Page 1 of Trust My Bodyguard

CHAPTER ONE

Brody

My nose would likely turn blue and fall off before either of my best friends got here.

I’ve been standing outside in the blistering cold for fifteen minutes waiting to catch a glimpse of them. I’m not a sentimental guy but it’s been four years since I’ve seen the little rascals in flesh. Video calls don’t count.

The ski resort’s diner looms behind me while many acres of snowy hills and pine trees spread as far as the eye can see. I should be entranced by the weak sun glistening on the snow or the lifts that carry ski enthusiasts back and forth but no, I’m all ears and eyes for two shits that can’t keep to time.

“Whoo-hoo!”

My gaze is drawn to a figure standing atop a hill in the distance. They are in full ski gear, ready to race down. A knot of emotion forms in my throat. If anyone would have a grand entry, it would be Nick Everett.

“Here I come,” he shouts, before zooming down the hill.

He starts slowly but quickly picks up the pace. He used to be the best skier when we were boys. Even though his moves are not as clean as they used to be, they are still impressive.

Until he splashes into the snow at the base of the hill in a graceless landing.

“I swear to you”—he draws in harsh breaths—“it looked way cooler in my head.”

“It didn’t just now.” I close the distance between us and clasp hands with him, pulling him upright. “Better luck next time.”

Thick coats and many layers exist between us but Nick manages to draw me into an embrace so tight that I feel his heartbeat. Or maybe that’s mine because my heart’s beating so fast.

He releases me after a long minute and steps back. A liquid sheen dances in his bright blue eyes. “What the hell, dude?” He laughs. “The next time I blink you’re going to be walking with a cane.”

Only a few months separates me and Nick in age, so his accusation is baseless. He’d be right behind me with a cane if that happened. But not for a long time, since we’re only twenty-seven.

But I can give just as well as he does. “You know I could say the same about your hairline.”

Nick’s eyes bulge and he starts to comb gloved fingers through his white-blond hair. “What about my hairline? What’s wrong with my hairline?”

I scoff a laugh, enjoying his frazzled look when a snowmobile rides our way. The rider keeps his head straight. No fanfare. No showing off.

Zane Yates.

He parks in front of us and gets out, pulling off his helmet. His once boyish looks are now hard and set.

His disapproving gaze locks on us. “What are you doing standing in the cold?”

“Waiting for you.” I shrug.

“I didn’t forget where the diner is.”

Nick mimics him. “So fucking serious all the time. Come here, you little shit.” He drags Zane into a headlock and ruffles his hair.

Nostalgia hits me like a freight train at full speed. I’m taken back to the moment we split after our high school graduation to pursue our different military careers. Me in the army. Nick in the Air Force. And Zane in the Navy.

We were just kids with big dreams cheering each other on. We didn’t know what it would mean to leave everyone we knewand loved. Ourselves most of all. More than best friends, we are brothers.

“Let me go.” Zane huffs, pushing at Nick’s arms. “Tell him to let me go, Brody.”

“Meh. You deserve at least a minute of that.” I watch them with my lip tipped up at the corner. “And… That’s enough.”

Nick listens and releases him at that very moment.

Zane stumbles, nearly face-planting in the snow. “Gah, you haven’t changed.”

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