Page 37 of Billionaire Protector

Cole leaned down. “You look like you just escaped a twenty-year jail sentence. Was touching me that horrible?”

“Of course not. I liked it far too much,” Sarah’s mouth said before her brain could stop it.Crap.“I didn’t mean that.”

He smiled widely. “Yes, you did.”

“No, I didn’t.”

“I think you did.”

“Really sure I didn’t.”

“Really sure you did.”

She wrinkled her nose. “Hush. I’m trying to find out if I won a month’s worth of dry cleaning, which incidentally would be far superior to massaging you again.”

“Ouch. Do you feel the same about me massaging you?”

She wasn’t a good enough liar to deny it.

They didn’t win dry cleaning from Edna’s Laundry Services, nor did they win Miss Dina’s homemade apple pie, matching handmade scarves or his and her goldfish. Finally, only oneenvelope remained in the announcer’s hand. He smiled as he held it up. “We saved the best for last. Before I tell you the prize, let’s see who the winners are.” He reached into the fishbowl and picked out a purple ticket. He smiled. “They keep our entire town safe, so I couldn’t have picked a more deserving team.”

“Oh no.”

“Don’t worry,” Cole leaned down. “Maybe he’s talking about the pest control team.”

Yeah, right. Cole knew exactly who the announcer was suggesting, confirmed a moment later. “Congratulations to our grand prize winners – Sarah Sloan and Cole Carter!” The crowd clapped enthusiastically. “I bet you guys are excited to know what you won. As you know, the travelling Renaissance fair will be visiting Lilac Springs next weekend. Not only will you get two VIP tickets to the fair and a full Renaissance makeover, but you’ll be guests of honor at the evening feast. How does that sound?”

Spend an entire day with Cole? Pretend to be the damsel in distress to his powerful knight? Somehow hide her ridiculous attraction for another day? Sarah opened her mouth and tried to form words. Unfortunately, only one came out: “Damn!”

The announcer gasped.

The crowd gasped.

Somewhere, a baby laughed.

“She meant damn good, didn’t you Sarah?” Cole smiled widely. “It sounds great. We’re both thrilled.”

Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn.

Cole tapped her arm.

“Yes, thrilled,” she squeaked.

The announcer blinked at her. “Well, we’re glad you’re so damn… uh… glad. Winners, please come to the information booth to claim your prizes.”

As friends and colleagues congratulated them with wide smiles and plentiful pats on the backs, Sarah managed a numb smile. How had a pledge to spend as little time as possible with Cole turned into an entire day together and another planned? She trudged to the information booth, where organizers handed them an envelope filled with tickets and information on their grand prize and no path to escape it.

Finally, it was over, and they walked from the crowded area. Sarah spoke before Cole could comment on theirluck. “Can we talk about everything tomorrow? I need a moment to regroup.” And also to refocus, to remember why she couldn’t be with this man.

He looked at her steadily, and she grimaced. His power to unbalance her was significant, made even worse that he realized it. Yet he was all gentleman as he nodded. “Of course. We could head out if you’re ready. I have a full shift tonight.”

Another wave of disappointment seized her, surprising in its depth and breadth. What was the matter with her? She should be thrilled to finally get a reprieve. “Let’s go.”

They walked to his car. He held the door open for her, then circled around and entered, but didn’t turn on the ignition. For a moment, they sat in silence, before he said quietly, “Are you mad at me?”

She fought for the anger Cole typically inspired, the resentment, the annoyance, but they simply wouldn’t come. “No.” She sighed softly. “I’m not.”

“Okay.” He looked straight ahead. “Then why are you suddenly so somber?”

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