Colton's Secret Bodyguard

Even so, he wasn’t prepared for the magnificence of the property that came into view at the end of the sweeping drive. Whoever designed The Chateau had achieved the remarkable. A mix of authenticity and fairytale, The Chateau combined the luxury, splendor and comfort of the great French mansions.

As Rylan halted the car, two uniformed parking attendants sprang to attention. One opened the passenger door for Bree, while the other took Rylan’s keys and arranged to take care of his vehicle.

Rylan offered Bree his arm. When she took it, relief flooded through him. If she could still bear to touch him... But no, letting himself hope would be a special kind of madness.

As they mounted the steps, porters held open the doors.

“A pleasure as always, Ms. Colton.” The concierge bowed low. “Your parents are already here.”

The interior of the building was as seductive as its facade, with marble columns, light wood paneling, parquet inlaid floors and richly decorated ceilings. The focal point of the lobby was a central fountain, with a grand staircase sweeping down in two wings at either side. On one side of the reception area, a large hearth fireplace provided a warm welcome.

As they ascended the staircase, a young red-haired woman aimed a cell phone at them. Rylan stepped in front of Bree. “No photographs.”

“What is this?” As they drew level with the woman, she pulled Bree into a hug. “You look so gorgeous I have to share a picture on Instagram.”

“This is my cousin Skye,” Bree explained to Rylan. “She’s the marketing director for The Colton Empire.”

Skye held out a hand to Rylan. “And you are?”

“Rylan Bennet.” He could see her storing up his name, while hoping for more information.

“Please, Skye. It’s a long story, and I don’t want to go into it here,” Bree said. “But don’t share any photos of me on social media, okay?”

Skye’s animated features became serious. “Of course not.” She looked Rylan up and down before her gaze returned to her cousin’s face. “Is there anything I can do?”

Bree placed a hand on her arm. “I’m fine. Honestly. But thank you.”

Although Skye appeared unconvinced, her attention was claimed by a group of new arrivals. Murmuring something about the two of them doing lunch soon, she turned away.

Bree took Rylan’s arm again, and they continued up the stairs and into the ballroom. It was a glorious cream and gold space, with twelve full-length arched windows on each side. Six huge chandeliers were suspended from the ceiling, and fresh flowers in shades of white, pale blue and lilac were artfully placed at regular intervals. The whole effect was light, bright and elegant.

Rylan’s first glance around the room revealed that the wise, wealthy and politically motivated of Roaring Springs were already gathered. It also honed in on Skye...wearing a different dress.

“Whoa.” He jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “Didn’t we just...?”

Bree laughed. “Skye is an identical twin. Come and meet my other cousin Phoebe.”

Although Skye and Phoebe were identical in looks, it was immediately obvious that their personalities were very different. Skye was the outgoing, bubbly twin, while Phoebe was quieter and more thoughtful.

“Everything looks wonderful,” Bree assured her, after she had completed the introductions.

“Do you think so? It’s so hard keeping track of every detail.” Phoebe’s eyes darted around the room as she spoke.

“Phoebe is the manager here at The Chateau,” Bree explained to Rylan. “She’s my aunt Mara’s right-hand woman.”

“I’m not sure Mom would agree with you if you’d seen the fiasco we had earlier with the napkins. Oh, my goodness, what is going on over there?” She gave Rylan and Bree an apologetic smile. “Please excuse me. I distinctly told the serving staff to move clockwise with the champagne...”

“How will we survive?” Rylan deadpanned as they watched her cousin hurry off in the opposite direction.

“Stop it.” Bree’s lips twitched. “Phoebe is the most conscientious person I know. Events like this are very important to her.”