Page 8 of Thirsty Bodyguard Summer

“Thank you, Mr. Hart.”

“I appreciate you bringing it.”

He made room before she had to ask. I took a longer drink of water than I needed.

After lunch, Shane pulled the white T-shirt over his head. The hem caught for a second, showing another strip of hard muscle before dropping into place. Thin cotton covered his chest, stretched across his upper back, and clung to skin still damp from the humidity.

It wasn’t the security improvement I’d hoped for.

Shane caught me looking and gave me a slow grin.

“Do shirts improve security?”

“They improve my chances of moving you through the lobby without starting an incident.”

“That wasn’t what I asked.”

“It was the answer you’re getting.”

Tracy closed her eyes briefly. “I’m going to spend the next three days pretending I can’t hear either of you.”

“You’re the one who hired her,” Shane said.

“I hired the company. Cassidy is an unexpected bonus.”

Before Shane could answer, Rafi’s voice sounded through my earpiece.

“Cassidy, I need you on the secure channel.”

I stepped toward the front window and lowered my voice. “I’m listening.”

“Carlos confirmed the striped patio cushions weren’t set outside until yesterday morning,” Rafi said. “The shot was taken after that, and the camera angle gives a direct view into the main room.”

I tightened my grip on the water bottle.

“Any indication the photographer left the island?”

“No. Until we know otherwise, assume they’re still nearby and still watching.”

“I understand.”

I ended the transmission and turned.

Shane set his water bottle on the counter.

“What changed?” he asked.

“Whoever took the shot could see into the main room.”

Tracy lowered her phone. “So they could’ve been watching inside.”

“Yes.”

I crossed to the glass doors and pulled one curtain edge aside by two inches. Through the narrow gap, I saw the sea-grape hedge, the public beach access, and the opening that matched the camera angle.

From there, the kitchen counter and sitting area were fully visible. Shane stood in the center of that view.

I let the curtain fall and stepped between him and the glass.