Broken: (McIntyre Security Bodyguard Series - Book 3) Read online

  He doesn’t answer me. And the scary thing is, I realize I want to do it. I want to take care of him. And that scares the hell out of me.

  * * *

  Our privacy is soon interrupted by the arrival of a young couple with three rambunctious Labrador Retrievers off-leash. The dogs are playing in the creek, jumping and splashing as they chase sticks. Our tranquility is over.

  Jonah stands at the top of the waterfall, looking over at the water where it churns. He’s alone in his head right now, distant and preoccupied.

  “Let’s head back,” I say.

  He nods and grabs the backpack.

  I lead the way back to the cabin, but Jonah falls back farther and farther behind. Occasionally I glance back at him, to make sure he’s still with me – that’s how quiet he’s being – and he seems completely lost in thought. I feel bad, because I’m the one who drove him there, but I think the question needed to be asked. I don’t think he’s ever really confronted his feelings on the matter. Maybe I overstepped my bounds, I don’t know. But... I care about him. The realization throws me. I do care about him. I feel protective of him. He’s too nice for his own good, and somebody’s got to watch out for him.

  I stop and turn back to face him, crossing my arms over my chest as I watch him approach. His gaze is on the path, and he hasn’t even noticed I’ve stopped walking until he practically runs into me.

  “Sorry,” he says, coming to an abrupt halt just seconds before he runs me over. He frowns. “Is there a problem?”

  “Yeah, there is.” I reach out and clutch a handful of his T-shirt and pull him close. “I’m sorry if I upset you. That wasn’t my intention.”

  He shrugs off my apology. “It’s all right. Don’t worry about it.”

  “No, I shouldn’t have pushed you like that. I’m sorry.” And then, to my own utter amazement, I go up on my toes and kiss him.

  Surprised, he freezes for a split second, then his arms come around me and he hauls me against his chest. His mouth comes down on mine, and he deepens the kiss with a swift and sudden hunger.

  “I just want you to be happy,” I murmur against his lips.

  “Then kiss me. That would make me very happy.”

  I laugh. “You know what I mean.”

  His hand slips down to my breast, molding itself to me, squeezing me gently through my clothing. He looks down at me and grins. “How about we go back to the cabin and I’ll make you happy?”

  I’ve already violated my one-time-only rule with him. And of course I’ve violated the I-don’t-sleep-with-clients rule. The problem is, I don’t know how to get off this slippery slope. Or, maybe I don’t want to get off. I’ve never felt so grounded as I do when I’m with him. I’ve never felt so at peace with myself. He makes me feel safe. He makes me feel... happy.

  His expression turns serious, and he leans down and kisses me gently. “Come on, tiger. Let’s go home.” Then he takes my hand and leads me in the direction of the cabin, and for once, I’m at a complete loss for words. He’s taking me over bit by bit, and for some reason, I seem to like it.

  As we step into the cabin clearing, we stop dead in our tracks to stare at the silver Jaguar parked next to my Jeep.

  “Shit!” I say. We’re busted.

  “Do you recognize the car?”

  “It’s Shane’s.”

  A moment later I notice Shane and Beth seated together on the front porch swing, his arm stretched across the back of the seat.

  “Lia!” Beth jumps up and runs to meet me, giving me a big hug. She looks very carefree in a pair of white shorts, an aqua top, and sandals. Her hair is up in a ponytail.

  “Hey, you,” I say, hugging her back. But my eyes are on my brother as I try to gauge his mood.

  Shane walks into the yard to meet us. He shakes hands with Jonah, then he turns to me, his hands on his hips. He’s dressed casually too, in jeans and a white button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, his titanium Rolex on his wrist.“So, what’s this I hear about a bar brawl?” he says.

  “How did you find out?”

  “Mitch called me.”

  Mitch? Ah, Sheriff Mitchell, that rat. “It was nothing. We handled it.”

  “We handled it?” Shane shifts his attention to Jonah. “If it weren’t for Sheriff Mitchell, Neal Barker might have already pressed assault and battery charges against Jonah.”

  “It was self-defense,” I argue. “That prick came after me with a broken pool cue! Jonah was simply defending my honor.”

  Shane gives me a withering look. “Why didn’t you handle it? You know better than to let a client get involved in a physical altercation.”

  Jonah looks indignant. “Come on, Shane! I wasn’t going to just sit there and let that asshole try to hurt!”

  Shane shakes his head at Jonah. “You know Lia can handle herself against one slightly inebriated biker, right? She didn’t need your help.”

  “I hope you didn’t drive all this way just to yell at me,” I say. “You could have done that over the phone.”

  “No, we’re staying, at least for dinner,” Shane says. “Beth wanted to see the cabin.”

  “We packed an overnight bag, just in case we were invited to stay the night,” Beth says, looking hopeful. She slips her arm around Shane’s waist.

  “Of course you can stay,” I tell her.

  “The cabin only has two bedrooms, sweetheart,” Shane says.

  But Beth is determined. “Couldn’t we sleep on the sofa or in sleeping bags on the floor? It’ll be fun.”

  I glance at Jonah, who nods as if reading my mind. “You can have the front bedroom. Jonah and I will share the back bedroom.”

  Shane’s eyebrow lifts at my not-so-subtle reveal. “All right,” he says, refraining from voicing any judgments. “Thanks.” He kisses the top of Beth’s head. “I’ll bring in our bag.”

  Beth gives me a radiant smile as she eyes me and Jonah speculatively, and I know she’s chomping at the bit for details. She links her arm through mine and leads me inside the cabin. Jonah hangs back outside and waits for Shane.

  “Oh, my God, you two are together!” Beth squeals, once we’re inside and away from prying ears.

  “Well, I wouldn’t say that, exactly.”

  “But you’re sharing a bedroom.”

  I shrug. “We slept together last night. I guess sharing a bed tonight isn’t such a big deal, that’s all.”

  “Lia, I saw the way he was looking at you outside. He never took his eyes off you once. He’s crazy about you!”

  I peer out the front window and see Jonah and Shane deep in conversation out in the yard. “It’s complicated. Anyway, you know I don’t do relationships.”

  “It sounds like you’ve already broken your own rules. And it sounds like you will again tonight.”

  I shrug. “I’m just bending them a little, that’s all.”

  Beth smiles at me. “You really like him, don’t you?”

  “Maybe. But that doesn’t change anything.”

  “Lia, come on! Maybe Jonah’s the one. You never know. You’ve got to give him a chance.”

  Before I can respond, the cabin door opens and in walks Jonah carrying an overnight bag. “I’ll just put this in the front bedroom,” he says to Beth. Then he looks at me. “Your brother wants to see you. Outside.”

  Crap. “Okay. Thanks.”

  I find Shane leaning against the side of his car, looking relaxed with his arms crossed. But looks can be deceiving.

  I join him, leaning against the car beside him. “Okay, talk.”

  “So, you and Jonah?”

  I shrug. “We hooked up. It’s not a big deal.”

  He doesn’t look convinced. In fact, he looks a tad worried. “I’m not going to lecture you on getting involved with a client, because you know the risks. I just want to know you’re okay.”

  “I’m fine.”

  “Jonah’s a good guy, Lia, but he lives under a spotlight. That’s not exactly your thing.”

 
; “It’s not his thing either.” I step away from the car and turn to face my brother. “I feel safe with him, okay? I’ve never felt that way about a guy before. I trust him, so I’m willing to break a few rules.”

  The corner of Shane’s mouth lifts in a begrudging smile. “As long as you know what you’re getting into.”

  “Relax! I’m not getting into anything.”

  “I’m pretty sure you’re already in it up to your neck. Just be careful, kid.” Shane pulls me into his arms and hugs me tightly. A lump forms in my throat. In a lot of ways, Jonah reminds me of Shane. They both look out for the people they care about. That’s what Jonah was trying to do at the bar when he smacked down Neal Barker. He was taking care of me, when it’s supposed to be the other way around. I’m supposed to take care of him.

  Shane kisses the top of my head. “How about some dinner? It’s after six, and Beth missed lunch. What do you say we head into town?”

  “Sounds good.” I take a few steps toward the cabin, then pause to look back. “Why did you assign me to be Jonah’s bodyguard in the first place? I was already assigned as Beth’s driver. Why the change? Why not assign someone else?”

  “Because I’d gotten to know him a little, and he seemed like a genuinely nice guy. And, I saw how he looked at you.”

  I frown. “How?”

  “Let’s just say I know the feeling.”

  Chapter 29

  On the drive into town, I can’t help feeling uneasy. I don’t know if it’s because I’m worried about Jonah running into Barker again, or the fact that the four of us look an awful lot like a double-date – Jonah and I up front, Shane and Beth in the back seat. And going by the grin on Beth’s face as her gaze meets mine in the rearview mirror, that fact hasn’t been lost on her either.

  I park on a side street, and we walk two blocks to the diner. Unlike the last time we came, tonight it’s packed, the line spilling out the door. I’m not keen on waiting an hour. “So, now what?”

  Jonah glances down the street toward the bar. “We could go to Lucky’s.”

  “Do they have good food?” Beth says.

  Shane nods, wrapping his arm around Beth and pulling her close. “They do. And apparently rowdy customers too,” he says, giving me an accusatory look.

  “Hey, I didn’t start it! Blondie did.” I start down the street toward the bar.

  “Who?” Shane says, following behind me with Beth.

  I can hear Jonah chuckling. “That’s Lia’s nickname for Neal Barker, the guy I hit.”

  We head into the bar, and although the place is hopping, there are still a handful of tables available. We grab an empty table for four near the stage, and a server brings us glasses of ice water and menus. Shane hands a menu to Beth. I have to admit, they do make a cute couple.

  “So, Jonah, are you excited about the concert tomorrow night?” Beth says, picking up her glass of water.

  “Yeah, sure,” he says. But he hardly sounds enthused.

  “Makayla Hendricks is going to join you on stage, isn’t she? That’ll be exciting.”

  “That’s the plan.” But his voice is flat.

  Jonah looks at me, and our gazes lock for a moment, and there isn’t any need for words. I know what he’s thinking. He’s dreading the thought of performing with Makayla. Plus, Dwight will undoubtedly invite a ton of media outlets to get photos and video.

  “Well, look who’s back! And you brought friends.”

  The four of us glance up at Hal Burke, who’s standing beside our table dressed in a less-than-pristine white apron over jeans and a blue-and-black flannel shirt.

  “You gonna bust up my place again, Lia?” Hal says, grinning good naturedly.

  “Not if I can help it.”

  Hal reaches out to clasp hands with Shane. “Good to see you, man. How’s it going?”

  “I can’t complain,” Shane says. “Hal, I’d like you to meet Beth Jamison, my fiancé.”

  Hal’s eyes widen as they move appreciatively over Beth. “Shane McIntyre is tying the knot? Whoa. I’ll bet that news broke a lot of hearts back in The Windy City. Chicago’s number one bachelor is off the market.”

  Hal gives Beth a genuine smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, young lady. And as for this one...” Hal points at me and gives me the evil eye. “This one’s trouble. She got one of my cue sticks broken last night and caused a brawl.”

  “It wasn’t my fault.”

  “Just try not to get in any trouble tonight, okay?” Hal says. “I’ve already met my quota of police reports for the week.”

  “Ha!” I smirk at him. “Funny.”

  Hal takes our food and drink orders and heads back to the bar.

  There are a number of couples on the dance floor in front of the old wooden stage, dancing to songs playing on the juke box. When the opening notes of John Legend’s All of Me start to play, Beth’s eyes light up and she smiles hopefully at Shane.

  Shane runs a hand through his short brown hair and groans. “Do I have to?”

  “Yes,” she says, squeezing his forearm. “Please? I love this song.”

  Shane shakes his head in resignation. “All right, but just one. Excuse us, please.”

  Beth jumps up and heads for the dance floor, Shane following. There’s a small silver disco ball hanging over the dancers, casting sparkling light over the couples. Shane sweeps Beth into his arms and they have eyes only for each other, and it’s sickeningly sweet. Despite his initial grumbling about having to dance, he looks quite content having her in his arms. One romantic slow song quickly melds into three.

  “They make a great couple,” Jonah says, watching them.

  “They’re a little too sweet for my taste. I never thought I’d see my big brother wrapped around a woman’s little finger, but he’s totally pussy whipped. She says jump, and he asks how high.”

  “They seem happy.”

  “They’d better be. They’re getting married.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah. Although Beth’s so stressed out about all the preparations and the growing guest list that she wants to elope.”

  “Why don’t they?”

  “She’s too worried about what other people will think. I told her to forget all that and just do it. I love Beth to death, but she needs to grow a backbone and quit worrying so much about other people’s feelings.”

  Jonah leans toward me and drapes his arm along the back of my chair. “Do you want to dance?”

  “What, me?”

  He glances around the table. “I don’t see anyone else sitting at this table, so yeah, you.”

  “I don’t dance, sorry.”

  “Ever?”

  “Not if I can help it, no.”

  “Will you make an exception this one time? Cause I’d really like to dance with you.”

  “You’re crazy.”

  He shakes his head. “Oh, come on. Just once. How about it?”

  I’m thinking the guy’s got to be crazy – hell, I’m a terrible dancer – but those steely dark eyes look awfully earnest. I’m just about to give in and make a damn fool of myself when the song ends and a popular country song starts up. As the dancers on the floor arrange themselves into line dance formation, Shane steers Beth back to our table.

  “Oh, come on! It’ll be fun!” Beth says, grinning at Shane as she tries to pull him back to the dance floor.

  “Sorry, but I draw the line at line dancing, sweetheart,” Shane says, steering Beth to her chair.

  Our food and beers arrive soon after, so there’s no more talk of dancing. We eat burgers and fries and onion rings and barbecued pulled pork and hot wings, and sip ice cold beers in chilled bottles. Beth, who’s not a big fan of alcohol, has a strawberry daiquiri.

  Hal hurries back to our table and points an accusing finger at Jonah. “The girls tending bar tell me you’re a famous singer. Is that true?”

  Jonah shrugs. “Well, that’s debatable. But yes, sometimes I sing.”

  “Would you do a coupl
e of numbers on my stage tonight? I have a band coming in at nine to play live music, but they’re just local boys. You, on the other hand... one of the girls showed me one of your music videos on her phone – it has like a hundred and sixty-five million views. You’re famous! If you perform a few songs tonight, your beers are on the house.”

  I have to bite my lip to keep from laughing. I don’t think Jonah’s worried about the cost of a few beers. But the chance to play a small venue like this... I have a feeling it’s right up his alley.

  “You can borrow a guitar from the band,” Hal says, pointing toward the stage area where four guys are unloading their instruments.

  Jonah glances back at the stage. “Sure. I’d be happy to do a few numbers. As long as Lia’s doesn’t mind.” Then he turns to me. “Do you mind?”

  Oh, my God. We really are on a date, aren’t we? “Of course I don’t mind. Go for it.”

  He stands, then catches me by surprise when he leans down to kiss me. “I won’t be long.”

  As Jonah heads toward the stage, accompanied by Hal, Shane heads to the bar to order refills on our drinks.

  Beth smiles at me from across the table. “Oh, my God, he’s crazy about you.”

  I shake my head. “No, he’s not. He’s just confused.”

  Beth takes a sip of her bright pink drink and grins at me. “Lia has a boyfriend.”

  I watch Jonah as he makes friends with the four band members on stage. They obviously know who he is because they’re crowding around him, shaking his hand and talking animatedly. I can’t make out what they’re saying, but Jonah looks like he’s enjoying himself.

  “Hey, gorgeous, can I buy you a drink?”

  Some guy drops down into one of the empty seats at our table, eyeing Beth like she’s on his dessert menu. He’s young, in his early twenties, with sandy blond hair and blue eyes, wearing blue jeans and a red and blue plaid shirt.

  Beth’s gaze pivots to me, her wide eyes speaking volumes.

  “Get lost, buddy,” I say, glaring at him. “She’s not interested.”

  “I’m not talking to you, sweet stuff,” the idiot says, tossing me an arrogant grin. Then he turns back to Beth. “Hey, babe, looks like you could use a refill on your drink. Is that a daiquiri? Can I get you another one?”