Page 37 of Thirsty Bodyguard Summer

Shane kissed me once, softer than anything that had come before it.

He eased out of me and disappeared into the bathroom. He returned with a warm washcloth, cleaned me gently, then dropped it in the hamper and climbed back onto the bed.

I reached for my tank.

He caught my wrist. “You don’t need that yet.”

“I’m getting water.”

“I’ll get it.”

“You just performed several strenuous activities.”

“So did you.”

“I was on top for part of them.”

“Exactly. You deserve room service.”

Shane returned with two cold bottles and a packet of salted crackers from the kitchenette. He handed me the water first.

I drank half of it before he opened the crackers.

“Aftercare crackers,” I said.

“They’re sophisticated.”

“They came from an SBS emergency snack kit.”

“That explains the seductive packaging.”

He held one out.

I took a bite.

Shane ate the other half, then settled beside me beneath the sheet. I rested my head against his chest while his fingers moved through my hair.

Outside, the Atlantic rolled beyond the cottages. The relief agent’s muted footsteps crossed the front path once, then faded.

“I have to call Sloane in the morning,” I said.

Shane’s fingers paused, then resumed.

“You should.”

“I’ll tell her the handoff was complete before anything happened.”

“It was.”

“She may change the coverage arrangement.”

“Will she fire you?”

“I don’t know.”

His arm drew me closer. “I don’t want this to cost you your job.”

“Then don’t ask me to hide it.”