by Lori Foster
Harris nodded, giving her a look full of admiration. “You’re something else, Regina, you know that?”
Riley scowled at his tender tone, but Harris blew it by saying, “And here I thought you were a nosy reporter.”
“I am.” Regina gave them all an evil grin. “But I still like the more personal and upbeat human-interest stories.” She hesitated just long enough to add impact, then announced, “That’s why I told Walter’s retinue that if they wanted a real scoop they should bring their TV crew to Chester and check out the local heroes.”
Riley choked on his own breath.
Ethan groaned as if in mortal pain.
“You’d never get them here for something like that,” Rosie said. “They like stories of worldwide appeal.”
“Oh, I dunno. What could be more appealing to the world than the local heroes who keep us safe?” She slanted Rosie a look. “I specifically mentioned Harris and Buck.”
Buck bolted upright. “I’m no hero! Hell, I just own a lumberyard.”
“You were right there by Riley the day he caught Earl. You may not have a hero’s occupation, but you have the soul of a hero.”
“I don’t!”
“Yes, you do,” she insisted. “Think of the interview as free advertising for your business.”
Harris said, “Oh gawd,” with great disgust. “That’s weak, Regina. Very weak.”
She didn’t seem the least upset by the criticism. “When I told them two of the men were still single, they sounded pretty interested. They told me they’re doing this whole segment on singles in America, and heroes would naturally be prime fodder for the piece. They want me to call them back with more information.”
Buck and Harris stared at each other, their Adam’s apples bopping in panic.
“You wouldn’t.”
“You didn’t.”
Riley started to laugh. “I can tell you unequivocally that she would. For some insane reason, she thinks the two of you epitomize all that is good in mankind.”
“They’re your and Ethan’s friends,” Regina said with prim regard. “And you two are definitely heroic.”
“Hear, hear,” Rosie agreed.
“So of course they’re good men. And since they won’t let me interview them…” She left the sentence dangling with loaded suggestion.
“Hey, I put up with it,” Ethan pointed out.
“Me, too,” Riley added. His own interview had been carefully edited by Regina. Anything that might have been too personal or hurtful had been omitted.
It was still embarrassing, especially because the love she felt for him had shone through and Harris and Buck had harassed him for days afterward, pretending to swoon, blowing him kisses and asking for his autograph. But the public had gobbled it up, his chief was thrilled with the positive PR for the department and Regina had thanked him oh so sweetly, so he was glad he’d given in.
Buck finally said, “Regina, be reasonable. You have to call off Walters.”
Her nose lifted. “I could do that—if you agree to give me a story.” Her gaze slanted to Harris. “Both of you.”
With hardy groans and a lot of grumbling, they surrendered to the inevitable. “Deal.”
Regina relaxed. “I’ll return their call after dinner. But I need the interviews before our wedding next week.”
“Why the rush?” Harris asked, looking somewhat stricken by the whole idea of being in the limelight.
“After the wedding, I plan to be busy for a while—with my own personal hero.”
Riley hugged her close. He knew the truth: Regina was the heroic one. With her big heart and unwavering faith in human nature, she had filled his soul. He intended to keep her safe for the rest of their lives. If that made him a hero, too, at least in her eyes, then he’d gladly live with the label.
ISBN: 978-1-4268-4256-6
BODYGUARD
Copyright © 2009 by Harlequin Books S.A.
The publisher acknowledges the copyright holder of the individual works as follows:
OUTRAGEOUS
Copyright © 1997 by Lori Foster
RILEY
Copyright © 2003 by Lori Foster
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