Page 48 of The Bombshell and the Bodyguard
My previously racing heart slowed gradually to a normal pace as Wilder’s conversation with my brother went on.
“No, we’re fine. Everything’s fine. I got clumsy on a hike and twisted my knee, and Jessica got a little sunburn a couple days ago, but other than that, it’s been quiet around here. Want to talk to her?”
Wilder turned and offered me the phone. It didn’t escape my notice that he avoided meeting my eyes directly.
Great. Just when we were getting somewhere.
I took the phone. “Hey there,” I said in a cheery tone I didn’t feel. “It’s really late here—what time is it there?”
“Ten a.m. I didn’t wake you did I?”
“Me? No. You know what a night owl I am. We were just finishing a movie.”
I assured Hap I was fine, that I was safe and happy, if a little annoyed at having to stay in seclusion for so long. He told me he was staying on the Eastport Bay police about finding the stalker and reiterated his admonition to stay safely out of sight until they did.
“And listen to Wilder, okay? He knows what he’s doing, and he’s got nothing but the best intentions for you.”
Well, damn.I’d beenhopinghe had something else for me—like the hots for instance.
But when I said good-bye to my brother and hung up the phone, I found he was right.
The cool, impersonal demeanor Wilder usually wore like a suit of armor had snapped back into place. There was no sign of the relaxed, approachable guy I’d spent the day with and had just confessed one of my deepest secrets to.
I wantedthatguy back—desperately.
“What were you about to say?” I asked.
“What?”
“When Hap called, you were about to say something.”
Wilder shook his head in a dismissive gesture. “I don’t remember. Must not have been too important. Listen, I’m beat. I’m gonna try to get some sleep. You should too.”
So he was just going toignoremy confession. Or maybe he’d already forgotten it because it meant nothing to him.
Dragging a pillow off the couch, he stuffed it behind his head then shifted his large body to the side, making an aggravated noise of pain and frustration when his knee moved in the process.
“Wilder.”
He looked up at me, an apprehensive expression creasing his face. “Yeah?”
I hesitated as the words screamed in my head,What did you think of what I told you?
But I didn’t say them aloud.
Instead, I said, “I really am sorry about today, about your knee. I feel so stupid. If I’d listened to you, this never would have happened. Here you are trying to keep me safe, and I’ve been acting like a fool.”
His tone was gentle. “You’re not a fool. I think you’re just going a little stir-crazy being stuck here for so long.”
“Aren’t you? I mean, the island is beautiful, the house is lovely, but this isn’t a vacation, and we’re not some happy couple on a romantic getaway. You must be eager to get back to your life.”
“Nah.” He wrinkled his nose in thatno big dealexpression. “It’s just part of the job.”
The wording of his answer irked me. It was so blunt. So honest. And it underlined what a fool I trulywasto think he’d ever had or could ever have any interest in me.
“Well, I am,” I growled, getting to my feet. “I’m sick of hiding.”
Wilder bit the inside of his cheek. “Believe me, I get it. I don’t want to stay here any longer than necessary either. I mean, it’s not easy—”
