Her Wilde Bodyguards (Wilde, Nevada 5)

She shook her head.

Kyle asked for a cheeseburger and fries.

Without a word, he walked out the door. They needed time alone. Despite how hard Gya tried to show otherwise, Aaron knew she was an amazing and wonderful woman. Once you cut through all the layers, you found she was really quite sweet and innocent.

Were it not for that little spot the doctor had found, he could’ve seen him and Kyle claiming her as their own. But that spot existed, and Kyle still deserved a chance at happiness with Gya.

I can do my job and keep her safe. Once we get the stalker, it will be time for me to step aside for good.

* * * *

As the door shut, Gya turned to Kyle. “What’s wrong with your brother?”

“I’ve noticed he’s been a little too serious lately. Once you get to know him you’ll see he’s a good guy. Just give him a chance.”

“I am giving him a chance by even being here.” She sighed. “You think I have time to clean up a bit before he gets back.”

“I’m sure you do.” He smiled. “You need me to carry anything into the bathroom for you?”

“Just hand me that small case over there. That’s all I need.”

When he did, she entered the bathroom and shut the door.

She looked at her reflection in the mirror, trying to keep her feelings in check but having a difficult time of it. The two brothers were alike in so many ways. Both were attractive. Both were trustworthy. Both were honorable. But they were also different. Kyle was warm and mischievous. Aaron was determined and serious. She was attracted to both of them. Good God, Gya. What’s wrong with you? You can’t have your cake and eat it, too.

Still, she wished it were possible to meld Kyle and Aaron into one. That would be a Frankenstein book she would enjoy being a part of, one where she would lose her heart completely to love.

But this wasn’t pretend. This was real life. Besides, one of the heroes of the story didn’t care for her one bit.

No doubt about it. Aaron doesn’t like me. That’s for certain. But I haven’t given him much to like, have I? If she were honest, she’d been on edge for a very long time.

Maybe this is a change I need.

Chapter Five

Walking between Aaron and Kyle, Gya stepped up to the wraparound porch of the country house. It looked so warm and inviting. The kind of home she wished she’d grown up in.

Aaron unlocked the door and swung it open. “After you.”

She walked inside and found the interior was just as charming as the exterior.

“Whoever designed this place has to be a lovely caring person.” Wherever her eyes landed they found soothing colors, inviting fabrics, and charming patterns. “It’s absolutely perfect. I love it.”

Kyle said, “Our mom was the designer in the family. She always had such a unique way of making everyone feel welcome the minute they walked in the door, not only with her decorating skills but with her charms. She would’ve been pleased that you liked the place.”

“This is your mother’s house?” She walked to the fireplace. On its mantel she saw several photographs. One was of Kyle graduating from high school. He looked so young. Another of Aaron, also young, holding a fishing pole with his arm around Kyle. In the middle of all the pictures was a beautiful-looking woman with long dark hair. “Is this her?”

“That’s our mom,” Kyle answered.

“Where is she? What’s she going to think when she learns you brought me here?”

“It was our mother’s house, Gya.” Aaron walked right in front of her. He towered over her, making her feel so tiny. “Our mother died several years ago. This is mine and Kyle’s house now.”

“Oh I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”

“It’s okay,” Kyle said. “Although we miss her every day, it’s less painful now.”

“There isn’t a moment that goes by that we don’t think about her.” Aaron’s tone held such reverence that it was shocking to her. The hard edge that he presented most of the time seemed to soften at the mention of his mother. “Kyle, can you take Gya to the guest room? I need to leave for a while.”