Page 94 of Missile Strike

Isabella followed them to the door, lingering to watch through the glass as the Mustang backed out of the driveway. When it disappeared down the street, she turned and contemplated her babysitter.

Tavari was taller than Danny, with black hair cropped close to his head in natural curls and a short, neatly trimmed beard and goatee. His light blue-gray eyes were striking against his tawny skin, but what caught her attention was the way they seemed to notice everything around him.

According to Danny, he and Tavari had served on the same SEAL team. She desperately wanted to quiz him, but he seemed like the kind of guy who held secrets better than Fort Knox and wasn’t one for casual conversation.

“Danny asked me to stay close,” he said. “If you need anything, just say the word.”

She gave him a polite nod. “Thank you.”

Talia would arrive soon. Between her temporary bodyguard and her friend, she wouldn’t have time to dwell on the cliff she’d just jumped off with Danny.

Chapter Twenty-Two

The doorbell rang. Trip barked and bounded to the door, his tail a windmill of joy.

Tavari was already on his feet, the former SEAL sniper crossing the room before Isabella could move.

She darted after him. “It’s my friend, Talia—I’m expecting her.”

Blue-gray eyes stared down at her with a hint of suspicion. “Danny didn’t tell me you were expecting company.”

“I didn’t tell him. He has more important things to focus on than whether my best friend drops by.”

When Tavari didn’t move, she huffed and reached around him for the doorknob.

“I don’t think—” he began.

“It’s fine.” She squared her shoulders and held her ground. “He’s met Talia.”

With obvious reluctance, Tavari stepped to the side, still keeping his body angled toward the door as she opened it.

Dark clouds gathered in the distance, punctuated by a low rumble of thunder as Talia stood on her doorstep, dressed in a short black skirt and sleeveless brick-red wrap top that complemented the olive undertones of her skin.

“Bagels and cream cheese, as promised.” She held up a brown paper bag.

Her attention shifted over Isabella’s shoulder to Tavari. She tipped her head, openly appraising him. “And who is this? Did you trade Danny in for a hotter model?”

Isabella took the paper sack and waved her friend inside. “This is Tavari. He works with Danny. Don’t embarrass him.”

“Me? Embarrass someone?” Talia patted Trip on the head, then fluffed her auburn hair as she cranked her neck back to stare up at Tavari. “Am I embarrassing you by saying that you are the epitome of tall, dark, and handsome?”

Poor Tavari. Isabella didn’t know whether to laugh or cringe. Subtlety was not one of Talia’s strengths.

Tavari went still, a hint of color darkening his cheeks. He looked at Isabella as if expecting her to save him.

“Come on.” Taking Talia’s hand, she tugged her toward the kitchen. “Bagels and coffee first, then we’ll go upstairs and leave Tavari alone.”

Talia had the good sense to keep quiet while they prepared the bagels, offering one to Tavari before they took their mid-morning snack and climbed the stairs to the second floor.

“Do you know who he looks like?” Talia stage-whispered the moment Isabella closed her bedroom door. “That hot guy from the Fast and Furious franchise.” Her forehead furrowed, then her face lit up. “Slap Jack—that was the character’s name. Only the cutie downstairs is way taller.”

Isabella settled onto the bed, balancing her plate on her knees. Heat crept through her as memories of what she’d done with Danny here last night flooded her. The sheets still smelled like him. “I have no idea who you are talking about.”

Talia laughed as she fluffed pillows to prop up her back. “I see I have some work to do expanding your horizons, that’s all.” She patted Isabella’s leg. “Tell me what’s been going on since that man accosted you at the bank. Have they found him yet?”

“Danny hasn’t said anything.” Isabella pursed her lips. “I don’t think so—he’s not letting me out of his sight. Except today, and well…” She pointed toward her bedroom door. “You see I have company.”

“So,” Talia drawled. “Your hottie bodyguard is all protective and macho.” She gestured to the romance novel on Isabella’s nightstand. “Get any ideas?”