Tabitha sent him a thumbs-up emoji followed by a red heart because yes, she was smitten. She then texted Cailín, letting her know they were ready and to respond when she was a few minutes away. The two of them carried their own luggage down to the first floor, since the hotel staff was aware of who was staying in their suite. They passed several members of the film crew in the lobby, and not one of them paid any attention to the two females. Cailín was waiting under the portico, butshe didn’t get out, pretending to be a ride share driver. Tabitha had shared her plan with Trista so the woman wouldn’t be surprised to see Cailín behind the wheel. After stowing their bags in the trunk, they got into the back seat.
Tabitha buckled up as Cailín pulled away from the hotel. “I appreciate you doing this.”
Cailín bobbed her head. “Nothing but a thing. I borrowed Papa’s car to be on the safe side. He and Dad are waiting with my car. I figured you could drive it, and I’ll retrieve yours from the parking garage.”
Like Tabitha, Cailín had more than one vehicle at home. When on a job, they drove the more practical sedans, but they had been taught defensive driving as teens, and there wasn’t one of her Clan who didn’t like fast cars. Anthony had his Corvette, while Tabitha had opted for an Audi. They both had Harleys, having grown up riding with their parents.
Cailín glanced at Trista in the rearview mirror. “How do you like the prosthetic?”
“It’s amazing. We walked past several of the crew on the way through the lobby, and no one looked twice at us. I’ve asked Tabitha to make me one to keep. Don’t get me wrong. I’m grateful for this life I have, but sometimes I want to go out for coffee or dinner and not be bombarded with people recognizing me.”
Cailín bobbed her head. “We know a famous artist who uses a fake name for that reason. Only close family members are aware of his identity. He never goes to art showings so that he can keep his anonymity.”
“Anyone I know?” Trista asked.
“Rico Di. Have you heard of him?”
“Who hasn’t? I have several of his paintings. I’vealways imagined him to be this hot Italian who lives on a secluded island, surrounded by dozens of women in skimpy swimsuits.”
“Yep, that’s him all right,” Cailín lied. She pulled into a parking garage and drove to the top floor where there were few cars. Cailín parked next to her Genesis, and her two dads climbed out. Cailín popped the trunk, and Jasper grabbed their bags, putting them in the trunk of their borrowed vehicle.
Trevor held his arms open to Tabitha. “Come on, bring it in.”
“How the hell did you deduce which one of us was me?”
“You think I wouldn’t recognize one of my girls by the way you carry yourself? It’s like you don’t even know me.”
Tabitha stepped into Trevor’s hug. “I do know you, and I love you bunches.”
“Not as much as I love you,” Trevor responded as he always did.
Jasper wrapped her up tight when Trevor let go. “Good to see you, Tabby.”
“You too, Uncle Jas.” He wasn’t technically her uncle, but having grown up spending so much time at their home, she loved him as if he were. “Okay, we need to get on the road.” Tabitha dug her key fob out of her purse and handed it to Cailín.
“Text me when you get settled at the new place,” Cailín said.
“Will do.” She and Trista climbed into Cailín’s car, and after inputting the address into the GPS, they were off. Just a few hours, and then she’d get to see Major again.I can be professional. I can be professional.
“There’s no way in hell those two men are Cailín’s dads. What are they? Late thirties? Early forties?”
“Nah, they’re older than they look, but Jasper is biologically Cailín’s brother. He adopted her when she was a baby.”
“Oh, that makes more sense.”
Tabitha was glad she didn’t have to lie to the woman, but she would to keep their secret.
Chapter 3
The only thingMajor disliked about his job was trading in his worn jeans and leather boots for a suit. Normally, he wouldn’t dress up for a security job, but he needed to blend in with the other guests at the hotel instead of looking like a biker. It was almost noon when he strode into the Heritage Hotel, bypassing the front desk. After the text from Tabitha stating she was taking her client to the rental near Stone Mountain, Major reached out to Daniel Kilbrook, Craig’s manager and uncle, who gave Major the address to where they would be staying. While waiting on his flight, he researched the rental, which was an eight bed, six bath home on the lake. It was in a gated community, but that was easy enough to bypass with water access. He and Tabitha would need to be diligent. Being shifters would help.
Major rode the elevator to the twelfth floor, turning left once the doors opened. Upon reaching the suite at the end of the hall, the guard-less suite, Major knocked, then clasped his hands in front of him. He had texted a photo of himself to Daniel so the man knew what he looked like.
The door opened, and at first glance, Major thought it was Craig standing there. “Mr. Lazlo, please come in. I’m Daniel Kilbrook.” Daniel stepped back, allowing Major to enter the suite. Craig Kilbrook, who sat on oneof the sofas in the living area, stood as Major approached. If Major didn’t already know the two were related, he would have assumed so by how much they resembled one another. The Kilbrook genes were strong with Daniel appearing closer to Craig’s age than old enough to be an uncle. Maybe he was a late in life baby.
“Mr. Lazlo, thank you for flying in.” Craig held out his hand.
Major shook it, careful of his shifter strength. “Please, call me Major. Where’s the other security specialist?”
