Montana SEAL (Brotherhood Protectors #1)(18)

“And yet, here you are.” Carla smiled. “Hometown hero and Hollywood legend together again. It’s like a fairytale come true.”

“Oh, we’re not—” Sadie started.

“We’re not,” Hank interrupted, “ready to let the world in on our relationship.” He hugged Sadie closer and kissed the top of her head. “Although I don’t know how we’ll keep it from everyone, when I move in with her.”

“Move in?” Sadie shot a startled glance at him.

He skimmed his knuckles along her cheek. “Like we talked about. We want to make sure we’re still compatible. You know, like learning each other all over again.” Hank grinned at Carla. “You and Fin won’t mind, will you? The house is big enough, isn’t it?”

Carla’s brows dipped lower. “I suppose it’ll be all right. You’re only going to be here a short time, anyway, right?” Her gaze went to Sadie.

Sadie nodded. “That’s right. Two weeks. Max.” Two weeks with Hank living with her. Panic rose in her belly. But along with the panic was something else. Desire. Hot. Burning. Desire. If Hank stayed with them for the next two weeks, how would she keep him at arm’s length?

He stared down at her, his eyes warm—and was that laughter crinkling the edges? The arm around her waist tightened. “It’s been so long since we’ve seen each other. But there’s no denying the chemistry. It’s still there.”

Oh, how right he was. Sadie felt herself slipping under his spell, even though she figured his actions were all for show. On his part. The rush of emotion and lust was all too real on her part.

Holy hell, what had she done?





6





Hank almost laughed out loud over the expressions playing across Sadie’s face. From sheer panic to the rosy flush of desire. She might be a good actress but, with him, Sadie had never been able to lie or hide how she really felt.

Carla’s lips tightened for a moment, and then she smiled. “I guess I’d better buy more groceries if Hank’s coming to stay.”

Holding up a hand, Hank shook his head. “No. No need. That’s why we stopped by the store. We figured you might not have sufficient provisions for another person in the house. We’ll take care of it.”

“If you’re sure.” She glanced down at her empty cart. “I was going to get fresh vegetables, fruit, milk and bread.”

“If you leave your list with us, we can get them,” Sadie said.

Carla shook her head. “That’s it. Just the vegetables, milk, fruit and bread.”

“We’ll take care of it.” Sadie gave her sister-in-law a weak smile. “Thank you for being so patient with me. I know it must be an inconvenience, going from just the two of you to the four of us.”

“No. I’m sure Fin will be delighted.” She nodded to the two of them. “Well, then I’ll see you two back at the house in a little while.” Carla breezed past them and disappeared around the corner of an aisle.

When she’d gone, Hank followed to make sure Carla left the store completely before he returned to Sadie.

“Why did you tell Carla we were back together?” Sadie asked in an urgent whisper.

“I’d rather not let everyone in the community know that I’m your hired bodyguard. I think we have a better chance of finding whoever shot at you if we play this…arrangement…close to our chests. When Carla jumped to the conclusion we were back together, it was natural to say we were. Everyone else will follow our lead. If I remember correctly, Carla was one of the biggest gossips back in high school. I bet by the time we get back to the White Oak Ranch, everyone in Eagle Rock will know you and I are back together.”

Sadie chewed on her lip. “But we’re not. That was the agreement.”

“You and I know that, but the rest of Montana won’t.”

She stared at her hands on the handle of the cart. “I don’t know…”

“Just go along with it. The sooner we discover the culprit behind the shooting, the sooner we can reveal the truth to everyone.” He touched her arm. “Besides, if I moved in as your bodyguard, the rest of Eagle Rock would either come to the same conclusion, or tip off the shooter that you know it wasn’t just an inexperienced hunter with more bullets than brains.”

Sadie looked around, as if not happy about the turn of events and searching for a way to escape.

Guilt rose in Hank’s chest. At the same time, he knew he had to be with her in order to protect her. “I can’t protect you from Bear Creek Ranch. Either you come with me, or I go with you. I have to be with you, twenty-four-seven. This is the best way to do that, and to keep it under wraps. Our past will make it easy and believable.” He held up his hands. “Unless you’ve changed your mind, and want to hire someone else.”

“No. I haven’t changed my mind.” Sadie chewed on her fingernail, something she used to do when she was nervous.

Out of a long-forgotten habit, Hank grabbed her hand, pulling it away from her mouth and pressed a kiss to the tip of her finger. “It’s going to be all right,” he said, his tone low, the way he used to talk to her when she was down or upset.

“You’re right. Everything will be okay.” She snorted softly. “And to think, I came here for rest and relaxation.” She shook her head, a smile playing at the corners of her lips. “I’m beginning to think it’s safer for me in LA with its gang violence and insane traffic.”