“Oh, because you work for her,” he mused. “You protect her as well as you do because you love her. Your job won’t change one bit if you enter a relationship with her.”
I shook my head. “Call me old fashioned, but it goes against my principles to date my boss.”
“How about this? You quit and work for me,” he suggested.
“I can’t quit and leave Jacquelyn without a head of security.”
He laughed. “I didn’t mean it like that. I meant, I’ll talk to Mom’s lawyer and have a few things shuffled around so the security payments come from my inheritance, not from any of her funds.”
“She would still be my client,” I argued.
“No, I would be your client. Yes, you would be guarding her, but you wouldn’t be employed by her.” He shrugged. “Yes, it’s a technicality, but like I said, I’ve seen the way you look at her, and the way she looks at you.” I opened my mouth to respond, but he continued, “Just think about it, and know you have my blessing.”
“I’ll give it some thought,” I told him. And I would, once Jacquelyn’s holiday project was complete.
My eyes had never strayed from Jacquelyn the entire time I was speaking with her son. She was helping Gabby paint one of the sheds like a gingerbread house. When she started to climb a ladder that was precariously leaning against the shed, I sprang into action. “Please excuse me,” I called over my shoulder as I nearly jogged to Jacquelyn.
She was halfway up the ladder when it wobbled and started sliding to the right. She lost her balance and fell backward, right into my arms.
“Ronan!” she gasped.
“Are you okay?” I asked as I placed her on her feet, leaving my hands on her waist to make sure she was steady.
“Yes, I think so,” she said with her hand over her heart.
“Let me help you next time,” I said softly, acutely aware that I was still touching her.
She visibly swallowed and nodded her head, never once breaking eye contact. “Okay,” she almost whispered.
“Gigi!” Gabby shouted. “I’m finished!”
“Oh, that’s wonderful, sweetie! Why don’t you go around and see if anyone needs some water or a snack before we start on the other side?”
“Okay, Gigi,” Gabby said and darted away.
“I wish I had her energy,” Jacquelyn said.
“You seem to be doing just fine,” I murmured through a small grin.
Her eyes returned to mine and her breath caught. I couldn’t resist any longer and slowly leaned in to finally capture her lips with my own.
“Mrs. Marks!” Seth called, causing Jacquelyn to break away like a teenager caught in the act. “Another delivery truck just arrived. Looks like it might be the ice-skating rink.”
Instead of allowing her to escape the charged moment, I took her hand in mine and pulled her along with me. “Let’s show them where it goes.”
She fell into step beside me, carrying herself with the grace she always did, regardless of the situation. When we strolled past the shed Jacob and Keegan were painting, Jacob didn’t seem to notice us, but I saw his lips turn up in a smile.
When we reached the truck, I pointed out the markers we’d placed earlier and explained how we wanted the rink set up. The truck driver cocked his head to the side. “I’m just here to make a delivery.”
“What?” Jacquelyn exclaimed. “I was under the impression it would be delivered and installed.”
The man held his hand up with his palms out. “I’m sorry, lady. I just do what I’m told. Do you want to accept the delivery?”
She sighed. “Yes, I do.”
“Sign here, please,” he said and handed her a clipboard and pen.
“Is something wrong?” Jacob asked.
