Page 76 of Thirsty Bodyguard Summer

Her hand settled over mine.

Outside the fenced patio, palms moved in the warm breeze. The inn had returned to its normal Sunday sounds: rolling suitcases, children calling across the path, and carts carrying towels toward the beach.

The detail officially ended at ten.

It was nine forty-seven.

I’d checked twice.

Cassidy turned in my arms.

“You checked the clock again.”

“I was being subtle.”

“You’ve never been subtle.”

I let my hands remain at her waist.

“When the detail ends, are you walking out that door and turning me back into a former client?”

Her fingers tightened against my shirt.

“No.”

I searched her face. “No?”

“I don’t want this to end today.”

I laughed.

Cassidy raised her eyebrows. “I wasn’t trying to be funny.”

“It wasn’t. I’ve spent the last hour preparing a very persuasive speech.”

“You were asleep twenty minutes ago.”

“I can prepare while unconscious.”

“I’ve heard you talk in your sleep. Preparation wasn’t happening.”

“What did I say?”

“You objected to a lighting cue.”

“That sounds important.”

She smiled, but her eyes remained serious.

“I meant what I said,” she told me. “I want you after the assignment.”

I drew her closer.

“What does that look like to you?”

Cassidy glanced toward the patio, then back at me.

“I don’t know yet.”