Erica wasn’t upset that they’d missed their first flight. Most of the band would’ve been aboard. She wasn’t sure she was ready to face any of them just yet. Of course now it wouldn’t matter how much she protested that she and Trevor weren’t together. This latest lapse would do nothing but confirm what they already believed they knew.
Erica reflected on how sweet Trevor was about the whole Dani thing and figured that there were worse things to be known as than Trevor Cole’s girlfriend. Before he’d even known the whole story, he’d jumped in on her behalf. She was very grateful. Especially after the hard time she’d given him during the show. She should apologize for her behavior. That he’d been so understanding and supportive just made her feel that much guiltier.
She couldn’t believe she’d told him about the bomb. She’d never told anybody about it. In part because Interpol had warned her not to, but for the most part because she didn’t think anyone would believe her. Not only had Trevor believed her, but he’d made Dani out to be the bad guy in the situation. Erica’s sure hands slowed in tucking the sheets around the mattress when she began to see things from Trevor’s perspective. She saved Dani’s life. Erica had nothing to apologize for.
Trevor appeared in the doorway. He still had a towel slung low around his hips, and his boxers dangled from his fingers. “Though I appreciate it, laying out my clothes is not in your job description.”
Erica smiled at his affronted tone. “No. But getting you where you need to be on time is. Packing your things was the best way to do that.” She bundled the sheets up in her arms. He stepped back to let her out of the room. She stopped next to him while a ridiculous idea went through her head. She couldn’t do it. She shouldn’t anyway.
But she did. Erica stood on her tiptoes and gave Trevor a quick peck on his lips. His eyebrows shot up in surprise.
“Thank you.”
Before he could gather his wits or she could get in anymore trouble, Erica fled for the laundry room.
Trevor stood there with a dumb smile on his face. He was making progress. His thoughts went back to his funding her agency thing, but all of a sudden that obstacle no longer seemed insurmountable. He could be a patient guy. His cell phone rang, dragging him out of his pleased reverie.
Erica was busy folding sheets and putting them back in the linen closet when Trevor shuffled in. She glanced at him, and frowned. She took a quick look at her watch.
“Gotta go, gotta go.”
“Change of plans,” he informed her and held up his cell phone. “Apparently, a water pipe burst in the venue, and it’s flooded. Might not be a big deal for you, but the rest of landlubbers decided a vacation was in order.”
Erica closed the closet door to give him her full attention. He could see the wheels turning in her head and held up a hand. He was quick to reassure her that his attacker wasn’t responsible. “As much as I’d like everything to be about me, this one isn’t. The pipes weren’t in that great a shape when we were there last time—four years ago.”
Erica nodded and relaxed her tense posture. “Then home before the next stop? I’d like …”
“Actually, I was hoping to see my parents during the break. We’re close enough to drive from here, and it’s just for a few days.”
His parents? Erica didn’t like the sound of this. In fact, she hated it. Did he expect her to be his girlfriend there, too? She was positive she didn’t want to endure the ‘how many kids’ or ‘where will you live’ questions on a real level much less a fake one.
“And where would we stay while at your parents?”
“On the ranch, of course. They have plenty of room.”
“In this plenty of room, I’m supposed to pretend to be your girlfriend or can we tell them I’m your bodyguard?”
“They’d believe the girlfriend thing a whole lot easier.” He frowned. “I think.”
“Are you seeing the problems I see with this scenario?” She squeezed his arm. “I don’t see how we can make it work.” She pressed by him into the living room.
“I already told my mom we were coming.”
“Call her back. Tell her something came up.”
“You don’t know my mother. If we cancel now, she’ll join us on tour.”
Seeing Trevor’s panic at the prospect, Erica pinched the bridge of her nose. She hoped she wouldn’t regret this. “Give me the layout of the house and land. I’ll work out security.”
“You really think that’s necessary?” At the look Erica gave him, he reached for a pencil and notepad. “Alrighty then.”
Erica’s stomach clenched with anxiety. According to the GPS in the rental car she drove, she was just fourteen minutes from meeting Trevor’s family—as his girlfriend no less. Under other circumstances, Erica would have been excited. But because she knew it was all a lie, she just hoped she could endure fifty two hours of constant scrutiny and keep her cover intact.
She grilled Trevor about how much his relatives knew about the attacks. He assured her that he hadn’t given them details. Still, he was a celebrity. There was no way they hadn’t gotten more than he’d imagined from the media. Erica took a breath. It would be okay. Just a few of Trevor’s closest relatives. She could handle a few of Trevor’s immediate family members. It wouldn’t even be his whole immediate family. She’d just lay low and ride it out.
The GPS announced that Erica was to turn left. Erica followed the instruction and slammed on the brakes. She smacked Trevor with the back of her hand startling him from his nap. He sat up and blinked.
“Wha … what’s happening?”
“That’s what I’d like to know.” She gestured to the cars lining both sides of the narrow road. In this isolated part of the country, all these people could have just one destination—theirs.
Chapter Eleven
“Tell me this isn’t your house,” Erica pleaded. “I made a wrong turn somewhere, didn’t I?”
Trevor looked around and groaned. “You didn’t make a mistake. The actual driveway is just ahead on the left.”
“Trevor, this isn’t … I can’t protect you from all these people.”
Hearing the uncertainty in her voice he patted her hand where it rested on the gearshift. “You won’t have to. He’s not going to be here. And if he is, he’ll stick out like a sore thumb.”
She looked at him. “How do you figure that?”
“Small community. I recognize most of these vehicles. Everybody’ll know everybody else.” He gave her a smile. “I’m afraid you’ll be the most suspicious one here.”
“Not funny, Trevor. Did you ever think that he’s someone you know?”
Trevor looked back at the road while he seemed to consider that notion for the first time. He turned his attention back to her. “You’ll just have to stick close, then, won’t you?” He squeezed her hand. “That won’t be so bad will it?”
His eyes drilled into hers. She knew he was asking about more than just her job. She couldn’t answer that question. Her job wouldn’t let her give him the answer she knew he wanted. She decided to answer the question most relevant at the moment.
“It’s going to be horrible. Trying to ascertain ulterior motives of a hundred people by the looks of it is going to be miserable.” She checked out the cars along the road. She couldn’t meet his stare when she added, almost against her will, “I’ll adjust, though.” From the corner of her eye, she saw Trevor smile. He kept a hold on her hand when he pointed out the driveway.
Erica eased them forward again. Her greatest fears were confirmed when the long driveway was also lined with cars. When they approached the house, she spotted a huge tent in the back. Her estimate of only one hundred shot up. Erica gritted her teeth while she eased the car toward the house. Not caring who she double parked, she turned their car around so it was headed back the way they’d come. Just in case they needed a quick getaway. Trevor gave her hand one final pat then climbed from the car.
His appearance was met by excited squeals. Then he was envelop
ed in hugs and surrounded with chatter before Erica could even emerge from behind the wheel. She was going to have to talk to him about that. Seeing his excited face while he greeted old friends and family, she knew it would have to wait.
Erica was stunned to hear her own name called. She turned around to see Cam wheeling his way toward her. Her confusion must have been evident on her face because he greeted her with apologies.
“I’m so sorry about all this. Marcy was talking to my mother on the phone when Trevor’s mother called her to go shopping for Trevor’s Welcome Home feast. Of course my mother told Marcy why she had to get off the phone. Marcy invited us herself. And on this end, my mom and Abby can’t ever do anything quietly. Before they’d gotten out of the store, the whole town had been invited to ‘stop by’ and none of this would’ve ever happened if my wife hated her in-laws like she’s supposed to.”
Erica’s surprise melted into amusement at Cam’s rambling explanation. Erica squeezed his shoulder in sympathy. “Got it.” She looked around the crowd again. Cam noted her uncertainty.
“And I figured you could use a little back up.”
Erica met his gaze again and nodded. “I never would’ve let him come if I’d known …”
“You couldn’t have stopped him.” They turned to watch Trevor greeting the partygoers. Erica was surprised to see that he had an eye on her and Cam. “We got here first.”
Erica raised an eyebrow. Cam grimaced.
“A siren and lights are pretty handy at times.” She laughed, and then he continued, “I’ve personally seen everyone who’s arrived. No strangers.”
“And …”
Cam anticipated her question. “And no one with old grudges, either. At least that I know of.”
Erica nodded and found Trevor had appeared by her side all of a sudden.
“Don’t you have a woman, old man? Always trying to take mine.”
Cam grinned. “Like I ever have to try.” He glanced at Erica, concern all over his face.
“New cover,” she whispered. Cam nodded, and she went back to scanning the crowd.
In the midst of greeting the partygoers, Trevor knew Cam’s eyes stayed on the possessive arm he’d slung around Erica’s waist. He met his friend’s eyes behind Erica’s back and knew he’d figured that he was doing his darndest to turn the cover real. Cam shook his head in warning, but Trevor shrugged it off. Knowing Cam, he’d corner him soon enough for one of his little talks. In the meantime, he was going to enjoy himself and enjoy having Erica here with him.
Mind made up, he let the crowd suck him and Erica into their midst. While they moved around the side of the house to the main action he casually linked their fingers.
Trevor scanned the familiar faces for his mother. In all his years, he’d never brought a girl home before. He was curious to see what her reaction to Erica would be. He would have no trouble keeping this so called “cover” going. He brought their linked fingers up to his lips for a quick kiss.
He could get used to having her by his side. In fact, he was afraid he already was. When Erica shot him a subtle glare, he knew he should back off a little.
Trevor was thrown off balance when a body launched itself at him. Arms wrapped around his neck, legs around his waist and lips landed squarely on his. His gaze shot to Erica’s. She was prepped to use her free hand to disengage the kisser when he swung her out of Erica’s grasp. There was just one person would have the gumption to greet him like this and he didn’t want Erica to make a spectacle of herself. Trevor pried the arms from around his neck and pulled back to look at his attacker.
“Doggonit, Trisha Loo. You trying to put me in the dog house?” Trevor asked the girl with a grin.
“Don’t worry. I’ll come visit.” She fluttered her lashes at him.
“Trisha, this is Erica. Erica, Trisha Loo. She’s a little enthusiastic.”
Trisha Loo had the nerve to balance herself on his hip while reaching over to shake Erica’s hand. She looked back at Trevor, dismissing Erica.
“So, Trev, where’ve ya been keeping yourself?”
Trevor was surprised when Erica answered for him. “We’ve been on tour.” He found himself liking the jealous glint he’d caught a glimpse of in Erica’s eye.
“Wouldn’t you be more comfortable standing?” Trevor asked. Once upon a time, he’d have enjoyed her position. Especially when she wriggled her hips like she was doing now.
“I don’t know. I’m pretty comfortable where I am.”
Erica put a deceptive but gentle hand on Trisha Loo’s shoulder. All of a sudden, her grasp on him went slack. Trevor had to guide her so she wouldn’t collapse in a heap at his feet. He needn’t have worried. Erica smiled and patted the other woman’s shoulder stopping whatever she’d done. “Isn’t that better?”
Trisha Loo glared daggers up at Erica even though she was a good six inches shorter. Trevor quickly slid behind Erica and wrapped his arms around her waist to keep Trisha Loo off of him.
“Good to see you, Trish. You know where my mom is? I can’t wait for her to meet Erica.”
Trisha Loo tore her eyes from Erica’s and smiled at Trevor. “She’s in the kitchen.” With an incredible boldness, she trailed her fingers down Trevor’s arm beneath Erica’s. “See you later, Trevor,” she crooned and sauntered off.
Enjoying the embrace, Trevor was reluctant to let go of Erica. All too soon, he did and was surprised when she turned around and stepped close. She draped her arms over his shoulders and smiled up at him. He would’ve enjoyed the progress except her eyes were deadly serious.
“I can’t protect you here. What if she’d had a needle and stuck you in the neck.” Erica’s fingers played with his neck. Before Trevor could lose himself in her touch, she continued, “Right here and you’d just be paralyzed. But here”—she moved her fingers a fraction, sending even more electricity up and down his spine— “you’d be dead in an instant.”
“I’ve known all these people my whole life. They’ve had plenty of other opportunities in the past if they wanted to do away with me.”
Erica still didn’t look convinced. “So you haven’t ticked any of them off recently?”
Trevor smiled and shook his head. “Again, the only one here who fits that bill is you.”
Erica played in his hair for another moment even though Trevor could sense that she’d said her piece. Maybe he was getting to her after all. Then she slipped from his embrace and stepped away. Or not.
Trevor tried to hold her hand again, but Erica avoided his grasp. She put an arm around his waist instead. “I need my hands free. Just in case.” Who was he to argue if she’d prefer to be joined at the hip?
Trevor kept track of every person he and Erica greeted while they made their way toward the kitchen. He’d also noted that his father was missing. Along with his best cronies. Trevor figured they were holed up in the basement watching a game or something. His father would emerge once most of the town had left. There was no doubt Trevor had gotten his social butterfly gene from his mother. Once she’d finished the food preparation, he knew she’d be outside in the thick of things.
He opened the door to the small enclosed back porch for Erica and felt her tension ease a bit once she saw no one was there. He was beginning to understand her concerns. She couldn’t just relax and enjoy things like he could. She had to stay vigilant. And after that seven hour drive, he could just imagine what it was costing her. He had to figure out how to give her a respite.
Erica wondered why she was nervous all of a sudden. It wasn’t like she was meeting his mother as a real girlfriend. She tried to tell herself it was because if she failed in her job, she’d have to give the woman some devastating news. Even though the excuse rang false in her own ears, Erica was determined to stick with it. The alternative was just too much for her to consider.
Trevor held the door for Erica to step inside the actual house. The first thing that hit her was the warm scent of cinnamon and apples. Trevor gave her an approving
look when she sniffed in appreciation.
“Mom’s baking. Apple pie is her specialty.”
“It smells amazing.”
“Wait until you taste it.”
Trevor ushered her into the big, sunny kitchen. A woman squealed and dropped the pie she’d been taking from the oven onto the floor and ran to his waiting arms. Identifying the grinning woman with the long blonde hair as his mother in an instant, Erica turned her attention to the other occupants of the room. She figured the three older women were close friends of his mother’s if their apron-wrapped waists and flour dusted noses were any indication. The youngest, Erica recognized as Marcy. She didn’t look happy to see her, and her smile turned pretty brittle when Erica entered the kitchen.
Trevor pulled Erica into the greeting. Surprise flitted over his mother’s face and she glanced at Marcy before it settled into a welcoming smile. “Erica, this is my mom, Abigail Cole. Mom, this is my friend, Erica.” Erica extended her hand to the woman, but she was surprised to be pulled into a big hug instead.
“Erica, it’s so nice to meet you. You’ll have to tell me all about you and Trevor. But first, let’s get these pies out to the masses. The sooner they eat them, the sooner they’ll go home and I can visit with my boy.”
Abigail went to retrieve the dropped pie. A red haired woman who looked sort of familiar shooed her away. “I’ll get that.”
“Thanks, hon.” Abigail scooped up a tray of pies and headed for the door. Without delay, Marcy opened it for her. “Erica, doll, you know Cam’s wife?” At Erica’s nodded greeting, Abigail continued. “And this is Hope, Cam’s mom.” That explained the familiarity. Hope nodded at Erica while she dumped pie remains in the garbage and sent a questioning look toward Marcy. She grabbed her own tray of pies.
“Call me, Abby.” She shifted the pie tray on her arm and added some napkins to her burden. Trevor sprung to help her, but she waved him away.
“We’re gonna check on Dad then we’ll be down.”
Secret Bodyguard Page 13