Lily thought she might like Gunner’s mom. Gunner. The military boy. That was funny. “Are you still in the military?”
“Retired a year ago.”
“What’s the plan now, Gunner?”
“Lunch.”
She’d meant his life plan but kind of liked his redirection. She wasn’t ready for anything serious and apparently neither was he, but he was extremely attractive and truly seemed like an upstanding guy. She could handle lunch.
Setting her bike against the wall again, she walked to him and stuck out her hand. “Lily. Nice to meet you, Gunner.” She rarely shared her full name: Lily Bella Jewel-Jolie. She’d dumped the Jolie after she dumped her mother at eighteen. Now she kept it at Lily. Possibly Lily Jewel if she needed a last name. She didn’t want somebody to figure out who she was, and she didn’t like her name. Her mother had often disparaged her, telling her that she didn’t fit her name: a priceless, beautiful flower she was not, unless her mother wanted to use her to get a new role. Lily couldn’t forget the time her mother had encouraged her to ride home with a young man, who she’d paid to take Lily somewhere remote and attack her. Her mother and her bodyguard/nanny Phil had shown up just in time to rescue her, with a whole slew of paparazzi following them. Phil had confided in her later that he’d overheard the setup. He had many unsuccessful confrontations with her mother and upped her training after that. Lily hadn’t seen Phil in years, and she still wondered what Bella Jolie had held over his head to keep him in line. She suspected he’d stayed to protect her. She owed him so much.
Gunner’s larger hand wrapped around hers, and she forgot all about her past and her name. Lily found her air supply reduced by the simple touch. She didn’t get nearly enough human contact and suddenly she felt like she was starving for it. She wanted to hold on to his hand, run her other hand up his arm and feel his firm flesh, maybe just hug him and hold on tight for a few … hours.
Shaking her head to clear it, she pulled her hand free, grabbed her bike, and started toward the road. She had to pause to wait for a souped-up, four-door truck to roar by. Lunch. Lunch she could handle. Touching Gunner’s hand again … probably not a good idea.
Chapter Five
Gunner thought even Jex would be proud of his flirting with Lily. He recognized it was many levels below what any of his brothers were capable of, but it was an impressive amount for him. Lily made it easy. She was … adorable didn’t completely fit as she was exquisitely beautiful with her bright blue eyes, smooth skin, and angelic smile, but she was also funny and cute. He found himself liking her, which wasn’t necessarily a great thing in a protection detail.
It was hard to imagine they were in too much danger in a town like this. They crossed the street, nowhere close to a crosswalk, and Lily waved brightly to the policeman parked at the corner while they did it.
“We’re living on the edge,” he said.
She quirked an eyebrow at him.
“Jaywalking.”
Lily smiled. “I’m sure you laugh in the face of danger.”
“I’ve seen my fair share.”
She propped her bike against the building and surprised him by wrapping her hands around his bicep, squeezing, and saying dramatically, “Ooh, strong military boy, protect me from danger.”
Gunner laughed and didn’t even flinch at her touch, which he usually did when anyone non-related touched him. He hadn’t always been that way, but seeing and inflicting death changed a person. Maybe being around someone like Lily would be good for him. He’d been smiling or laughing a lot since he met her.
He held the door to the fast-food joint for her, a surge of protectiveness toward her making him pause. Of course he wanted to protect her as a client, but he didn’t want this innocent, friendly woman anywhere near danger. Hopefully in this sleepy small town surrounded by fields and mountains they would be far from the stalker pursuing her mother. Gunner found himself not only wanting to protect her; he wanted to find out more about her.
Sutton had called him a few hours ago, livid. Apparently the media had gotten ahold of the fact that Bella Jolie not only had a deranged stalker, but also that she had hired Sutton Smith and his men to protect her and her daughter. Sutton said the drama queen claimed she didn’t know how the paparazzi found out, but she didn’t appear too sad about the exposure. Luckily nothing was out about Lily’s current location. Hopefully it would stay that way, and Gunner could simply enjoy being around her while the stalker was caught.
They each ordered a pizza bomb from Pizza Villa, the restaurant next door that was owned by the same people, a side salad, and she insisted he try one of their fresh raspberry shakes, supposedly a specialty across the mountain at Bear Lake that had spilled over to this area as well.
“So,” she said when they got their ice waters and settled into a booth. “Tell me about you, big and strong macho man.”
“Is everything you say sarcastic?” he asked.
Instead of laughing or teasing like he thought she would, her mouth turned down. “Sometimes sarcasm is my best weapon.”
His brow furrowed. Was he intimidating her? “Do you need a weapon with me?”
Her bright smile returned, and she glanced over his chest. Gunner liked that she wasn’t leering, simply looking to tease him. “I’m a pretty good fighter, but I’d probably need a howitzer to stay safe from you.”
“Aw, c’mon.” He spread his hands. “I’m not that intimidating, am I?”
“Have you touched your biceps lately?”
He gave a surprised chuckle. “No, I guess I don’t regularly squeeze my own biceps.”
“Well, you oughta give it a try. It’s pretty fun.” She winked. “I’m just sayin’.”
“Has anyone ever told you you’re full of life?”
She wrinkled her nose. “Sure. But I also hear all the time that I’m hilarious, witty, the life of the party, that type of thing.”
Gunner shook his head, smiling. “Do you ever hear that you’re overconfident and full of yourself?”
“Nope. But I’m sure that’d be the media’s only way to describe you.” Her lips turned down in a frown and her blue eyes were suddenly full of vulnerability.
“Does the media come after you?” he asked.
“Not when I stay in places like this little gem.” She gestured outside at the quiet town.
“Is that why you’re hiding?”
Her eyes widened and she said, “Oh, look, saved by the food.”
Their salads were delivered. They thanked the young girl and each took a bite. Gunner thought it was wise to not ask his too-personal question again, for both of their sakes. What was he doing getting personal with anyone, let alone a girl who was in danger and didn’t even know it?
He crunched on lettuce, a juicy tomato, mozzarella cheese, and the creamiest ranch he’d ever tasted. He swallowed and said, “That’s the best ranch I’ve ever had.”
“See? This isn’t fast food. It’s a delicacy.”
He chuckled. “I wouldn’t go that far.”
Lily widened her eyes, she made the cut sign across her neck, and then she tilted her head deeply to the left. “The owner is right there,” she said, barely moving her lips, “And Troy’s a sensitive soul. He gets his feelings hurt really easily.”
“Hi, Lily.” A thirty-something guy said. “Here for a pizza bomb?”
Lily turned and gave the man an over-the-top friendly wave. “Yes, sir, my cholesterol was getting too low, so I came to you for the solution to that pesky problem.”
Gunner laughed almost as loud as the man did. How in the world was she related to the diva Bella Jolie? Maybe her father had raised her to be this delightful. Delightful. Had he ever thought that word, except in relation to his sister, Lottie? He would love for Lily and Lottie to meet each other. His sisters-in-law Mae and Ally would love her too.
He focused on Lily and the man’s conversation, trying to shut these thoughts out of his mind. He was protecting this innocent creature, not bringi
ng her home to meet his mother.
Lily turned to him and dramatically splayed her hands, palms up. “This is my friend: the man, the myth, the legend, Gunner …” Her brow wrinkled. “I have no clue. But even though he’s an amateur at flirting, he’s pretty cool, and his biceps …” She clucked her tongue and lowered her voice, “You should touch them.”
The man chuckled and extended a hand. “Troy Mullens. I’ll take a pass on the biceps.”
Gunner shook Troy’s hand. “Nice to meet you. Gunner Steele.” Sutton had taught him when he started working with him to use the truth whenever possible. There was no reason on this job to hide anything, except that Bella Jolie had hired him, and there was a stalker possibly after Lily.
Troy studied him. “Related to Jex and Preston Steele?”
“My brothers.” Gunner was proud of his brothers and their accomplishments. He snuck a glance at Lily, wondering how she’d react. She didn’t seem to appreciate famous people, with obvious reason.
“My twelve-year old got me hooked on Jex’s videos. We love watching them together at nights. That guy is nuts. And Preston is an amazing cornerback.”
“Thanks. They’re good guys. We’re all proud of them.”
“I bet. I’ll let you two eat. Nice to meet you.”
“Bye,” they both chirped.
He walked away and Gunner took another bite of his salad. He glanced up and Lily was studying him instead of eating, the humor gone from her gaze.
“Everything okay?” he asked.
“Are you famous?”
“No.” The idea was laughable. His brothers were well-known, but he preferred the background. Protection details and security were his life. He supposed in some military circles his name would be recognized because of his accomplishments and rank advancements with the SEALs but famous—never.
“But your brothers are famous?”
He shrugged, and then nodded, taking another bite of salad before answering. “Slade is a billionaire and pretty well-known for his accomplishments. Preston plays for the Georgia Patriots, so of course football fans make him out to be a big deal.” He winked to show he was teasing. Preston was an amazing player and a very big deal. “And Jex …” He pulled out his phone, opened Instagram and found a recent video of Jex, mountain biking down the ridge of a snow-covered mountain with hundred-foot drops on both sides. He was chatting into the cameras on his helmet to his assistant Pearl. Joking and flirting with her as if he were on a beach cruiser on the flat sand. Gunner extended it to Lily.
Her mouth fell open as she watched. Her eyes darted up to him then back down to the phone. The young girl brought their shakes and pizza bombs while she watched.
Lily murmured, “Thank you.” Then handed his phone back, focused on him and not the food. “When Troy said your brother was nuts I thought that was a little rude, but he’s certifiably idiotic!”
Gunner laughed.
“So you’re like me … famous by association but nobody’s going to be chasing you down for an autograph?” She leaned closer as if his answer could determine a lot.
“For sure. If somebody thinks I’m one of my brothers, I set them straight then they leave me alone.”
Lily laughed. “I can just see you ‘setting someone straight’.”
“Hey, I’m nice about it.”
“I’ll bet.” She made her eyes go wide and her face look frozen with mock fear.
Gunner laughed.
She turned to her food and Gunner took that as his signal to cut into the soft, crusty exterior of the pizza bomb. Cheese and steam oozed out. It smelled amazing. He stabbed crust, pepperoni, cheese, onions, peppers, and mushrooms onto his fork, blew on it a few times then plunged it into his mouth. It was creamy, spicy, and savory all at once. He swallowed the bite and said, “You were right. This is not fast food.”
“Well, thank you for conceding to the food connoisseur.”
“What qualified you for the title of connoisseur?” He really wanted to know everything about her, and he wasn’t sure how smart that was. He needed to keep his head in the job. Once the stalker was caught, it would be time to move on and most likely never see her again. For the time being, however, the closer the better … in order to keep her safe.
She took a bite of her shake, and then said, “I’ve worked in …” She screwed up her mouth and paused. “I think the running total is twenty-four restaurants in different towns throughout the country. I know good food.”
“Impressive. I’m glad to have you around then, I appreciate good food.”
“Are you wanting to keep me around then?”
The question was said flippantly, but he could see something vulnerable in her eyes. She was too irresistible to have suffered much rejection from the opposite sex. Had her parents completely messed her up? If his first impression of Bella Jolie was correct at all, she definitely could’ve been a nightmare of a mother.
“That’s up to you.” He tried for nonthreatening. “I’m in your power.”
“Hmm, I like having the power over the tough military boy.”
He chuckled and cut into his pizza bomb again. “Does that mean you’ll keep me around?”
She shrugged. “We’ll see.”
Gunner didn’t push it. They were quiet for a while as they ate and savored the robust flavors of the pizza bombs and sweet creaminess of the fresh raspberry shakes.
Gunner finally ate his last bite, leaned back, and said, “I guess I needed a boost to my cholesterol as well.”
She smiled. “Worth it though, right?”
“For sure.” Hers was less than half gone. Had he plowed through his food that quickly? He’d learned to eat fast in the military, but his mother would be disappointed if he didn’t use good manners.
“I’m a slow eater,” she said, as if guessing his thoughts. “Why don’t you tell me more about you while I make sure my gut is busting before I quit shoveling it in.”
Gunner smiled. “What do you want to know?”
“Three brothers?”
He nodded. “I’m the youngest and we’re all close in age: eighteen months to two years apart. Then we have a little sister, Lottie. She’s ten years younger than me and was born with Down syndrome.”
“I bet you all love her.”
“We spoil her so rotten.” He felt a sudden pang for his sister. He went home every chance he got. His family had found out he was no longer with the military when Preston and his now-fiancée Ally were kidnapped by a psycho, who wanted Gunner to return his criminal brother that Gunner had captured. His mom had not been happy about the deception, but she forgave him quickly as was her style. He was relieved to stop with the secrets and finally be able to explain he’d hidden the truth to protect them and himself.
“Do you have a picture?”
“Sure.” Gunner pulled his phone back out and clicked on the photos. He showed her a picture of the entire family, and then some of just him and Lottie.
“She’s so beautiful,” Lily said.
“And she knows it.” He smiled. “Last year she won Prom Princess, and we all escorted her to the dance. The famous brothers gave autographs and got mauled, and I enjoyed giving her date a hard time and cutting in to dance with Lottie.” He winked. “It was such a good night. She lights up everybody around her.”
“That’s really sweet. I never thought a tough military boy could be tender.”
Gunner lifted his eyebrows. “Well, don’t get used to it. I’m only tender for Lottie.”
Lily’s own eyebrows lifted. “So if I agree to ‘keep you around’ am I going to have to accept you … not being tender?”
Gunner’s stomach heated up at the warm look in her blue eyes. He wouldn’t mind spending a lot more time around her, time that had nothing to do with keeping her safe from a stalker and maybe even being … tender.
“If you’re interested,” he said simply. What if she wasn’t interested, and he had to pretend to walk away and just follow her at a distance? That would
be miserable to have been exposed to the sunshine she showered around then have to simply observe it from far away.
“Hmm.” She wiped her hands on her napkin and stacked things on the tray. “Maybe.” Standing, she looked down at him. “Can you water-ski or wakeboard?”
“I am Jex Steele’s brother.” He’d never water-skied, but he’d spent a few days with Jex as his brother showcased an extreme watersports complex in Orlando on his channel and social media. Jex had helped him progress quickly and taught Gunner how to throw a backflip and three-sixty on a wakeboard.
“Before today that would’ve meant nothing to me.”
Gunner stacked the rest of the garbage on the tray then stood and picked it up. He followed Lily to the garbage can and dumped it, stacking it and waving goodbye to the owner and employees. He and Lily walked out into the warm late summer afternoon.
“So you don’t keep up on social media?” he asked as they stopped next to her bike.
She shaded her eyes with her hand and shook her head. “I don’t have a phone or television or anything like that.”
“Really?” She was an oddity in this world without any of those things.
“What do you do late at night in your trailer?” As soon as the words were out he felt like they were too intimate. He hardly knew her.
“I read.”
“Good for you. What do you read?”
“Romance.” She gave him a meaningful look. “Steamy romance.”
Gunner took a step back, his neck hot. This was why he stayed away from women. He was too awkward to know how to respond to a woman who was craving romance.
“Jennifer Youngblood, Debbie Macomber, Taylor Hart, RaeAnne Thayne, Sarah Gay, Karen Kingsbury, Kimberly Krey,” she started listing what he assumed were “steamy romance” authors. “… just a few of my favorites.”
“Oh. Well, that would keep you … entertained.” He’d watched a chick flick years ago with his little sister, Lottie, where Lily’s mom had been a side character. He was just remembering a very steamy scene between the main characters, that he had to cover Lottie’s eyes during, and suddenly he was even more uncomfortable.
Steele Family Romance Collection Page 26