Behind the Guard

Regina changed into a pair of distressed denim jeans and a comfortable white sweater, feeling like herself again after the stuffy meeting with her team. She glanced at Robin, who was standing by the door, his eyes fixed on her. "I'm going shopping," she said, "and I don't need a bodyguard to carry my bags." Robin raised an eyebrow. "You always need a bodyguard, Reggie," he said, his deep voice firm but not unkind. Regina rolled her eyes. "Fine, but try not to be so obvious, okay? I just want to pick up a few things without drawing a crowd." Robin nodded, following her out to the car. As they drove through the city, Regina pointed out different landmarks and shops, chatting easily with Robin. He responded with brief answers, but she could tell he was starting to relax around her. When they arrived at the mall, Regina breathed a sigh of relief. She loved shopping, and it was just what she needed after the stress of the past few days. Robin stayed close, his eyes scanning the crowds as Regina wandered through the stores. At first, he stuck close to her side, but as the afternoon wore on, Regina could tell he was starting to feel a little more at ease. He began to hang back, watching her from a distance as she tried on clothes and accessories. Regina caught him smiling a few times, and she felt a spark of pleasure. Maybe this bodyguard thing wouldn't be so bad after all. As they stopped for coffee, Regina turned to Robin and asked, "So, what do you like to do for fun?" Robin looked taken aback by the question, but he answered, "I like to hike and read." Regina's eyes lit up. "I'm a big reader too," she said. "What kind of books do you like?" Robin smiled, and for a moment, Regina saw a glimmer of the person behind the tough exterior. "I'm a fan of historical fiction," he said. Regina grinned. "Me too," she said. "I've read all of Philippa Gregory's books." As they chatted, Regina felt like she was getting to know Robin, really know him, for the first time. He was easy to talk to, and she found herself laughing and joking with him like they were old friends. But as the afternoon wore on, Regina began to realize that she was having more fun than she should be having with her bodyguard. She was starting to feel a connection with him, a spark of attraction that she couldn't ignore. As they left the mall, Regina glanced at Robin and felt a flutter in her chest. She pushed the feeling aside, telling herself she was being ridiculous. After all, she was his client, and he was her bodyguard. That was all. But as they drove back to her house, Regina couldn't shake the feeling that their relationship was about to get a lot more complicated.