Page 23 of No Good Deed

Like Troy, Piper’s mouth dropped open. She was the first to speak. “But that doesn’t keep you safe. What if he comes back?”

Carl shook his head. “We’ll be fine. Troy’s going to order us in a security system, but for now, we’ll keep the lights on and check the property.”

Jim nodded. “We’ll make a show of checking the outside with Carl’s old shotgun. But you’re going to need more protection. Troy and Marcus are the perfect bodyguards.”

If it hadn’t been a smart plan, Troy might have protested. These two were putting Piper’s best interests first.

And they were definitely matchmaking.

* * *

Piper had thought she was flummoxed before. Now, she was Flummoxed with a capital F. Or would that be Phlummoxed with a capital Ph?

Her wonderful hosts had kindly, gently, and firmly given her the bum’s rush out of her lovely room at the B&B and into her car. She knew they were concerned about her safety, but she was just as sure she’d seen more than a twinkle of matchmaking in action.

Not that the spark between her and Troy needed much to fan it into flames. She’d never experienced such an intense reaction to a man before. It was equal parts ridiculous and wonderful that a tingle shot right from her head to her toes whenever she saw him. The tingle deepened when they touched. And she imagined it would be incredible when they kissed.

If. Not when.

She didn’t know what was going through Troy’s head. Was he annoyed at being manipulated by Jim and Carl? Was he pissed at the thought of being coerced into sharing his home?

One of Carl’s arguments to get her to leave her room was that Troy had a two-car garage, hiding her car from view. Unless the man was watching and following them now, he wouldn’t know where she’d gone.

That had helped convince her. Piper didn’t want to put a target on Troy. Because as much as she hated the thought, it seemed that her string of bad luck hadn’t been simple bad luck. Someone wanted something he thought she had.

If she only had a clue what that was.

She sent a look at Oreo, who was curled up on the passenger seat. “Do you have any sniffer training, Oreo? Can you search through my belongings to see what they’re looking for? I don’t own anything valuable.”

Which made her think it wasn’t something she valued at least. She’d sold her furniture and most of her possessions when she’d moved out of her apartment. The only things she’d kept had been family memories, mostly photographs, and a couple of knickknacks. No one would want those.

Ahead of her, Troy slowed and turned into the driveway of a small bungalow. One garage door slid up and he motioned for her to drive in. By the time she’d driven in and parked, Troy stood inside the garage, and the door was closing behind him.

She looked at the garage as she climbed out. The other half of the space was filled with work benches and tools. “I’m taking up your space. I’m sorry you got pushed into this. It’s too late tonight, but tomorrow, I’ll find another place to stay in a nearby town. No one will know to look for me there.”

He shook his head. “Not a chance. This is fine.”

“Are you sure? I’m sorry chaos is leaking from my life into yours and I’m sorry they forced you into sharing your home with me.”

Troy moved closer until he stood directly in front of her. One hand reached up and ran lightly through her hair. “You being in my house is the exact opposite of a problem. I like the idea of having you in my space. In fact, I think I like it a little too much.”

His eyes were soft and warm. His fingers moved to trace along her jawline and cheekbone.

Tingles ran along her skin and deep into her body. “I think I like it a little too much as well.”

Troy’s grin lit up his face. “Good to know.” Then he lowered his head slowly. Slowly enough to let her break away without it being awkward.

She should break away. She should want to break away. Instead, she lifted up on her toes and closed the distance herself.

The first brush of their lips was soft and sweet. The second had her fingers trembling. And the third brush had her diving in for more.

Troy kissed like he had all the time in the world to explore. It was intoxicating and addictive. She figured she could spend the rest of her life doing exactly this.

She didn’t know how long they stood tasting and sipping and learning. It could have been minutes or hours. She wasn’t sure she needed anything more than his taste to survive.

Oreo’s bark finally penetrated the fog that had enveloped her. Troy slowed the kiss and eventually pulled back enough so they could stare at each other. His lopsided grin was lightning quick, and then they were kissing again.

And again.

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