Page 26 of Billionaire Protector

Sarah opened her mouth, but no words formed. How could she respond to such stark honesty? Any revelation would be foolish at best, dangerous at worst. She’d let herself get too deep before and then he’d left. What if she became attached and he walked out again?

What if he stayed?

She fought for clarity, as the vibrant colors of the festival appeared in the distance, rescuing her from a response she didn’t know how to give. Silence fell over them, amidst a thousand unsaid words. Somehow she knew the conversation would resume later.

For now, she turned her attention to their brightly lit destination. A product of dozens of hard-working volunteers, the festival was a testament to small town dedication, innovation and imagination. Colorful flags heralded the park’s entrance,a sea of rainbows before a backdrop of lush green plants, flowering shrubs and manicured bushes. A symphony of billowing tents held crafters, local groups and volunteers, while a local band played lively tunes on a wooden stage in the corner. People of all ages as milled about, smiling, laughing and talking. Sarah had known most of them their whole lives.

As they entered the grassy parking lot, a group of women waved to Sarah, spotted Cole and gave her a speculative look. They passed another two groups, with more waves and more looks.Not good.People were already getting the wrong impression, and they hadn’t even left the car.

Cole parked, got out and started toward her door, but Sarah emerged before he reached her. With a quick “Thank you!” she dashed away. She wasn’t fleeing, just walking fast for exercise, or at least that’s what she would tell anyone who asked. She couldn’t spend another moment in his presence without sharing their strained relationship with the entire town.

She slowed as she entered the aroma of freshly baked cookies and vanilla cake. The grass provided a soft pathway as she delved under majestic trees teeming with fluffy squirrels and singing blue jays. The chatter of longtime friends and laughter of new ones filled the air with their own sweetness, and people greeted her with friendly smiles and happy waves. In minutes, she arrived at the check-in booth and got in line behind several people.

And that’s when everything changed.

The hair on the back of her neck stood, a tingle raced through her and somehow she realized…

He’d followed her.

She didn’t turn around, because she simply didn’t need to. Cole stalked forward, casting her in the shadow of his massive body. Heat engulfed every cell, piquing her senses and turning the mild day sweltering. The heat turned into an inferno ashe leaned down. “We didn’t make arrangements for the return trip.”

Another car ride with her nemesis?No, thank you.“Don’t worry about me.” She waved her hand. “I’ll get a lift from someone.”

“No one else is going to the station,” he purred. “Why inconvenience someone when I’m going there anyways? Unless you’re afra–”

“Don’t you dare say it.” Sarah pivoted to face him. What was wrong with her? They’d been joking in the car, yet she couldn’t forget who he was and what he was planning. If she made one misstep, he’d take advantage, and then her job would be in jeopardy.

Yet now his eyes crinkled at the corners, deep amusement dancing in handsome features. She breathed deeply. As long as she stayed vigilant, there was no reason they couldn’t drive together. “A lift would be great, thank you.”

He nodded pure satisfaction. “If we don’t get together beforehand, I’ll meet you after the fireworks.”

Sarah nodded as her name was called. She pivoted and moved forward, smiling at her friend Amy Allen, who was manning the registration booth.

“Hi Sheriff,” Amy chirped. “Let’s get you signed up for the event. It’s a ten dollar donation to the Special Olympics. My brother is going for gold this year.”

Sarah grinned and handed over a twenty. Amy’s brother was the sweetest – and happiest – person she knew, and she always made time to cheer him on. She waved Amy away when she tried to give her change.

“Thanks!” the sweet volunteer said. “This fundraiser helps them all year long.” She gave Sarah a large tag labeled 36A. She then took Cole’s twenty and handed him a tag that said 36B.

The slightest fluttering of unease rose as Sarah peeled off the paper backing and affixed the sticky tag to her t-shirt. Cole did the same. “Are you using both numbers and letters this year?”

“Oh no. The letters show you’re a team.”

Sarah’s hands stilled. So did Cole’s.

“Excuse me?” She frowned.

“Sounds good.” He smiled.

Sarah looked at the big 36A on her shirt, the 36B on Cole’s. “Wait just a minute. We can’t be a team. Cole, tell her.”

Cole stood back, crossed his arms over his chest. “Why not?”

“Because I’m me and you’re…” Her voice trailed off, but her mind easily filled in the blank.Frustrating. Infuriating. All-too-tempting.She tried again, “I’m your boss. It just wouldn’t be right.”

“Sure, it would.” He gestured to the people around them. “It’s a community event. Colleagues do collaborative activities all the time.”

“Didn’t you come together?” Amy asked as the conversation around them quieted, as people subtly and not-so-subtly listened. In their small town, people didn’t complain about being held up by a private discussion… they encouraged speakers to talk louder so they could hear every word. Now she’d have to explain, lest people get the wrong idea.

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