Page 19 of PenPal Hero

“Hand it off to K&G Security. They know some forensics experts.” He shoved the plastic bag into his pocket. “Could be something. Could be nothing. I’ll let you know if they find anything. In the meantime,” he faced her, “you need to be extra careful. We both do. What we found here today means we’re not just imagining things. Someone may be tracking us.”

Someone who might be seeking vengeance for going to jail. She studied him for a moment. “Are you telling me this as a K&G Security employee or as my boyfriend?”

“Both.” He frowned at her. “Promise me you’ll be cautious while we try to figure out what’s going on here.”

It was a promise she’d have no trouble keeping. “Don’t worry. I’ve got five brothers breathing down my neck, day in and day out. Caution is my middle name, mister!” Attending the retreat was the first break she’d gotten from them in years. A break that would be coming to an end in roughly twenty-four hours.

Holt gave one of her shoulders a gentle squeeze, reclaiming her attention. “You gonna tell them about us when you get back home?”

She wrinkled her nose at him. “Are you sure you want me to?”

“Yep.” He drew her close, folding her in his arms. “You know my sister, and you’ve met my parents. It’s only fair that I get to meet your folks in return.”

“It’ll be five against one when you meet my brothers,” she moaned against his shoulder.

“Nah.” He brushed his lips against her temple. “Pretty sure we’re on the same team.”

She could only hope her siblings would see things the same way. The wind blew through the tops of the evergreens as the sun dipped lower on the horizon. Already the temperature was dropping. Thanks to the rain, it was shaping up to be a cooler evening than the last one.

“Time to get ready for my big dinner date,” she murmured. Though Bonnie was in no hurry to leave Holt’s arms, she was getting hungry. He had to be, too.

He reluctantly let her go. “Anybody I know?” he joked.

She shrugged, playing along. “Just some guy I met. He’s a bit of a mystery. Claims he’s a mechanic, but I’m pretty sure he does some clandestine work on the side. I’m starting to wonder if he’s a Fed,” she mused, watching for his reaction. “Or CIA.”

“Nothing like that.” He nudged her shoulder with his as he fell into step beside her. “The thing is…he’s gotta girlfriend now. He has no interest in getting involved in anything that would take him away from her.”

“Do you really mean that?” She shaded her eyes against the glowing rays of sunset.

“Do you think your brothers would allow you to settle for anything less?” he countered, reaching for her hand as she lowered it to her side.

His question sent a thrill of hope ricocheting through her. “I’m starting to think you might actually stand a chance at convincing them.”

He raised her hand to his lips. “That’s the plan, babe.” Despite her protests, he insisted on walking her all the way to the door of her suite.

She wrinkled her nose at him as she scanned her key card and stepped backward into the room. “You’re going to get along just fine with my brothers, because you’re just like them!”

“Am I?” He used their joined hands to tug her back into the hallway, flush against him.

“Now that we’re dating,” she pointed out in a breathy voice, “you’re becoming just as over-protective and?—”

He stopped her tirade with a tender kiss. “I’m not feeling too brotherly right now.”

“That’s better.” She let go of the doorknob to wind her arms around his neck.

He kissed her again. “The biggest reason I spend time with you isn’t to keep an eye on you, Bonnie, though I’ll admit it’s a side perk. I’m with you because that’s where I want to be. You chase away my darkness.”

“From when you were abducted?” she whispered.

“Yeah.” He kissed her again. “I breathe easier around you. Hope that’s not too much to put on you right now.”

“It’s not.” She touched his cheek. “I’m glad I do that for you.” It was a wonderful feeling to be both wanted and needed by him. Her fears that he was only with her because he felt sorry for her evaporated.

He reluctantly let her go. “I better go shower and change. Gotta girl to impress.”

“What do you mean?” She glanced down at his stained jeans. “Ever since I met you, I’ve kind of been into grease.”

“Very funny.” He gave one of her braids a playful tug.

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