As she waited for an answer, he hesitated as a firestorm of sensation raced up his arm. He cleared his throat. Trent Associates can help you.
Relief swept across her face. I knew I made the right decision contacting you after all you did to keep Kristina safe.
Hed been protecting socialite Kristina Worthington when hed met Caroline in the course of his assignment. The two women were good friends. Nice of you to think of me.
The corners of her mouth lifted in a small smile. Her gaze caressed his face, filling him with a fierce compulsion to gather her into his arms.
Uh-oh. He was pulling a Carlucci. He inhaled sharply, reining in his attraction. Not going to happen. Don was a professional. He played by the rules. Because doing so was the only way to guarantee any amount of success.
A few months back Trent had hired ex-Secret Service agent Anthony Carlucci. But during his first assignmentprotecting the widow of a murdered U.S. senatorthe guy up and fell in love with his protectee. As soon as she was safe, hed proposed, and decided to go to work for the Department of Justice. Dons boss, James Trent, had declared this a good thing for Trent Associates. Now they had a trusted contact in the D.O.J. to call on when needed.
Maybe.
But in Dons book, Carlucci had crossed the line. He should have bowed out of the assignment the second he realized his feelings had turned personal. That would have been the right thing, the honorable thing, to do.
The second most important Rule of Protectiondont get emotionally involved with clients. Doing so impaired judgment and put everyone involved in danger.
If he was already so easily distracted by Caroline then it was time for reinforcements.
Stay here. He rose from the sofa. Ill be right back.
Don hustled upstairs and knocked on his bosss door.
Enter, came James Trents muffled invitation.
Don stepped inside the large office. Natural light from the high, arched windows gleamed on the mahogany floor. James sat at his massive desk. Wiry and full of energy, he smiled and waved Don closer.
Rather than sit in the chair facing the desk, Don paced and quickly detailed Carolines predicament.
James steepled his hands, his elbows resting on the desk, making Don feel like an errant teen facing the principal.
So what is your plan?
Don cleared his throat and hardened his resolve. Actually, sir, I was thinking it would be better if Simone or Jackie were assigned to Ms. Tully.
Simone Walker was an ex-homicide detective for the Detroit Police Department, while Jackie Blain had been a deputy sheriff for some small Midwest town before moving to Boston and joining Trent Associates.
A crease appeared between Jamess eyebrows. Really? Why is that?
Don hooked a finger in the collar of his gray sweater, needing a bit of the cold December air. Their law-enforcement backgrounds would be useful in this situation.
If Ms. Tully wants a full-scale investigation she needs to go to the police or hire a private investigator, James said.
Shes already been to the police. What she wants now is protection on her trip to Mississippi.
Then you sound perfect for the job.
The only way to arrange the best protection for Caroline was to be straightforward with James. I have a prior history with Ms. Tully.
Oh? Jamess gaze narrowed, belying the laugh lines at the corners of his eyes. Do tell.
I met Ms. Tully last year while on assignment guarding Kristina Worthington. The two are close friends.
And?
There wasattraction. Shed been the first woman in a long time to capture Dons notice and make him yearn for something he wasnt sure hed ever be able to havea committed relationship.
How long did you date?
Don dropped his chin and stared at his boss. She was part of an assignment, sir. We didnt date.
Though shed given off signals suggesting shed have been receptive to his attention.
Ah. A gleam entered James eyes. Did she ask for you specifically today, or did you draw the short straw?
Don swallowed, sensing a trap. She asked for me, sir.
Like a Cheshire cat, James smiled. Then youll have to figure out how to put your personal attraction and feelings aside, because she obviously trusts you enough to ask for your help.
But, sir, she needs twenty-four-hour protection. Im not a good fit for that. Even as the words left his mouth he knew James would see through the bogus excuse. Hed provided around-the-clock security for numerous women and children. Just none who had made his heart pound or his blood race.
A droll look crossed Jamess face. Didnt you say this woman is a friend of the Worthingtons? Theyre very good clients.
James stood and rounded the desk, halting to put a hand on Dons shoulder. Youll do fine. Youre a professional. Though I must say its entertaining to finally see you a little flustered.
Don opened his mouth to protest, but James was already walking toward the door.
Id like to meet Ms. Tully and assure her youll be taking her case, James said before exiting.
Don sat for a moment, trying to come to terms with what had just happened. Hed come to Jamess office intending to have someone else assigned to Caroline. For both their sakes.
Too bad his plan backfired. Big time.
Caroline glanced toward the staircase Don had quickly ascended. Would he take her on as a client?
Seeking help from Don had seemed like such a good idea when she was in the hospital yesterday, but now The instant shed seen him, shed been flooded with overwhelming relief and something elsesomething close to a coming-home feeling that both astounded and confused her. She barely knew him, yet it had taken all her strength not to sink to the floor in a heap of relief beneath that big beautiful Christmas tree as soon as he came near. It was almost like a part of her knew she could relax, that she was safe with him. How strange to feel such trust for a man, especially one she barely knew. But now that hed walked away, fear was returning.
She clasped her hands tightly together to still the evidence of the tremors racing along her limbs.
For so many years, shed hoped and prayed that shed someday find her family. But now her dream was turning into a nightmare. Who wanted her dead, and why? Was she truly in danger from her newfound family? How could she possibly face it without Don by her side?
Don appeared pretty much as she remembered. The same honey-blond hair cut short around his ears and collar and a little longer on top. Same tall, muscular frame that made him look like he could carry the weight of the world and not be bothered by the load. The dove-gray sweater he wore so well emphasized his broad shoulders.
His eyes drew her in as before, too. Inviting liquid pools of teal reflecting the firelight from the hearth.
She wanted to melt into his gaze and forget the past few days. Not a good idea. She wasnt looking for a romance, had no intention of putting her heart at risk again. Even with Don, a man whom she hadnt been able to forget this past year. She only needed Don to protect her.
Acutely aware of the throbbing in her temples and the ache in her back from the blast slamming her into the wall the previous day, she shifted gingerly against the sofas rich chintz fabric covering and focused on her surroundings rather than her pain. Crown molding, high-quality furniture and an understated color scheme in muted rose and greens created a pleasing atmosphere in the waiting room. The Christmas tree added a nice, homey touch and the fresh scent of pine. She liked the warm and comfortable feel of Trent Associates. She hadnt really been sure what to expect, since shed never been here.
Acutely aware of the throbbing in her temples and the ache in her back from the blast slamming her into the wall the previous day, she shifted gingerly against the sofas rich chintz fabric covering and focused on her surroundings rather than her pain. Crown molding, high-quality furniture and an understated color scheme in muted rose and greens created a pleasing atmosphere in the waiting room. The Christmas tree added a nice, homey touch and the fresh scent of pine. She liked the warm and comfortable feel of Trent Associates. She hadnt really been sure what to expect, since shed never been here.
Or hired a bodyguard. She could barely believe she was hiring one now. But she knew it wouldnt be safe to go to Mississippi alone. Honestly, it probably wasnt safe to go to Mississippi at allbut she wasnt going to let that stop her.
Shed been truthful when shed told Don she didnt want Mr. Maddoxs money. At least not for herselfher dress boutique had a booming business despite the troubled economy. There were charities she supported that could use the funds.
But learning more about her birth mother and the family whose DNA she shared was important to her. She had so many unanswered questions.
It wasnt that she didnt love her parentsthe older couple whod adopted and raised her. She loved them with every fiber of her being.
But a part of her had always felt out of place. Her dark hair and olive complexion made it obvious she didnt belong in a statuesque family of Swedish descent. She was the odd duck, the outsider. Though she never questioned her adoptive parents love for her, shed always longed for a more basic sense of connection.
The front door opened and two women walked in, distracting Caroline from her thoughts. The tall brunette, her hair slicked back into a French twist, wore a sleek black coat and knee-high black, low-heeled boots. The very picture of sophistication. In contrast, the other woman had a wild head of blond curls and a very animated face. Plus, she was tiny. Even more petite than Caroline. Her clunky bright pink snow boots made squishy noises on the hardwood floor as the two women walked past and disappeared down the hall.
More bodyguards? Okay, the dark one looked the part, maybe. But the other? She looked more like a kindergarten teacher.
Footsteps sounded on the stairs. Caroline lifted her gaze, hoping for Dons return, but instead a well-dressed man, closer to fifty, approached. Though not nearly as tall as Don, there was nothing diminutive about him. His craggy face showed a life well lived. A quiet strength inspiring trust emanated from him as he sat beside Caroline on the sofa. He stuck out his hand. Ms. Tully, Im James Trent.
Bemused and impressed that the man behind the name of the company was seeing her personally, she slipped her hand into his. Mr. Trent.
He covered her hand in a fatherly gesture. She suddenly longed for her parents, the people who loved her. She didnt go home to New Hampshire nearly often enough. She vowed to make a better effort to spend time with her mother and father.
Don explained your situation, James said. I have every confidence in his ability to keep you safe.
The tension inside of Caroline eased. Don would be her bodyguard. Shed be safe in his care. She felt almost light-headed with gratitude.
Don stepped into the room. His features that moments ago had shown compassion and kindness were now as hard as granite. His square jaw looked firm, his blue-green eyes watchful, but guarded.
She tilted her head, unsure why hed become so cool.
Then she noticed hed put on a shoulder holster. It held a big, black gun against his left side. A shiver tripped over her.
Ill escort you to Mississippi, Ms. Tully, Don said.
Ms. Tully? Was he kidding? Her gaze darted to Mr. Trent. Was Don acting so weird and formal because of his boss? Thank you, Mr. Cavanaugh. Mr. Trent.
Trent patted her hand before rising from the sofa. Dont worry, Ms. Tully. Youll be well protected.
I know, she murmured, her gaze on Don.
Don inclined his head in deference to his boss as the man left the room. Then he turned to her, his expression still hard and unreadable. Mr. Trent was gone, so why was Don still being so distant?
Where are you staying? he asked.
With the Burkes, she replied. Kristina and her homicide-detective husband, Gabe, had been adamant she stay in their guest bedroom until the investigation was over. Shed gratefully accepted.
We have a lot to arrange before we head south.
She grasped his outstretched hand. Their palms pressed together. Her fingers curled automatically around his as he pulled her to her feet. She didnt want to let go. His touch not only warmed, but made her feel connected to him. And kicked up an anxious flutter inside for yearning for that connection.
Not going there, she reminded herself. Ever. Again.
She extracted her hand. How do we explain your presence in Mississippi?
His mouth twisted in a grim smile. Im your new fiancé.
Two days later, Caroline sat next to Don on a plane bound for Jackson, Mississippi. Though the police were still investigating the bombing of her apartment, they had yet to find a suspect. The lead detective had said hed contact her if they came up with any answers. He saw no reason she should stick close. He did warn her to be careful. That was what Don was for. To make sure she was cared for. Safe.
Anticipation bubbled in her tummy.
Once shed made the decision to journey south to the Maddox estate, everything had come together in a whirl of activity. Shed called Mr. Paladin to explain that she and her fiancé would be coming. Hed made the necessary preparations for their arrival.
After arranging for her assistant to take care of Carolines clothing store through the holidays, she and Don traveled to New Hampshire to explain to her parents why she wouldnt be spending Christmas with them.
Telling them had been hard, but theyd understood her need to know where she came from. Love for the people whod raised her filled her heart to overflowing. She thanked God for giving her Evangeline and Herbert Tully. They made plans to celebrate Christmas together after her return. Wanting to keep them from worrying, she refrained from telling them about the attempt on her life. And while she explained that her mother was deceased, she didnt admit that Isabella had been murdered.
You okay?
She slanted a glance at Don. Nervous.
Understandable.
Don had researched the Maddox family beyond what she had been able to find. Apparently, Trent Associates had enough law enforcement connections to do some real digging. Caroline had been fascinated by what hed told her of the familys historybut shed been very disturbed by what hed learned about her mothers death in New Orleans twenty-seven years ago. The case had never been solved. A ripple of unease cascaded over her at the thought of it.
Even if Caroline found answers to some of her questions, other questions would remain unansweredlike who killed her mother and why?
Dons warm hand covered hers, comfort sweeping up her arm and chasing away her distress. She turned her hand and held on, needing his strength.
Not good. Not good at all. He was her pretend fiancé. They didnt have to pretend when it was only the two of them alone. But she couldnt bring herself to withdraw her hand.