Page 7 of Impossible Thrills

“Unlike you three, I’m just a normal girl who takes care of my babies all day. I don’t free dive or jump out of a perfectly good airplane. I stay in the airplane.” She blinked up at him so beautifully that he swore he’d protect her from everything and everyone. Especially her ex. For that instant, he was convinced she was innocent.

The rest of the group chuckled at that.

Nick smiled. “I’ll be right there to keep you safe.” He kissed her temple. She all but melted into him.

“I’ll be holding your hand the entire time,” West interjected.

Sheesh, the guy was annoying.

“Until I catch up to you both, and then I hold Darcy close,” Nick reminded West.

“West will be holding your hand,” Bridger explained. “And making certain if neither of the men reach you before two-thousand feet elevation that you have deployed your chute yourself and are safe.”

“Okay,” she squeaked out.

“Day three, Thursday, you will be sledding down black volcanic rock in Nicaragua. Darcy starts on her own sled, and you both try to catch her and jump on.”

They both nodded.

“Day four, Friday, is a sparring match on Daytona Beach. We’ll spread the word and have a crowd for that one. Then you’re done. Any questions?”

All the men exchanged glances, shook their heads, and focused on Darcy. She released her grip on Nick, straightened, and edged away from him. He didn’t like it, but he needed to release her, get some distance and see things clearly. Darcy stood on her own and looked brave and beautiful.

“Thank you for this opportunity.” She nodded to Mercedes.

“I’m so happy to give it. You’re incredible,” Mercedes gushed.

“Thank you for being willing to help me.” She nodded to West and Nick.

“Of course,” Nick said.

“It’s an honor,” West brown-nosed.

“Tell Avalyn that I adore her.” She nodded to Bridger.

“I will. She’ll be sad she missed out.”

“And now I guess it’s time to steal your line.” She grinned at Bridger, looked into the camera and said, “What’s a challenge and where do I find it?”

Everyone laughed. Nick had never been more impressed.

“You are the most beautifully brave woman I’ve ever met,” he said to her.

She blinked up at him and leaned in close, whispering against his neck, “It’s all fake bravado. That and my faith in Jesus is all I’ve got right now.”

“Not true,” he said. “You’ve got me.”

Their gazes met and held, and he found himself lost in her blue eyes.

He meant his words. He would stand by her side and help her through this show. All the better if he got the inside scoop on Johnny Trattori in the process.

Now to make certain he didn’t get too invested in Johnny’s ex. She knew he worked for Aiden, but there hadn’t been any indication that she was concerned about a security specialist getting too close to her. Maybe she was innocent. Or maybe she was as good at hiding her true intentions as Nick was.

Somehow, he’d get answers in the next five days.

Chapter

Three

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