Page 5 of Hideaway Reunion

“All right. That makes what I’m about to propose even more appropriate.”

Roni’s gaze slid from Jess to Brayden. This proposal was not a surprise to him. He knew what was coming. Somehow, that didn’t put her at ease. She blamed all this unsettledness on the adrenaline rush after the conflict.

“The Guardian Agency has agreed to book the Hideaway until this issue with construction and trespassing is over.”

Roni felt her jaw drop. Shock didn’t begin to cover it. This changed everything.

“Celeste and I will work out the best solutions for any upcoming reservations,” Jess continued. “Then we’ll close the calendar until this is over.” She held up a hand as Roni began to protest. “And before you complain about handouts or charity or whatever, the agency is treating this as a regional training opportunity. We can test surveillance methods and equipment without disturbing anyone. We will station our protectors right here in the house as needed. Trust me, our team won’t complain about the noise. This means someone will be present at all times to deter any further encroachment from the construction site.

“We can start this new initiative with Brayden, since he’s familiar with the island and recent events.”

Recent events. That was one way to label the situation with her younger sister, Natalie, who’d been targeted by a killer who had hidden at the construction site to evade capture. To cover their bases, the Guardian Agency had assigned teams to watch over Roni and Celeste too. Teams led by Brayden.

Hope bloomed, tender and fragile. She hadn’t known to hope for such a great outcome. Jess’s offer meant Roni wouldn’t need to double up on clients for the next few weeks.

“You’ve already spoken with Celeste?”

Jess nodded. “It’s a perfect solution,” she insisted. “The protectors assigned here will document any instances of trespassing, including illegal survey measurements, and deliberate noise violations. Armed with photos, videos, and reports, Gamble and Swann will coordinate with local attorneys with the goal of an injunction to halt construction. Indigo Reef will not encroach on Hargrave land again.”

Veronica looked at Brayden, wanting his take. He was quiet, his jaw set, as he studied her intently.

“This is where you say yes,” Brayden prompted. “Or thank you.” He winked at her.

Brayden, right here at her family’s home? He was her best friend. It should be perfect. Except he was also the one man she was lusting after. Could she keep it together, keep her longing and hands to herself, to safeguard their friendship? “What about your other assignments?” she asked.

“You are the assignment. I mean the Hideaway is,” he corrected quickly. “It’s really the best solution.”

“But...” Veronica lost her train of thought, her heart hammering against her ribs. Something wild and unfamiliar flared in his dark eyes. Something raw and hot that lit a fire deep in her belly. Was he just that furious on her behalf? Or was this something else?

She wasn’t sure she was ready for the answer.

“You can be at home, go about your business, knowing the Hideaway is in good hands,” Jess said.

Which naturally drew Roni’s gaze to Brayden’s hands. Hands that had only ever touched her in the course of training or a casual game of beach volleyball or football. Through the years, there had been hugs too, but nothing like the way she was imagining being in his hands now. “Right. Y’all are self-sufficient,” she managed. “That’s good, I guess we’re set.”

“It is,” Jess agreed. “We’ll make sure no one threatens you or your sisters again.”

“Okay.” Roni looked at him, her pulse racing with a mix of fear and sudden, undeniable excitement. He was going to live at the Hideaway. He was going to protect the property that meant so much to her family.

Would he choose the room she’d once called her own? Ugh. What a high-school thought. She didn’t typically spend much time here anymore outside of her weeks to be the hostess and contact person for guests.

Like now, when Brayden was the official guest.

Dang it, now there were butterflies racing a circuit through her stomach. Ridiculous really. Brayden wouldn’t be calling for restaurant recs or anything else. She didn’t need to obsess over him. It was too weird.

“Okay,” she repeated. “Great.”

“Wonderful.” Jess beamed. “While Brayden gears up, let’s get your statement about this incident on the record.”

CHAPTER 2

Brayden watched the women go. He didn’t like leaving Veronica and Jess alone, but it was go now or leave the house empty later. Not an option after the aggressive stunt with the survey gear. Jess hadn’t been on the force for a couple of years now, but she was still as sharp and fit as ever. And he’d bet there was a gun concealed somewhere on her person.

Momentarily mollified, he decided this was an ideal time for a security sweep. Making the most of the daylight, and what was surely a temporary reprieve, he walked a circuit of the property before he headed out to get his gear.

There were no additional tracks along the beach, so he headed closer to the trees. The workers weren’t doing nature any favors, trampling palms, snapping small limbs, and crushing ferns in their quest to drive the sisters away. At least it seemed as if they’d chosen a path and stuck with it. As he picked his way along, ducking under limbs and nudging Spanish moss out of his way, he found a spot that stopped him cold.

Behind an old live oak tree was a flattened patch of ground. The ferns nearby were broken and browning and as he dropped to a knee, he spotted what amounted to a cup holder hollowed out of the ground. Someone had spent hours here, enjoying a clear view of the Hideaway.