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Colt clears his throat, but they don’t immediately pull apart. They’re lost in their own little world. I know the newlyweds recently returned from their honeymoon in Europe and that Mrs. Dash Slater is already expecting. However, I don’t think they were expecting us quite this soon.
“Do I need to grab the hose?” Eden teases.
“I think we’re already wet enough,” Dash murmurs wickedly, his teal eyes drifting down his wife’s body.
“Dash!” Lake hisses, face turning red. He reaches for her hand, twining his long fingers through hers, and again, I feel a stab of longing.
“How are you, Ivy?” Dash asks, finally dragging his eyes off his wife and pulling her into his lap.
If Dash Slater were an actor, he’d easily be cast as the next James Bond. His designer navy suit fits him to perfection and with his coal black hair and teal eyes ringed in indigo, he’s a step above swoonworthy.
Yet as handsome as Dash is, I find my attention drawn to the lanky smooth-talker with the shit-eating grin who wears worn jeans, a slightly beat-up brown bomber jacket and mirrored aviator shades. Right now, those sunglasses hang from the neckline of his plain white t-shirt and I can’t help but notice the way his chest expands the soft cotton.
Licking my lips, I remind myself why I shouldn’t be focusing on Finn and turn back to Dash. “I’ve been better.”
“Fallon filled me in and, rest assured, we’ll find out exactly what’s going on and keep you safe.”
“Until the situation is handled with those men, Ivy can stay with me.”
The lump in my throat nearly chokes me and I look over at Finn. But before I can say no, everyone nods in agreement to his ludicrous statement.
There is no way in hell I can stay alone with Finn at his bungalow and not succumb to his charms.
Absolutely no freaking way.
Chapter Five: Finn
“I don’t mind staying in a hotel,” Ivy says. The moment the words are out of her mouth, I spear her with a look that should clearly translate asfuck, no.
“Not an option,” I respond, just in case she misinterpreted my look.
When her hands go to her hips, I brace myself for the fight I know is coming. I didn’t get any sleep last night and if she starts arguing, I’m going to get cranky. But Lake smoothly jumps in and placates us both with her firm, but steady voice of reason. I can see why she’s a teacher.
“It makes the most sense,” Lake says evenly. “You’re in trouble, Ivy, and instead of someone playing bodyguard 24/7, they’re going to be better utilized tracking down the bad guys after you. And if Finn needs to fly the team anywhere, you can go with him.”
Ivy seems to be considering her words then slowly nods. “I don’t want anyone to have to babysit me and be taken away from their work.”
“I won’t be,” I tell her. “You’re not staying alone and if I have a trip then you come with me.”
I know I’m coming off as bossy, and I don’t care. She needs to understand the seriousness of the situation and stay under Slater Security protection. Stay undermyprotection.
“Fine,” she finally relents, but she’s still eyeing me warily and I hate it. The desire to gain her trust is creating a deep-seated need within me. I want those kaleidoscope eyes looking at me the way they did when we first met. Open, curious, flirty and then turning dark with passion.
But that all changed when she got scared off. I remember the exact moment when those multi-colored flames in her gorgeous eyes fizzled and burned out. Wariness and a cool, distant look replaced the initial fire. I have no idea what exactly Kennedy said, but it still pisses me off.
No use crying about it, though. What’s done is done. I need to flip the situation around. Put some work into gaining her trust. Right now I have the home court advantage, and I’m going to make the most of this opportunity alone with Ivy.
My stomach rumbles and I glance down at my kickass, overpriced watch before looking back up at her. “Well, that particular alarm means I’m about to miss breakfast. And I do not like to miss the most important meal of the day. Hungry?” She gives me a little nod. “Let’s get you some food then. Guys…” I look over the team and say, “find those fuckers.”
“Roger that,” Fallon responds. “Hopefully Ryan will get us names today so we can check them out and get back to you.”
With a nod, I turn toward Ivy, tossing the small duffel bag of clothes the girls put together for her over my shoulder. “C’mon. There’s a place by my bungalow that has the best breakfast food.” As we walk out of Dash’s office, I can’t help but notice a few sly grins. I ignore them.
The only smile I want to see is from the woman who’s refusing to give me one.
We take the elevator back down to the garage and, once again, Ivy is quiet. “You okay?” I ask, trying to get a read on her.
She nods, but something seems off. “Just hungry and tired.” She hesitates then adds, “I don’t want to put you out, Finn. Your place isn’t that big and the last thing I want to do is interrupt your life and your, uh, you know…” Her voice trails off awkwardly.
