Page 3 of Deadly Waves

“This is a work trip, baby,” James said, slipping a stray piece of hair behind her ear. “I am going to have to do a few things. There’s going to be plenty of time for fun, though. Given the nature of the trip and the fact that I will be busy some of the time, I decided to bring everyone.”

Mandy was still confused. “Everyone?”

“Well, everyone within reason,” James conceded. “Avery is too young. He’s a baby. I talked to Mom and Dad and they’re going to take him for the rest of the week. Well, they’re going to take him as long as Emma agrees. I’m not sure she’ll want to be away from him.”

“I bet Finn talks her into it,” Mandy said, whirling around the room before turning back to him. “Do you really mean everyone?”

“I mean that Grady, Jake, Finn and myself will have work to do,” James answered, referring to his two brothers and another co-worker who made up Hardy Brothers Security. “That will not take up all of our days, though, so I will have plenty of time to spend with you. When I’m not around, you will have Sophie, Emma and … .”

James didn’t get a chance to finish because Mandy was already squealing and clapping her hands. “Ally?”

James fought the urge to smile at Mandy’s excitement. His sister Ally was often the bane of his existence, but she was also his wife’s best friend. They grew up together. James knew Mandy when he was younger, although he was far too old for her when she developed a crush on him. Chance brought them back together as adults, and while initially reluctant to get involved with a client who also happened to be his sister’s friend, James couldn’t fight Mandy’s pull. For a man who never thought he would settle down with one woman, now he couldn’t imagine ever being away from that one woman.

“Ally is going, too,” James confirmed, tilting his head when Mandy squealed again. “After leaving her out of the New Orleans trip, do you really think I would risk her wrath and leave her out of a cruise?”

“No.” Mandy hopped up and down three times before throwing her arms around James’ neck. “Thank you.”

James returned the embrace, briefly pressing his eyes shut as he basked in her warmth. “There are no thanks required, baby,” James said. “I wouldn’t have taken the job if I couldn’t bring you with me. I made that clear with the owner.”

Mandy pulled her head back. “You know you’re going to have to go back to a normal schedule eventually, right? Clint is in jail. I’m safe. I … .”

“I don’t have to do it yet,” James said, cutting her off. “I love you and refuse to be separated from you right now. A few hours is too much time to be away and I refuse to apologize for the way I feel. The owner was more than happy for us to bring all of you along for the ride. He thought it was a great idea, in fact.

“He said that we could check the security systems during the day and enjoy ourselves whenever we’re not on duty,” he continued. “He wants us to have a good time and test everything so there are no holes. He’s excited to meet you.”

“You told him about me?”

“I tell everyone about my beautiful and perfect wife,” James said.

“You’re too cute for words.” Mandy smacked a loud kiss against James’ mouth and then pulled back as she moved to put away her painting supplies. “When do we leave?”

“The day after tomorrow.” James braced himself for the screech.

“The day after tomorrow?”

“Yes.”

“James, I can’t believe you waited so long to tell me,” Mandy said, putting the caps back on the bottles. “Do you have any idea how much I have to do? I need a sheet of paper to make a list.”

James smirked. “And there’s the wife I know and love.”

Mandy ignored him. “I need to call Ally. We have some last-minute shopping to do.”

James balked. “Why do you need to go shopping?”

“Because I need a new bathing suit … and sunscreen … and summer dresses … and lingerie.”

James widened his eyes. “It’s a cruise, baby,” he said. “I think you only need the sunscreen and bathing suit.”

“That shows what you know,” Mandy scoffed. “Cruise ships have fancy dinners at night … and dancing.”

“Dancing?”

Mandy blew out a long-suffering sigh. She recognized James’ tone. “You don’t have to dance if you don’t want to.”

James grabbed Mandy’s waist and tugged her back to him even though she put up a token fight. “I’ll only dance with you, wife.” He pressed a kiss to her nose before releasing her. “Have fun shopping with my sister. Try not to be too late. I have plans for you to reward me for my surprise when you’re done.”

Mandy was bubbly when she headed toward the door, but she stilled long enough to shoot James a saucy look. “I will meet you in the hot tub at seven to celebrate,” she said. “Have the love nozzle and pizza ready.”

“And that right there is why I love you more than anything, wife.”

“Right back at you.”