Page 45 of Island Refuge

“They don’t believe that. Someone on their end never actually accepted that.” She stretched out an arm. “We can’t give them a reason to come back for a repeat performance.” Her lower lip quivered with a brief lapse in her self-control. “Or worse. This is my home and I’ll step up to protect it.”

“I know.” Travis fumed. It would be easier to talk her out of participating, to lecture her into submission, if he could believe she wasn’t taking this seriously. Easier to believe she was on some misguided tough-girl adventure trip.

But this town meant everything to Lila. Her grandmother, her fellow business owners, meant everything to her. The break-in at the bakery had been awful. For all of them. He only wanted her happiness and damned if she didn’t shine brighter than ever in this small island town. She might as well be president of the tourism association with her dedication.

He didn’t disagree with her. Couldn’t fault her devotion.

Somehow, he would keep her safe while they dropped the net over the thief.

“You’re not trained for this kind of thing.” He had to point it out, just in case she’d agree to stay out of the line of fire.

Her hands stroked over his shoulders, her strong fingertips pressing softly into his muscles. He needed to pull his mind out of the gutter but all he could think about was how great those hands felt on his body when they were in bed together.

“You’retrained,” she reminded him softly. “You are the expert and I trust you to have my back. I have to make the exchange. They aren’t going to stop.”

“I’ll stop them,” he vowed.

“Won’t that be easier if I help you spring the trap?”

She had him there. “I’d rather catch them while you’re far from the action.”

“Me too,” she confessed. Then she pressed up on her toes and kissed him. “But I can’t let Gram come back with this threat hanging over us. And she won’t stay away from the bakery forever.”

“You shouldn’t be involved in this takedown.” He scrubbed a hand over his jaw. “This is bigger than a few shady grocers trying to make easy cash. I never meant to put their focus on you. I thought coming here, inserting myself into your life would be a deterrent.”

“Well, I am certainly not protesting the way you inserted yourself into my life.”

The wicked gleam in her eyes sent lightning streaking through his veins. He’d never stop wanting her. Once this was over he would find a way to give her the words churning in his heart. Even if he had to walk away, she should know how he felt about her.

“All right.” Time to focus. It was the best way to keep her safe. “Give me a second.” He called Connor, not at all surprised that he was picking apart the message. The tech expert was scrubbing the voice for any additional clues they could use.

He wasn’t a fan of Lila’s decision either, but neither of them would talk her out of it. Best to accept it and move forward.

“Connor will coordinate with Jess and other protectors in the area so we have backup,” he explained when he finished the call. “Do you want someone to stay with Connie?”

“Jackie Parker will be here and Nina said her mother will come as well.” Her eyes sparked with a determined heat. “Let’s do this.”

He managed not to cringe. “If you insist.” He linked his hands with hers. “Let’s get to work. We only have a couple of hours and I want to run through some scenarios.”

Whatever it took, he’d make sure she was prepared and confident when they got on the ferry tonight. She wasn’t helpless, but this situation had unraveled around him.

Starting with the elusive thief who seemed to move around with impunity all the way to his undeniable feelings for Lila.

He was more than ready to reclaim control of the case and his feelings for the irrepressible woman in front of him.

Chapter 14

Lila had checked in with Gram, grateful that more visitors were keeping her distracted. As promised, Roxy had convinced Gram to head to Florida as soon as the doctor released her. It sounded like the Parkers were making plans to ensure Connie had plenty of time to relax and recharge.

And when she returned, the bakery would be open for business and the trouble would be over. Lila had to believe what they were about to do would work or she might chicken out on this entire effort.

Travis insisted on making another stop on the way to the ferry and they made it on board with less than two minutes to spare before the gate closed.

Nervous, her heart pounded in her chest, her pulse echoing in her ears loudly enough she was sure he could hear it. She reached out and caught Travis’s hand. “I’ve loved this trip across the river for as long as I can remember.”

His gaze flickered with sadness. “I’m sorry to ruin a happy memory for you.”

“But you’re not. I love this trip even today.”

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