“Or the marina,” she said, echoing his next thought. “You want to catch him visiting Corey.”
“In my experience the bad guys will make mistakes, but they don’t often make itthateasy.”
She snorted.
“Natalie, I’m sorry to cut this short.”
“No worries.” She waved off the apology. “That’s why we came out here.” Giving him a weak smile, she started packing things up. “We should get moving so you don’t lose him.”
“Natalie. Hey.” He caught her hand and pulled her close. Her frustration was palpable. “That jerk isn’t the only reason I rented this boat.”
“I’m glad.” She softened against him and brushed her lips over his. “We should still go.”
They secured everything and he took the wheel for the drive back. Though he searched, the kayak had disappeared. He heldonto a dark hope that the ocean had capsized Royer and dragged him to a watery grave, saving everyone from whatever trouble he had planned.
“I’m not going to Roni’s,” she said when they returned to the marina. “Either we stick together, or I wait at the Hideaway.” She cut him off when he started to reply. “Non-negotiable, so be sure before you speak.”
He marveled at her, a little bit awed and honored. If she was like this with everyone, the talk about her would lean more toward formidable than flighty. Was he getting this side of her because he meant something to her? Did she feel as comfortable being herself with him as he did with her? That would be incredible and new and fantastic. Almost too much to wish for.
When they reached the truck, he confessed. “I’d rather you stayed with your sisters, safety in numbers and all that. But the Hideaway is secure.”
And he’d look forward to being there when he told her they’d captured Royer. The whole scene played out in his head like a sappy movie: the relief, the joy, and the private celebration for just the two of them in the nearest bed.
“And you’re tucking me away because I can’t be of any help?”
He swore, spinning her into his arms, keeping her there between his body and the side of the truck. “Keeping you there so I can focus, mainly. You’re more than a complication in this assignment. I need you.” He snapped his mouth closed, trying to regain his composure. “I need you like air. How can you ask me to invite you into danger? You’re not trained for what I do and I need you to be safe and whole when the job is done.”
“The little woman who keeps the bed warm for you?”
He laughed, but it cost him. “As if. There’s nothing little about you. Big talent, big personality, bigger heart.” He nuzzled her neck. “The bed thing… you can’t blame me for wanting that.”
Her hands looped around his neck. “No. I want that too.”
“Royer is dangerous. Caution isn’t an insult, it’s just common sense.”
“If you say so.” She nibbled on her lip. “Does that mean you want to spendmoretime together?”
“Count on it, sweetheart.” He wanted more time with her so much it scared him. “As long as you don’t hit pause on any important stuff in your world just to make time for me.”
She kissed him so fiercely, then rested her cheek against his chest. “I’m not currently on commission,” she murmured. “My only deadline is the booth at the music festival. If we had to set it up tonight, I could pull it off.”
“You’re way more organized than people think.” He smoothed his hands along her curves from waist to hip and back up again.
She looked up, her gaze stern. “Don’t you dare give away my secrets.”
“Never.” He brushed a wisp of hair from her face. “You’re safe with me.”
“I know.” Her mouth softened. “That’s why I’m still here.”
Her words lingered in his system, coming to rest deep in his heart. They seemed to echo with every heartbeat as they returned to the Hideaway. He needed to get back and share the details of their outing with the team as soon as possible. It didn’t take much for her to convince him to write his report down on the beach. Finished, he looked up to find her drawing in the sand. He watched, simply enjoying the way she moved. The soft melody she hummed to herself floated back to him, carried on the soft evening breeze.
She was magic. A wonder. A woman he didn’t want to walk away from. Not in a few days. Not ever. She was the woman he wanted to put at the top of his priority list, if only she would let him.
CHAPTER 16
Normally, Natalie had no trouble ignoring her phone. Now, it mocked her. Specifically, the date displayed on the screen. She didn’t want to see the persistent reminder that Trent’s time on Brookwell was winding down. Going solely by the Hideaway reservation schedule, he only had a few more days.
Theyonly had a few more days together.
