Page 46 of Thirsty Bodyguard Summer

Her thumbs pressed against my knuckles.

“You made a bad choice that night,” she said. “You didn’t cause every bad thing that happened afterward.”

My fingers tightened around hers.

“You’re very inconvenient,” I said.

“I’m holding your hand on a secured beach. Try to appreciate the service.”

I laughed, and the sound came out uneven.

She stepped closer.

I touched the freckle beside her mouth. “Can I kiss my bodyguard on this secured beach?”

“Not while I’m working.”

“That answer lacked warmth.”

“The agent ahead has an unobstructed view.”

I tipped my chin toward him. He faced the opposite direction with admirable commitment.

“He appears focused on maritime conditions.”

“He’s pretending not to hear you.”

“I respect his professionalism.”

Cassidy’s mouth curved.

I lowered my voice. “Can I kiss you later?”

“Yes, you can.”

I smiled.

Her phone vibrated.

Cassidy released my hand and checked the screen. “It’s Rafi.”

She answered. “Go ahead.”

“I have Tracy on the line,” he said. “We found the archive administrator.”

Cassidy put the call on speaker.

Tracy’s voice came through first. “The name attached to the old archive press requests is Melanie Keene. She’s a freelance music photographer.”

Rafi continued. “The current limited-media list for High Tide Pavilion includes a Melanie Keene.”

Cassidy’s entire posture sharpened. “How strong is the connection?”

“The name and contact information match across the old press requests and the current credential application. I’m treating her as the likely sender.”

“Does her credential clear her beyond the photographer area?”

“Her approval is limited to rehearsal and concert photography. Isabel is tightening every route now.”