Page 22 of Thirsty Bodyguard Summer

“That’s correct.”

I checked the path again. A couple in matching sun hats passed the far opening with a cooler between them. Neither glanced toward us.

We didn’t need a long discussion. The patio couldn’t be made private without closing a public route, and the person who’d left the envelope knew our schedule well enough to arrive while we were at High Tide.

I pressed my earpiece. “Sloane, I recommend relocation.”

“I agree,” she said. “Rafi has the secure cottage ready. Exterior coverage is moving now.”

“Carlos will restrict keys and staff access.”

“I’ve already pulled the housekeeping assignment,” Carlos said. “I’ll handle entry myself if the cottage needs anything.”

“Thank you.”

Rafi rose with the sealed evidence. “I’ll take this to the vehicle. You move Shane through the interior corridor.”

I opened the patio door.

Shane stood exactly where I’d left him, although he’d folded his arms across his chest in a way that stretched his tank over every muscle I didn’t need to notice.

“We’re moving you,” I said.

He nodded. “Tell me where.”

I crossed the room and stopped in front of him.

“Are you feeling all right?”

“I’m not the one whose picture got left with a threat.”

“The demand is still directed at you.”

“The photographer framed your hand like you belonged to me.”

My breath caught.

I kept my voice even. “The photographer cropped out the reason I was touching you. That doesn’t change the reason.”

“I know why you touched me.”

His blue eyes dropped to my mouth.

My skin prickled beneath my deep-teal tank.

I stepped back before proximity became another problem we had to relocate.

“You have five minutes to pack what you need tonight. An agent will collect the rest after the first cottage is cleared.”

“I can be ready in three.”

“You don’t receive a prize.”

“Do I receive another approving nod?”

“You received one this morning. Don’t get greedy.”

A trace of his grin returned. “That nod has been carrying me through a difficult day.”