“Been there,” Rusty cut him off. “You think it’s for real?”
Bryce nodded against the phone. “Yeah. It’s for real. How can I keep a clear head like this?”
“Clear heads aren’t always the best,” Rusty said. “If you love her, your instincts will become hyperactive when she’s in danger. Would you hesitate to take a bullet for her, now that she’s more than a client?”
“I’d take a whole magazine,” Bryce said.
“I know the feeling. I can’t give you advice on the love stuff, that’s between you and her. I just hope I don’t lose you to those Mississippi guys should you decide to stay there.”
Bryce didn’t answer.
“Focus on the job. Find the guy who’s stalking her and take him out. I have no doubt you’ll get it done. We’ll talk more after.”
“Thanks, boss.”
“Just remember,” Rusty added, “Don’t rush into anything. Always keep a cool head. You can keep her safe without dying in the process, got it? If she feels the same way you do, the best thing you can do for her is to stay alive through all of this.”
Bryce chuckled. “Got it.”
“One more thing.”
“Yeah?”
“You’re still on the clock.”
“Noted,” Bryce said. He hung up and set his phone on the floor. He lay back and watched the ceiling fans whirring overhead while replaying scenes from last night in his head. Hayley’s voice startled him out of his thoughts.
“Bryce?” She asked from the stairwell.
He sat up. “How long have you been there?”
“I just woke up and you were gone.”
“I didn’t want anyone to see me come down from your room in a few hours.”
“I hoped that’s what it was,” Hayley said.
“Believe me,” Bryce said. “It was hard to leave you like that.”
“I believe you,” Hayley said. She sat on the couch beside him. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.”
Bryce took her hand. “It’s okay,” he said. “But that wasn’t a conversation I wanted you to hear.”
“I’m glad I did.” She ran her fingers up his forearm.
“I don’t want you to think I can’t do my job,” Bryce said.
“I’m not worried about that.”
“What about…” Bryce’s voice trailed. “The other thing?”
Hayley slid into his lap. He circled his arms around her waist. “I feel it too,” she admitted. “That’s why I wanted to do…what we did.” She smiled shyly, lowering her chin to hide her flushed cheeks with her hair. Bryce brushed it behind her ears and kissed her. “What now?” she asked.
Bryce tightened his arms around her. “I catch the man who tried to hurt you.”
* * *
The breakthrough came that afternoon.
