Page 37 of Island Whispers

“Great.” Nina wasn’t convinced. The good news she wanted to hear was that Spratt had been captured and was back behind bars. She wouldn’t be content with anything else.

“Why don’t the two of you go do something fun tonight?” Jess suggested. “We know Spratt is not here and we’re doing all we can to keep it that way. One way or another he’ll be found. The two of you should do your best to forget about it. At least for a little while.”

Nina wasn’t sure that was possible.

“You think I can forget my responsibilities and just relax after this update?” Boone demanded, his voice hard.

“Of course not,” Jess soothed. “Think of it as a mental break. Spratt isn’t close—”

“As far as you know,” Nina interjected.

“True,” Jess allowed. “But the best intel implies that we have a brief reprieve. Take advantage of it. Relax. Is there a good band playing at the Pelican tonight?”

“Probably.” Nina explained, “This time of year, the Pelican has live music on Saturdays. Usually new bands so the community can weigh in on who gets an invitation to the summer music festival.”

“So go,” Jess urged. “Dance. Have fun. I’ll have other protectors watching the two of you and the island.”

Nina gave a little nod. She wasn’t really in the mood for dancing, even if it was with Boone.

“A change up can be beneficial.” Boone didn’t sound like he believed it.

“That’s the spirit.” Jess shooed them away. “Blow off a little steam. You’re both clearly stressed. Go remember how it is to just cut loose.”

“Fine.” Nina pushed to her feet, trying to ignore the fatigue dragging at her. “Guess we’ll see you tomorrow at dinner.”

Boone stopped. “What dinner?”

“Sunday afternoon at Nico and Roxy’s,” Jess replied. “It’s a weekly thing.”

“Weekly? I thought last week was just because we all needed to get acquainted,” Boone said.

Jess laughed. “The Billings family does Sunday dinner. Part of the package. You’ll get used to it.”

Nina bit back the contradiction. Boone wasn’t staying long enough to get used to anything. Sure, he’d been holding her hand through this meeting, but that didn’t mean anything. He was her protector, end of story.

“Seriously? Every week?”

“It’s not a requirement,” Nina said, aiming a glare at Jess. He held her hand, helped her stay calm, but they weren’t a package. Not like Jess and Nash who were head over heels in love and eager for their upcoming wedding.

Hand-holding aside, she and Boone had a professional arrangement, nothing more. The heat and attraction she wrestled with every time he walked into view was her problem. Most likely, that was based on her memories of their one-night stand and her guilt for walking out on him.

Her family knew nothing about their past interaction. Another reason why she’d insisted on introducing Boone as her protector, not her boyfriend. Whatever she might wish for her life in general, right now wasn’t the time to make that kind of change.

“Come on Nina,” Boone gave her a little tug. “Let’s pretend I’m a tourist tonight.”

They’d done that already. Sort of. She glared at her future sister-in-law. She didn’t know why Jess was pushing this agenda, but there was no more arguing to do here. She and Boone could hash this out privately and adjust their plans.

He couldn’t possibly want to go out on a fake-date any more than she did.

Chapter 10

Boone noticed the way she wolfed down her dinner in the food truck courtyard. One of her favorites was back tonight and he considered it comfort food for her. She needed all the comfort he could give after the unpleasant report. It made him happy to see her feeling better. The situation wasn’t easy. He’d seen more than a few glances aimed their way from folks around town. Speculation and whispers about them must be swirling. Exactly as she’d feared. Well, credit to her for insisting on transparency about his presence.

He was more than willing to play the bodyguard role. He could keep it professional, despite the desire that pulsed between them. Day by day he was more certain he wasn’t the only one affected. They practically gave off sparks when they were close, but for some reason, she refused to admit to feeling anything but stressed.

As they finished, he glanced toward the row of shops across the street. He knew she didn’t want to go to the Pelican. She’d said it was about stirring up rumors, but he figured it was probably too similar to their one “date”.

Going back upstairs would be torture. Being alone and unable to touch her made him antsy. She needed him calm, so he needed a diversion.

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