The Bodyguard

Chapter 10

I decided to take a nap and told Jason to go do whatever he wants while I'm asleep. I drifted off with my phone clutched in my hand, ready in case Alex called.
The ringing of my phone jolted me awake. Feeling groggy and exhausted, I answered without bothering to check the caller ID.

"Hello?" I mumbled.

"Hey!" The voice on the other end sounded excited.

"Alex?"

"Yeah it's me babe. Were you sleeping?"

"Yeah. Are you here yet?" I ask, my voice groggy from my lack of sleep.

"Yes, I'm on my way to your grandma's house. I'll be there in about an hour," he reassured me.

"Great!" I perked up, sitting upright,"I guess I'll see you in an hour."

"Definitely." And with that, he hung up, leaving me slightly bewildered by his abruptness.

Jason entered the room, breaking my train of thought. He closed the door behind him and slumped into a seat without acknowledging me. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment—I had expected at least a greeting.

I watch as he picks at his nails. His thick eyebrows are narrowed as he concentrates on the nail. His face had a soft expression plastered on it. He could be attractive when he's not glaring at me or giving me attitude.

"Do you need something?" I ventured, hoping to engage him in conversation.

"No. Not from you at least," he replied without meeting my gaze,"I just got tired of wandering around the house. There's nothing to do here. I thought celebrities always have something to do every day besides taking naps. You're boring."

"I actually took a nap to pass the time. I'm waiting for Alex to get here," I said, brushing off his remark while subtly trying to grab his attention.

"Who's Alex?" His confusion was evident, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

"Alex is my boyfriend. He'll be here all afternoon and will return to LA tonight," I explained, sitting cross-legged on the bed. Despite my efforts to get his attention, his response was a nonchalant nod, indicating his lack of interest.

With a tired yawn, I decided to lie back down. "I'm just gonna take another nap."

"Fine by me," he shrugged.

~~~~~

When I wake up, Jason is no longer in the room. My phone begins to vibrate in my hand, signaling Alex's call once again. I answer with anticipation.

"Hey, are you finally here?" I ask, a hint of excitement in my voice.

"Yeah, I'm actually pulling into the driveway. Come outside!" His voice is filled with enthusiasm.

"I'll be right there," I chirp, jumping off my bed and rushing downstairs. I notice Jason trailing behind me as I make my way to the doorway. I swing the door open and spot Alex stepping out of his car.

"Alex!" I call out, practically bounding towards him,"I'm so glad you're finally here." I wrap my arms around him in a tight hug.

"Yeah, I couldn't stop thinking about you throughout the 48 hours we were separated," he confesses, his voice soft and genuine. A  bit of guilt washes over me—I hadn't been dwelling on him as much as he had on me.

"Oh," I murmur softly as he releases me, feeling a mixture of emotions.

"Wow, this place is nice," Alex remarks, his eyes scanning the elegant facade of my grandmother's house with genuine admiration.

"I know, right? Let's go inside," I suggest eagerly, leading him towards the welcoming glow of the front door.

Entering the foyer, Nana spots us and raises her eyebrows inquisitively. "Hey sweetie. Who's this handsome man?" She glances down at our intertwined hands, a subtle smile playing on her lips.

"Nana, this is my boyfriend, Alex; Alex, this is my lovely grandmother, Eleanor," I introduce them with a beaming smile.

"I never knew you had a boyfriend," Nana exclaims, pleasantly surprised. She gives Alex a warm hug, and he responds by kissing her hand. It's clear he's trying to make a good impression, and judging by Nana's reaction, he's succeeded.

"Well, now you do. And don't worry about Jason, Alex isn't staying for the night," I assure her, wanting to alleviate any concerns about sleeping arrangements. Nana nods understandingly and makes her way to her bedroom, leaving us alone in the foyer.

"What do you mean by that?" Alex's voice, edged with curiosity, pierces the air after Nana disappears from sight, his eyes searching mine for answers. It's a question that catches me off guard. Then it hits me like a sudden storm that I hadn't told him about our sleeping arrangements. And perhaps it's better that way.

"Nothing really," I reply, forcing a casual tone. "But is there anything you want to do?" I turn to face him, hoping to steer the conversation away from the uncomfortable topic.

"Yeah, I thought we could grab dinner somewhere," Alex suggests, his eyes shining with excitement, but I catch a hint of doubt flickering in them.

"Sounds good to me!" I reply quickly, determined to focus on the present moment and savor the time with Alex. However, as I glance over at Jason, I notice a smirk playing on his lips, his head shaking in amusement. Instantly, I feel a surge of irritation prickling at my skin. I know exactly why he's smirking, and I shoot him a sharp glare.