Her Wilde Bodyguards (Wilde, Nevada 5)

“I’m great, now that you’re here.”

“Really?”

“Of course. I missed you.”

“I missed you, too, but you seem…different somehow.”

“I do?”

Kyle grinned. “Gya, she’s surprised that you hugged her. I’m betting that isn’t normal for you. It’s good to see you, Stephanie. Welcome to Wilde.”

They shook hands, and he took her luggage.

“Is that true, Steph? Do I seem different to you?”

“He’s right. You’re not one to give hugs.”

“Well, I do now. So both of you get used to it.”

Stephanie smiled. “I like them.” And she gave her a hug back. “Where is your brother, Kyle?”

“He’s meeting with Sheriff Champion.”

“This is a beautiful place,” Stephanie said. “I’m s

urprised a grand hotel like this is in such a small town. How old is it?”

“About a year old,” Kyle said. “I used to work at the original Cactus, which burned. It was over a hundred years old. My Aunt Maude owned it and wanted to restore it to its original glory. It’s identical in every way.”

Stephanie nodded her approval. “Well, it’s definitely impressive.”

Maude was behind the counter. “I’ve got your room ready, Miss Parker. I hope you will be comfortable during your stay here. Kyle, would you mind taking her luggage up to the Presidential Suite?”

“Not at all. It’s like old times when I worked for you.”

Stephanie smiled. “There are five more in the rental car outside that have Gya’s clothes.”

“Five? You must’ve brought my entire closet.”

“I wanted you to be prepared for anything and have plenty of choices, honey. I also brought your vitamins and a detox that I bet you need.”

Gya turned to Kyle. “Told you I would be in trouble when she got here.”

“Yes, you did.”

“I just want to make sure my girl is healthy, Mr. Strait. That’s all.”

She always liked when Stephanie called her “my girl.” It made her feel special and loved.

“I know you care about her. We all do. Let me get these up to your room, Stephanie, and then I’ll take the other five back to our house. It’s within walking distance, and I’m sure I could juggle them.” He flexed his biceps and then smiled. “But I think I’ll drive instead.”

She and Stephanie laughed.

“I have no doubt you could with those muscles,” Stephanie said with a grin.

He shrugged. “I’m sure you and Gya have a lot of catching up to do. Aaron and I would like to take you to dinner this evening.”

“I would like that very much. You’ve taken care of my girl. She’s safe because of you and your brother.”