Page 32 of Billionaire Protector

Didn’t move.

Of course, he couldn’t deny her forever, not with Mr. Simmons present. He waited just long enough for her to narrow her eyes, then inclined his head and followed Mr. Simmons out of the tent.

Sarah must have feared he’d storm back in because she burst out three minutes later, pulling the curtains back so quickly, the entire structure shook. She was fully dressed in her casual outfit, yet still looked as gorgeous as any beauty queen. “Thank you,” she addressed Mr. Simmons. “That was very…”

“Enlightening,” Cole suggested.

“Educational,” Sarah finished.

“Beautiful,” Cole shared.

She visibly swallowed, then pursed her lips and glared at him. Yet she’d misinterpreted his words. The enlightenment was not a reference to her accidental exposure. It was about how he was starting to feel, about wanting to be near her, about enjoying each and every moment, even the ones in which she speared him with her eyes.

It was also about her reaction to his scar. For the first time in a long time, he’d forgotten about the everlasting gift from that fateful day. Typically, he had a practiced and prepared response, yet it was different when she asked about it, wielding concern, caring and empathy, as if she too carried scars. He’d lied when he said it didn’t bother him. Physically that was true – although the scar was wide and long, it hadn’t been deep, and no longer pained him. Mentally and emotionally, it burned every single day.

It was a reminder. Perhaps some sort of punishment, even. A forever scar to show how he’d failed that day,whomhe’d failed. Usually, questions made him uncomfortable, and yet for some reason, Sarah brought him comfort. How or why was unclear, but itmattered.

Now they walked through the sun-splashed day, away from the tent that revealed so many secrets. “We’re going to forget the little clothing incident back there.” Sarah broke the quiet. “Pretend it never happened.”

In a lifetime, he wouldn’t forget a single moment. “We are?”

“Yes, we are.”

“And if we don’t?”

“Hmmm. Well, remember my penchant for mixing up hair care products?”

He grinned. She’d been so cute after theincident. “I remember it well.”

She scrunched up her nose. “Well, I might just do it again, only this time with someone else’s products.”

Knowing her, she just might. “I’m a guy, remember? If I lose my hair for a few weeks, it won’t matter.”

She put her hands on her hips. “Do you really want me to get creative?”

He chuckled. “That’s okay. I’ll take your word for it.” He touched her back instinctively, barely realizing until she gave him a searching look. That she didn’t ask him to remove it brought satisfaction he wouldn’t explore.

She dragged away her gaze as she pulled the program out of her purse. “The next event is the three-legged race.” She frowned. “You’re almost a foot taller than me. What are you going to do, carry me?”

Half an hour later, that’s pretty much what he did. They were already behind from the balloon toss, and he was determined to catch up. She didn’t even make it to his shoulder, and walking together was a near impossibility. When they blew the whistle, he looped his arm around her and started running, taking her along for the ride. She’d gasped and grabbed onto him, and he held her even tighter. And if he pulled her just a little closer than necessary, she didn’t complain.

They scored five points for winning first place in the three-legged race. From there, they travelled to the sack race, ring toss and high jump, where they took two more firsts and a third. Finally, they came to the obstacle course, a trek through the forest with natural and artificial obstructions. They stood in linenext to the other contestants, as the judges explained the rules. Minutes later, the racers took off.

As they entered the thick brush, Cole and Sarah faced their first obstacle right away, a pit of brightly colored, plastic balls. The ground underneath the balls was uneven, making it difficult to gain footing. Cole reached out and grabbed Sarah’s hand to prevent her from falling.

She tugged against his hold, clearly misunderstanding his motives. “What are you doing? I’m not moving as quick as you, but my legs are a foot shorter.”

“I’m just trying to help.” He held her fast. “Everyone is holding hands.

She looked around and frowned, probably because he was right. Most of the teams were clutching hands to steady themselves. “Are you ever going to stop protecting me?”

“No.” The word was immediate, succinct and truthful. For a moment, her eyes widened, but then she turned straight, concentrating on moving forward.

He was slightly ahead of her when they reached the end of the pit. Most of the contestants had to climb out, but his long legs allowed him to step up. He reached down, grasped Sarah by the waist and lifted her up. Before she could protest, he regained her hand. He wasn’t leaving her behind. Never again.

They jumped over a series of logs criss-crossing the ground, then ducked under some low hanging branches. They raced along several other paths, conquering more obstacles and taking a sizable lead. Finally, they reached a fork in the road and a sign that said, “Choose your path.” With his height, Cole could see down most of each trail. The left one was clearly easier, and he stepped forward, set on the path to victory. Then he froze, halting at the obstacle that could derail their entire journey.

A snake.

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