Page 168 of Bodyguard By Night

Well, there wasn’t much I could say on that front. And the fact that I felt better knowing he had my back no matter what happened wasn’t something I wanted to look at too closely.

Tomorrow would involve more talking and explaining than I wanted to think about. In fact, I needed to turn off my brain completely.

He seemed to understand that and took his time undressing me and checking me over for any other bruises or abrasions. I couldn’t say I minded that his thorough checkup included his lips.

A shower followed by a surprisingly intense massage left me a limp noodle, and I passed out somewhere between the first application of lotion and when he got to my legs. I should have been ashamed, but when I woke up the next morning with my guy at my back and my dog leaning against my legs, I was just grateful.

I checked my phone and found a text from my sister.

Rachel: Dress is gorgeous and only needed a tiny bit fixed on the shoulder. They’re delivering it on Monday. Can you believe it’s almost time?

Willow: I really can’t. Think we could get together today?

She started replying right away. I must’ve tensed up because Ransom sighed against my neck.

“Everything good?” His voice was scarcely more than a rumble, and I wished that I could melt back into him and enjoy our usual morning activities. Most of them included me screaming his name.

Pretty nice way to start the day as far as I was concerned.

“Just Rachel checking in.”

“‘Kay,” he murmured against my shoulder, tightening his arm around my middle. “Does that mean we have to get up?”

I laughed and kept looking at the little dots going on my screen. Long text coming in, I’d bet.

Rachel: I have to meet with the catering staff at the lodge today to make sure everything is okay with food and all that. Then I have to meet with the florist. One of my flowers isn’t having a good season. Crappy ones came in from her distributor. I have to figure out a different one. Do you want to come with me?

Oh, I did. But Ransom would have a meltdown about that one.

“I’m assuming going to the florist with Rachel is off the table?”

“You assume right.”

I sighed. These were the things I should be doing with my sister, dammit. This fuckwad had ruined even that. “The florist is in the Cove, I think. Maybe we can get your suit at the same time?”

“Chaos…”

“I know, I know. But this would give me a minute to talk to Rachel alone. Before I have to tell the family. I owe her that, at least.”

He flopped onto his back.

I rolled over to face him. Midnight gave a disgruntled moan and hopped off the bed. So much for my cuddly morning. “We’ll make sure we stay in with the crowds. No going off alone where he could…” I didn’t finish.

Would I be putting Rachel in danger just by talking to her?

“No, you’re right.” He sat up and shoved his hands through his hair. “We’ll do all the wedding tasks today, then we can tell the family tonight.”

“I hate this.” I pulled a pillow under my cheek. “This was supposed to be the week I got to be with my sister and we could bond over all this wedding stuff.”

“You can do it all again when we get married.” He slid out of bed and headed into the bathroom.

“Excuse me?” I sat up and rolled onto my knees.

If I was a little lightheaded right now, who could blame me?

He obviously needed to do his business and I wasn’t going to chase him in there. After a flush, the water started running. Then he moved into the doorway with his toothbrush in his mouth.

Completely naked, dear God.

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