Page 33 of Island Whispers

He stood aside as she unlocked the door that led to the shop.

Molly’s cheerful greeting for Nina was immediate. Confident all was well inside, Boone checked the lock at the apartment door and crossed the backroom to the exit. With a wave for the two women, he left. He waited a beat until he heard Nina throw the lock, then started his circuit of the area.

Everything looked good. At this early hour, the area behind the line of shops was practically deserted. The only other activity he heard was in the bakery next door. Nothing out of place, no unknown folks hanging around. Which would normally be a good thing. It was a good thing.

Unfortunately, it only gave him too much time to think about Nina and whatever was going on with her. Though she insisted it was just the situation, his instincts pinged constantly that there was more to it.

As a protector, he often had to deal with people who weren’t in the best of moods and completely stressed out. Nina was both of those things. He had training and experience to cope and do the job regardless of a charge’s mood.

Her happiness was constantly in the back of his mind, one step removed from her safety. Never had he been so invested in someone else’s happiness. At least not with anyone other than his sister and her family.

Maybe it was because he’d seen Nina several times during his previous assignment as a protector for the band she enjoyed so much. She would sing along and dance with joyful abandon. Or, more likely, it was because he knew what she looked like when all her defenses were down and pleasure and passion rolled through her.

Indescribably gorgeous.

Though his bosses would scold him, seeing her happy had become a core element of this assignment, a secondary objective he refused to ignore. He should probably get over himself and just be thankful he got to see her at all.

Deep down, he wanted more for her, whether or not she booted him to the curb after Spratt was caught. Boone turned onto Central, scanning the square. The heady aroma of freshly baked breads and pastry tickled his nose.

It wasn’t enough that his mouth watered at the first whiff of Lila’s phenomenal baking. No, his thoughts went right back to Nina. She couldn’t keep operating on a few sips of coffee and the water bottle she always had with her. She’d been pale before her long workday had even started.

Walking into the bakery, he greeted Callie, recalling her name from Nina’s introductions on that first afternoon. She struck him as a little skittish again today, though she was clearly trying to maintain eye contact.

He asked a few simple questions about the items in the display case and her confidence grew as she shared her knowledge. By the time he’d made his selections, she was almost at ease as she finished the sale.

He even got a smile as she handed over his change.

“Hey, Boone!” Lila walked up to the counter. “How nice to see you. Didn’t Nina cook this morning?”

“She doesn’t need to cook for me,” Boone replied, feeling protective. “I’m a grown up.”

Lila laughed. “She’s always saying breakfast is the key to her endless energy.”

Again, not adding up. That wasn’t at all what she’d told him. “Well, it’s not part of her job description.” Uncomfortable, he changed the subject. “Everything smelled so good I couldn’t resist coming in.”

“Then we’re doing something right.” She grinned at Callie.

“Repeat business is the goal,” the younger woman added right on cue. Nudging the sampler plate toward him, she said, “Cherry and almond today. Have one of each.”

“Thanks.” He was happy to oblige her. After one bite of the cherry, he knew it would be a challenge to resist further temptation. “How does anyone stay fit with you guys right here on the island?” he joked.

“Island breezes,” Lila teased. “Relaxing counteracts the calories.”

He chuckled. It was as good a theory as any other. Maybe it was the walkability of the small town or the nearly constant hum of various events and things going on. “I’ll take your word on that,” he said. “Have a good day, you two. If there’s any trouble just give a shout.”

Lila’s smile dimmed and she scooted around the display case to walk with him toward the door. “Travis is on high alert, Boone. He’s part of the team monitoring access points around the island. Everything is clear so far,” she assured him. “Of course, I’ve been obvious about the upgraded security measures around here.”

“Every deterrent helps,” he confirmed. He appreciated that Lila didn’t bother hiding her cameras. They were all visible, especially out back. According to Jess and Nina they were all operational. “Your setup makes my job easier. Thank you.”

“My pleasure.” Lila smiled as another customer entered the bakery. “Have a good day and come back soon.”

From behind the counter Callie waved as he left.

It was only a few steps to Nina’s shop and he held up the bag as he walked through the open door. “Who needs a snack?”

“I smell Lila’s croissants.” Molly set her knife aside and rushed toward him. “I smell them all day every day really,” she admitted. “Possibly in my sleep too.”

Boone took out a chocolate croissant and handed it to her.

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