Page 66 of Protective Heroes

I grinned up at her and she winked before scurrying back to the kitchen. This time she returned with two helpers, all of them laden with platters and bowls. Before I knew it, the table had filled and I had a plate piled high with fried fish, coleslaw, homemade French fries and a green salad. The men conversed amicably about their day, the fish they’d caught and the ones that got away, and the things they’d spent the week doing. A home cooked meal and a table full of people chatting about their day were not something I’d experienced very often, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel myself relaxing and enjoying every moment of it.

Mrs. Morgan took her spot next to me at the head of the table. “How was your day, dear? Were you successful in finding a wedding location?”

“No. I drove all over town. I visited so many lovely spots, but nothing really grabbed me. I guess I’ll try again tomorrow.” A small pang of…something…went through me realizing how nice it was to have someone ask about my day. I didn’t realize how lonely big city life had become.

“I’m sure you’ll find something soon,” Mrs. Morgan said.

I sighed. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed. This isn’t just any client. It’s my best friend’s little sister. I want it to be really special and make my hometown proud at the same time.”

She smiled at me. “That’s so sweet. I’m sure she’ll appreciate all your hard work.”

“I hope so. Maybe tomorrow I’ll go a little deeper into the forest.” I pulled my brows together. “Though, I’m not sure that’s such a great idea. I’m not exactly an outdoor adventurer anymore. I’m a little nervous about getting lost in the woods.”

An electric zing went through me right before his voice hit my ears. “I’ll take you, sweetheart.”

Part of me wanted to stand, smack him and tell him to never call me another endearment again. The unreasonable part of me melted into her seat.

I turned, my heart stuttering in my chest, to find the gloriously rough and lickable man I wish I could hate standing behind me. All my best plans for how I would react if and when I saw him next flew right out the window. I opened my mouth to speak, but like an idiot, I couldn’t get two words to string together. I closed it again and he grinned at me as he slid his muscular form into the chair next to mine.

“Thanks for the invite, Mrs. Morgan.” He directed his words at the older woman, but mid-sentence his eyes drifted back to me, pinning me to my spot. And shooting way too much happy energy in the direction of my clit.

“Of course! We always have a spot for you.”

I glanced at Mrs. Morgan and found her eyes twinkling with amusement, dancing between Trevor and me.

Great. On top of everything else, the last thing I needed was to have the well-meaning woman playing matchmaker.

“I don’t have any clients tomorrow.” Trevor’s deep voice brought my head swinging around toward him. “I can help you.”

“You can help me?” I repeated inanely wondering if he would take my hand to help me over fallen logs and large tree roots like he used to. Falling into his arms when I suddenly trip over my own feet wouldn’t be bad to experience again.

The corners of his mouth twitched, but his eyes were intense on me as he leaned in closer. “Tell me what you need and I’m there.”

You. Me. And a bed ran through my mind.

South of my brain, so many things happened in my body all at once at his words that I had trouble cataloging them all. My stomach did a strange, slow somersault. My heart stopped and then started again, double time. My mouth went dry and my nerve endings sizzled. A strange, exultant feeling shimmered through me, like I’d gotten on the best roller coaster ride in the world, and I wasn’t sure I’d ever want to get off.

“I need to find a location in the forest to have a wedding.”

At my words, his eyes shuttered. His face went completely blank and he sat back in his seat. “A wedding?”

I nodded, my gaze searching for a clue as to why his expression lost all semblance of emotion. It was only as I took stock of the lack of emotion that I realized how much had been there before.

He liked me being here. And he thought the wedding was mine.

I should let him believe that. It would serve him right for all the tortuous heartache he put me through.

I nodded content on letting him believe whatever he wanted.

“Miss Mackenzie is a wedding planner,” Mrs. Morgan chimed in. “She’s here planning her best friend’s little sister’s wedding. So she needs something extra special.”

I turned to Mrs. Morgan as she spoke, but about halfway through her explanation, I felt the heat at my back.

I whipped my head around to find Trevor leaned in close to me, his face soft once again. “So it’s not your wedding you’re planning?”

I shook while I silently cursed having my plans squashed.

He grinned. “Good,” he rumbled in a sexy growl holding enough heat to crack part of the icy exterior I’ve built around me over the years.

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