Dropping The Ball - A New Year’s Billionaire Romance - Weston Parker Page 0,2

little.

I was there to keep her safe, not to be her dad. After another sweep of the club, I let my thoughts wander a little. My eyes were still peeled, but my brain went to that place I had to go to in order to get through long nights.

In my case, that place was Conroe, Texas. Home.

Like many others, I’d left there straight out of high school. Unlike so many others, I hadn’t taken off because I wanted bright lights, a big city, or fame and fortune. I’d left because I received an opportunity to work in security, and that was pretty much my dream come true.

It was on the cyber side of things initially—because I hadn’t exactly always been as big as I was now—but it had still been the kind of opportunity with the kind of pay I couldn’t turn down.

Even handsy socialites wouldn’t make me regret my choices, despite the amount of paperwork all these little incidents were going to mean for me later on. I’d just have to make sure I filed an accurate report, and I’d come out clean if she tried anything.

I wished it wasn’t necessary to be so pedantic, but it was. I didn’t like having to be the snitch. The girl deserved a little bit of fun. Lord knew she was in the spotlight enough to have earned a bit of privacy, even if just for tonight, but unfortunately, I had to cover my own ass.

Colleagues of mine had been fired and smeared for less, and as much as I loved Conroe, I wasn’t going back there. New York was my home now as much as Conroe was. I loved it, my job, and even the sometimes difficult clients.

My attention snagged on Miranda stumbling badly this time, and I jumped into action. Thankfully, she was close enough to me that I got to her just before she hit her head on a cocktail table.

With my hands on her elbows, I ducked my head to look into her glazed eyes. She offered me a fuzzy smile before her lids fluttered closed.

And that’s a wrap. She hadn’t hit her head. That wasn’t what this was about. I’m afraid your night of fun is over, princess.

Arranging her under one arm, I tapped on my earpiece with my free hand and barked into the receiver on my collar. “I’m headed out with Ms. Mackey. We’re using the beta route. Clear?”

I got my confirmation a second later and weaved my way through the crowd with Miranda shielded by my arm and shoulder. There was a service elevator in the back which we took up to her floor, and we made it to her room without running into any curious eyes or press cameras.

Ryan, another one of Bart’s guys, was waiting at her door when we arrived. He scanned her with a professional eye, sighed, and swiped the keycard across the reader. “She looks rough.”

“Yep. More tequila isn’t always a great idea.” I transferred her into his arms. “You’re standing guard outside her door tonight, right? I’m not staying.”

He nodded. “I understand. Something happen?”

“She grabbed my crotch.” When his eyes flared wide open, I shook my head and raised my hands to show him my palms. “Relax. I didn’t touch her. I just need to call it in to Bart, get on my bike, and get out of here.”

“Not a fan of the dick grab, huh?” he asked sympathetically. “I get it. I wouldn’t want to get her tucked in after that either.”

I shrugged. “Nah, I’m not offended by the grab. I’m just over rich people thinking they have the right to get, do, and be whatever they want. If you’re what they want, they think they can have you too. Fuck that noise.”

“Amen to that, brother.” He jerked his head at the door. “I’ve got her. Your shift was only for the club anyway. It should be smooth sailing from here on out. I doubt she’s going anywhere tonight.”

I studied her prone form, hunched over him with her head rolling against his arm. “Yeah. I hope you’re right. Good luck, Ryan. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Walking backward as I gave him a wave, I spun around and dug my phone out of my pocket. I’d give Bart an update on my way down. Then I’d climb on my bike and let her vibrations help ease the tension out of me.

Chapter 2

RYLEE

“What if I got you and Chad a trip to Napa Valley and that new puppy he’s been