Page 88 of Bossy Hero

“Concerned secret boyfriend,” he fires back, one of his fingers poking his own chest.

His face is weary from travel, so I take pity on him, moving aside to usher him into my room.

Besides, I’m glad to see him.

When this last-minute work trip popped up, I knew it would create tension. Not only with Alan but with my kids. Leo especially. After all, Sammy’s under twenty-four-hour protection after escaping an abduction attempt last week. So it’s not like this is an ideal time for travel.

I tried to get out of this trip, but my boss was quite clear that my job was on the line. And Redleg is short on guards, which I know because all the important people in my life are tethered to the company.

So I flew out this morning, much to everyone’s chagrin. But what they don’t seem to comprehend is I’m not the one in danger—my daughter is. And after everything she’s been through these last few years, I only want her to have some peace.

Learning she wasn’t dead was one of the most euphoric moments of my life. But the pain of what she went through in the years that followed while she was under lock and key by her abusive ex will always haunt me. And now someone’s after her again. It breaks my heart.

As much as I wish I could be there for her, she’s in the best hands. Leo and Sawyer are watching her around the clock. I’ll have guilt for months for leaving the way I did, but the last thing I wanted to do was pull another guard away from the ones who truly need it.

Alan was planning to send Henderson with me, and I flat-out refused. I told Alan we were through if he pulled that poor boy away from his wife and newborn baby for me. Permanently. I hated to bring out the big guns, but I’m serious about this. The men and women of Redleg already sacrifice so much. I won’t add to their burden.

And how does Alan respond? Flying from Florida to California to protect me himself. Stubborn man.

As he breezes into the room, he kisses my cheek. His masculine scent fills the narrow space of the entryway, setting off butterflies in my lower belly. After locking us in like we’re in a vault, I turn around to find him staring at the bed. He’s set his suitcase down on the stand at the foot of the bed.

I take a moment to soak up the view of his strong frame and firm backside. He fills out those jeans spectacularly. Talk about a perfect fit. If you told me he was the model the designer used, I’d believe you.

Strolling up to him, I don’t even bother resisting squeezing both of his ass cheeks. Rigid muscles clench under a cushion of warm flesh.

Delicious.

He spins around abruptly, making me flinch. His arms encircle me, pulling me close. And then his lips are on mine, searing me like a brand. Hot and unyielding.

In an instant, my body goes pliant, and I mold myself to him. He brings me to life, sending tingles to all my nerve endings.

This man can kiss.

Feels like forever since I’ve been wrapped up in his arms with his mouth commanding mine. With Sammy living at home, Alan and I have less time together.

Not that I’m complaining. Having her back is worth the world.

But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss spending time with Alan.

Suddenly, he breaks the kiss, startling me. His warm palms cup my cheeks, and he keeps our bodies tightly aligned. “You had me worried sick, woman.”

Instead of replying with words, I bat my lashes at him and play innocent.

He shakes his head at me, adding atsk. “You like this, don’t you?”

I drag the backs of my knuckles along his cheek, reveling in the feel of his freshly trimmed beard. “Like what?”

“The chase.”

My neck quirks, tossing my head to one side. “Huh?”

After giving me a quick peck, he lets his mouth linger over mine. “I think you like the idea of me chasing you. It’s not about your independence, is it?”

My head spins with him this close to me, making it difficult to process his words. “What’s not about independence?”

“You refusing to admit that we’re in a relationship. It’s not about you asserting your independence like I initially thought. It’s a game. Like cat and mouse. You want me to chase you, don’t you?”

I rear back an inch or two to see him better. “Just because we’re having fun doesn’t make it a game. That’s a little insulting. I care about you. I’m not playing around.”

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