Page 22 of Island Holiday

She fixed eggs and toast for both of them, sliding a plate, fork, and napkin within his reach when the food was ready. No surprise, he ate absently, though he did look up long enough to say thanks.

His focus inspired her. After finishing her breakfast, she resumed her own searches. Anything to find Zimmer’s trail or an indication of his intentions. She went back, reviewing all the payments from the project fund for the past ninety days. Pulling out her notebook, she confirmed all the payments to his recruits. Those all matched up. She kept digging through his consulting fees and then his expenses. Nothing was jumping out at her.

There had to be something. Some payment or connection that would justify why those men had jumped them yesterday. People like that didn’t do favors for free. And Zimmer was smart enough that his scam hadn’t been stopped yet. He was smart enough to realize she was on to him.

Annoying, but true.

How did he hire and pay enforcers, or whatever they called themselves?

When would he have decided to do such a thing?

Comparing her handwritten notes to the electronic records on her screen, she thought about when Zimmer would’ve noticed her getting close. It couldn’t have been too long ago or she likely would be a statistic by now.

Galling to realize just how much more she had to learn about being in the field. She glanced at him. He had such a strong, handsome profile. Not the point. She considered her relatively short stint with the agency and how her habits might be perceived. If they’d wanted her protected, wanted someone to stay close, they couldn’t have made a better choice.

No one had any idea she found him attractive. But after working with him, it was probably clear to their bosses that she trusted him nearly as much as she trusted Hannah.

And they never would’ve sent Hannah into the field with her, even if she wasn’t taking some holiday time with her husband.

“Connor?”

“Hm?”

“They sent you to protect me, didn’t they?”

“Yes.” He jerked around so fast he nearly toppled the chair. “I mean—”

“You don’t have to explain it.” She waved off his concern. “I’m grateful.”

“Sonya.”

“Seriously, I’m glad for it. Keep doing your thing.”

His brow furrowed and his mouth slanted into a frown. “You’re sure.”

“Mm-hm.”

She set her laptop aside and walked toward the panoramic view of the city through the slider. She considered going out, but it was overcast and rainy. Probably cold too. It hadn’t taken her any time at all once she’d left home to adjust and prefer the winters near Charleston. She didn’t need four full seasons. She could travel to satisfy those urges.

Behind her, she heard Connor get up.

“It’s not a big deal,” she said.

“This is.” He gently turned her around and kissed her.

Her mind blanked from one heartbeat to the next. This wasn’t a performance or an evasive maneuver. He kissed her as if she was the answer to everything.

With her senses overwhelmed by him, she wanted to be everything he might need, want, or dream of. He held her body flush against his, her soft curves melting into the hard planes of his chest and thighs. Her hands slid under his shirt and herfingers traced ripped muscles, her palms soaked up the heat radiating from him. Just how much time did he spend in the gym?

He tipped her chin back, running his lips and tongue down her throat and across her collarbone. She shivered. If he kept that up, she’d be naked in no time. She’d never responded to a touch with this much need. “Connor.” She breathed his name, not sure if it was to urge him on or slow him down.

He lifted his head, a question burning in his gaze. That look blasted away any doubts. Slowing down wasnoton her agenda.

She pressed up on her toes and laid claim to his mouth. Between the swift, hot kisses, she mumbled concerns about work. The case. Those three young women who could be anywhere.

“I set an alert,” he said, cradling her face in his hands. “It will let us know if the search turns up anything worthwhile.”

She could learn so much from him.

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