As Don approached, he offered the tall bodyguard a polite smile. "Good morning."


    The man''s head didn''t so much as turn, his eyes fixed straight ahead. His expression remained hard as granite as he replied tly, "Good morning, Mr. Bright."


    Don nodded at the man''s unshakable demeanor. ''I wonder how much hiring a bodyguard like him would cost,'' he thought silently, his curiosity briefly ring.


    His attention soon shifted as the rear window of the car began to roll down. Inside, Ms. ire sat poised and elegant as always, her presencemanding without being overbearing.


    On this asion, she wore a well-fitted, somber business ensemble, the crisp contours emphasizing her sophisticated figure. A silver brooch adorned herpel, and a delicate diamond bracelet caught the light as it rested against her wrist. For once, she wasn''t wearing one of her signature hats. Her glossy ck hair was styled into a neat ponytail, secured with a pin that shined like polished silver.


    She folded the newspaper she had been reading and set it aside, her piercing gaze meeting Don''s as she offered the faintest of smiles.


    "Good morning, Don," she greeted, her voice smooth and measured. "I hope you slept well."


    "Good morning," Don replied, his tone courteous. "I slept just fine, and yourself?"


    Ms. ire inclined her head slightly. "Quite well, thank you." She paused briefly, her sharp eyes appraising him before continuing. "Were you about to leave?"


    Don nodded. "Yes, I was heading over to Donald''s. He and I have ns to check out the VR center this morning."


    "I see," Ms. ire said with a nod. "I won''t take up much of your time, then." She shifted slightly, her posture asposed as ever. "The paperwork regarding your presence at SHU will be ready for finalizing this afternoon. Naturally, your presence will be required. I wanted to confirm whether you''ll be avable or if we''ll need to reschedule."


    Don didn''t hesitate. "I don''t have any ns for the afternoon," he answered directly.


    "Excellent," Ms. ire responded, her tone conveying contentment.. "I''ll call you an hour prior, then. Enjoy your first day as a celebrity."


    Don smirked faintly, a hint of dry humor coloring his voice. "I''m already dreading it, but thanks. You have a lovely morning."


    "I intend to," Ms. ire replied, her tone calm as she pressed a button, rolling the window up once more.


    Don watched the ss rise, reflecting his faintly furrowed brow as he thought,


    ''Every time I talk with her, I feel like I''m making zero progress. I really need to figure out a good way to get closer to her.''


    Keeping his expression neutral, he turned to the bodyguard, who still stood as immovable as a statue. Don raised a hand in a casual wave. "Have a good day."


    The man nodded, his voice gruff and as intimidating as ever. "You too, Mr. Bright."


    As Don walked away from the car, he couldn''t help but nce back briefly.


    As Don approached Donald''s house, the faint sound of voices reached his ears. He could easily make out Donald''s familiar tone along with a softer, more yful voice—Cassie''s. His steps slowed slightly as he neared the driveway, where the two were standing, their conversation flowing effortlessly in the early morning air.


    The sound of rustling grass drew his attention to Donald''s dog, which had been lyingzily on the frontwn.


    As soon as the dog spotted Don, it snapped to attention, ears perked and eyes alert. A low growl bubbled in its throat, and it looked ready to bark, but Don locked eyes with the animal, his gaze calm but firm.


    The dog froze mid-growl. Its tail tucked between its legs, and with a soft whimper, it scampered off toward the side yard, disappearing from view.


    Cassie noticed themotion first and her face lit up as her gazended on Don. She raised a hand in an enthusiastic wave, "Well, if it isn''t Chanel Hills'' very own celebrity!" she teased, her voice bright and yful as she nudged Donald''s arm.


    Donald sighed, dragging a hand down his face in exasperation. "Could you please not overdo it?" he muttered under his breath, just loud enough for her to hear.


    Cassie ignored him entirely, her energy undeterred. As Don approached, she opened her arms in an exaggerated weing gesture. "Morning, superstar!" she greeted, stepping closer with her arms outstretched.


    Don smiled faintly. "Morning, Cassie," he replied, leaning into a brief side hug, one hand resting lightly on her waist.


    He felt the subtle pressure of her arms trying to pull him closer, but before she could seed, he broke away smoothly, stepping back just enough to extend a fist toward Donald. "Morning, man. Why do you look like you didn''t get much sleep?" he asked, his tone casual.


    Cassie let out a quiet pout, her lips tightened in yful disappointment as Don pulled away so quickly. Not one to be deterred, she slid closer to his side, her body brushing against his arm.


    Her choice of attire—a pair of snug sports leggings and a fitted sports bra—only made her presence more pronounced. Don could feel the warmth of her skin and the press of her soft breasts against his arm, though he kept his expression neutral.


    Donald, either oblivious or simply too tired to care, let out a yawn as he scratched the back of his head. "Does it look that noticeable?" he asked with a sheepish grin. "I stayed upte going through some ys we could practiceter. You''re still up for doing League today, right?"


    Don studied Donald for a moment, noting the earnestness behind his words. The guy was trying hard—maybe too hard—to be a good friend. It was admirable, Don thought, though he couldn''t help but notice the naivety that often came with people like Donald.


    Loyal to a fault and eager to please, Donald had the kind of personality that could easily be steered by those around him, especially by women.


    ''I hope he''s not aplete simp…''


    Don thought inwardly before nodding outwardly. "Makes sense," he replied. "You should''ve told me. I would''vee over for an hour or two before bed."


    Before Donald could respond, Cassie perked up, her excitement evident as she tightened her grip on Don''s arm. "What a brilliant idea!" she eximed. "See, Donald? I always tell you to be more vocal. You could''ve gotten so much more done with Don here to help." Her tone was loaded with yful emphasis, but her eager eyes were locked on Don''s face.


    ''Smooth,''


    Don thought, resisting the urge to roll his eyes.


    Your next journey awaits at m v|l-e''-NovelBin


    ''Is she ovting or something?''


    Donald yawned again,ignoring his mom as he rubbed at his eyes. "Didn''t want to bother you," he said simply to Don, his voice sounding fatigued. "Sorry. I''ll let you know next time."


    "Not a problem," Don replied, his tone easygoing. He then nced toward the car parked in the driveway before asking, "You good to drive, or should I?"


    Donald hesitated, his brows knitting briefly before he shook his head. "Probably best if you do," he admitted.


    Cassie smiled, her expression one of satisfaction as she leaned into Donald''s side, her arm looping through his. "You see, honey?" she said sweetly, ncing up at him with a teasing tilt of her head. "This is why I always say it''s good to have… ''capable'' friends you can rely on."


    ''I think she means friends she can fuck,''


    Don thought dryly, keeping his face neutral. Instead, he patted a hand lightly on Donald''s shoulder and said, "Well, we better get going. Like you said, we don''t want to find the ce crowded."