Page 97 of The Stalker

He shrugged casually, and Tatiana couldn’t gauge anything from his response. He was completely neutral as he said it. He gave no sign of being disappointed or upset in any way, and on some level, Tatiana was hurt because she was bitterly disappointed by this. She would much prefer kisses like the one they’d had last night, or even a whole hell of a lot more.

Yes, but this is a good thing, Tatiana. He’s accepted it, and that’s what you want.

They ate the rest of their breakfast in silence, and Tatiana hated it. She preferred the fun, flirty conversations she’d gotten used to having with Hayden. Instead, this meal was like a million other meals she’d had with clients in the past. Except for her hating the silence rather than being fine with not necessarily needing to make conversation with them.

They headed back upstairs, and Jesse left them to go to his room. When they reached Hayden’s suite, Tatiana led the way inside. She checked the entire suite carefully to make sure it was secure before hovering at the edge of the living room while Hayden sat on the sofa to read a book.

He read for about half an hour, with Tatiana enjoying the opportunity to watch him read before he shut his book with a big sigh. He set it aside, then stared at a painting on the wall for a minute or so. She was surprised by his actions because it was a very short time for Hayden to read if he didn’t have any kind of deadline. Finally, he turned to look at her, and he smiled.

“I want to go swimming,” he told her.

She raised her eyebrows at him. “Really?”

“Yes. Is that okay?”

She considered it for a second. Her flow was nowhere near as heavy today, so she should be fine for swimming with a tampon in. It was probably secure enough in the hotel pool, as well, but she did wish she hadn’t sent Jesse to bed half an hour ago. She’d much prefer having him there with her for backup.

“I guess so. Could it not wait until Jesse can come with us?”

“Today’s my only day off, so not really,” he pointed out.

She sighed and thought through the logistics before nodding. “Okay, sure. Let’s go get your swimsuit on, then.”

Good choice of words. It sounds like you’re planning on helping him.

But Hayden didn’t make any flirty comment about it as he led the way to his room. She wondered if he’d actually heeded her words about them having nothing more than a professional relationship.

He pulled out a pair of boardshorts, then headed into his bathroom. He came out wearing just the shorts, and Tatiana’s resolve to remain professional began to crumble. She worked hard to not openly ogle him and reminded herself of the email.

“So, what happens? Will you come in the pool with me or stay by the entrance like Jesse does?”

“I’ll get a swimsuit on, but I’ll stay out of the pool, so I’m better prepared for anything that happens. I’ll get in the pool if I need to, though.”

“I see.”

Hayden didn’t say anything more, and Tatiana led him to her bedroom, where she told him, “Shut yourself in my bathroom, please, so I can get changed. I’ll open the door when you can come out.”

“You’re not worried I’ll go through your toiletries?” he laughed.

“I trust you not to dunk my toothbrush in the toilet,” she grinned at him.

“Maybe you shouldn’t,” he said with a cheeky grin as he headed to her bathroom.

As soon as the door was closed, Tatiana set to work quickly. She opened her suitcase and pulled up the false bottom in it. She got out her handgun lockbox and opened it, then carefully disarmed herself and emptied her gun before setting it inside.

She put the ammunition and magazine in a separate lockbox, then hid both underneath the false bottom of the suitcase along with her holster. She pulled out a swimsuit, then locked her suitcase as well.

She wasn’t a fan of protecting a client unarmed, but some occasions called for it. On the off chance the stalker attacked today, though, she would be at a serious disadvantage, and she didn’t like that. She was already on edge from the email, so the next few hours would be stressful.

Finally, she stripped off and put her swimsuit on. As much as she was certain the kind of women Hayden would normally be around probably wore bikinis, Tatiana never did when on a contract. She liked them well enough for personal use, but adjusting her swimwear mid-fight wasn’t something she ever wanted to have to do.

The swimsuit she was wearing was navy-colored. It had a plunging neckline, with a lacy crochet pattern that was lined in the important areas, but left skin-baring cutouts everywhere else. This swimsuit was one of her favorites, and she knew she looked as sexy in this as in any bikini she owned, but now she was wishing she’d bought a boring full-coverage swimsuit for this contract.

That opinion doubled when she opened the bathroom door, and Hayden caught sight of her. His eyes darkened, and he allowed them to rove over her body before he met her eyes.

“Are you ready?” he asked in a husky, seductive tone.

No, you’re not. Tell him he can’t go swimming.

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