Page 77 of Billionaire Protector

“This challenge isn’t turning out quite like I expected.” The pirate stroked his beard. “I have an idea. How about you sing? Many Renaissance women were fantastic singers.”

Sing?

She could shoot a moving target.

Take down a large man.

Go head-to-head against a master criminal.

But sing? Nope. Not a single note. At least not one in tune.

Perhaps Renaissance women were great singers, but she sounded like a frog, or a chainsaw, or maybe a duet between a frog and a chainsaw.

Cole cringed. Yeah, he knew how awful she sang. He’d known it since the seventh grade talent show when she’d been forced into the chorus for “Singin’ in the Rain.” The kids had later dubbed it “Squealin’ in Pain.”

“I really can’t–”

“Sure, you can!” The announcer patted her back. “Just think of a song that signifies your feelings for Cole.”

Sarah opened her mouth to argue, then stopped. A song that described how she felt about Cole? She could do that. Mentally rehearsing the lyrics, she strode to the suspicious looking deputy. He knew she wasn’t about to sing a love ballad.

She started in a pitch that could’ve broken glass, “Well I saw the thing coming out of the sky. It had one big horn and one big eye.” As she sang, Cole kept his face serious… that was, until she came to the pivotal line. “It was a one-eyed one-horned flying purple people eater.”

The crowd started to sing along, and with their help, the rendition didn’t sound half-bad. Sarah sang her heart out to the tune about the classic rocking monster and received a standing ovation.

The announcer returned. “Wow, that was… special. Yes, very, very special. So tell me, Cole, what did you think? Do you feel wooed?”

“To be honest, the wooing was disappointing. Apparently, she sees me as a one-eyed, one-horned flying purple people eater.” Yet Cole’s eyes twinkled, as for once, he seemed lighthearted, amused, simplyhappy.

Sarah nodded enthusiastically, and the crowd laughed harder. The pirate managed a straight face. “I can see how that could be taken the wrong way. Now it’s your turn, Cole. Would you like to return with a song of your own?”

“No,” Cole replied.

Sarah clasped her hands to hide her surprise. Unlike her, he sang very well. Certainly, he could come up with a fitting response to her song.

“I’ve composed a poem for her instead.”

Ah, here it comes.She leaned into him. “Let me guess: Roses are red. Violets are blue. I’d love to incarcerate you.”

“Not quite,” he rumbled, and his expression turned serious. “I hear your voice, and it lightens my heart. I watch you dance, and my world is moved. I watch you smile, and sunshine blooms anew. I see your soul, and it matches mine.”

Utter silence ruled, as pure as the stroke of midnight. He didn’t betray his emotions, yet they burned deep, meaningful.Endless questions swirled, without answers or reasons or truth. When had he crafted such eloquent words?

Suddenly, applause thundered, hoots and hollers from the now standing audience. The beaming announcer congratulated Cole on an outstanding performance. It had indeed been outstanding.

But had it been a performance?

Cole emanated an intensity that – if she hadn’t known better – said he meant every word.

“How was that, Sarah?” The announcer winked. “Do you feel wooed?”

She didn’t answer, because although it had to be a complete fabrication, an attempt to throw her off balance as punishment for her silly song, she did indeed feel wooed. Did he sense what was happening between them? Did everyone feel it?

Thankfully the announcer didn’t press for an answer. “Cole, it’s your turn. Truth or dare?”

Cole didn’t hesitate. “Truth.”

“You say you’re not a couple, but the chemistry is sizzling. Even the audience can feel it. Have you ever kissed her?”

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