“Lesson?” My furrowed brow melts as realization dawns. “Oh.Thaaatlesson.”
How could I forget?
I sneak in one last kiss before a knock at the door drags me away. Lila trails me into the living room and peeks around me as I open the front door.
“Morning,” I offer in greeting to the petite but formidable woman standing in the doorway.
She reacts as expected, jaw gaping and eyes turning to saucers. “Holy sh—” Cutting herself off, she snaps her lips closed, pressing them into a thin line.
“I take it they didn’t tell you about this.” I gesture at my face.
The one that’s nearly identical to one of her fellow bodyguard’s. Because he’s my biological brother.
“Sorry for my reaction. Mia said you were—” Like before, she stops herself mid-sentence. “Never mind. None of my business. I’m here to do a job, and I’ll do it well.”
Confidently, she thrusts her hand forward. “I’m Kri Dayton-Collins with Redleg Security.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Special Agent Reed Hayes.” I shake her hand, objectively impressed by her firm grip. She isn’t trying to wrestle me into submission with a death squeeze, nor is her hand a limp noodle. “Thanks for coming so quickly.”
As soon as I usher her inside, Lila’s there with bells on. Metaphorically.“Hi, I’m Lila. I’mthrilledto meet you. Seriously, I’m tickled about this.”
“Well, that’s a nice change of pace. Not sure anyone’s ever beentickledto see me.” Kri offers her hand to Lila, smile affable and eyes assessing. “Most people find the idea of a bodyguard hanging around a bit uncomfortable.”
Lila takes Kri’s hand eagerly, clasping it between both of hers and bobbing it wildly as if it’s on a trampoline.
Kri’s returning smile isn’t as bright as Lila’s. I’d be concerned if it was, though. Lila’s expression is bordering on manic at this point. And she seems unwilling to let the guard’s hand go, even when it gets awkward.
Which happened about fivelongseconds ago.
I guide Lila away from Kri with a graze of my hand on her forearm.
My cookie turns her gorgeous brown eyes on me, her cheeks flashing crimson. “I guess I’m a tad nervous after all.”
Cringing, she whips her focus to the newcomer and rambles. “Sorry. I’ve never had a bodyguard. Let alone a tough-looking female one. I’m impressed, that's all.” She pumps her fist in the air awkwardly. “Girl power. And IpromiseI’m not normally this weird.”
I fucking love this hot mess.
Lila takes two large steps backward, figuratively exiting the interaction. Under her breath, she mumbles, “Be cool. Be cool.”
The professional facade ofKri the bodyguardcracks slightly, and she gives Lila a reassuring grin to hide her chuckle. “You’rein good hands, Lila. No need to be nervous. I do this every day. Even when I’m not working.”
Although I’m curious about what Kri means by that, there isn’t time for chitchat. Andrews has been downstairs for about fifteen minutes, patiently waiting. We’re riding together to Cocoa for ourGroundhog Daymoment.
“I need to go,” I announce. “Kri, I’m sure Lila can show you around and make you comfortable. I assume my instructions were passed on to you. Did you have any questions?”
“Yes, I received your instructions. We’ll stay here unless we get compromised. I’ve got my sidearm, and I assure you I know how to use it. The security personnel in the building already know I’m on the premises. I gave the guard downstairs my direct number, and I have yours as well. My partner’s name is Aaron, and he’s already patrolling the lobby and will rotate through the parking garage. Security is aware of his presence and cell number as well.As of now, we’re officially on lockdown. Rest assured, your witness is safe with us.”
“So cool,” Lila whispers from somewhere behind me.
I swipe my keys and trudge toward the door like I’m wearing concrete boots. Before I can make myself grab the doorknob, I glance at Lila. “You good?”
“I’m better than good.” Her sugary smile could give me a toothache. “Weren’t you listening? She does this every day. I’m probably safer with her than I am with you. No offense.”
“None taken,” I lie, one brow arched in harmless accusation.
With an adorable roll of her eyes, Lila humors me with a bullshit apology. No vocal inflection. “Sorry. You’re the greatest protector of all time. How dare I suggest otherwise?” She gives me a nervous half-arm wave. “See ya later. Be careful. Love you. Bye.”
Even if I was actually irritated, I couldn’t stay mad at her. “Love you too.”
