Page 24 of Thirsty Bodyguard Summer

He glanced toward the bedroom. “I suppose we’ll need a fair and professional discussion about sleeping arrangements.”

“I’m still wearing an earpiece.”

“That isn’t a no.”

“It’s the reason I’m not discussing any bed with you.”

Shane studied my face. “I can wait.”

I turned toward the door. “Carlos, please limit all cottage access to yourself. Food deliveries stop at the exterior agent.”

“I’ll notify the desk.”

“Thank you.”

Rafi checked the front lock after Carlos left. “Coverage is set. I’ll stay until the relief rotation starts.”

“What time?” I asked.

“Six. Sloane approved an adjacent overnight post and exterior coverage through morning.”

Shane shifted his attention between us. “Does that mean Cassidy leaves at six?”

“It means another agent assumes active protection at six,” Rafi said.

I checked my watch. It was barely four.

“We’ll deal with six at six,” I said.

Shane gave me a small smile. “You make the future sound exciting.”

“I make it sound scheduled.”

Rafi almost smiled. “I’ll send the takeout through when it arrives.”

He stepped outside to coordinate the remaining move.

Shane put his duffel in the bedroom while I closed the curtains and checked the patio from behind the glass. The fence blocked the public path, and the exterior agent had a clear view of the only side approach.

When Shane returned, he’d changed out of his damp rehearsal clothes. Gray lounge shorts sat low on his hips, and a soft white T-shirt stretched across his shoulders.

I’d spent most of the afternoon wishing he’d put on more clothing.

Apparently, the correct amount didn’t exist.

He carried two bottles of water from the kitchenette and held one out.

“You’ve been moving since breakfast,” he said. “Drink.”

I took it. “Are you giving me an instruction?”

“I’m returning one of yours.”

“You remember those?”

“I remember the important parts. Like you checking me out after I put on the shirt.”

“I was checking whether the shirt helped.”