Page 52 of Island Refuge

Brett snorted. “Like yours doesn’t,” he said without looking up from his message.

Minutes later, passing the swings and a tour group setting out for a ghost walk through Charleston, they reached the sleek black limousine idling at the curb. When they were settled inside, he reached over and cranked up the heat for Lila’s seat, hoping it would help her warm up and dry off.

“We’ll be home soon,” he murmured for her ears alone. “The debrief won’t take long.”

She tipped up her face, a question shimmering in her gorgeous eyes. He nearly kissed her. It was that or tell her about all of these feelings he was struggling with—some welcome, others not so much. Instead, he shoved it all aside for later and rubbed her arms briskly through the blanket.

She tucked in close to his shoulder, her face hidden. Over her head Logan gave him a sympathetic nod.

The islanddidfeel like home. Mentally, he added that shock to the growing pile of personal issues to handle later. Somewhere along the line, between his military career and trekking around protecting clients, home had turned into an elusive concept.

One they might have in common, considering how Lila’s parents had messed up her early years. Without her grandparents, who knew where she’d be now? The next time he saw Connie, he’d give that woman a big hug. Assuming there was a next time.

It wasn’t just up to him. He and Lila had a great many things to discuss and Travis had to believe they could work it out.

He understood now why his pal Max had opted out of the celebrity personal protection detail. He was still involved with the Guardian Agency, but like Jess, he’d found a new way to contribute. A way that perfectly suited him and his wife, Ilsa, down in Key West.

Travis glanced at the other men. Brett and Logan were married and still handling cases. Local cases at least. It gave him hope that he could find balance and have a life that was more than a twenty-four-seven dedication to the job.

And marriage was a big assumption, despite the pretending he’d been doing. After everything they’d been through, he wouldn’t be surprised if Lila told him to hit the road. Once she’d warmed up.

The limo stopped and Travis embraced the reprieve from his swirling thoughts. For the next few minutes, he needed to focus solely on the case and the two thieves they’d apprehended.

Inside the foyer of the building, the security guard at the information desk looked up and smiled. “You must be Lila Copeland.”

Lila stopped short and Travis braced for trouble. He didn’t need another curveball tonight.

“Yes,” she replied without moving.

“A package just arrived for you.” He set a large shopping bag on the high counter.

Brett strode forward. “I’ve got this. Thanks, man,” he said, taking the bag. “I asked my wife to drop off some clothes for you.”

Lila seemed to be frozen in place. Travis could sympathize all too well. “Is there a place where she can change?”

“Sure.” The guard motioned her toward the hallway. “Restroom is the second door on the left.”

“Take your time,” Travis urged her.

Her eyes were wide in a pale face. Maybe what she’d done was starting to sink in. The moment she was out of sight, he turned to Brett. “Thank you.”

He shrugged. “No worries. Nikki likes to help out.”

Travis turned to Logan. “Thanks to you too.”

“For keeping you out of the river?”

“That too,” Travis replied, sheepishly. “When she did that—”

“To save you,” Logan stated, keeping his voice low. “She did it to save you.”

“I was fine,” Travis protested. He scrubbed at the back of his neck. He’d been concerned the detective would accuse her of trying to help Copeland escape, but Bradley must’ve accepted Logan’s brief explanation. One more favor Travis owed.

“She doesn’t need to do crap like that for me.” He was an expert in security and protection. She was a baker. The best damned baker he knew. Wasn’t he the best bodyguard she knew? “I had it under control.”

“Of course you did,” Brett said. “The guy with the gun wouldn’t have pulled the trigger.”

Travis started to argue, but Logan cut him off again. “If you ask me, it’s a brave woman who takes a situation in hand.” He glanced at Brett. “Agreed?”

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