Felicity walked into the house with a sigh, not noticing Brody as she dropped her things on the table with a loud thud.

“Everything okay?” came his voice from the living room.

She jumped with a startled squeak, clutching her chest. “Brody! Oh my God—you scared me.”

Brody stepped into view, bare-chested, a brow arched in concern. “Didn’t mean to startle you. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you that rattled before. You’re usually... composed.”

Her gaze flicked to his torso before she quickly looked away, cheeks warming. “I’m fine. I don’t know why I reacted like that. I should’ve known you were here. It’s just—” she hesitated, “I thought someone was following me today.”

That got his attention. Brody stepped closer, running a hand through his hair. “Following you? Who?”

She moved to the fridge, trying to shrug it off. “I don’t know. I went out for lunch and noticed a guy hanging around near work. I’m pretty sure he’s not an employee. Then I saw him again at the pastry shop… and again on my walk back. Could be coincidence, maybe I’m just being paranoid.” She pulled a fruit bowl from the fridge.

When she turned, she nearly dropped it—Brody was right there, his chest inches from hers as he reached past her.

“Just getting water,” he said, lifting the bottle slightly.

His nearness was dizzying. Heat radiated off him, and her pulse kicked up. He didn’t back away, and his height made her feel both small and strangely safe. She swallowed hard as his gaze dipped briefly to her chest before meeting her eyes again.

“I don’t think you should dismiss this,” he said. “Creeps are out there. You should tell the police. At least be on alert. I’ll take you to work and bring you back—just in case.”

“Oh no, Brody. I don’t want to bother you. My dad didn’t hire you to be my driver.”

“What didn’t I hire him for?” Her father’s voice cut in as he entered the room.

Felicity’s eyes widened slightly in warning. Brody stepped back quickly, slipping on a neutral expression.

“She wanted me to go with her to pick up some potted plants she ordered,” he said smoothly.

“Yeah,” Felicity added, grateful, “my car’s acting up again. I’m gonna have Timothy check it tomorrow.”

Her father frowned. “That car’s always giving you trouble. It’s time for a new one.” He gave her arm a gentle squeeze as he headed upstairs. “Oh—and I like petunias.”

And just like that, he was gone.

Felicity turned to Brody, who was watching her with amusement.

“Thanks,” she said softly. “I just didn’t want to make a big deal out of something that might be nothing.”

He shrugged, pulling on his shirt. “Well, I guess we better go collect those plants you didn’t order.”

She rolled her eyes, smiling in spite of herself, and headed to the door. His gaze lingered on her a moment longer before he followed.

In the car, Felicity glanced over at Brody. “I don’t want to worry my dad unnecessarily. This could be nothing at all. Can we just… keep it between us for now?”

Brody nodded. “Of course. I understand.”

He shot her a quick glance, his gaze lingering for a moment before turning back to the road. Silence filled the space between them for a beat.

“Do you have any idea why someone might be following you?” he asked.

Felicity shook her head. “No, I can’t think of a reason. I’ve racked my brain—it’s probably nothing. Just a weird coincidence.”

“Still,” he said, his voice quiet but firm, “just to be safe, I’ll stay over for a few nights. Your dad’s mentioned before that I could crash at the guest house, but I never took him up on it. With him out of state, and this situation… I think I will. Just until we’re sure you’re not being watched.”

Felicity turned her eyes to the window. He was right. Her father would be gone for two weeks, and she'd be alone for at least the first. She’d been trying not to dwell on that. The idea of Brody staying over brought a small measure of relief.

“Thank you,” she said softly. “I appreciate it.”

They stopped to pick up a few potted plants—petunias included—to sell the cover story. Brody smirked slightly as he loaded them into the car, clearly amused by their shared lie.

“I need to swing by my place to pack a few things,” he said casually as they got back in the car.

Felicity nodded. “Sure.”

Brody’s house was smaller than she’d imagined, but neat and cozy. She followed him inside, quietly impressed by how tidy everything was. Everything had its place—no clutter, no chaos.

“You have a nice place,” she said.

“Thanks. Want something to drink?” He moved to the fridge and pulled out a bottle of juice.

“Water, please.”

He handed her a cold bottle. She sipped slowly, still taking in the room—soft lighting, clean surfaces, personal touches that gave the space warmth. When she looked back at him, he was leaning against the counter, drink in hand, watching her.

“I want to ask you something,” he said after a moment. “I know this might seem out of nowhere… but do you think it’s weird that I’m attracted to you?”

She blinked, caught completely off guard. Her cheeks flushed and she looked down, suddenly aware of her heartbeat.

Brody stepped in front of her, gently lifting her chin with his fingers. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” he said quietly. “But I’ve had this… growing attraction to you. It’s been building for a while now—ever since I started working for your dad. I’m not sure if it’s mutual.”

Felicity’s breath caught. The touch of his hand sent a jolt of something hot and unexpected through her. She wet her lips, unsure what to say, and his eyes followed the movement.

“You’re a handsome guy,” she said finally. “Any woman would be attracted to you. I’m no different.”

Brody’s voice lowered, turning rough around the edges. “I didn’t ask about any woman.”

He took a slow step closer, his breath brushing across her lips. “I asked what you think of me. Not as my boss’s daughter. Just… as Felicity.”

Felicity’s heart pounded harder. Brody didn’t let her look away—his closeness still had her breathless. She’d never felt like this before. Her body responded to him instinctively, leaving her stunned at her own reaction. She couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to kiss him.

His breath brushed her lips, warm and quickened. A shiver ran down her spine.

She swallowed hard, trying to steady her breathing. “Brody—”

His lips crashed down on hers.

She was swept into the kiss, her thoughts scattering as his arms pulled her close. She rose on her toes, hands curling around his neck, and the kiss deepened—urgent, magnetic. One of his hands tangled in her hair, the other held her tight, and she could feel his heart hammering against her chest.

When Brody finally pulled back, their breath came in shallow gasps. His eyes met hers, dark with the same need she felt rushing through her. The chemistry between them was undeniable—undeniably dangerous.

“We should stop,” he murmured, his forehead resting lightly against hers. “Before this gets out of hand. I guess that answers my question.”

Felicity nodded, cheeks flushed. Embarrassment pricked her skin as she stepped back. She took a deep breath, trying to collect herself. “Brody… yes. I’m obviously attracted to you. We have chemistry, but…” Her voice faltered. “I don’t want to break my dad’s trust. And the truth is—I don’t really know you.”

Brody’s face softened. “I get it. I wouldn’t want to hurt your dad either.” He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “This is… complicated.”

He turned toward the bedroom. “Let me grab my stuff.”

Felicity stayed rooted to the spot, still catching her breath. She couldn’t deny how she felt—but she also couldn’t ignore the voice in her head telling her to slow down.

A few minutes later, Brody came back with a small bag slung over his shoulder. His gaze didn’t meet hers. “Let’s go.”

She nodded quietly and followed him out. The charged atmosphere from earlier lingered, but now a tension-filled silence filled the car.

Halfway through the drive, his voice broke the stillness.

“Why are you using your dad as an excuse?”

She turned to him, startled. “What?”

“You’re an adult, Felicity. Yes, I work for him, but that shouldn’t matter. Not if this—what’s between us—is real.”

She stared at her hands in her lap. “I’m sorry. I just… I’m not ready for anything right now. I’m still figuring myself out. And I’ve been hurt before. Really hurt. I’m not sure I can jump into something serious again. Not yet.”

Brody nodded slowly, his grip tightening slightly on the wheel. “I understand. I do. But I won’t lie and say I’m not disappointed. Because I can’t pretend I don’t feel something for you.”

Felicity looked over at him, guilt swirling in her chest. “I’m really sorry. I don’t know what else to say. I just know I’m not ready.”

He glanced at her, his eyes searching her face—his gaze intense, making her feel exposed. Then he turned back to the road.

“I get it,” he said quietly. “I won’t push. But when you’re ready... let me know.”

A beat passed. “Don’t think my feelings are going to change.”