He seems relieved at first. “You’re good at this.”
“That’s my job.” I pat my pajamas. “Let’s talk more after I shower.”
Payton drops his gaze to his feet, appearing awkward again. At this rate, I predict this facade will last barely a day, which would make this assignment much easier if he would just come clean about his situation. But I get it. I’ve worked with enough clients to understand the intrusion personal security creates when the principal isn’t accustomed to it.
I toss my PJs onto the counter and start the water, still mulling over ways to solve this predicament. Unfortunately, Del’s voice about kissing Payton won’t go away. Maybe I should have had her switch places with me. Then again, I’m not sure Payton could handle Del.
Washing off a day of travel and humidity never felt so good. I wrap a very plush towel around me and step out of the shower. The large closet and oversized bathroom confirm my assessment that Payton prefers creature comforts, which I’m sure he has the money for but doesn’t like to make it obvious. Most likely, part of his desire to keep his family connections unknown here in the U.S.
A loud thud comes from the bedroom. I pause to listen, then raise my voice. “Payton?”
When I don’t get a reply, my adrenaline kicks in. With one hand holding the fold of my towel, I bolt out of the bathroom, yet I don’t see Payton or anyone else, for that matter. The bedroom door is closed, and no sounds are coming from the living room.
“Payton?”
He pops up from the other side of the bed, rubbing his head. “Yes?”
“What are you doing? Are you all right?”
He glances down. “I was making a pallet on the floor and hit my head on the nightstand.”
I rush over to make sure he’s not bleeding and push his hand aside. “No blood, but you’ll have a nice little bump there. Are you dizzy or nauseated?”
He doesn’t answer, so I search his face for signs of incapacitation. He seems fine except for the way his blue eyes make a slow drift from the top of my towel, up my neck, and then to my face.
Our gazes lock, making me acutely aware of the tension building between us. And that I’m dressed in only a towel. Those blasted images induced by Del’s comment about kissing him flood in like a raging storm.
Feeling exposed, I grab the bottom of the towel to keep the overlap closed and spin around. “I’ll be right back.”
After dressing and combing out my wet hair, I return to the bedroom to find Payton lying on the pallet, reading a book.
“Payton, sleep in your bed. I’m fine on the floor.”
He lowers his book. “That wouldn’t be very gentlemanly of me, now would it?”
“That’s unnecessary. This is a professional arrangement. And I’ve probably slept on the ground or a floor more often than I have in a bed, to be honest.”
He’s quick to hide his surprise but not fast enough in hiding the flash of concern lingering in his eyes. “All the more reason you should take the bed.”
“I’m your bodyguard, Payton. Nothing more. Perhaps this would be easier if you didn’t think of me as a woman.”
He sits up, draping his arm over his leg. In doing so, the blanket he’d casually draped over himself fallsaway, revealing the rest of his torso. And an impressive six-pack, I doubt comes just from playing hockey.
Warmth spreads in my belly. Since when do I react to a bare chest like a blushing schoolgirl? And I saw plenty during my military days. This should be no different. I want to turn away to hide the heat rising in my face.
But the look he gives me is borderline smoldering. “That’s impossible, Lily.”
Is that why he’s acting so awkward around me? Because he’s attracted to me?
I’d be a fool and bad at my job if I didn’t admit—if only to myself—that I’m drawn to him as well. And that is something I will have to work double time to shut down, especially since we’ll have to share a room indefinitely.
This assignment just turned way more complicated than I ever expected.
Before he heads to the arena for practice, Payton likes to take a morning jog on the beach.
I’m not complaining, mind you. Here, I thought I’d have to squeeze in a workout here and there when time and circumstance permitted—and when Del was on watch. But I may wind up in even better shape once this assignment is done.
I will say I found Payton’s efforts not to wake me this morning rather endearing. Although, the way he jumped when I said good morning still makes me laugh. He didn’t appreciate my humor at his expense, though, but his expression bordered on sheer delight when I walked out of the closet dressed in workout clothes and sneakers.
