Free Hold Me by Talia Ellison Page A

just fixing the stray strands.
    Caleb’s face is expressionless as he steps away from me and looks right in the direction of the man, who is now standing at one of the corners and pretending to be busy with his phone. Caleb clears his throat, squirming, and I tilt my head.
    “Do you know that man?” I ask.
    He nods. “He’s... like my bodyguard.”
    “What?” I can’t believe my ears. Why in the hell would Caleb need a bodyguard, especially one who looks like a stalker and not a professional? “Why didn’t you tell me?”
    “I... I didn’t want to worry you. Just ignore him. That’s what I do.” He gives me his best pleasant smile and places a hand on my shoulder. “Let’s go.”
    “Why do you need a bodyguard?” I start walking again, feeling the man’s eyes on my back. I’m sure he’s started walking too, even though I can’t see him. Before Caleb can open his mouth to answer, I raise my finger. “Look, I know you want to protect your privacy, and I understand that, but if you need a bodyguard, I need to know why. I might be in danger, too.”
    “You’re not in danger. I assure you,” he says.
    “I’ll only relax once you tell me why.”
    He licks his lips. “He’s there to protect me. In case my clients get ideas that... could endanger my safety.”
    A frown line creases my brow. “Do you think you need protection from me?”
    “No, that’s not...” He grimaces. “I have many clients, and some of them can get... a little jealous. My bodyguard is here in case someone sees me with you and wants to attack us.”
    “Um, okay.” I run my hand through my hair. “I just don’t understand why you keep doing this if it’s so dangerous for you, but hey, that’s none of my business.”
    “Thank you for your understanding.” A relieved smile stretches his lips, and I can’t help but keep glancing back at the man. Bodyguard, huh? More like a creeper. Ugh. I’m ecstatic when we reach the small restaurant that has been my long-time favorite. It’s a sweet little place, far from noise and annoying people.
    Judging by the look on Caleb’s face, I can tell that he likes it too. As we settle at one of the tables, I’m glad the bodyguard decided to stay and wait outside, although I’m not sure how he’s supposed to protect Caleb if he can’t really be at his side.
    “Lilith! Hey!” The waitress waves at me, her smile broadening when she spots Caleb with me. I wave back at her. She comes a moment later with the menus.
    “Clary, this is Caleb,” I say while he is scanning the menu. “Hopefully, he’ll be your new regular.”
    “Hi.” She grins at Caleb, who nods, then she turns to me. “Want the usual?”
    “Yeah.”
    “Right away!” she says after she jots down Caleb’s order and walks away.
    Caleb’s eyebrows are raised in question.
    “She’s a friend,” I say. “From high school.”
    “You come here often?” he asks.
    “Yeah. I prefer small, cozy places over big, fancy restaurants. What about you?”
    He looks around. “This is perfect.”
    I can’t stop the smile from popping up on my lips. “I’m glad you like it. The food is delicious too. You’ll see.”

 
    It’s pretty late once we come out of the restaurant. I’ve managed to get Caleb to try some of my pasta and I’m sure he liked it. As we walk out into the street, I hook my arm through his and we stroll toward the nearby park.
    “Have you ever done something like this before with a client?” I ask.
    “No. No one ever wanted to pay a crazy sum of money just to be in my company.” He laughs, and I narrow my eyes at him, but my lips are pulled into a smile.
    “Are you implying that I’m crazy?”
    “Maybe a little.”
    “A little? Well, thank you. Such a compliment.” I press myself closer to him. “Oh well, still had an incredible night. I say it was worth it.” I tug him toward one of the benches and we sit down. The air is chilly so I huddle next to Caleb’s warm body and he puts his arm