Free Beware of Boys by Kelli London

the first guy.” She shrugged. “Oh, and one other thing. Don’t forget my water.” With that, Charly walked away. She didn’t have time for any more Bobsys in her world. She had entertained enough nonsense and unnecessary dramatics, and wouldn’t do it again. Besides, she told herself, this Bobsy boy had serious boxing skills, abilities that Charly knew she would have to prepare for if she were to take him on. But she could if she had to, she thought. They were close to the same size.
    â€œI’m here to build up people, not tear ’em down,” she reminded herself, making her way to the side entrance.

    â€œThere you are. The alarm said the butler’s pantry door opened, but I didn’t expect you. I’m glad you’re here though. Time’s ticking.” Eden tapped her watch as soon as Charly made her way inside the door. She then dug into her pocket and retrieved an envelope and handed it to Charly. “I apologize. I was supposed to give this to you after you landed. Please don’t tell Lex that I forgot. When it comes to you being here and the project they have planned for the girls, he wants everything to be perfect. I don’t blame him. He should.” She raised her brows. “Unfortunately, I can’t always be perfect, or, unfortunately, remember the guys’ requests either, for that matter.”
    Charly stood still for a second, welcoming the central air of the guest cottage, her body cooling in the breezy circulation. She took a look at herself clad with sweaty clothes, and hated the feeling of being coated in yucky perspiration. “Me either. I’m not always perfect either—can’t you tell?” She grinned and accepted the envelope. She exhaled. Her breath came out in a long, loud whoosh. She slipped her index finger under the flap, and tore open the thick ecru paper. She pulled out a card, opened it, then tensed when she read the message.

    Charly, I hope you’re ready. Lives will change because of you, mama. Everything you’re down for, I’m down for, and we’re counting on you. Let’s raise these girls up until they blow up in a good way. Let’s get this thing moving. I know you won’t let the girls or us down. –Faizon

    Charly closed her eyes, thinking about Faizon’s words. Knowing that lives could change because of her and that the guys were counting on her was heavy, and already she could feel the pressure. She didn’t want to let anyone down. She exhaled again, then ran her hand over her ponytail.
    â€œAre you all right, Charly? You seem a bit frustrated,” Eden said, crossing her arms and leaning against a pillar. “You know you can talk to me about anything, and, I promise it’ll never go further than us. I’m good at secrets. Very.” She nodded, impressed with herself.
    Charly pursed her lips together, then mimicked Eden’s head nod. She was a doer, not a talker, so she’d let her actions speak for her, including finding an outlet to relieve herself of the pressure that came with her assignment. “Thanks, Eden. I appreciate it. I’m good, though. However, I’ll keep in mind your great secret-keeping ability. I may need it one day.” She winked. “I’m cool. I just need to shower and change, and, eventually, get some rest. Where’s my room?”
    â€œYour room?” Eden’s eyebrows drew together. “Oh, that’s right. You didn’t see it earlier because you had to rush and change to go run.” She shook her head. “You may want to get used to that. Being rushed, I mean. Lex has a way of making people move like he does. Lightning fast.”
    Charly nodded, making a mental note about Lex. She’d rushed and changed in the hallway bath once because of him, but she wasn’t going to allow him to make it a habit. “Got it. But I’m not going to let him rush me into anything. I don’t