“Weapons?” is his only question.
“Load up,” I reply and disconnect.
Tapping my phone against my chin, I take a moment to think if there’s anything else I need to do. Before Bebe got on the phone, I had spoken to Rachel briefly. She’s going to call the lead detective who was working the case to update him with everything that’s occurred, but I’m not counting on them to do much. Maybe increased patrols around Joslyn’s home, but there’s just not much they can do.
I’ve done all I can in this moment. Probably until we either get a break on identifying this sodden scum or he makes a move. Until then, the waiting game is the only one I can play.
I move to Joslyn’s room, the sound of the hissing shower leading me to her. I start removing my clothes in the hallway. By the time I hit the bathroom, I’m naked. I can see her through the opaque glass door to her shower, standing with her head bowed so the water can hit her between the shoulder blades.
She looks small and defeated, and my protective instincts kick in. It has nothing to do with the job I’ve been hired to perform, but it has everything to do with needing her safe and secure so I can keep her in my life.
When I pull the door open, she raises her head. Water streams down her face, catches in her lashes, and leaves droplets on her lips. She’s never looked more desirable to me, and I need nothing from her right now other than her trust that I will take care of everything.
I open my arms, and there’s no hesitation before her body moves into mine. Joslyn’s cheek goes to my chest, and we wrap our arms around each other. “I won’t let him near you, kitten. I promise you are safe, okay?”
She squeezes me. “I know. I trust you.”
“Bebe’s working on tracking him, but it’s a long shot. I’ve also asked Cruce to come out here as backup.”
She jolts and pulls her head back in question.
“I just want the backup, Jos,” I explain. “You’re too important, and I’m just not willing to leave anything up to chance.”
“Okay,” she replies with a nod. “I understand.”
“Do you? Understand?” I ask, not able to hide the urgency in my tone. “This is more than just a job to me.”
Her large blue eyes just blink as she stares.
“You are more than just a job to me,” I clarify.
I need her to know that. I need her to know there is no resentment left for what was done to us. I sure as fuck don’t know what the future holds, but I do know she holds some place in it.
Joslyn responds by winding her arms around my neck, then pulling my mouth down to hers. She kisses me sweetly at first, but then it turns sensual as her tongue slips in my mouth and her body melds into mine. I force every bit of worry, planning, and strategy out of my head, and I concentrate on this amazing woman in my arms.
The woman I once loved with all my heart—who I’m fairly certain I’ve fallen right back in love with. Thus, keeping her safe and taking this stalker down just became the most important thing I’ll ever do in my life because I’m ready to see what waits on the other side of that for Joslyn and me.CHAPTER 22JoslynIt’s only a fifteen-minute drive from my house to the airport in Santa Barbara to pick up Cruce, but just getting out for even a bit is nice.
It’s not that we don’t go out because we do. We go out in splashy fashion to make sure I end up on as many TV and social media feeds as possible. All part of the plan to piss my stalker off.
But that type of event is exhausting. I have to go full hair, makeup, and designer clothing. Cameras are in our face, and it’s hard to just be ourselves.
This short trip to the airport, though, is exactly what I needed. I’ve got my hair in a ponytail and under a ball cap with nothing on my face except some mascara. I’m rocking a pair of faded jeans, a flowing, pale yellow bohemian blouse, and my flip-flops. Kynan is just as casual. Jeans and a t-shirt that fit very, very well. He’s also got a cap on his head, a pair of sunglasses, and just the right amount of stubble on his face. He’s the most gorgeous man I’ve ever known in my life, and everything about him pushes my buttons.
“Nice smile you got going there,” Kynan says, and I hadn’t realized he’d even seen. He’s driving after all.
My teeth flash, grin getting broader. “This is such a free moment out of the house with no agenda. I’m feeling incredibly happy right now.”