Read The Bodyguard and Ms. Jones for Free Online Page B

try.”
    The timer went off. Cindy moved to the oven and pulled out the cookies. She couldn’t imagine herself dating. When would she have time? Nelson only took the kids every other weekend. She wanted them to remember their childhood as happy, not a collection of baby-sitters because their mother was too busy trying to have a social life.
    â€œWe’ve had this conversation before,” Beth said.
    â€œYes.”
    â€œYou’re being very stubborn.”
    â€œProbably.”
    â€œI care about you because you’re my friend.”
    Cindy set two trays in the oven and set the timer again. “I know you do. I also know you’re sweet enough to change the subject.”
    Beth pursed her lips as if she wasn’t going to agree, then she nodded. “Just this once. Now we can talk about Mike some more.”
    Cindy groaned.
    â€œDarren and I are having a barbecue a week from Saturday. You’re invited. Bring Mike.”
    â€œWhat if he doesn’t want to come?”
    â€œHe has to. Everyone wants to meet him. It will be fun. You’ll see. Besides, you have to show him around sometime. You can’t imagine the phone calls I’ve been getting.”
    Actually, Cindy could. She’d gotten a few of her own. Everyone was curious about “Grace’s bodyguard broth-er.” “I can’t decide if it’s the fact that he’s single or if it’s his career that has everyone so curious,” she said.
    â€œIt’s both.” Beth rose to her feet and walked to the refrigerator. “Is it all right?” she asked, motioning to the door.
    â€œI’m sorry. I should have offered. Grab me a soda, too, please.”
    Beth pulled out two diet sodas. She handed Cindy one, then popped the top on the other. After taking a long drink, she set it on the counter and began sliding cooled cookies into a plastic container.
    â€œMary Ellen called to find out if I thought she should offer to cook him meals,” Beth said.
    Cindy snorted. “Yeah, right. Does this mean she’s done having her way with the delivery guy?”
    â€œProbably not. But I would say the affair is winding down. You know how she likes to have someone waiting in the wings.”
    â€œMike is in a weakened condition,” Cindy said. She finished spooning out the last of the cookie batter and set the bowl in the sink. “I’m going to have to protect him from Mary Ellen. That brunette bombshell could kill a man.”
    â€œThat’s not all,” Beth said. She sauntered over to the sink and turned on the hot water. “Everyone is very intrigued by the fact that he’s staying here with you.”
    â€œWhat?” Cindy spun around and turned off the faucet. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
    â€œDon’t get mad at me. I’m not making up the rumors, I’m just telling you. After all, it’s been two years since Nelson left and you haven’t been on a single date. Now you have a naked man living in your house.”
    Cindy leaned against the counter and sighed. “He’s not naked,” she said weakly, then wondered if it really mattered. She knew how people talked in small communities. Gossip spread faster than fire ants. Nothing was as interesting as what everyone else was doing.
    â€œI hope you’re telling everyone he’s been injured,” she said. “My goodness, he can barely walk to the bathroom unescorted. We’re not having wild sex. My children live here.”
    â€œThe sex doesn’t have to be wild, if that would help.”
    Cindy just stared at her.
    â€œFine. Disappoint all your friends. See if I care.” Beth squeezed soap into the large mixing bowl and swished it around. When the water was sudsy, she picked up the measuring spoons and cups and dropped them in. She reached for a dishcloth. “It hasn’t even been a week, so I’ll forgive you for not having had sex yet.