Page 45 of Island Whispers

“What?” She caught his hand. “You can’t go so soon. We’ve barely finished dessert.”

“It was delicious from the first bite to the last,” he assured her. “Nash said he’d finish up in the kitchen,” he added. “Nina and I have some errands to run.”

“In Charleston,” Nina explained, hovering near the back door.

She looked stunning, with the sunlight glinting off her dark hair, her lips slick with a fresh coat of gloss.

At least they weren’t lying about anything. She’d been adamant about not purchasing a pregnancy test here on the island. On the way over, she’d rambled about making it up to the Walthams later. He assumed that was the family who owned the local drugstore a couple blocks away from her shop.

“One of Nina’s favorite bands is playing tonight.” Another truth. Though he hadn’t planned on taking her to see them until right this second. Now, it seemed like the perfect way to celebrate whatever result the pregnancy test revealed.

“Maybe we should all go,” Jess suggested. “It would be fun.”

Boone didn’t care for the speculation in her gaze, but he was saved by Nina’s dad.

“Are you sure that’s wise, considering the, ah, situation?” Nico asked. “I’d feel better if she stayed close until they catch that bastard.”

“Wouldn’t we all.” Nina sidled up to him and hooked her arm through his. Her body felt soft and sweet pressed close and the ever-present fragrance of lilies teased his nose. “Boone will take care of me,” she promised her family. She looked up at him, beaming as if she were the happiest girl in the world. “He’s the best bodyguard around.”

For her—whether or not she carried his child—he sure as hell would be.

Chapter 13

Nina was grateful. Dinner with her family had given her an effective distraction from her more personal issues. Until her brother had cornered Boone in the kitchen. She wanted to know what they’d been talking about, but Nash had been cagey. Her brother suspected something and she couldn’t take a chance that he would guess correctly.

“You were laying it on thick with that best bodyguard line,” Boone said. He’d been quiet until they crossed the bridge, as if someone on the island might overhear them before they hit the Charleston city limits.

Good. She wanted him to be cautious. Right now, she needed him to protect her reputation as well as her life. She lived in the best little town on the planet and it would be nice if she never had to hear her name rattling along the infamous island grapevine.

“You deserved it for making them think we’re going on a bodyguard date,” Nina countered.

He shot her a look. “You don’t want to see the band?”

The same band that had been playing weeks ago when they’d hooked up for what should’ve been a one-night stand? Um, not so much. Although she was feeling better as the day went on, she wasn’t sure she could handle reliving all those exciting emotions of that first night. The flirting and temptation of the unknown, feeling the buzz of anticipation when they touched.

Although… last night had been just as exciting to her as their first time.

It hadn’t mattered that she already knew what he looked like naked or how he could kiss her senseless and leave her breathless with a look. If she was honest, and that was easier now that she wasn’t feeling sick, last night had been better than the first time.

And that felt nearly as dangerous as being in Spratt’s crosshairs.

“Why was Nash threatening you?” she asked.

“He’s just watching out for you,” Boone replied. “Your brother is a good man.”

“I know that.” She hadn’t expected that kind of candor. “But watching out for me is your job.”

“It is.”

There was a wariness in his voice that made her edgy. She sighed when he didn’t share, almost too afraid to ask. “What else?”

“He claims a friend of his saw us kissing on the beach.”

Nina swore and Boone laughed.

“Sorry!” he said immediately.

“Stop that.” Her cheeks heated. He’d promised not to laugh when she cussed. She wasn’t an angel or a kid. She had every right to swear when and how she chose.

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