Chloe peered at the rear-view mirror where Julian’s eyes met hers.
“No, I don’t have a girlfriend.” The smile in his eyes contained sensuous flames.
Chloe cheeks heated and she jerked her eyes to the side window. She hoped he didn’t see the flush all over her face. Her heart skipped a beat and blood rushed through her veins. She wondered why she felt this way over a man she’d just met.
They finally arrived at their home for the next three weeks. A dowdy old man wearing glasses and a tropical shirt with black pants opened the front door. With a great smile, he waved at them as the car drove around the half-circle driveway. As soon as the SUV parked in front of the house, Chloe hurried out of the back seat and gave the man a hug like her life depended on it.
“Ezra! I’ve missed you so much.” Chloe circled her arms around the man. Ezra had aged a bit, with a few more grays sprinkled in his black curly receding hair. Still holding his cane in one hand, he wrapped his arm around Chloe with the other.
“Oh, Chloe. It’s been so long, I was afraid dat you forgit about me and Ms. Olinda,” Ezra replied in his melodious island accent.
“I could never forget you,” Chloe assured him. “You remember my friend, Phoebe?”
“Yes, of course child, I remember Miss Phoebe. You da one chanting wid dem pom-poms throughout da house when you were dis tall.” Ezra put his hand mid-chest. “Look at ya now. Both ladies are beautiful and taller dan dis old man.” Phoebe and Chloe laughed.
“This is Sam’s girlfriend, Sage Carmack.” Chloe pointed to Sage who gave a slight grin.
Chloe glanced at Julian as he carried the luggage in the house. She asked softly, “Why did you hire extra help? Are you okay, Ezra?” Chloe eyed his cane then his slouched back.
Ezra chuckled. “I’m not da stout man I used to be. Now, dis young man done some good tings around da house da last couple of weeks.” Ezra rambled, rubbing his side. “He’d done fixed da lighting and da electric work.” Ezra waved his hands pointing at the new lights that lit the porch. “Isn’t dat right, Mr. Julian?”
“Glad I could help out.” Julian smiled and carried the last bag into the foyer.
“Ahhh. Now come on inside. Ms. Olinda is very excited to see ya and she’s made a feast.” Ezra entered the house and waved his hands as the group followed suit.
Chloe didn’t follow the others.
She stood in the middle of the foyer as they disappeared toward the kitchen. Feeling nostalgic, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The scent of the house comforted her. It was a feeling of refuge and wonderful memories. She opened her eyes and gazed to the rustic wooden floors and staircase that twirled to the upstairs bedrooms.
She smiled to herself, remembering when she tried to slide down the bannister a couple of times when she was a little girl. To her right was the oversized living room with a fireplace. To her left was the dining room with an elegant dining table and a chandelier hanging over. Just ahead was the hallway that led to the kitchen and enormous sunroom.
She tilted her head up to prevent the tears that welled in her eyes. Happiness flowed through as she smiled to herself. She felt relaxed and at peace, something she hadn’t felt in a while. Chloe savored every past event that played in her mind.
It felt good to remember.
Not knowing how long she’d stood in her silence, Chloe felt a presence that tingled her skin, giving her goosebumps. It was familiar and yet not, her heart raced, and her belly fluttered for no reason.
“Jiminy Christmas! You scared the bejeezus out of me,” Chloe gasped as she turned where Julian stood with his arms crossed over his chest.
Booker quietly gazed at Chloe as she stood in the foyer. The second he saw her at the airport, it was like seeing Chloe for the first time. He was like a kid again, with the anticipation of opening a gift he’d begged for and got on Christmas morning. In that millisecond, he realized why he was here.
Booker took it all in and there she was in all her beauty.
She was perfect.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you,” Booker kept his voice low and calm. “Uh, Jiminy Christmas?” His mouth turned up in bemusement.
“It’s my uncontrollable babbling mouth. It blurts whatever it wants.” Chloe fidgeted with her ear and giggled.
“I like your babbling mouth,” Booker replied, returning a smile. Ahhh, yes…her babbling is cute as hell.
Chloe straightened her shoulders, then scrunched her forehead. She looked at Booker as if he had two heads. With narrowed eyes, she asked, “What did you say?”
“I said, I like your babbling mouth,” he repeated. Chloe’s mouth opened and immediately closed as if she were going to say something.
“Is everything alright? Did I say something wrong?” He tried reading Chloe’s frozen look but couldn’t decipher it. She shook her head.
“No… It’s just, you reminded me of someone,” Chloe whispered, almost inaudibly.
Booker had an intuitive feeling he’d triggered a memory, but he couldn’t be sure. Sometimes, when a memory is triggered, it may come back as clear as she saw Booker in front of her, a flash of lightning that came as quick as it left, or like walking slowly through a hazy fog. It could be jarring for someone who suffers from amnesia, so he had to be careful.
She stood quietly and stared at Booker for a moment. It was obvious Chloe didn’t immediately recognize him when he picked them up at the airport and the blank look she’d given him was a blow.
Booker wanted to ask her what she’d been up to for the last couple of years. Had she read any good books lately? Did she still wear her fat-pants? Perhaps catch up like old acquaintances.
He had told her his nickname, the name he went by and what his teammates called him. But now, she knew him only as Julian Cruz, the hired help. Although Booker was relieved, he was also saddened her amnesia took parts of her life away and Chloe’s memory of the first night they’d met was forgotten.
Now, it was like starting over with her.
Clearing his throat, he asked, “Would you like me to bring your bag to your room?”
“It’s okay, I can do it.”
Both reached for the bag and their hands touched. Booker gripped the handle of her suitcase, waiting for Chloe’s eyes to meet his. And when they did, an electric spark zipped through him down to his groin, but it was his heart that came alive.
Does she feel it too?
There were unspoken words as if they knew what the other was thinking and somehow, he was going to test that theory. But Booker had rules and he needed to make sure he didn’t break them. All the consequences ghosted through his mind if that happened. He’d seen it firsthand, losing a loved one after his instincts failed him because he was distracted.
He took a deep breath and willed himself to relax. He was a professional and took his missions seriously. It was his job to control his actions in any situation he found himself in. The way he couldn’t control his emotions now unnerved him.
One minute he was in front of Chloe and the next, a ghost from his past haunted him. How was this dark memory buried so deep resurrecting from the abyss of his mind?
It was a warning. Focus. Remember your rules.
“Please, let me. I wouldn’t be a gentleman if I didn’t do this for you.” He gave her a wink.
Chloe smiled, hands raised in surrender. “I guess chivalry still exists.”
He lifted her suitcase. “Holy hell, woman—what did you pack in here, everything and the kitchen sink? And you wanted to carry this to your room?”
“Stop your complaining, old man. You offered. I think you can handle it,” Chloe said as she put her hand on her jutted hip.
“No old man here. Give me a chance, I’ll show you what else I can handle.” Booker gave her a coy smile. Chloe quickly turned around after he noticed a flush of pink over her cheeks. He watched her long legs and cute ass sway up the stairs.
Undercover security detail was never an easy task, especial
ly for this assignment. The irony of it all, Booker had asked to be put on this case. When they’d met back in San Francisco two years ago, he immediately liked Chloe and couldn’t deny the attraction. And knowing her life was in danger willed him to be her protector.
Booker’s teammates told him he had a hero complex, always wanting to be on every assignment he possibly could. His assignment was to shadow Chloe, undercover security detail, and nothing else. But he also wanted to solve this case and find out who the bastard was and put an end to the unsub.
Booker had reached out to Rocky to gather personal intel on Chloe. Just as Rocky had done back at home, he needed to befriend Chloe and earn her trust. Chloe had a small and tight circle, Phoebe and Ryland were her best friends. There was Sam, her cousin, and Brennan, the owner of a local bar they hung out at. Rocky was lucky to be part of Chloe’s circle and got to know all of them better. Rocky didn’t suspect any of the friends was the perpetrator. However, Rocky suspected the unsub may have contacted Chloe the last several months. It was unclear how many times Chloe was contacted, but Rocky had a feeling it was enough to rattle Chloe’s nerves.
If that was the case, why didn’t Chloe mention it to her father? Or the police? Booker’s jaw tightened at the thought of this psycho getting anywhere near Chloe. Knowing all this about her, Booker wanted to slay all her demons, especially the one that was after her.
“This is my room.” She opened the door and turned on the lamp. “You can put the kitchen sink over there.” She pointed to her bed.
After plopping the suitcase on the bed, Booker walked over to the window and swept the curtains to the side. Seeing the SUV in the circular driveway, he made a mental note of where her room was.
Booker cleared his throat as he looked around her room and peered inside the joining bathroom.
“Nice,” he said.
He smoothed his hand over the bed. It was a girly room with soft blue and yellow pastels and frilly pillows. The walls displayed beach artwork and seashells on the nightstand and vanity.
For a woman who wasn’t trying in the least bit, she was sexy as hell as his gaze wandered to her silky chestnut curls that cascaded down her collarbone. Then to her cleavage that peeked from her V-neck blouse.
Down, boy.
“So,” Booker said, attempting to break the awkwardness. “What are your plans while on the island?”
“Not sure. Phoebe has a few things in the works, I’m sure.”
“Well, I’m here to drive you around wherever you want to go.” His smile was automatic.
Chloe softly smiled back. They stared at each other for a moment.
He should walk away and let her settle in her room, but her pull was strong and leaving her in the room was the last thing he wanted to do. He got the feeling she was thinking the same thing too.
Chloe had those eyes that drew you in and swallowed you whole.
What was it about her?
She’s so goddamn beautiful.
He wanted to reach over to her and touch her, settle his urge and taste her lips.
But he needed to lock his shit down.
Focus, dammit! Booker scrubbed his fingers through his hair.
“No girlfriend, huh? I’m surprised.” Chloe shifted in her Converse shoes, pulling Booker from his thoughts.
“Why?” Booker scrunched his eyebrows, letting out a slivered chuckle.
“I mean, look at you… You could be a model or a stuntman for the movies. I can picture you with a woman with a tight body, perky boobs and hot ass.” Chloe’s hands waved, pointing at his body. “I’m sure you’ve had your fair share of wooing women out of their clothes and into your bed with that smile of yours.”
Booker choked on his laugh. She couldn’t have been more wrong.
“You’ve known me for what, a couple of hours and you assume I sleep around with bimbos?”
“I’m sorry… I didn’t… it came out wrong… I have a babbling mouth.” She covered her lips with her hand when Booker’s eyes met hers. “Is it getting hot in here?” Letting out a whoosh, she fanned her face with her hand.
With Chloe flustered, Booker was going to enjoy getting a rise out of her.
This is going to be fun. “So, what about you?” Booker jutted his chin toward her.
“What about me?” Chloe jerked her head back.
“Do you have a boyfriend?”
“Is this your first tactic of wooing a woman…asking if she has a man before you proceed since you’re a gentleman and all?”
“Let’s just say flirtatious curiosity.” Booker leaned his shoulder against the opposing wall, arms across his chest. “Are you wooable?”
“Eh…”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Let’s just say I’m not the type guys would want.”
“I disagree,” he countered.
Chloe quirked a brow. “Disagree?”
“I find you very attractive.”
“Either you’ve been on this island too long or you must have smoked the ganja.” Chloe put her thumb and forefinger together as if smoking a joint.
Booker chuckled. “You’re batting zero, sweetheart.”
“Are you laughing at me?” Her hand pressed against her chest.
“I would never laugh at you—with you, yes. Never at you,” Booker said. “First of all, I’m not into bimbos. Secondly, I’ve been on the island for a short time and third, I don’t smoke, at all. Finally, you are very beautiful and any man who doesn’t see that is a fool.”
He couldn’t deny it.
Something was definitely happening between them and there was no way Booker could ignore their chemistry. He wished there were no other agenda and the only motive was to get to know her better.
Could he do his job and protect her? Of course—protecting Chloe was the easy part.
Could he keep his feelings pushed aside so they didn’t affect his job? Possibly—it would be a challenge especially with the unexplained emotions, past and present.
He couldn’t help his wandering mind. He had a quick flash of her in his bed. Kissing every inch of her soft skin, his fingers in her silky strands, tasting her plump lips, caressing her perky breasts and moving slowly to her.
Get your mind out of the gutter, Book!
He rubbed his face with his hand, ending the thoughts of having his way with her. By the time the night was over, a cold shower would be much needed. But, the boys in the shorts had a mind of their own. He had to think of something quick.
“So, tell me, Chloe Channing…what do you do for fun?” he asked, shifting in his shorts. “Don’t tell me shopping.” Booker mentally slapped himself across the forehead.
“Excuse me?” Chloe tilted her head, most likely from the abrupt change of subject.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.” He pressed his fingers to his forehead.
“Although shopping is always fun, not on my list of priorities.”
“Do you like to go running?”
“Uh, sure… Why?”
“I ask because I usually jog in the morning before the sun comes up.”
“That’s the best time to go running.”
“So, what do you say?” Booker’s eyebrows raised. “Would you like to go running with me?”
“Oh, I don’t know. It’s been a while for me. I wouldn’t want to slow you down.” Chloe chewed on her fingernail.
“Nonsense. I’d enjoy the company.”
Chloe pressed her lips together and hesitantly nodded. “I guess so. It’s a good thing I brought my running shoes with me.”
“Great, it’s a date. Let’s start the day after tomorrow. This will give you a day to rest from your travels.”
“A date?” Chloe crossed her arms over her chest. “Julian, an early morning run is not considered a date in my book.”
“So, you have a book on dating?” Booker chuckled.
“That’s not what I meant. But considering the topic, there should be a dating book on how a man sh
ould treat a woman.”
Booker’s lips turned up in a smile as he took a step closer. “My mom raised a gentleman and I don’t need a book.” Shit—don’t do it… Don’t go there. “How about I take you out to dinner, show you what a date with me is like.” The words were out before he could stop them, before he could even try.
What did I do? Fuck. I broke rule number one.
“Ha! And why should I go to dinner with you?” She bit her lip and twirled the ends of her chestnut hair.
“Cuz you like me.”
She half-smirked. “You’re so sure of yourself, aren’t you?”
“I am.” Booker’s cocky-ass grin was wide on his face.
“I’ll have to get back to you, since my vacation planner has me all booked. Shopping and all!”
“You do that… Have your peeps get back with my peeps?” Booker joked. “You have a beautiful smile.”
Chloe’s face softened as she giggled. “Are you trying to woo me?” Her fingers fidgeted in front of her.
Her chest moved from her ragged breaths, indicating she was nervous. “Is it working?” Booker raised a brow.
“I…uh…”
“Do I make you nervous?” He put his hands in his pockets.
In the little time Booker had been around Chloe, he’d picked up on her little quirks. He liked her babbling mouth and random words. He liked making her blush because soon after she would twirl her hair or bite her lip, a telltale sign of her nervousness, he was sure of it.
This woman before him, intrigued him.
She was witty, yet shy.
She was beautiful and modest.
Her laugh was intoxicating.
Her smile melted him.
She was sexy as hell and she didn’t even know it.
Chloe had some kind of force on him. No matter how hard he tried to downplay his feelings, Chloe pulled at him.
How the fuck does she do that to me? The last time anyone made me feel like this was…
“I hate to break it to you, but I’m not nervous at all,” she replied, taking Booker out of his daze. “I’ve been burned, learned my lesson.”
“Whoever burned you is a piece of––”
Till I Found You: The Broken Hero Series—Book One Page 4