My stomach twisted as flickers of anger and worry began to build. “He hurt you, too. And you’re the one he actually tried to kill.” My heart began to pick up its pace. If Ford was too focused on my safety, he was going to neglect his own.
He gave my neck another squeeze and pressed his lips to the side of my face. “Yes, he tried, and he failed. He’ll think twice about coming at me again.”
“Or he’ll come at you with a gun or a knife or some other weapon.”
“That’s why I’m getting a concealed carry permit. I’m going to be safe. I promise.”
Hot, angry tears began building at the backs of my eyes. “You don’t know that. You can’t promise.”
“Bell.” In one fluid movement, Ford pulled me from my chair and into his lap, wrapping his arms around me. “I’m going to be fine. I’ll be careful. But it really is you I’m worried about.”
I buried my face in his neck, not even caring what the others thought. I needed Ford’s scent, his feel. I wanted to be surrounded by him and never come up for air.
“We need to watch out for both of you. But my brother’s right, Bell. We need extra eyes on you. You’re not exactly evenly matched when it comes to a fight.”
Ford nodded. “That’s exactly why you’re here. You’re the only people I trust other than my parents. I want you to keep a lookout. And I also wanted to ask if you’d noticed anyone acting suspicious.”
Kenna grumbled something about Crosby not being trustworthy. Ford must’ve silenced her with one of his looks because she quieted right down.
“I can ask my crew to keep a lookout, too,” Hunter offered. “We’re on projects on Anchor for the next few weeks at least, and we’re grabbing lunch and dinner at the bar almost every day.”
“No.” I straightened at Ford’s words.
Hunter bristled. “You don’t trust my crew?”
“I don’t trust anyone that’s not at this table, other than Mom and Dad, but we can’t put this shit on them. They’re dealing with enough. Whoever this is, they were around when Vi died, and they’re close, Hunt. It could be anyone.”
Color leached from Hunter’s face. “Shit, Ford. How the hell are we supposed to keep Bell safe when this creep could be coming into The Catch every single day and us not know it’s him?”
“That’s what we’re going to talk about today. We’re going to figure out a plan so that neither of us is alone at the bar. I’ll be with Bell as much as possible, but I’d like another person as backup.”
I scoffed. “And what makes you so sure I want you around, buddy?”
My snarky question elicited just the reaction I’d hoped for. Ford’s lips twitched. “Oh, I’m pretty sure you want me around.”
A giggle came from Caelyn’s direction. “I’m happy to be backup whenever I can, but I fully support Ford being your main bodyguard.”
I stuck my tongue out at her. “Of course you do.”
“If I can take over one of the tables, I can work here in the mornings,” Kenna offered.
“I can take afternoons,” Crosby chimed in.
“And I’ll take evenings,” Hunter said last.
That familiar emotion was back, building in my throat. But this time, it was entirely made up of gratitude. I had created an amazing family. It didn’t matter that my parents couldn’t accept me or love me for who I was; I had people in my life that did—and not in spite of who I was, but because of it. “Love you guys,” I whispered, my voice going hoarse.
Ford rubbed a hand up and down my back. “Thank you. Truly. I had hoped this creep’s attention would stay on me since I was responsible for the accident, but something in my gut just keeps telling me he’s going to set his sights on Bell.”
I stiffened in Ford’s lap, turning slowly to face him. “What did you just say?”
Ford’s brow furrowed. “That I’m worried he’s going to come after you?”
My hands fisted in Ford’s shirt. “The accident was not your fault.”
Ford’s face gentled. “I know, Trouble. I just meant that whoever’s doing this thinks it was my fault.”
I studied Ford’s face carefully, my gaze searching every muscle and micro-expression. All I saw was the truth. “Good. Don’t make me put the smackdown on you.”
Ford chuckled, and Crosby let out a low whistle. “You’ve got a spitfire on your hands, buddy.”
“Don’t I know it.”
I groaned as I looked up from the spreadsheet printout, cracking my neck.
Ford glanced up from his laptop. “You tired? Want me to take you home?”
Warmth flooded my chest at the word home, but doubt followed quickly on its heels. How long would a home on Anchor last for Ford when he was constantly being questioned and attacked? My parents, nosy islanders, this creep following us around. I closed my eyes briefly. One day at a time. I didn’t want to ruin what we were building with worry about the future. He was trying, and that was all I could ask for. “Not yet. I need to finish this.”
Ford rose from the couch. “Why don’t I help you relax a little then.”
My belly gave a little flip as that blue heat flared to life in Ford’s eyes. I swallowed, hard. “What did you have in mind?”
Ford carefully gathered up the papers in front of me and set them to the side. The slow and methodical movements lulled me into a false sense of security. As soon as the printouts were on the opposite side of my workspace, he moved with a speed that had me gasping. Ford’s hands were around my waist, and he was lifting me onto my desk faster than I could blink. “Ford.”
He grinned down at me as he went for the button on my jeans. “Yes?”
“Um, uh, the door? Our employees?” I was grasping at straws I didn’t really want to hold onto all that badly.
“Door’s locked.” He slowly brought down my zipper.
“O-okay.” I couldn’t disguise the shaking in my voice.
Ford grasped the waistband of my jeans and panties, tugging them with enough force that they came free, even though I was sitting. “I think I’ve been patient enough. It’s time for me to taste you.” My breaths came quicker. “Would you like that?” I nodded, wetness gathering between my legs as heat spread low in my belly.
“Lean back.” I did as instructed. “Grab hold of the edge of the desk.” My fingers dug into the wood as Ford slowly pulled my jeans down my legs. As his knuckles dragged along my thighs, I shivered. “So smooth. So soft.” He pressed a kiss to my inner thigh. “Perfect.”
My jeans and sandals came off and thudded to the floor. Ford knelt before me, spreading my knees wide. I fought the urge to squirm. The bright overhead lights meant that I was completely on display for him. Ford looked up at me. “You want to come?”
I nodded. I had somehow lost the ability to speak. He grinned. “Good. I want to make you come, but you have to stay still. You’re not allowed to hide from me anymore.” He trailed a finger down my center and then slipped it inside. “There is no part of you that’s hidden from me. Understood?”
I nodded quickly.
“I need the words, Bell.” His finger crooked inside me, making a come-hither motion.
I whimpered. “No more hiding.”
“Good.” Ford brought his face closer to my center, inhaling deeply. “God, I can’t get over your scent.”
My legs wanted to close around him. It was too much, too intimate, made me feel too vulnerable. Ford crooked his finger again, and I fought the urge to squirm. I took a deep, shaky breath.
Ford’s tongue made a long, languid stroke, and I almost bowed off the desk. He immediately stopped. “Still, baby.”
I let out a sound that was a cross between a whine and a moan. Ford chuckled, sending a wave of delicious sensation through me. “You’re going to kill me,” I muttered.
“But it would be a hell of a way to go.”
“You’re not wrong.”
Ford’s tongue darted out again. Teasing. Toying. Exploring every part of me. He slipped another finger
inside, and my breaths came faster yet. My hands itched to move, to thread through Ford’s hair, to touch him, but the second I shifted, Ford stopped all movement. “Don’t make me withhold your orgasm, baby.”
I growled in frustration, and he laughed. “You can do it, Trouble. Just stay still.”
My hands gripped the edge of the desk so hard, I thought it might break. “I’m freaking still.”
Ford’s tongue flicked across my clit, sending millions of tiny sparks scattering along my nerve endings. “So well behaved, hardly any trouble at all.” I would’ve kicked him if I didn’t need him so damn badly.
“Please.”
“I love it when you beg.” His fingers teased and twisted, moving faster and deeper, and then his lips latched on to that bundle of nerves. It was no longer a slow build of sensation; I came apart at the seams. It was as if my body simply exploded into a million little pieces before they slowly came back to each other and reassembled themselves.
I was panting, my hands had gone numb. “That was...” I couldn’t even finish the sentence. The man had fried my brain.
Ford gave me a wicked grin as he stood. He swiped a thumb across his lower lip and then licked it clean. “You taste delicious.”
Holy…I didn’t know what. That was hot. I leaned forward, going for the button of Ford’s jeans, but he stepped out of my reach, shaking his head. “That was just for you.”
I stuck out my bottom lip. “But I want to.”
Ford chuckled. “Tonight. When we really have time to play.”
“Fair enough.” I jumped off the desk, my legs a little wobbly, and quickly pulled on my panties and jeans.
When I stood, Ford swept his lips against mine. “Thank you.”
I grinned up at him. “I’m pretty sure I should be the one thanking you.”
“I’ll let you do that later.” I let my head fall to Ford’s chest. “What?” he asked.
I couldn’t stop laughing. “I’m never going to be able to look at that desk the same way again.”
38
Ford
I knocked on the guest room door. “You ready?” There was some grumbling from inside, and I had to clench my teeth to keep from laughing.
“I really don’t think this is necessary,” Bell called through the door.
“I think it’s plenty necessary.” Proving to Bell that I wanted a real relationship with her was not going to be an easy task. Words weren’t going to cut it. Because even though I’d told her I was planning to stay on Anchor, I could still see the shadows of doubt in her eyes. She needed my actions. I wanted to show her that I wasn’t hiding from anyone’s judgment. And I wanted all of Anchor to know that she was mine. No more locals sniffing around her at the bar and making me want to bash their heads in. I wanted the world to see that she was taken.
The door swung open. “We left Caelyn and Darlene with a full house at the bar.”
I wanted to say something about the fact that Hunter was going to be helping them out, but I couldn’t seem to form words. Bell was absolutely breathtaking. She wore a simple black dress that must’ve been made out of magic material because it hugged every valley and curve. Layered necklaces dipped in and out of her cleavage, and her blond hair hung in waves around her face. My gaze kept traveling up and down her body, trying to take it all in, but it was the cowboy boots that almost did me in. All I could imagine was Bell in nothing but those boots.
“Ford? Ford, are you okay?”
I started at the sound of worry in Bell’s voice and shook my head, grinning. “I’m pretty sure you just pickled my brain.”
She quirked a brow. “Pickled your brain?”
“Trouble…” I slid an arm around her waist, pulling her against me. “You look…incredible.”
That adorable pink hit her cheeks. “Thank you. You clean up pretty good yourself.”
I took her mouth in a slow, lazy kiss. “Come on, let’s get out of here before I carry you to the bed and forget all about dinner.”
Bell nibbled on her bottom lip. “I could get behind that idea.”
“Nope. I am taking you on a proper date. Tonight.”
“Oh, fine,” Bell grumbled.
I chuckled. “Only you would complain about me taking you on a date.” I led her down the hall and out towards my SUV.
“I don’t need all that fancy wining and dining.”
I pulled open the passenger door and helped her in. “I know you don’t need it, but I want to give it to you.” I paused, taking in the worry in her features. “Unless you’re scared about this guy still being on the loose.” For the past few days, our friends had stuck close. The only times we were alone were at my house and on the way to and from work.
Bell gave a quick shake of her head. “No, it’s not that.” She leaned forward, pressing her lips to mine. “Thank you for wanting to spoil me a little.”
The tension between my shoulder blades eased a bit. “I’m just getting started.”
Bell groaned and pushed me away. “Come on. Feed me.”
I chuckled and rounded the hood. The drive into town was uneventful, but Bell was antsy, twisting the little strap on her clutch, straightening invisible wrinkles in her dress. Something was up with her.
I pulled into a parking spot outside one of the two fancier restaurants in town. The Cove was an old Victorian home on the water that had been transformed into a B&B and restaurant. Reservations were hard to come by, but promising tip to the maître d earlier that day had secured me a table.
I opened Bell’s door and offered her my hand. “My lady.”
She shook her head, smirking. “I’d say ‘thank you, kind sir,’ but you’re no gentleman.”
I gasped in mock affront. “How could you say such a thing?”
Bell laughed just as I’d hoped, and I guided her through the parking lot and up the stairs. “I haven’t been here in years. And their crab bisque is my favorite.”
I traced small circles on her lower back. “Let’s get you fed, then.” She shivered, and I grinned.
The maître d led us to a table by a window with a view of the harbor, lit by lights along the docks and the boats bobbing in the water. It was perfect. I helped Bell into her seat, pressing a kiss to the top of her head and soaking in her scent, the jasmine just a touch heavier tonight. I couldn’t help myself, I dropped a kiss to her bare shoulder. “Thank you for coming with me tonight.”
Pink tinged Bell’s cheeks. “Thank you for inviting me.”
We ordered drinks and debated over the best dishes. I insisted on ordering way too much food so Bell didn’t have to choose. We laughed and talked about nothing too serious. The whiskey and Bell’s company warmed me from the inside out. “So, tell me about the furniture.”
Bell grinned and ducked her head. It was rare that she became bashful, and it only intrigued me more. “I love bringing forgotten pieces back to life. Giving them a second chance.”
Bell had always been able to see what others missed, what lay beneath the surface of an object or a person, the potential of what could be. “That piece in the workshop is stunning.”
“Thank you. It came out even better than I hoped.” She took a sip of her wine, scanning the restaurant.
“You should start a side business. Or even open a shop.” I wanted more for Bell than just helping my family’s bar stay afloat. I wanted her to have something that was all her own.
She twisted the stem of the wine glass between her fingers. “That’s the dream. But I don’t really have the time to dedicate to it right now.”
My hand tightened around my glass. She didn’t have the time because she was so caught up with The Catch. She needed freedom to pursue this dream, and she needed someone to have her back while she did it. I was going to be that person.
Before I could ask another question, Bell did. “What about you? How are your bars doing without you in the city?”
“They’re doing great.” I grinned down at the table. “Better with me gone, actua
lly. Maybe I was micromanaging too much. I’ll need to take a trip to LA soon to discuss turning them over to Luke permanently. But I think he’s up for the task.” I studied Bell’s face as I spoke, that doubt still underlying her features. I fought the urge to curse.
She took another sip of her wine, her gaze going over my shoulder. “That’s great. I’m glad it seems to be working out for now.”
“What are you looking at?” I turned slightly to take in what Bell was. A middle-aged couple sat at a table near us, making quiet conversation but blatantly staring our way. When they met my gaze, they immediately turned back to their meals.
“People are staring.”
Bell’s voice was quiet, almost timid, and I hated the tone. I looked around the restaurant. She wasn’t wrong. Each time my gaze landed on another table, the people there turned away as if caught in the act. Only a handful of diners seemed to be immersed in each other’s company. A muscle in my cheek ticked.
Whispers and stares. There was so much I loved about Anchor, things I’d forgotten and rediscovered, but the small-mindedness would always be a struggle. One I was more than willing to overcome if it meant having Bell in my life. “Small towns,” I grumbled.
Bell smoothed the napkin in her lap. “They have their good qualities and their bad.”
“You mean they have their nosy gossips.”
She took another sip of wine. “They do. And you’ve been away a while, you’re probably not used to it.”
That much was true. I loved the anonymity of city life. But it had grown lonely, almost empty, over the past couple of years. No place was perfect. But Anchor…it held my family, Bell, the business I wanted to make sure left a legacy for generations to come. When I thought of making a home here, it brought about a peace that I hadn’t thought I’d ever feel. “I’ll get used to it.” She nodded but said nothing.
Our waiter appeared at the table. “Can I tempt you with our dessert offerings for the evening?”
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