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Nick grinned.
“We’re going to sit on the couch, and I’m going to comment on your ring needing to be sized. You have to pretend to take it off and drop it. When I bend down to pick it up—”
“You’ll pretend to see the device he planted!”
“Exactly, then I’ll scare the crap out of him.”
“You’re a genius,” she exclaimed, abruptly throwing her arms around his neck.
“But before we do that, we need to put on a little show,” he said, more than happy to hug her again. “You’re my fiancée. Matt and Tony have to believe that.”
“We’re going to fool around?”
“That’s how we’ll start the charade. Matt will hear how happy we are to see each other,” Nick replied with a wink. “You can make lots of oohs and aahs, and say yes or no, but otherwise don’t talk.”
“This will be fun,” she said with a grin, then suddenly frowned. “That guy is such a bastard.”
“I know. Are you okay?”
“Yeah, sorry, I’m fine,” she replied. “Let’s do it.”
Putting his arm around her waist, they moved into the living room, and though it wasn’t necessary for the microphone, he couldn’t resist pulling her into his lap as they settled on the couch.
“Damn, Kitty, I’m so glad you’re finally here,” he murmured, savoring the feel of her body against his.
“I’ve missed you,” she murmured breathlessly, then brushing her lips over his in a soft, tender kiss, she pulled back and whispered, “I’m really happy to be here with you.”
He paused.
She was staring into his eyes.
She’d meant every word.
Sliding his hand into her short, glossy hair, he tugged it back and stared at her intently.
“Did you get the ring sized?” he asked, raising his voice.
“No, look,” she answered, then quickly added, “oops.”
“Kitty! You dropped it! Don’t wear it again until it fits. Climb off my lap and sit down. I’ll find it, though this rug is so thick,” he muttered as he looked under the table and pried off the listening device. “Sonofabitch, someone is spying on us.”
“No!” Bianca exclaimed convincingly.
“Ah, of course, I know exactly who’s behind this,” he declared, feigning a sudden awareness. “Hey, Matteus Anderson,” he yelled, holding the tiny device close to his mouth. “You put this bug in here while I was swimming. I’m warning you, steer clear of my fiancée and me. If I see you, I’ll make your nose flatter than it already is, and I don’t give a shit if you are a cop. This home has security cameras. I bet if I look I’ll see you breaking in and creeping around the place. I’ll be more than happy to turn it over to the local authorities. Excuse me, Kitty,” he continued, rising to his feet. “I’m going to fetch your suitcase from the garage, and I’ll smash this fucking thing with a hammer while I’m there.”
* * *
When Bianca had stepped from the car and Nick had walked toward her, she’d been mesmerized. His tousled hair looked ridiculously sexy, and he’d been wearing only a pair of swimming trunks, just as he had been when she’d waded to shore and begged for his help. She’d wanted to sink against his washboard stomach, lean her head into one of his wide shoulders, and feel his muscled arms tighten around her. The short scene on the couch had tantalized her even more. Jumping to her feet, she hurried after him, walking into the garage just in time to see him place the device on the ground and stomp on it.
“That should do it,” he declared, looking up at her as she approached. “I’ll get your bag.”
“Nick,” she began, moving up behind him as he reached for the suitcase, “will you please hold me for a minute?”
Turning around, he smiled down at her. “Sure, I’m always good for a hug,” he replied, opening his arms. “Are you nervous?”
“Not anymore,” she replied with a sigh, “but…”
“But what?”
