Page 127 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

The thought of what could’ve happened rolled over Corbin like a semi-truck. “This could’ve been a bomb!” He raked a hand through his hair, exhaling loudly. He’d been sitting outside the door, assuming everything was fine. Then the stylist waltzed in with a package. He looked at the middle-aged, heavy-set womanwith the ruddy complexion. She seemed harmless enough, but one could never be sure.

Delaney’s face drained as she bit down on her lower lip. “I’m sorry. Everything happened so fast.”

“Who was the delivery man?” Corbin demanded.

Gina drew back. “I—I don’t know.”

“What did he look like?”

“Muscular … young … closely cropped, brown hair.”

“What was he wearing?”

“Gray delivery clothes.”

“Anything else you can tell me?”

Gina looked at the door like she wanted to dart out of it. “Um, he had a tattoo on his wrist.”

“What kind?”

“Some type of line.” She hugged her arms, looking at Delaney as an explanation gushed out. “I was in a hurry and didn’t pay much attention.”

He glared at the woman. Her lower lip trembled like she might break into tears, but he wasn’t about to cut her any slack. Not if it meant putting Delaney at risk. He surveyed Delaney. “How well do you know her?”

Delaney’s eyes bugged. “Gina?”

“Yes.”

“Very well.” Delaney flashed Gina an apologetic look as she touched the woman’s arm. “She didn’t have anything to do with this, Corbin.”

“You’re darn tootin’ I didn’t,” Gina retorted, her face going red. She rolled her eyes. “I appreciate him wanting to keep you safe, but Captain America needs to take it down a notch.”

Corbin made a face. “What?” When Delaney’s cheeks turned pink, he realized they’d been discussing him. He didn’t know if he should be flattered or insulted. At any rate, they had more pressing matters to deal with right now.

Delaney started trembling, tears pooling in her eyes. “He’s coming for me.”

A wild look came into Gina’s eyes. “Who?”

“Tuck’s brother Hugh. He said if Tuck died,” her voice choked, “he’d kill me.” Hysteria coated Delaney’s voice, and Corbin could tell she was on the verge of losing it.

Gina’s jaw dropped, fear creeping into her eyes. “What’s going on here?”

Corbin wasn’t about to explain himself to this woman. “Could you please step outside? I need to talk to Delaney alone.”

Gina turned to Delaney. “Really? He’s ordering me out? I don’t want to leave you alone with him.” She glared at Corbin.

“It’s okay.” Delaney flashed a wan smile. “Really.”

Gina straightened her shoulders, giving Corbin a look that said,Go jump in a lake. “I’ll be right outside,” she clipped as she marched out, closing the door behind her.

“Are you all right?” Corbin asked, going to Delaney’s side.

Tears rolled down her cheeks. A self-deprecating laugh crackled through her throat as she swiped her tears with her palms. “I don’t know.” The haunted look in her eyes cut Corbin to the quick. “Do you think Hugh’s here?” she asked hoarsely.

He let out a breath. “It’s a possibility.” He sat down on the edge of the bed facing her. He leaned forward so they’d be eye-to-eye. “We knew this could happen, which is why we requested extra security.”

She nodded, biting down on her lower lip. “You’re right,” she finally said. “I knew this was coming.” Her voice caught. “But the rose … and the note … it makes it a thousand times worse.” She clenched her hands, her lips vanishing into a tight line.

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