Witness Pursuit (Bodyguards #1)

“Well it might, although you’ll never get me to drink it, but by all means, keep trying.”


With a sigh she eased back and stared down the driveway. Brigs would be here soon for the rotation change, and Tyler would be gone, having done his stint. Ten days, and Tyler had weaved his way into their hearts. “I think we’ll miss you.”

He cupped her cheek. “Hey, you’ve met Brigs, and he’s used to being around children because of his large Polynesian family. Another five to seven days, and hopefully your requirement for a guard will lift.”

“I didn’t mean it like that. At least the killer hasn’t returned. Jay and I should be safe.” She smoothed her hand over his.

“Lydia?”

Tyler clicked his fingers. “Did you hear me? I asked if you’d like me to pour.”

She shook her head, clearing it from the past. “Sorry, just daydreaming. Go for it. Are you having some?”

“No. I can’t stand how sweet it tastes.”

“Ahh, you haven’t changed.”

“What do you mean by that?” He frowned as he passed her a frosty glass of lemonade, a sprig of mint floating on the top.

She swallowed, and the cool liquid slid down her throat. Delicious. “Just that it’s perfect for boys of all ages. I’ve heard it grows strong muscles.”

“Hmm, that sounds like something I would say.”

“Really?” She tipped her glass toward him. “Is now the day you’ll try?”

He leaned in, his voice husky as he said, “You’ll never get me to drink it, but by all means, keep trying.”

She licked her lips then took another sip. “You mean like this?”

With a groan, he eased one leg over the other. “Damn, I shouldn’t have said that.”

Oh yeah, he certainly shouldn’t have. She extended her hand to shake his. “Tyler Whitehall, the name’s Lydia Sands. Today you’ve met your match.”

His fingers closed around hers and he swooped in and kissed her cheek. “Trust me, today you’ve met yours.”





4




If Lydia didn’t allow him into her room this second, Tyler would go insane. He thumped her door again, the wood-framed print on the wall to the left rattling under his demands.

Yes. Her door opened and he was rewarded with her fired gaze and magnificent dark hair tumbling in disarray over her shoulders. Her lustrous locks touched her waist, and he wanted all those silky strands sliding over him.

“What took you so long, Tyler?” Her smile was seductive as she sashayed closer. “I’ve been waiting a year for you to knock on this door.”

He leaned in and touched a finger to her hot little mouth. “My memory lapse has a lot to answer for.” He covered her mouth with his, drawing the prized flesh of her lips straight to his. Heat exploded and poured through his veins.

To kiss her…To want her…This should be–

“Sir.”

A brisk knock dragged him away from her.

“Sir? Are you there?” Another knock, and this time much louder.

Damn it. Why couldn’t he ignore the blasted man at the door?

“It’s midday, sir. Your eldest brother sent me to check on you.”

Those words wrenched him into the present, and it was not to find Lydia’s lips locked on his.

Was he still in bed?

Reaching behind him, he bumped his headboard. Damn, a dream. He snatched his pillow and threw it at the door. It hit with a thump and slithered to the floor.

“Tell Liam I’ll be out shortly, and when you do, remind him we’re on holiday.” Argh, yesterday afternoon Lydia had teased him on the deck with a glass of iced lemonade. And from his dreams, she continued to stir him.

He heaved to his feet and marched to his bathroom then snatched his razor and shaved. Midday, the ship would be halfway to the outer islands of Fiji, the temperature of the topside pool perfect for a swim. Some exercise would be good. He tied his red swim shorts at the waist then dragged on a swim shirt to protect his scarred back from the sun. On his way out, he slung a towel over his shoulder.

As he neared the top deck, Nico’s laughter floated to him from the pool. Ahh, hearing his nephew having fun eased the frustration inside him.

Perfect.

No. Not perfect. Blast it.

Facing Nico, her back to him, Lydia wore the skimpiest red and white striped bikini top and peekaboo bottoms.

Whoa. He yanked his tongue back into his mouth. His dream had nothing on this.



While keeping an eye on Nico, Lydia bent and gripped the container of plastic floating balls. She tipped them into the pool where he scrambled after them.

It was a glorious day. The sun shone high, the sky a soft blue bearing only a wisp of white cloud on the horizon. The ocean breeze cooled her skin and Nico’s laughter soothed her soul. Sublime, until a loud moan made her jump.

Spinning around, she came face to face with Tyler and one eat ’em up stare. He appeared ready to both devour and tell her off. “Ah, hey. What’s up?”

“What the hell are you wearing?” Okay, telling off.