AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The difference between him and Boo? Rylan wasn’t going there. Not know. But, unlike him, the poor bird hadn’t done anything to deserve this.
“You’re right. Even if he never finds another love interest, he needs company.” He knelt next to Bree. “I’ll call the local rescue center and see if they have a lonely female goose they can send us.”
“Also, maybe the creek is too much for him right now. He’s weak and depressed.” She kissed the top of Boo’s head. “Why don’t we move him close to the house and get him a kiddie pool? It’ll be more interesting for him there.”
“Good thinking,” Rylan said. “Looks like you’re going to be an asset around here.”
She turned to look at him over her shoulder. “Don’t get used to it. I’m not planning on sticking around.”
Chapter 11
Bree had called Trey and given him detailed instructions for where to find the gown she wanted for the charity gala. When she ended the call to her brother, Rylan had quirked a brow at her.
“Did I just hear you give the sheriff coordinates?”
“Not quite.” She had squirmed slightly under his amused stare. “I have a lot of dresses in my closet.”
True to his word, Trey had dropped off her gown earlier that day, staying only to let them know—in a frustrated tone—that he had no more leads on the case. He had said he would see them both later.
Now, as Bree stepped into the family room, dressed for the swanky function, Rylan sucked in a breath. “Those numbers you gave Trey?”
Her fingers plucked at her skirt as she returned his gaze. “Yes?”
“Totally worth every digit.”
Her shoulders lowered as some of the tension went out of her frame. The full-length evening gown was a deep rose pink, a shade that complemented her tawny coloring. High-necked in front, the back swooped low. The bodice was tightly fitted, the skirt flowing out from the waist in an A-shape. Her curls were piled on top of her head, and she wore diamond drops in her ears.
The whole effect took his breath away. Even more than usual.
“You don’t look so bad yourself.” She indicated his designer tux.
He gripped his lapels. “Standard item in any bodyguard’s wardrobe.”
Bree picked up her purse and wrap. “Have you worked for many famous people?”
“Yeah. But it’s confidential.” He tapped the side of his nose, then mentioned a couple of names.
“Really?” Bree turned to look at him as they walked out to the car. “Wow. Is he as handsome as he appears on screen? And what about her? There are rumors that she can be difficult. Are they true?”
He spent the journey recounting stories of his celebrity clients and answering Bree’s questions. “This is all top secret, you understand.”
“Of course.” She was half turned in her seat to face him, delicious wafts of her floral perfume tantalizing his senses. “Besides, I’m not sure I believe any of it.”
Rylan placed a hand over his heart. “You wound me, Bree.” He laughed. “Especially because some of it is true.”
“Like the story about the famous actress who made you cook her dinner with your eyes closed because she was having a bad hair day?”
“That may have been an exaggeration.” He took his eyes off the road for a second, catching a glimpse of her smile. It warmed him all over. “She made me wear shades.”
Bree gave a gurgle of laughter. “Admit it. You just can’t be trusted to tell the truth.”
As soon as she said the words, the atmosphere changed. The easy, companionable mood they had been enjoying was gone. In its place, tension rose between them like a brick wall. Would it always be that way? Given what had happened, it was hard to see how it could be otherwise.
Rylan drove past the edge of Roaring Springs, taking the secluded valley road that led to The Chateau. Although he had never been there, he had heard of its history. Once known as the Gilford Springs Hotel, it had been renovated and expanded into a world-class hotel. A well-known spring ran through the back of the property, and an old 1920s bathhouse had been fully converted into a five-star spa. Marketed by the Colton family as a “little piece of France,” it was a haven for the rich and famous, a place to get away from the paparazzi.
