Bold Bodyguards [Triple Dare County, South Dakota 8] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance)

by Paige Cameron

He pulled back from her abruptly. “You two drive carefully also.”

  Cora hurried to the door, waved briefly, and went out. Garrick shut the door behind them.

  Once in the car, he held her in his arms. “You can cry now, sweetheart.”

  Her tears flowed down her cheeks and wet his shirt. All her repressed feeling gushed out of her. Garrick kissed the top of her head and made soothing noises.

  When she stopped, she moved back in her seat. She took deep ragged breaths. “We can go.”

  He started the car and drove onto the highway leading to Triple Creeks Township. “You must know you have him confused. Giving him permission to leave vexed him. He wasn’t sure how to take it. You put a lot of questions in his head.” Garrick reached across and squeezed her hand. “You did well, sweetheart. I’d bet he’ll be back and beg you to forgive him.”

  “I’m not sure. I won’t count on it until I see him in front of me.” But she was lying. Her stomach ached and a mixture of hope and fear went back and forth in her mind. She wanted him and Garrick. This time she was grasping for the rainbow. She wanted it all.

  * * * *

  Kohana paced the hotel room. He hoped he’d made the right choice. It bothered him more than he wanted to admit that Cora agreed with his decision to leave.

  He raked his hand through his hair. She had Garrick, a good, stable man. Perhaps she’d decided she didn’t need him. Morning couldn’t come quick enough. He wanted to get to Atlanta, talk to Jarvis, and decide what in the hell he did want to do with the rest of his life.

  When he’d left the first time, he was arrogant and knew his whole life was out ahead of him. He’d never realized or never let himself think about how much he’d hurt the people he left behind. That couldn’t happen again.

  He pulled his phone out of his pocket and called Jarvis to let him know he’d be there tomorrow night.

  Afterward, he called Mac. Mac had given Kohana his home number. “Hi, Mac, did you hear we got the last one?”

  “Yes, Reardon called. I’ve sent Jack Lomas to pick him up. That was quick work.”

  “We got lucky. I’m headed your way tomorrow. Maybe we can meet one day this week for lunch.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll give you an update on all of the men.”

  “Once I’m there and have a room, I’ll contact you.”

  “See you then.” Mac hung up.

  * * * *

  On arrival in Atlanta, Kohana rented a car and drove to Jarvis’s condo. He buzzed his number.

  “Hi, Jarvis, it’s me, Kohana. How about unlocking the elevator door and letting me in.”

  “I’ve unlocked the door and set it to open at my place.”

  Kohana was impressed with the safety features of this condo building. No one could go up the elevator without a person letting them in and they could only stop at a certain condo if someone there activated the switch.

  The doors opened to Jarvis’s foyer. Jarvis stood at his open double doors. “Come on in. Are you well and ready to work?”

  “I see the doctor this week. Have you been busy?”

  “Yes, and we have another big job coming up in about two weeks.” Jarvis walked to his built-in bar.

  “Will you join me for a drink?”

  “Make mine bourbon with a splash of water.”

  Jarvis fixed the drinks, handed Kohana his, and sat across from him. “You don’t look excited about getting back to work?”

  “I’m considering retiring.”

  “I had a suspicion that might happen.”

  “How? I had no idea when I left here.”

  “You’ve been pensive the last six months. I knew something was bothering you. You reminded me of Garrick right before he left.”

  “I haven’t been brooding.”

  “If you’d been on your toes as usual those guys would never have gotten you. Think about it.”

  “I was totally not expecting it.”

  “You always expect it. Look how you got these guys so quick. You were home, and Cora was in danger.”

  “I’m back on my toes now. I’d do fine.” Kohana sipped his bourbon and looked out the window going back over what Jarvis had said in his mind.

  He had been thinking more about home before he was kidnapped. But he wasn’t ruminating about it. It was an occasional thought.

  “I tell you what. We have a job coming up this weekend. It shouldn’t take long. If you want to be part of the assignment let me know.

  “We’re going after a drug dealer. He’s getting a big shipment of supplies in on Friday night. He’s overseas, but we know his location.” Jarvis took a swallow of his scotch and studied Kohana before continuing. “We’re going in to get the suppliers and the dealers. I’m taking two teams.”

  “You’ll need me to take in the second team. I’m in.”

  “Good. I must say I thought you’d stay in South Dakota.”

  “This may be my last job. I want to be certain I can walk away and be satisfied.”

  “You love that little lady.”

  “I do and so does Garrick. You know I told you once about the threesome relationships many of the people in Triple Creeks Township favor. If I go back, Garrick and I want that with Cora.”

  “I hate to lose you. Still, it may be time for you to let this business go. It happens to us all. I’m getting weary. I’ve been in it twenty-five years, since I was twenty.”

  “You can’t have much of a private life,” Kohana said.

  “True. I think I may have waited too long to find someone interested in a middle-age man. But I can travel and enjoy life. I’ve got plenty of money.”

  “Who’d take over the business?”

  “Harry wants to buy the business. I’m considering it.”

  “Wow, I never expected you’d ever quit.”

  “I felt the same about you.” Jarvis took Kohana’s glass and his and refilled them. “Have you eaten?”

  “No. I have to find a hotel room, and then I thought I’d eat.”

  “You can stay here, and I know an out of the way restaurant that has the best steaks.”

  “If you don’t mind, I’ll accept your offer.” Kohana straightened his long legs out in front of him and sipped on the glass Jarvis handed him. He looked across at the man he’d known as his boss for the last twenty years. He was a private man and had never been as relaxed and personable as tonight. Kohana looked him up and down.

  Jarvis was an inch taller than Kohana with wide shoulders. His face had a rugged look, not exactly handsome, but when they’d occasionally gone out in a group, the women tried to get his attention.

  “What?” Jarvis said. “You’re staring at me.”

  “You’ve been a bit of a mystery to me all this time.”

  “I thought it best to keep a certain distance between me and my men. There are hard decisions to make, and I didn’t want personal feelings to get in the way.”

  “You’re letting me go on this job because you believe it’ll be my last.”

  “Yes, otherwise I’d say no. One reason, you’re not in tip-top shape. Your immune system is compromised to a certain extent. Everyday living probably won’t bother someone as healthy as you. But we go to places that are extremely filthy and dangerous.”

  “But what if I want to continue?”

  “Then you’ll have to talk with Harry.”

  “We’ll see. Cora said she’d be all right with me going on an occasional job.”

  “You are a fool if you don’t go home, marry her, and thank your lucky stars you have her and you have Garrick for a best friend.”

  For just a second, Kohana saw deep sadness in Jarvis’s eyes. Then he stood and put his glass on the counter. “Let’s go eat. We’ll take a taxi since we’ve both been drinking, and I plan to have wine with my dinner,” Jarvis said.

  “I agree. I’m hungry.”

  Kohana’s phone rang as they were walking out of the condo. He glanced at the name. It was Garrick. He clicked it off. He didn’t want to
talk with anyone from home, not until he was more certain about his future.

  Hell, I know what I want. I’m not ready to admit it though, not even to myself.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “You are doing fine, and you’re all healed from your surgery,” Kohana’s surgeon said.

  Kohana sat in front of the doctor’s desk after having an extensive exam and several X-rays. “Then I’m well and can go back to work,” he asked.

  His doctor leaned back in his chair. “I talked with your boss and gathered you all do much of your work overseas in jungles and less than desirable conditions. You can go back to that job, but I’d advise you to find something else to do.”

  “I know. I’ve heard the lecture from Jarvis. I think this next assignment will be my last.”

  “That would be a smart decision. Do you have to do this one?”

  “No, but I want to go out with the guys once more.”

  “I don’t understand why you’re taking the risk. You were very lucky you healed so well. But if you insist on going, I wish you good luck.” He stood to take Kohana’s hand from across the desk and shake it. “I have one more word of advice. I’ve operated on several men like you, the risk takers in this world. The way to stay alive is to know when it’s time to stop. Most of them wait too long.”

  “Thanks for the advice and taking care of me.” Kohana walked briskly out and closed the door behind him. He smiled at the receptionist behind the desk and continued on his way to the elevator.

  Outside, he crossed the street to an outside café and sat to order coffee. His phone buzzed. It was Garrick again.

  “Hello, what’s up?”

  “Why the hell haven’t you been answering your phone?” Garrick snapped.

  “I needed time to myself to think without being reminded of home.”

  “I might have had bad news.” Garrick growled.

  Kohana sat straight in his chair. “Do you? Is Cora all right?”

  “She’s fine, and no, I don’t have bad news. I was making a point.”

  “Sorry, I was an ass.”

  “Yeah, you are at times.”

  “My doc gave me the okay to work or do whatever. Jarvis and I are taking two teams out this weekend. We won’t be gone long. I’ll contact you when I get back.”

  “What are you doing with the rest of your day?”

  “Drinking coffee at a café while I wait for Mac and Jack to meet me for lunch. Oh, by the way I’m staying with Jarvis. He offered and I accepted.”

  “I never thought any of us would ever get to see where he lived.”

  “I took a chance and went there. He let me inside. It’s a nice, secure condo. Then after a few drinks, he invited me to stay until after the job.”

  “It’s nicer than a hotel.”

  “Yeah, and I’m getting to know him in a way I never have all this time.”

  “Look, I’ve got to go. Beck is motioning to me. I’ll tell Cora I spoke with you. We’re hoping to see you in a week or two.”

  “You just might.” Kohana clicked off his phone. It was an old superstition not to make definite plans for after a job.

  Kohana arrived at the restaurant a few minutes before Jack and Mac and got a table. He waved at them when he saw them looking around.

  “Hi.” He stood and shook their hands. “It’s good to see you two.”

  Jack sat and glanced at the menu. “Same here. I’m hungry so I’m going to order before we talk.”

  Mac laughed. “He’s still a growing boy and has a hollow leg.”

  “I’m only five years younger than you, Mac.”

  “Thanks for capturing the rest of the crew,” Mac said after sitting. “I’ve managed to convince the judge they’re a risk for fleeing the country if they’re let out of jail.”

  “And they would flee,” Kohana said.

  The waiter arrived and took their orders. Kohana and Mac ordered burgers, but Jack chose the roast beef plate. Their waitress returned quickly with their three coffees.

  “We’ve been looking through these guys’ things,” Jack said. “I found this in one of their backpacks.” He held out a gold chain with a small, round gold medallion hanging from it. “I think this belongs to you.” He held it out to Kohana.

  “I was planning to ask you to look for it.” His hand closed around the necklace. Looking down, he saw her name engraved on the one side. The other two men at the table sat quietly. When he raised his eyes they were watching him.

  “I’d had it a long time and hated those men having it.” He fastened the chain around his neck. The gold ornament felt warm against his chest. Fanciful thinking, I have to get my mind straight before this job.

  “I spent a day in Triple Creeks Township before I brought our prisoner back,” Jack said. “I like the town. My family still lives in Wyoming, where I grew up.”

  “I thought you were a Southern boy,” Kohana said.

  “No, Mac’s the Southern gentleman. I’m a cowboy at heart.”

  “You don’t look like one or dress like one.”

  “True, I came here to study engineering and ended up with a master’s in criminal justice.”

  “You are overqualified to be a detective,” Kohana said.

  “I know, but I wanted the experience. Eventually I’ll look for a teaching job.”

  “I’d never have expected your goals.”

  “I get lots of good training with this guy.” Jack pointed to Mac who’d been quiet during the discussion.

  “Do you have any unusual goals like your partner?” Kohana asked.

  “Nope. I like being a detective, and Atlanta’s my home. I wouldn’t mind owning a cabin out west for hunting and relaxation.”

  “There are usually some nice cabins available to rent and some to buy. Take a vacation and come visit me.” When the words slipped out, Kohana realized what he’d said.

  “I didn’t know you’d decided to go home for good,” Jack said.

  “I guess I have. I’ve been considering the possibility. When I offered you a place to stay, I suddenly knew I wanted to be at home.”

  “You said you were going on a job this weekend when we talked on the phone,” Mac said.

  “I was wrong.” He called Jarvis. “What time will you be back at your condo?” he asked.

  “Harry and I are having lunch. I’m going back there afterward.”

  “I’ll see you then.”

  He lifted his cup of coffee. “A toast to a man being smart enough to know when the time has come to return home.”

  Restless inside now that he’d made up his mind, Kohana thought they’d never finish lunch. He liked both men and enjoyed talking to them, but he was impatient to talk with Jarvis.

  “I suspect we won’t see you around anymore,” Mac said as they walked out of the restaurant.

  “Yes, we will. You are going to visit and buy a cabin. Remember?”

  “I have vacation coming. I’ll call you soon,” Mac promised.

  “And I’ll come with him,” Jack added.

  “Who’s going to fill your spots while you’re gone?”

  Mac shrugged. “They’ll realize how valuable we are when we both leave together. Actually, we took a vacation at the same time a few years ago. It worked out.”

  “Good, come for my wedding and stay a while.”

  “You’re getting married? I wouldn’t miss it,” Mac said.

  “I am if I haven’t made her wait too long.”

  “If it’s Cora, she’s been a patient woman. You’ve had that necklace a long time. It’s showing the wear,” Jack said.

  When they’d finished their meal, Kohana headed to his rental car. “See you.” He waved and started the car. He was anxious to see Jarvis and give him the news.

  Jarvis greeted him at the door. “Come on in. You sounded excited on the phone. What’s going on?”

  “I was having lunch with the two detectives, as I’d mentioned. Something was said and I realized what I want and need to do. I can’t
go on the job with you. I hate to back out, but I’m going home. If Cora will have me, I’m going to marry her. Well, Garrick and I will marry her.”

  When Jarvis laughed, Kohana frowned at him. “What’s so funny?”

  “I had lunch with Harry. I’ve sold the business to him. After you called, I told him to find someone else for the job. I’d guessed you’d come to your senses.”

  “What did Harry say?”

  “He has a few friends that are going to join the group. He’ll do fine. I offered to stay for this job, and then I’ll be through.”

  “You’re sure you all will be all right with me backing out?”

  “Yes. I never expected you to be ready this soon, so I hadn’t planned on you being here. Go home and enjoy life.”

  “How about you?”

  “When I get back I might travel to South Dakota and visit Triple Creeks Township. We’ll see. Nevertheless, I’ll be in touch.” He shook Kohana’s hand. “Send me an invite to the wedding.”

  “Will do. I’m going to grab my suitcase and head to the airport. I’m taking the first plane out to Minneapolis. Then I’ll decide whether to drive or fly from there.”

  * * * *

  Cora snuggled against Garrick. “I’m glad you talked me into staying with you. I like sleeping with you.” She raised her head. “Among other things.”

  “Me, too. Has it been difficult getting back into the job?” he asked.

  “A little. But each day gets easier. I still like my job, but I’ve found I like being on the ranch, too.

  Garrick brushed her hair back from her forehead. “I’m glad. Do you like this house or would you rather have another built after we marry?”

  “It doesn’t matter. This is a lovely home.”

  “We’ll see what Kohana says when he gets back.”

  “You seem sure he’ll return.”

  “I know him pretty well, and he loves you. He’ll decide to come home.”

  Cora put her chin on Garrick’s wide chest. “You don’t mind waiting for him?”

  “I’m a patient man. I think we’ll do best as a threesome. He and I are best friends, and you love us both. But why are we doing all this talking?” He rolled her under him and rubbed his hand up the outside of her leg. “Satin skin and honey sweet lips, I want to gobble you up.” He nuzzled her neck, making her cringe and laugh.