Champagne Brunch: The Stiletto Sisters Series Ainsley Claire (primary phonics books .TXT) 📖

Jake and Crispin turn the video game off and look at me expectantly. I feel Mia’s fingers lacing through mine.

SoBe nudges my leg to let me know he’s here to support me. I turn to Jake and Crispin. “Do you guys think you can take SoBe for a walk?”

“Sure, no problem,” Jake says, and they both nod.

“I should probably go,” Mia says as she stands to leave.

“Do you mind staying?” Jim asks. “I think we may need your help.”

I’m shocked, but Mia seems cool as a cucumber.

“Of course,” she says.

She and I sit on either side of Jeremy, and she takes his hand.

We all look up at Jim.

“This is the head of my security team, Bash Pontius,” he tells us.

“Are you the pilot in all of this?” Jeremy asks.

I don’t follow, but Bash lights up. “That’s a good one. I haven’t heard that before.”

I must look confused. “It’s a Pontius Pilate reference,” Bash says.

I roll my eyes at my own stupidity. “Sorry. Late to the party again.”

The joke adds some much-needed levity until Jim clears his throat and becomes very serious.

“There was a break-in at your apartment tonight,” he tells Jeremy. “We found a woman inside waiting for you, provocatively dressed. She had a vial on her that contained several doses of GHB. She claims to be your fiancée.”

Every hair on my body stands at attention, and my stomach ties into a knot.

Jeremy’s head snaps up. “I don’t have a fiancée, or even a girlfriend, for that matter.”

Jim’s posture softens from being a hardcore Marine and Raider to a little less imposing. “We know,” he says. “She’s sixteen and a runaway from Nevada. We think she may be the person who sent the letter to team management at the ballpark.”

A feather right now could knock me over. I’ve been in the business for many years, but I’ve never had as big a star as Jeremy. I know we’re both looking at a new reality right now.

“What did she want?” Jeremy is completely bewildered, his innocence glowing.

“She was hoping to become your girlfriend,” Jim says. “And honestly, she probably wants your money.”

Jeremy releases Mia’s hand and clasps his together. He looks back down at the parquet floor. “Oh.”

“Since you broke the record, you’ve been getting a lot of fan mail, and while most of it is just words of congratulations, some of it is a little off putting. But it isn’t because of anything you’ve done to lead anyone on or encourage them. I’ve spoken to Nate Lancaster, and we would like to put a full-time bodyguard with you. He could be someone who just blends in. He’ll look like one of your teammates, but he’ll be skilled in multiple martial arts and carry a firearm.”

“I don’t know.” Jeremy sits back on the couch and crosses his arms. “That seems rather extreme.”

Jim sits down in one of the chairs across from him. “I understand that it can feel overwhelming. I’d like to bring the guy I’m thinking about around to meet you sometime soon. He’s been working in Nevada with one of our clients. He’s a few years older than you, but he has a baby face and will look closer to your age. He was in Army special forces and played baseball at Nebraska State. He’d go with you out to the bullpen and into the locker room.” Jim pauses, but Jeremy stays silent. “You’re very popular right now, and we want to safeguard you.”

Jeremy squirms. “I don’t… It seems a little…”

I watch Jeremy struggle with what will probably be the reality of his life moving forward.

“Jeremy, I understand,” Mia says, surprising me. “I know it’s a huge adjustment. I’ve been there. But I’ve worked with Jim and Bash for many years, and I trust them without question.”

Jeremy relaxes and nods. She’s like magic with him. I can tell she makes him feel safe and supported, without making him feel like a child. This also makes me wonder in what capacity she’s worked with Jim and Bash. Does she need a bodyguard?

“Jim, Jeremy will be here tonight, and he often stays in the guest room.” Mia looks at me with her eyebrows raised to confirm, and I nod. “What’s the name of the guy you have in mind?”

“Bryan Shepherd,” Bash supplies.

“Maybe when Bryan arrives, we can meet him and make sure Jeremy is okay with hanging out with him,” I suggest. “Meanwhile, Jeremy can stay with me?”

“It may take a few days before I can get him here, but if the timing works, I’m good with that,” Jim says. “Does that work for you, Jeremy?”

Jeremy nods, seeming much calmer, but I can tell he’s skittish. He’s like SoBe was when he came to live with me. He wasn’t sure if he’d found his forever home and could really rest and relax. It took some time, but now he knows he’s in charge around here.

Jim bobs his head toward the door, and I nod. I look over at Mia, and she’s settled in next to Jeremy.

I step outside to talk to Jim.

“My plan is to move Bryan off his current assignment at the Shangri-la in Vegas and bring him here ASAP. In the meantime, Bash can come by in the morning and go over to the ballpark with Jeremy.”

“I think that should work, but Jeremy only has a one-bedroom apartment. We’ll have to figure something out.”

“I have some ideas, but chances are he’s going to have to move. I’ve engaged Fiona McPhee, who will handle the restraining orders, and she can work with us to figure out a new living situation.”

“He can stay with me until he has a place.” I take a deep breath, feeling a little overwhelmed myself. “Jim,