Page 134 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

“I’ll get the care instructions and a special comb,” Marissa said, walking into the back.

The attraction was strong even with Marissa in the room. Now that she’d left, it was nearly unbearable. Her fingers itched to pull Corbin close, press her lips to his. She rubbed her hands on her jeans, fighting the temptation.

Corbin leaned back against the counter and folded his arms over his chest. “I guess my fashion sense comes from having a sister.”

How was it possible for a guy to look so good in a t-shirt and jeans? She could see the outline of his sculpted abs underneathhis shirt.Focus on what he’s saying, she commanded herself. She fumbled to think of a sensible question. “What’s her name?”

“Addie.”

“Is she younger or older?” Delaney had always wished for a sister.

“Younger, by two years.”

“Do you have any other siblings?”

“Nope, just Addie.” He chuckled. “But trust me, she’s enough. A fireball. You’ll see when you meet her.”

She could hear the affection in his voice. It made her a little jealous that she had no one. Then she felt guilty. It wasn’t Corbin’s fault that her mother had died. Heck, even when her mother was alive, Delaney had been alone. At least now her mother wasn’t suffering, and she was free from Hugh’s clutches. “Tell me about the rest of your family.”

She touched the hair of the wig, fluffing it a little on top. It felt stuffy and constricting on her head, making her skin itch. She wondered if she’d ever get used to it.

“I was raised by my grandparents, Wallace and Lou Ella.”

She turned her full attention to him. “What happened to your parents?” A shadow crossed his features, his jaw tightening. She eyed him, waiting for a response. Normally, she didn’t make a habit of pushing her way into people’s personal space, but Corbin had asked her plenty of uncomfortable questions.Turnabout is fair play.Also, she was curious to know more about him.

“My parents died.”

“I’m sorry,” she said automatically. Then it occurred to her that she was using those same trite words she hated people saying to her. “How?”

His lips drew into a tight line, and she could feel him withdrawing. The two of them really weren’t that different. Corbin held his cards close too. She looked him in the eye, atiny smile curving her lips. “You know about the skeletons in my closet. It should go both ways, right?”

Something shifted in his eyes, and she saw the hint of a smile. “Right.” His shoulders relaxed in acceptance. “My parents were on vacation in Mexico and were mugged outside their hotel. Shot and left in the street over a few measly dollars.” His eyes went hard, and she saw reflected in them the same sadness that plagued her.

She touched his arm. “I know it sounds hollow, but I really am sorry.”

He nodded. “Addie and I were raised by our grandparents.”

“I’m excited to meet them.” Something flashed in his eyes, giving her the impression she’d said something wrong. “What?”

He rubbed his neck. “My grandmother has Alzheimer’s. It’s bad. She no longer recognizes anyone.”

She caught the slight hitch in his voice. Saw a glimpse of Corbin she’d not seen before—the damaged part of him that spoke to her heart. No wonder she was so drawn to him. He looked at her, an understanding that defied words flowing between them. Like her, he knew what it was like to have his world turned upside down from violence—losing his parents the way he had. And now, he was losing his grandmother too. Her eyes misted as the words rushed out. “No matter how much it hurts, you’ll get through it. Just keep moving forward. That’s what she’d want you to do.”

Tears formed in Corbin’s eyes as he nodded and looked away.

“Okay, here we are,” Marissa said cheerily, then halted in her tracks, looking back and forth between them. “Oops, am I interrupting something?”

“No,” Corbin said, clearing his throat.

Marissa held out a bag. “You’re all set. I gave you some special shampoo and an instruction sheet. But let me go overthe process with you as well. Make sure you don’t have any questions.”

Delaney nodded, her mind still on Corbin. Suddenly it hit her that despite the circumstance, she was looking forward to going to Birchwood Springs and getting to know Corbin’s grandfather and sister. The more time she spent around Corbin the more intrigued with him she became. Yeah, it wasn’t smart to fall for her bodyguard—to fall for anyone, especially with Hugh on her heels. Aside from the danger, her judgement was skewed when it came to men. She didn’t want to open herself up to get hurt again. The sensible thing to do would be to forget Corbin and focus on her career. That was her only sure path to safety. But yet, she couldn’t seem to help herself. She was so drawn to this man … had been from the moment she laid eyes on him.

“You ready?” Corbin asked when Marissa finished her spiel.

“Yep.”

He motioned with his head. “Let’s get on the road.”

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