She couldn't read his reaction.
"I see." He rubbed his jaw. "Well, if that doesn't make you feel uncomfortable, it's a good idea. I mean, it's a good cover for us spending time together. I don't trust any of Emil's staff. And after last night, I don't want you spending time alone in that house. So if Delphine wants to think we're having a summer fling, it gives us a solid cover."
"I see your point," she said, sounding very matter-of-fact about fake-dating the wall of muscle standing next to herand pretending her stomach wasn't doing a weird flip-flop thing.
He was right, of course, and it made sense. And that's the only reason he's suggesting it, she reminded herself.It's not because he wants to get to know you.It's just because they both need to maintain a solid cover.
"About the party tomorrow . . ." An unfamiliar stress tinged his tone.
"What about it?"
His jaw tightened.
She knew they were in the middle of a dangerous situation. But didn't he do this thing for a living? He seemed overly tense.
"Is everything okay? Did you hear something on those bugs or whatever that you planted?"
He nodded, but his shoulders relaxed a fraction at her question. That wasn't the source of his concern.
"Yes. Best I can tell, there are four guards aboard the boat. Which is excessive if it's really just a billionaire and his girlfriend enjoying the Caribbean. The jewels may be there. Or maybe he fears for his own safety for other reasons. We'll learn a lot at the party. And hopefully talk to Cassidy."
He stopped a few feet ahead of her while she tried to pull Nutmeg away from a half-eaten apple.
When she caught up to him, he tugged on her sleeve until she met his eyes. "Hey."
"What's wrong? Something's bothering you. And it's starting to freak me out. What aren't you telling me?"
His lips pressed into a thin line. His jaw tensed. "I'm not trying to scare you. But I do have concerns about tomorrow night. I need you to do exactly what I ask you to do at the party. I may not sound polite about it in the moment. I'm used to directing operatives, not . . ." He apparently didn't know how to describe her. "So, even when I get bossy, follow my direction. Believe me, I'm just trying to keep you and Cassidy safe. You're a higher priority than finding the jewels or catching Emil. But I'd really like to do all of those things."
"I told you I would follow your lead," she said.
He looked straight through her. It made her feel safe and vulnerable at the same time.
"You didn't mean it when you said it earlier."
The truth stung.
Firm commando bravado and confusing desperation merged in his gaze.
"Nash . . . You're right. I didn't. But I know you better now. I trust you. You don't have to worry."
"I know trust doesn't come easy to you. I'm honored."
He meant that. And his sincerity sent warmth cascading through her.
She needed to change the mood.
"I'll follow your lead tomorrow night. Even if you're bossy."
She thought he'd smile at that, but something painful flitted across his face.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Nothing." He gave a tight nod. "Thank you."
Nutmeg pulled toward the waves, veering their walk closer to the water.
"I'm going to get my feet wet," she said. She tossed her flip-flops out of the tide's reach and let her feet absorb the warmth from the soft sand.
