Page 11 of Protecting Andie

“Thank you for everything last night. I slept well knowing I was safe.”

“I’m planning on sleeping in here every night.”

“That’s not?—”

“Don’t say it. He doesn’t know where your apartment is, so you’ll be safe there, but he knew about the wedding. Emily feels awful.”

She paused mid sip, swallowed and put down her coffee. “Please tell me she didn’t find out.”

“She knew last night. They came back when the cops were in the lot and asked at the front desk. It only took her a little while to figure out what was going on. She texted me, and I told her you were okay. She is going to be here in—” he checked his phone for the time, “—ten minutes for breakfast.”

Tears gathered in her eyes, and she set the mug on the table before stepping to the window to stare out at the parking lot below. “This is awful. This week should be about her wedding.”

Suddenly he was right there, his arms around her, hugging her close. “It’s okay. She’s worried about you. And she is fine sharing a little of the spotlight. She doesn’t need to be treated like royalty. She’s just glad you are okay.”

Andie knew she should step back, but Rider’s solid chest, his strong heartbeat, and the feel of his arms around her made her feel special. Like if she stayed right here, maybe her life would be good—no, better than good.

She lifted her chin right as he looked down. Their gazes met, and she swore she saw lust fire in his eyes. But no, it couldn’t be. But he didn’t step back or let go. Instead, his hold tightened on her. She noticed his gaze flicking to her lips. A shiver slid through her, and his head dipped just a little. Their lips were only inches apart.

This was crazy. This amazing man was about to kiss her. Her breath hitched, and heat bloomed. Then Rider’s lips were on hers, his hand in her hair, supporting her head. But it wasn’t like he was forcing her to stay kissing him. She could have pulled away at any second. She didn’t want to step back. She wanted to feel him pressed against her, desperate for more.

She let her hands slide down his back, feeling the tightness of his muscles. He felt amazing and she wanted more.

One of his hands was lower, almost to her butt. She pressed harder against him, and her nipples tightened.

A knock sounded on her door, and Rider jerked back, his eyes wild as he looked from her to the door. It was his sister, and it was obvious he didn’t want to be caught kissing her.

He cleared his throat and stepped away. “I’ll get that.”

She nodded and picked up her coffee, trying to calm the heck down after that kiss that turned her on so hot she wondered if she would burst into flames.

Rider didn’t want his sister to be mad at Andie, and he sure as heck didn’t want to piss Andie off. If they got involved, how long could it last? He lived a thousand miles away. It was too far to have anything meaningful.

She turned on something inside him that was more than lust. He felt something for her, which was crazy. How could he haveanything with Andie? They’d only known each other for a short while. He’d heard of Andie but never met her. They’d talked a few times on the phone when he’d called Emily and she was there, but they’d never had a conversation until this week. Now, after one dinner and a few other odd hours together, he wanted to build a relationship with her. He was getting way too ahead of himself.

He pulled open the door, and his sister rushed in. Derik followed close behind, squeezing his shoulder as he passed.

“Oh, Andie, are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

Derik moved to the coffee machine and grabbed a mug. He turned to Rider. “Would you like another?”

“Sure.”

The women were still hugging, and Emily was fussing over Andie. He picked up a few words. Emily felt guilty. From the few words he and Andie had exchanged, he knew she didn’t want Emily to feel guilty.

He cleared his throat. “Hey, Em, life is unpredictable. You couldn’t have known this would happen.”

She turned to him, her eyes rimmed with tears. “But I should?—”

He shook his head. “Don’t go there. Now that we know that jerk is around, we can keep Andie safe.”

“Aren’t you two about to head out fishing?” Emily asked.

“We are. I hired a security detail to—” Another knock sounded on the door right then. “I made some contacts. It’s a woman-led security firm. She was in basic at the same time I was, and our first posting was together. She sent one of her best women who will fit in at the spa, and make sure you two are safe all day.”

Emily gasped. “You didn’t have to.”

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