Page 17 of Colton Family Bodyguard (Coltons of Mustang Valley)

“My parents saved for my college education. They gave me almost half and I took out student loans for the rest. That and the externship got me my first job at a place called Carolyn’s Kitchen. It was an upscale, home-style restaurant. I helped them spiff up their menu and some of the meals I created gave me the idea to go out on my own. Jasmine, the owner of the bakery, lets me cook in her kitchen when I have a big order or several all at once. I cook after the bakery closes at two.”

She didn’t appear to make a ton of money, living in the small apartment, but she had to be getting along just fine, making a decent income to support herself and Evie. Callum admired that. He admired ambition in anyone. Working hard was rewarding. It didn’t matter if the hard work made a person wealthy. If Callum hadn’t been born a Colton, he wouldn’t be wealthy. He made a good income, more than an average bodyguard, but nothing approaching what his father made.

“What’s your favorite food?” Hazel asked, handing him the notepad.

Taking it, his fingers brushed hers. She gave him the pen as their eyes met.

“Seafood. Clams. Scallops. That scallop recipe sounded really good.”

“Clams. I could make you an outstanding clam dinner. We’d have to make something else for Evie. She doesn’t like seafood.”

“Does any kid?”

She took the pen and paper back and jotted down some more ingredients. Then she handed the list back to him. He put it on the coffee table.

“What are you going to make me?”

“Linguine with white clam sauce.”

“Mmm.” He couldn’t wait for that. Spending time with her in the kitchen, too. Doing anything with her. He liked being with her. “How much time do you need to cook tomorrow?”

“Five or six hours.”

Taking out his phone, he took a picture of the list then texted it to one of his agency’s best personal staff and asked to have everything by nine in the morning. Patsy Cornwall responded a few seconds later. She was a night owl. Callum could always depend on her.

“Just like that, we’ll get all the ingredients?” Hazel sounded amazed.

“Just like that. Patsy is paid very well for her services.”

“Is she some kind of concierge?”

“She’s a personal assistant. She works from home and runs errands for us when we need it. We all keep her pretty busy.”

“Nice. Lucky me.” Hazel gave him the pleasure of one of her soft smiles and the color of her eyes spellbound him.

She moved her head a fraction closer, as though she couldn’t help it, stopping short and looking into his eyes.

Callum lifted his hand and placed his palm against her cheek, then, nearly involuntarily, pressed his mouth to hers. She immediately responded, her warm lips melding with his and sparking much more carnal urges. The intensity of sensations just a kiss caused in him made him withdraw.

She opened her eyes and he found himself transfixed again. He had only known her for about ten hours. With all that had happened, he felt he had known her a lot longer.

“I should get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day,” she said.

“Right. Yes.” He stood with her, seeing her smooth her hair and press her lips together as though she could still feel him kissing her.

He walked behind her toward their bedrooms, she veering to the right and he to the left. When she reached her door, she slowed and looked at him. A moment of electrified attraction passed between them before she disappeared from view.

Callum entered his room and closed the door. While he undressed and got into bed, he imagined what it might be like to be naked with Hazel. On his back, he folded his arm under his head and stared at the dark ceiling, the passionate urges subsiding as the reality of starting something romantic with her set in. Hazel, single mother of Evie, an adorable little girl who reminded him of what his own

daughter might have been.

Daughter. He had never formed that word since his girlfriend died. And now an intense sense of dread came over him. Dread and a horrible, defenseless feeling that swirled in his stomach.

Okay. He had gotten himself into this mess. He would treat it like any other job. Watch out for Hazel and Evie. Get them through what they had witnessed. Catch the bad guy. Move on to the next client. No more kissing Hazel.

Chapter 4

When Hazel woke, she didn’t immediately know where she was. She had been so exhausted, she’d slept deeply. Now, pushing the covers off, she sat up to be surrounded by the luxury of the Dales Inn room. With white, brown and splashes of color in paintings, the room was immaculate and quiet. She stood and saw Evie had already gotten up.

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