Ashley turned to him, a smile plastered on her face. “This is Josh Williams. My fiancé.”
“A secret engagement? Why?”
Josh set their bags at his feet and slipped his arm around her waist. Ashley leaned into him a fraction, relieved by his presence.
“Should I answer?” he whispered.
She nodded.
“Because I’ve been overseas and haven’t been home for long. Just long enough to pop the question.” He grinned and leaned in to kiss her cheek. Her skin prickled. Every one of his touches had her pulse racing, her nerve endings at high alert. Her nipples pulled tight, and she was fiercely glad of her polka-dot scarf. With her day compressed because of this flight to Wellington, she still hadn’t purchased new lingerie.
“When are you getting married?” The young brunette shouted, bouncing on her toes so Ashley could see her. “Have you set a date?”
“Not yet. Ashley is busy with the upcoming election,” Josh said. “Now, if you’ll excuse us. I’ve organized a special dinner for my lady, and we’re going to be late if we chat much longer.”
Josh picked up their bags and ushered her from the airport.
They’d already discussed getting a cab into the city, and with Josh at her side, procuring a taxi was straightforward. Josh urged her inside. After placing the luggage in the trunk, he slid in beside her.
“We’re having dinner?” she asked when the cab pulled away from the curb.
“We are, but that’s all I’m telling you. I meant it to be a surprise.”
Ashley sighed. “I hate to sound ungrateful, but I was looking forward to an early night. I thought I’d have a shower, jump in bed, and catch up on reading before tomorrow’s meeting.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem.”
“I’d hoped to have time to go shopping today.”
“Give me a list of what you want, and I’ll go shopping while you’re at your meeting.”
“I… No.”
Josh clasped her hand, squeezing in a silent demand for her to glance in his direction. “My job is to help you. You’re busy. We’ll have a receipt and can exchange pieces that don’t work for you.”
“I’ll consider it.”
“I have excellent taste.”
“And a big head,” she said sweetly.
Josh laughed.
“We could’ve stayed at the flat.”
“No, a hotel is better this time. It’s best if we shake up your routine. We don’t want to be predictable. It makes your stalker’s job easy. Have you received any correspondence while you’ve been in Wellington?”
“No, everything has arrived at the electoral office.”
“So we can presume your stalker lives in Auckland. If that changes, we’ll have another string to follow.”
Ashley hated the idea of someone watching her, and she must’ve made a sound because Josh’s hand tightened on hers again.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart. Wewillcatch this guy.”
The cab dropped them off in the hotel foyer, and Josh took control. It was nice having someone to take charge when she normally had to do everything herself. And for once, she wasn’t continually glancing over her shoulder.
“Come on.” Josh let the staff commandeer their luggage and clasped her hand. He led her to reception and took care of that too.
