“Ah, luv, you got me all wrong. In those sweats, that’s what’s got me thinking how amazin’ it will be when we have a bit of a go at it.”
The heat from his gaze starts a fire in my cheeks. It blossoms to the top of my ears, down my neck, and zings to my core.
Gently, his palm cups my face. “As soon as you’re not my client, we’ll create enough steam to peel back the wallpap-ah.”
My tongue sticks to the roof of my dry mouth and I just stand there, staring at the audacious Australian. My eyes wander to where his unzipped hoodie shows off his amazing chest. Then, they lower to his sweat pants, hanging low on his hips. An arrow of dark hair points to his rising desire.
When our heated gaze locks, he quickly looks away and clears his throat. “Ah, I need to head outside and change places with a Suds-cicle.”
His smile leaves me wishing I had a vibrator. Dear God, he’s right. We need some distance.
Armed with a cup of coffee, I go back to my bedroom and buckle down to my thesis. Gerard has always insisted I find my own mistakes but I can’t find anything wrong. Maybe I need a new mentor. Maybehe’sthe one that can’t keep up with me.”
By the time I’m done checking my calculus, a few hours have passed and the wind has picked up. I wander into the living room where the other bodyguard is passed out on the couch in front of the weather channel.
The good news? Even the most determined of jewel thieves won’t venture out in this storm. The bad? I’m stuck for another day in this safe house with two of the sexiest men alive. One ignores me completely, the other tries to.
Just to be sure, I call the bank and get a recorded message. “Due to the storm, our branch is currently closed. We do apologize for the inconvenience. Did you know you can go online to–”
Hanging up, I check the refrigerator. The freezer is well-stocked with meat, pizza, and lasagna. In the fridge, there’s salad fixings. Clearly, we won’t starve.
Without warning, the wind howls, the house shakes, and the power goes off with a huge bang. Suds jumps to his feet, eyes wide, gun in hand.
Lochlan-the-snowman bursts into the front door and shouts, “Stand down, it’s just a tree, mate.”
After a quick nod at both of us, Suds tucks his gun back in his holster. “There’s a generator out back. I’ll start it up.”
Moments later, there’s a click. The microwave and stove controls flash and Suds comes back inside.
He powers off the TV and all but one light in the kitchen. “There’s only one tank of gas. We’ll need to conserve.”
He exchanges a knowing look with Lochlan and says, “We need to talk. Privately.”
“Excuse us, luv.” Lochlan motions Suds into the kitchen and after a moment, I follow close enough to listen in.
“Just be nice to her, mate, that’s all I’m askin’.”
“Lucky, pal, what the hell’s gotten into you?”
“Nothing.”
“You’re acting like a love-struck puppy. We’re here to guard the woman not have a fucking sleepover. I don’t know about y’all, but I need this job and Patten’s pretty clear about sleeping with the client.”
“He also says we need to make nice with these rich blokes so he can get more work. I’m not asking you to be her best mate, just be civil.”
“So, this is my fault, is it?”
“Bloody hell right it is.” He puts on his coat and slams the door as my chest tightens.
Is that all I am? His public relations? Tears well but I swallow them back. Damn him. In my game, two strikes and you’re out.
Shit, shit, shit. To think I was ready to jump into bed with him. Haven’t I learned anything at all in my life? From this point on, no more foolishness.
I am so much better than this.
After the surlier of the two bodyguards comes back into the living room, I sit next to him on the couch. “So, Suds, is that your real name?”
“What do you think?” He eyes me as if I were the enemy.
