Page 17 of Hidden Obsession

Mason’s cheek was rubbing against hers. “You are an amazing woman, Cleo. I’ve never met someone as resourceful, smart, and strong as you. I needed to take you in my arms because I’m in awe of you.”

Stunned by his words, she tightened her arms around him. It seemed as if she was floating, and it felt beautiful. Cleo let her eyes drift over the fairy lights, spellbound by the moment until her attention was drawn to a man at the bar looking directly at her. Tall, blond, and built, he sipped his drink, his striking blue eyes never wavering from her. Until then, she had forgotten about her stalker, but the shiver that ran down her spine as she saw something in his look and the ball of ice settling in her belly brought all her stress to the surface.

The way she tensed immediately alerted Mason, who pulled back to look at her. “Hey, Cleo. What’s going on?”

“There’s a guy at the bar watching me.”

Mason’s reaction was immediate as he turned and put himself between her and the bar, ready to defend her. Cleo’s breath seized in her lungs when the blond man got up from his chair and headed toward Mason. Cleo held on to his shirt, waiting to see what was going to happen.

Just as she thought the blond man was about to attack, he smiled, transforming him from threatening to devastatingly handsome, and he and Mason hugged, laughing as they exchanged manly back slaps.

Stunned, Cleo took a step back, trying to get her heartbeat under control.

Mason turned to her. “Cleo, I’d like you to meet Travis Vaughn, a friend and colleague from the Secret Service. Travis, this is Cleo.”

Travis’ smile was warm when he shook her hand. “A pleasure meeting you Cleo. I saw how Mason reacted, and I’m sorry. I thought it was Mason but I wasn’t sure, and that’s why I couldn’t help but stare until I was certain. It was inappropriate, and it’s obvious I scared you. Please accept my apologies, but I couldn’t believe it was Mason.”

Cleo offered a smile, reassured. “Don’t apologize, I overreacted. Let’s just say I’m a bit under pressure right now.”

Travis frowned at her and Mason, about to ask a question, when a couple bumped into him. “We better get out of the way. I didn’t mean to disturb your dance or your date.”

Mason clapped him on the shoulder. “I didn’t know you were in town. Why didn’t you call me?”

They moved toward the bar, Mason taking her hand. Cleo felt foolish for suspecting Travis. She was way too tense, and her brain was playing tricks on her. She shook off the bad feeling deciding she had overreacted.

“I’m finishing an investigation here. Tying up some loose ends. Couldn’t be side-tracked. You know how it is.”

“Why don’t you join us at our table? We’ll grab another chair.” Cleo smiled, wanting to make amends with Mason’s friend.

Travis hesitated, and Mason gave her a hard look, but Cleo squeezed his hand in confirmation. Winking at Travis, she led the way. She wanted her brain to stop feeding on fear and spending time with two dangerous men was the best way to feel safe again.

“Come on, Travis! I can’t wait for you to tell me all the dirt you have on Mason so I can tease him mercilessly about it.”