Page 15 of The Pilot & the Athlete

“Would it bother you if his brothers flirted with me?” she asked, peering up into his deep-brown gaze.

“I’m just thinking of … all you’ve been through tonight. I didn’t think you’d want anyone else to hit on you.”

She shivered and hugged herself. “You’re right, but I’m sure tough cowboys from Montana who work with you wouldn’t be disgusting and foul like those men.”

“True. The Colevilles are good, honorable men.”

She forced a smile and turned to walk. Paul stopped her with a warm hand on her arm. “Shay … I’m sorry about the way they treated you and all you’re going through. How can I help?”

Shay turned back to him. She wanted to cuddle into him and let the tears come. “You already rescued me. I’m grateful you’re here.” This was a serious moment, so she cut the slang out.

Paul’s dark eyes were warm and intense. “I’ll be forever grateful I was there. Your safety is more than worth chalking up my first failed mission.”

They exchanged a smile, and she eased a bit closer. “I’m sorry you failed your mission.”

“Don’t be. I would never want anything to happen to you, Shay. You’re like a little sister to me.”

Shay’s back straightened, and any desire to cuddle into him fled. A little sister? That was how he saw her? That was all kinds of wrong. Cringe. No cap.

“Thanks,” was all she could manage before turning and walking through the plane. She waited for him by the plane door. Her hands were shaky. She was exhausted and had been through a lot. It wasn’t wrong that she wanted to hold onto Paul and soak up his comfort, protection, and strength, but as a little sister … no.

She’d crushed on and worshipped Paul Braven. Even whenher brother ranted about him, she could only see Paul as the hottest military hero on earth. She’d never expected Paul to return the attraction, never expected to reside in the same zip code when they were both full-grown adults. Then they were thrust into this insane situation, and she’d talked herself into him being interested in her as a legit romance interest. His kiss was fire. Those lips of his, and the beguiling look in his deep brown eyes, had convinced her he was interested, invested even.

She touched her fingertips to her lips just as he walked up. His gaze dropped to her lips and then lifted to meet hers. The smoldering depth in those luscious brown eyes made her stagger. She reached out and his arm was right there to steady her.

“Are you all right?” His voice was deep and husky.

She’d be all right when he kissed her again.

Little sister.

Cringe.

“I’m ready to drop,” she admitted. “I can’t believe all of this happened, and I want to puke when I think about Turner and Meacham.”

“I didn’t tell you … Aiden found out your FBI agents are missing.”

“What?” She straightened and pulled away from his grip. “They’re not dead?”

Paul paused, and she could see a struggle in his eyes. “We don’t know. Their status right now is missing which could mean they’re alive or their bodies will be found somewhere or … they were working with your kidnappers.”

“No.” She shook her head. “Not my bruhs. Not Turner and Meacham. They were gucci. I can’t believe they’d turn their backs on me and let me roast.”

He shrugged, not promising anything. “Let’s get you to the ranch so you can rest.”

“Okay.”

He pushed the button and the door opened. Taking her elbow, he escorted her down the steps and around the plane to where the truck and cowboy waited. Shay thrilled at every simple touch. She had to stop feeling that way. He obviously didn’t.

The cowboy straightened away from the truck as they approached. He was lean and fit and as he tilted his hat back, she saw he was off the charts hot, almost as hot as Paul, with bright blue eyes and a drippy cowboy look.

“Clint,” Paul greeted him. “Thanks for coming.” Paul released her and shook the cowboy’s hand.

“Anytime,” Clint said.

“This is Shay Cannon.”

Clint’s gaze sharpened on her. “The Olympic swimmer who disappeared.”

---