house of bricks—Kellen wasn’t kidding when he said Logan was stacked. He was the most muscled and fit-looking man Reed had ever seen.

Yet, apart from his glorious physique, Reed’s heart fell in disappointment.

Their eyes clashed and held. The first thing Reed noticed was Logan’s piercing blue eyes. They were assessing him just as hard. He wore a thick mountain-man beard, which covered most of his face and his dark hair, which was frankly in need of a good cut, was absently pushed back from his forehead. What was worse, were the clothes he was wearing. Reed expected him to be wearing a dark suit, like most bodyguards, yet he was dressed in some khaki-colored army pants, with what seemed like a hundred pockets—probably to conceal all his weapons or something.

Reed crossed his arms and frowned. And, really, was that an oil stain on his pants? Dear God, the man had zero dress sense. To offend him even further, Logan was wearing a red-and-black plaid shirt. Heavens, Reed almost expected to see him carrying an axe over his shoulder.

When Reed’s eyes finally reached Logan’s again, his face heated to see the other man’s eyebrow raised, as if in a challenge.

The older gentleman standing next to Logan, shifted his direction.

“Mr. Luxe—”

Reed blinked and focused his gaze on Michael. “Please, call me Reed.”

Michael’s smile was warm, which helped to settle Reed’s nerves. “Reed, it’s a pleasure to meet you. We’ve heard a lot. I’m Michael Barnes and this is Logan Price, who’ll be providing your personal security service for the next two months.”

“Hopefully, less than that.” Reed couldn’t help his rude tone but Logan wasn’t exactly making him feel wanted.

“Sure, of course. The best solution would be to find your stalker as soon as possible so that you can resume your life.”

Logan moved forward and stuck out his hand. Reed almost gasped. He was over six-foot-two, making him a good three inches taller than Reed. Even through his shirt, Reed could make out the planes of muscle and with his arm outstretched, his biceps strained so hard against the material, Reed was sure it was a stitch away from ripping at the seams.

Reed reached out and the two men shook hands, although Logan still looked very guarded.

Reed dropped his hand first. “I have a very busy social life. Think you’ll be able to keep up?”

“Of course. I go wherever you go.”

“Good. Well, I attend a lot of fashion events, where I need to mingle, sometimes into the early hours. Especially now, with all the attention on my new collection. I’ve generated a lot more interest in my work so it will mean more publicity.”

Logan stared at him with a blank expression. “Sounds good to me.”

Reed raised an eyebrow. “You’re aware of my work, right? Of the crowds I run in?”

Logan frowned and crossed his arms. “In order to do my job, which is first and foremost to protect you, I don’t need a college degree in fashion.”

Reed bit his lip, cutting off his immediate response. If he could stamp his feet he would. What was with this guy? He was so infuriating. Still, from what Kellen told him, Logan was highly trained—probably overqualified for this job. Reed grudgingly accepted that he was lucky to have him.

I'll just have to do my best to stay out of his way...and him out of mine.

Which is going to be problematic, considering he has to be close to me to protect me.

He plastered a smile on his face, looking around and avoiding any more contact with Logan. “How about I get us some refreshments?”