Texas Bodyguard

by Jean Brashear

  Wow. So tempting to forget that any relationship between them would have to survive the harsh glare of her celebrity, the spotlight that would be turned on him. He’d brought a ray of hope and joy into the last two days, but how fair would it be to subject him to the nastiness of Hollywood, the gossip, the constant pressure to play a role?

  He was strong and secure in himself, but what would he think of her milieu? Could he possibly understand what it was like to pretend constantly, to have so few places where you could be yourself and not have to worry about letting anyone down?

  But he did have all the makings of the man of her dreams, and his reactions to her healed a lot of the damage Barry’s infidelity had inflicted. Sean gave her hope that maybe she wasn’t fatally flawed. Maybe some man could come to truly care for her…maybe even this one.

  Good grief. Martin had teased her often that she should have been a writer because she was so good at spinning out scenarios from a simple statement, a faint impression.

  And he was right. Here she was, worrying about Sean and a future when they’d shared a couple of hot kisses. Sean wasn’t pledging his undying love or begging her to stay—he was hot for her, yes, as she was more than a little ready to take things further with him, but the most he’d offered was today and tomorrow.

  Annabelle shoved away from the door and headed for the bedroom, stripping as she walked, rolling her eyes and laughing softly at herself.

  The universe had aligned to grant her good fortune: two days with a fascinating man while Martin would not even be around to ask questions. She would leave a message for Vanessa, should events proceed as her sizzling nerve endings wished, keeping her away for the night. Maybe Vanessa would understand and maybe not, but Annabelle had to get over her too-sharp need for the approval of others.

  Sean was a big boy. Annabelle hummed deep in her throat, remembering how that applied in more than one sense. She grinned at herself in the bathroom mirror—oh you bad girl—then stepped into the shower, singing.

  Sean texted Doc. Lowe leaving for Houston ASAP.

  His phone rang before he’d even parked at the grocery.

  “Hey, Doc.”

  “Leaving as in running away?” Doc asked.

  “Not that I can tell. He told Annabelle he’d be back late tomorrow.”

  “What else?”

  “Only that she’s not part of it, Doc. I’d stake my life on it.”

  “I guess that’s nice to know.”

  “Yeah. We couldn’t get a break like that she’s in it up to her eyeballs.” But he was relieved to know his sense of her hadn’t been off. Or that he was this attracted to a monster hiding behind a beautiful façade. Then he realized Doc had spoken. “What did you say?”

  “I asked what your plans are now.”

  “I told her I was off today and tomorrow.” Though he was more reluctant than he ought to be if he really had his mind on his job, he made the offer, anyway. “She’s expecting me back any minute. Do you need me to…damn. That’s the problem with saying I teach at the Academy. Tough to manufacture an emergency.”

  “No, we’re covered. You stay close. Even if she’s not a part of it, he checks in with her. That gives us another avenue to keep an eye on him.”

  “Yeah, but I could be doing something more important. Nosing around Danger Zone or helping follow leads on the waitress.”

  “Others can handle that. You’ve obtained access no one else could. What’s their relationship, her and Lowe?”

  “Long roots. Deep ties. Calls him her best friend. But complicated, too. They were both starving young actors, but she made it. He didn’t.”

  “Anything we can learn about him or his movements is information we need. You stay with her as much as you can. If I need to pull you, I will, but for now, you’re on vacation through tomorrow. I’ll get the word to Houston, and we’ll be watching that warehouse. Lowe say where he was when he called her?”

  “Not that I could tell. He said he’d be back late tomorrow and would come see her the next day. He usually comes in the mornings, but from what she’s said, he just drops in. I hadn’t planned to be around, but want me to change that?”

  “No. If you’re there when he shows up, we’ll deal with it, but otherwise, I agree with your take. Don’t give him a reason to become cautious.”

  “Got it.” Should he tell Doc he might be spending the night with her? “Doc…things are…a little heated.”

  “Romeo strikes again, huh?”

  It’s not like that, he wanted to protest.

  “Whatever it takes, Sean,” Doc continued before he could respond.

  But there was a sly amusement in Doc’s voice that Sean couldn’t just slough it off as he usually did. “She’s a good person, Doc. She’s not…it isn’t…” But he had to stop because he honestly didn’t know what this was.

  “Whatever keeps you close.” The humor was gone, and somehow this felt even worse. “That’s your job right now. Stay close. If she trusts you, Lowe might, too. That kind of access is everything. I gotta go now. Be safe.”

  “Yeah. Always.” Sean disconnected and walked inside the store, but it took him a minute to remember why he was here.

  If she trusts you…

  She was already starting to.

  And he’d never felt more tainted by the life he led.

  Chapter Ten

  Annabelle had, as promised, showered and changed quickly. Her stomach was jumpy in a way she hadn’t experienced in a long time. She glanced out the window and spotted Vanessa and Skeeter.

  Good. She’d go down and visit until Sean returned.

  As she descended the stairs, Skeeter saw her and dashed over, leaping up, tail wagging.

  “Skeeter, no!” Vanessa grimaced. “Clearly, we still have work to do.”

  Annabelle laughed and bent to him, ruffling his fur, then clasping his jaws. “Oh, but who cares? You are the most handsome boy,” she crooned.

  “It’s a wonder he can get his head through a door. I tell him the same thing all the time.” Vanessa approached, smiling. “Dane says I spoil him terribly.”

  Annabelle grinned. “Like I haven’t seen him sneaking treats.”

  Vanessa shared a smile. “Too true.”

  “Has Dane already left?”

  Vanessa nodded and sighed softly. “I always miss him so much, but his work is important, and he’s so good at what he does.”

  “He’s extremely talented, that’s for sure. But it’s not hard to see his reluctance to leave you.”

  “He doesn’t actively court danger anymore, thank heavens, but neither of us counted on him needing to travel so much when I couldn’t go along. His new book, about his best friend Jaime, has hit big.” Her smile was fond. “I couldn’t be happier for Dane. Jaime’s death haunts him still, but the book’s proceeds go to a fund for Jaime’s family, and the strength of the response helps with the guilt he still feels because he survived when Jaime didn’t. Knowing he’s taking care of Jaime’s family eases his mind.”

  “That has to be hard for him. If I weren’t here, could you go along on this trip?”

  “Oh, heavens, no.” Vanessa’s response was instant. “We went into this knowing our lives wouldn’t be like others’, that we’d have to forge a different path to accommodate our diverse careers. One of these days, I’ll feel more able to leave the hotel in other hands for some period of time, and once he’s done with the publicity for this book, he hopes to be able to stay around more, but…” She shrugged. “It’s not like when you meet when you’re young and unformed and you can build your life together from scratch. We have to be inventive. Flexible. But love will find a way, right?”

  “I’m not really the best person to ask that.”

  “Oh, Annabelle, how thoughtless of me. I’m so sorry.”

  “Don’t be. I’m honestly glad for both of you. I still believe in true love, however much I’ve bungled my own relationships.”

  “You’re hardly the one who bungled them.�
� Vanessa’s indignation was heartwarming.

  “That’s a matter of opinion.”

  “Well, anyone who disagrees is just wrong. You’re a good person, Annabelle. You deserve a happy ending.”

  “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Annabelle responded dryly. “I think I’ll leave that to you, at least for now. You’re clearly better at it.”

  Abruptly Vanessa teared up.

  “What’s wrong? Did I say something—”

  Vanessa waved off her concern. “No, it’s not you, it’s—I’m sorry. I don’t know what to do. I love Dane so much.”

  Annabelle touched her arm. “But Dane’s crazy about you, too.”

  “I know. It’s just that…I suspect I might be pregnant.”

  “Oh.” A little tendril of envy. A man, a wonderful man by all accounts, who loved her…and now that man’s baby. “So…” she began cautiously, “You don’t want it?”

  “No! Oh, no.” Vanessa spread her fingers over her belly. “I love her already—or him. I don’t care, it’s just that…”

  “From what I can tell, the Sullivans are big on family. Are you worried that Dane will be unhappy?”

  “Not really…or at least, he’d never say so, but…it’s too soon. And I don’t want us to get married only because we’re having a baby. I haven’t done a test yet, but I remember how this feels. I just couldn’t tell him before he left. Not until I’m sure. And I’m—” Vanessa’s slender fingers pressed to her lips.

  Scared. Suddenly Annabelle heard the words Vanessa hadn’t said. She’d lost a family before. She touched Vanessa’s shoulder gently. “Tragedies like yours don’t happen twice, Vanessa.”

  Vanessa turned, gripped her hand. “I know it’s not logical, but I’m just so happy and…”

  “Can you talk to your family about this?”

  “I don’t have any family. I lost my parents when I was a child.”

  Good heavens, no wonder Vanessa was spooked. Tragedy had indeed struck twice. Annabelle tried to imagine a world in which she had no one who loved her, no one to turn to. “I’m sorry. And I’m an idiot. I’d be scared half to death, too.” Annabelle was renowned for her clever wit, her ready repartee, but right now she had no idea what was the proper thing to say.

  Vanessa grinned. “Thank you.”

  Annabelle stared. “Thank you?”

  “It helps to hear someone say it out loud. To know I’m not crazy or paranoid or…” She smiled at Annabelle, and her eyes shone. “He’ll likely be thrilled, as will his whole family…I just…this love was so unexpected. I thought I was done with love, that I was better off without all that you risk, all that can go wrong…” In an uncharacteristic move for her, Vanessa clasped Annabelle in a quick hug. “It’s terrifying to be so happy, you know?”

  Annabelle understood intimately the risks of letting yourself revel in that emotional abandon. Vanessa had suffered enough in her life. Annabelle hoped with all her heart that this woman she’d come to like so much would never have to come down from her cloud.

  She’d like to think that she’d be on that cloud again herself—only with a man who truly loved her. Ruthlessly banishing a little tug of envy, she smiled back. “What plans could you possibly have that are better than having a good man love you and the two of you cherishing the child who’s the result of that love?”

  Vanessa teared up again. “Oh, look at me. I never cry. Never.” She hugged Annabelle a second time. “Thank you.” For a moment she clung.

  Then she straightened. “There’s Sean.”

  “Oh.” On the heels of Vanessa’s revelation and all the longings it stirred up in her, Annabelle wasn’t sure how she felt about seeing him now.

  “Annabelle? Is Sean…he’s treating you right, isn’t he?”

  “He absolutely is.” She glanced over her shoulder to see him coming through the gate. Oh, but that grin of his… She couldn’t help a little sigh.

  Vanessa smiled. “Yeah. A nice hunk of man candy, isn’t he?”

  Annabelle spurted out a laugh.

  “You’re blushing. Not that I blame you. Go for it, girl. He’s not only gorgeous, he’s a good man. I trust him completely.”

  Before Annabelle could respond, Sean was right in front of her, a look in his eyes making her glad she’d chosen the halter-top flowered sundress instead of jeans. “Hey, Vanessa,” he greeted without ever taking his eyes off Annabelle.

  “Hi, Sean. How are you?”

  I want to get you naked, his expression clearly said.

  Annabelle felt her body react. She arched an eyebrow, meeting his challenge with her own.

  He rewarded her with a quick, devilish grin before he tore his attention away. “Uh, did you ask me something?” he said to Vanessa.

  Vanessa shook her head. “You two kids go have some fun. You have plans?”

  “He’s taking me to see his house.”

  Vanessa’s eyebrows rose. “Really?”

  “You haven’t seen it, Vanessa. You don’t know how it looks.”

  “Stories abound.”

  “Jilly and her big mouth,” he complained. “I’m making progress, honest.”

  “I hear we need a work day,” she teased. “Like you all did with me here.”

  “Not that I wouldn’t really like to take you folks up on it, but my manhood’s been challenged. I have to do the work myself or I’ll never hear the end of it from Saint, for starters.”

  Vanessa glanced at Annabelle, shook her head. “Men. They’re so predictable.”

  “Hey, now,” Sean began.

  “So it’s in worse shape than he warned me?” Annabelle asked her.

  Vanessa opened her mouth, but Sean spoke over her. “She hasn’t been there. She doesn’t know. Repeat, she does…not…know. Not for sure, anyway.”

  Annabelle looked at Vanessa. “It’s a test of my courage. I have to do this.”

  “I guess so, but don’t say you weren’t warned. And call me if you start feeling faint.”

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah. Very funny, you two.” Sean took her hand. “I won’t let anything scary get her, Vanessa. Cross my heart.” He demonstrated.

  “I’ll sic Jilly on you if you aren’t careful with her.”

  “Now that’s just mean. Ready, Annabelle?” He glanced down at her, eyes more serious than his words.

  To be with a kind, generous, extremely sexy man? Was she ever.

  “Yes.” She turned and hugged Vanessa, whispering in her ear. “Don’t wait up.”

  “I won’t,” Vanessa whispered back. “Have fun. And, Annabelle…?”

  Annabelle mimed zipping her lips. Our secret, she mouthed as Sean towed her off.

  “Look, we really don’t have to go to my place,” Sean said as they drove. “I could take you back to Vanessa’s and come to get you after I shower and change or…”

  “What? You’re reneging on me? Wild horses couldn’t keep me away.”

  Oh, man. Her cheer and mischief only made him feel worse. “I’m not sure if it’s better to tell you the place isn’t so bad and see if that predisposes you to believe that when you see it…or tell you it’s one step up from a dump. Then you might feel so sorry for me you’d work hard to disguise your horror.”

  “Does it matter what I think?”

  Their gazes locked. “I’m afraid it might.” Then he pulled his away to concentrate on his driving.

  Keep it light. Don’t think about all the lies underpinning everything.

  Easier said than done. He grasped for the first topic that hit him. “Skeeter’s great, isn’t he? I’ve been thinking about getting a dog, except—” Crap. He’d been about to say that his work hours were so unpredictable. “It wouldn’t be fair to have a pet in a war zone.”

  “Now I really cannot wait to see this place.”

  “Well, you’re about to get your wish.” He rounded the corner and onto his shady street. Halfway down, he pulled into what could laughingly be called a driveway, two parallel, broken tracks of concrete abou
t forty years past useful. He glanced at the two-story structure that could be the setting for a haunted house movie, its weathered paint—what there was left of it—a contrast with the brand-new roof that could have bought him a Harley and given him fun instead of merely keeping him dry.

  “As bad as you thought?” He tried not to wince as he waited.

  She didn’t say anything as she emerged from his truck and turned a slow circle to look at the houses around him, a jumble of beautifully-restored Victorians side by side with teetering bungalows and single-family-turned-boarding-houses for students.

  Get back in the truck, he wanted to order, the longer she went without speaking. I know it’s a dump, but—

  “The trees are amazing,” she said first.

  He didn’t give a damn about the trees. Though he did, of course—they were a compelling reason to buy here. But—

  “This feels like a neighborhood, a real one. Like you could make a home here.” Her eyes were wide with wonder as she looked at him.

  His tension eased a little. “Sort of. I mean, people are trying.” He gestured around. “But there are holdouts, landlords who don’t give a damn about the neighborhood or its character—like that one.” He pointed to one across the street and down, dirt lawn and junker cars lining the driveway and in front.

  “But look at that one,” she said, gesturing to the house to his right. “They’ve really made it shine.” She focused on his then. “Your house has good bones, doesn’t it?”

  It did, but he was surprised that she saw that. “You know construction?”

  “Um, does it count that I love to watch HGTV?”

  He enjoyed the relief of laughing. “You’re ahead of where I was when I started looking. I got the Sullivan clan full-court press on what to look for. My real estate agent was ready to kill me because I had to have every house vetted. My life would have been worth nothing if I’d screwed this up.” He nodded toward his house. “So I can verify that, yes, it does have good bones. The structure is sound, and I can make something of it if I really want to.” He glanced over. “That’s a direct quote from my mom, by the way.”