Time to Read: Approx. 90 Minutes
Series: Berry Ridge Bodyguards | 3 of 3
Tropes: bodyguard romance, childhood friends to lovers, FMC in STEM, Trans FMC / Transmasc NBi pairing
Content Warning: MC with past experience of childhood neglect / instability, light wild animal danger, explicit sexual content
ROWAN
Returning to Berry Ridge for my pilot study is supposed to be simple. Just one week, then back to my academic life. My focus is on work, not romance. According to my ex, I'm not great at feelings - or at having any fun. So I decide to prove him wrong with a no-strings fling, and who better than Blake, my brother's best friend with a reputation for keeping things casual? It's a fun experiment. One week, no complications, and then we part as friends. Couldn't be simpler.
BLAKE
When Deacon asks me to keep an eye on his little sister while she conducts research in the park I patrol, I figure it's just a favour for my oldest friend. But Rowan isn’t the goofy kid I remember — she’s grown into a brilliant, persevering woman. Suddenly my recent desire for more than just a physical connection has a face. Her face. And the more I'm around her, the harder it is to ignore my feelings. Protecting her is my job, but falling for her? I can't risk my friendship with Deacon... even if Rowan makes me feel things no one ever has.