Colton's Secret Bodyguard

Even though the thought chilled him, he accepted that the other man could have seen something he hadn’t. “What made you suspicious?” he asked. “Couldn’t it have been someone like you, just heading to work?”

“Like I said, I do this every morning. No one is around at this time. When I saw the guy approaching the gallery, I was even more surprised since Bree doesn’t open the doors until about eight thirty most mornings. As I caught up with him, what really shook me was that he was heading for these stairs. The only place that can be accessed from here is Bree’s apartment, and why would anyone be sneaking around before it’s fully light?”

“Did you get a look at him?” Rylan asked.

“No. He had a hood pulled up, hiding his face. When I challenged him, and asked what he was doing here, he shoved me. That’s when I fell back and hit my head,” David said. “While I was lying on the ground, he ran off.”

“Bree said the security systems were updated after the recent attack. Are there cameras?”

“Not here. The closed-circuit TV is focused on the front of the gallery. There won’t be any footage of this incident.” David sat up straighter, directing a curious look at Rylan “Why are you here so early?”

It was time to think fast. Rylan couldn’t guarantee that he hadn’t been seen during his overnight vigil. He may as well tell the truth, even if he invented a reason.

“Engine trouble.” He grimaced. “Had to spend the night in my vehicle.”

“That was a cruel bit of luck.” Staggering slightly, David made an effort to get to his feet. Rylan gripped his elbow, supporting him until he was able to remain steady. “Couldn’t you get a tow?”

Rylan ignored the question. “Let’s go into the gallery. I’ll make you a drink and we can call the police.”

Although David took out his keys as he accompanied Rylan toward the huge glass doors, he didn’t seem to think much of that suggestion. “There’s nothing to tell them.”

“This guy was on his way up to Bree’s apartment.” Once they were inside the foyer, Rylan leaned on the reception counter while David deactivated the alarm. “That needs to be logged. What if he comes back and reaches his destination next time?”

Even as he made the comment that caused his blood to run cold, his analytical brain was assessing the situation. If Bree was the intended target, the timing was odd. Why not try to get to her during the night instead of waiting until dawn? Unfortunately, the only person who could answer that question would be the stalker himself.

They went through to the staff kitchen. While Rylan fixed coffee, David went to the first-aid locker in search of painkillers.

When they were seated at a table, Rylan studied the other man thoughtfully. David was only of average height, but his physique was powerful. “Boxing? Or MMA?”

David gave an appreciative grin. “A little of both. Although I don’t have much time these days.” He returned the measuring glance. “You?”

Rylan laughed. “I boxed a little when I first joined the army. Now, the only fights I get into are with a temperamental donkey.” Aware of the other man’s look of surprise, he shook his head. “Long story. At least we know one thing about your attacker.”

David paused in the act of sipping his coffee. “We do?”

“If he knocked you over, he must be a big guy.”

The security guard shrugged. “He caught me by surprise. I didn’t get a sense of his size.”

Frustrated by the lack of information, Rylan held up his cell phone. “You want me to call the police?”

“Please.” David showed him a trembling hand. “I’m still shaken up.”

It was only as he began to relay the details of the incident to a dispatcher that Rylan realized he was doing the very thing Bree didn’t want. He knew enough about her to be aware of how much she valued her privacy. He could already hear her skepticism. There was no proof that the guy who pushed David had intended to harm her. Was he letting his protectiveness toward her override his common sense? Definitely. Where she was concerned, he would choose caution every time.

He only hoped she would see his point of view.

* * *

Although Bree went through her morning routine in her usual first-light daze, a new awareness forced its way through the brain fog. Her body was on high alert, moving fast instead of dawdling, conspiring to get her out of the apartment and into work faster. Why? The answer to that was easy. Because Rylan would be at the gallery.

She had always believed there was a possibility the bad-relationship fairy had been present at her birth. A few months into her first serious relationship, she had realized that the man who had sworn undying love was actually more interested in the Colton money. That could have been bad luck. However, when it happened a second time, she started questioning her judgment and eventually came to the conclusion that dating was not for her

Being out of that whole relationship loop hadn’t bothered her. Right now, she was too focused on her career. Maybe she’d feel differently in a few years when her biological clock started ticking. That was what she’d told herself. And it had been true. Until now.

Although she had initiated last night’s earth-shattering kiss, Rylan had still left. It would have been easy to have woken this morning feeling dispirited and spurned. Instead, she felt curiously optimistic. She had made her feelings plain. She had suspected all along that Rylan felt the same and his response to the kiss confirmed it.

After he’d gone, she’d indulged in some lengthy analysis of his behavior, while also reliving the heady sensation of his lips on hers. By walking away instead of taking things a step further, was he saying she meant more than a quick fling? The thought made her shiver with pleasure.

I hope so. Because he already meant so much more to her. There. The thought was out there. Scary but true.

After showering, she studied her hair in the mirror. She loved her curls, but they could be rebellious. They definitely needed to be kept in their place when she was working. Giving her hair a quick all-over spritz with her favorite macadamia oil product, she pulled her wild locks back into a ruthlessly tight braid.

When Bree purchased this property, she’d had a walk-in closet built. Her father had laughed and asked how long it would be before she needed another one. As she rifled through the overflowing rails, she realized Calvin Colton had been right. She either needed more space, or she would have to part with some of her precious vintage treasures. But how would she choose which of her 1950s cocktail dresses or rock-chick biker jackets to give away?

She pulled on black leggings, a short floral dress and knee-high brown boots. Over the top, she layered a long Scandinavian knit jacket in bright geometric blocks and twisted a contrasting scarf loosely around her neck. Moisturizing sunscreen, a touch of lip gloss, a spray of perfume, and she was a splash of color dashing past the mirror next to her front door.

Two minutes later, she regarded the man seated behind her desk with a wary expression. “I’m always pleased to see you, Trey. I also know how busy you are, so I’m guessing this isn’t a social call.”

Her brother grinned. “Most people start with good morning. How are things with you, sis? Still struggling to decide which you hate most...morning or anchovies?”

“The answer depends on whether I’m listening to my alarm clock or ordering pizza.” Bree flopped into the chair opposite him. “Seriously, why are you here?”

His expression became serious. “We got a report of a person behaving suspiciously close to these premises just before seven a.m. A security guard...” He checked his notes. “A guy named Swanson was attacked.”

Bree jerked upright. “David? Is he okay?”

“Fine. He had a fright, but he wasn’t seriously injured. He’s already back at work.” Her brother leaned forward with his hands clasped on the desk. “What bothers me is that Swanson thought the intruder was intending to climb the steps to your apartment.”

A cold trickle of fear tracked its way down Bree’s spine. She pushed it aside, frowning over the vagueness of Trey’s statement. “David thought that was his intention? A minor injury and the suspicion that a man may have been planning to climb the stairs to my apartment? Was that really the most pressing item on your schedule this morning, Trey?”

He had the grace to look sheepish. “I wanted to check and make sure you were okay. The guy who called this in—”

She held up a hand. “I thought David Swanson called you?”

“No.” He consulted his notes. “The 911 dispatcher spoke to a Rylan Bennet.”

Bree rubbed the bridge of her nose. It was early. She was caffeine deprived and Trey’s presence had taken her by surprise. That must be why nothing was making sense. Because why would Rylan be here before the gallery opened?

“You know him?” Trey was watching her closely. Nothing escaped her brother.

“He manages a group of artists who are taking part in my next show. Mom introduced him to me.”

The Audrey Colton seal of approval acted like a charm, and Trey relaxed back into his chair. “Since I’m here, help me out. It’s only been a week since someone threw a brick through the gallery window. You’ve been getting threatening emails. So far, I don’t have any leads on who is responsible. Has anything happened since to make you feel uncomfortable?”

Thoughts of her recorder and coffee being moved flashed through her mind, but she suppressed them. If Trey found out she was being harassed, she would be transported back to her childhood. He would be the big, strong brother and she would be in his shadow once again. She loved him, but she didn’t want to hand control of her life over to him. Not unless she was forced to.

A tiny voice at the back of her mind asked the question, Shouldn’t Trey be the one to decide? If the strange incidents were linked to the broken window, and now this attack on David, wasn’t it time to confide in the sheriff? A second voice spoke up, drowning out the first. What if they aren’t linked?

“Bree?” Trey’s prompt brought her back down to earth. “Is there something you want to tell me?”

“No.” She looked him up and down. “But there is something I need to ask you.”

He raised his brows. “Ask away.”

“Why am I on the wrong side of my desk?”

Laughing, Trey got to his feet. When he held out his arms, Bree rose and was enveloped in a hug that lifted her off her feet.

When he released her, Trey gave her a long look. “You’d tell me if there was a problem?”

“I’d tell you if there was something you could help me with.”

He frowned. “That’s not the same thing.”

She patted his cheek. “It’s all you’re getting. Now scoot. I have work to do.”

“Unfortunately, so do I.” He turned reluctantly toward the door. “How about lunch next week?”

“As long as you’re buying, it’s a date.” Bree waited for him to close the door before she sank into her chair. Almost immediately, the dance music ringtone on her cell phone signaled an incoming call. A glance at the display showed her Rylan’s name.

She didn’t bother with a greeting. “I need to speak to you.”

“Do you like dogs?”

The question threw her off balance. “What do you mean?”

“Dogs, wise gal. You know. Four legs. Tails that wag. Make a noise called barking. Do you like them?”

“Yes, but...”

“Good. Come out to the parking lot.”

She started to protest, but he’d already ended the call. What was going on? Feeling as if she’d entered a parallel universe, Bree left her office and walked the length of the gallery.

All this, and I still haven’t had my first cup of coffee.

When she stepped outside, two things hit her. One was the chill breeze. The other was Rylan’s magnetism. Dressed in jeans, boots and a worn leather jacket, he was leaning against the hood of his car. The smile that lit his eyes when he saw her did something wicked to her insides.

Bree didn’t return the smile. She wasn’t here to be charmed. Since the last time she’d seen him, he’d somehow gotten involved in the incident with David, and he’d just given her an order. She wasn’t sure she liked either of those circumstances.

A slight frown creased her brow as she crossed the distance between them. “What do you want, Rylan? I have a lot to do today.”

The blue of his eyes darkened, like clouds crossing a summer sky. “Hey. What is this?”

“My brother told me you called in the attack on David.” Although she let him take her hands, she didn’t return his grip. “Why were you here before the gallery opened this morning?”

He hesitated for a few seconds. “I slept in my car last night. I told David it was because I had engine trouble. That wasn’t the real reason.”

Bree felt as though her world was spinning further off course with every passing second. “What was the real reason?”

“I wanted to make sure you were safe.”

When her family became overprotective, Bree bristled and fought back. It was a reaction to her childhood, when her parents had tried too hard to shield her from the effects of her dyslexia. However, in this instance, instead of Rylan’s admission provoking a similar response in her, it made her feel warm and comforted. Swaying toward him, she rested her forehead on his chest.

After a moment or two, he ducked his head to get a look at her face. “Are we okay?”

She nodded. “But you didn’t have to do that.”

The look he gave her was charged with so much electricity it almost threw her backward. Any doubts she may have had about his sincerity were gone. “Believe me, I did.”

How could she begin to explain it to him? No, Rylan, you didn’t. Because you had a place to stay. In my apartment. In my bed...

Changing the subject was probably a good idea. “Why were you in such a hurry to get me out here?”

“I wanted you to meet someone.”

Bree’s emotions went on a new roller coaster ride as he strode toward the passenger side of his car. Someone? After a minute or two, he returned with a leash attached to...a large mop.

“What is it?” She stared at the creature in fascination.

Rylan laughed. “This is Papadum. He’s a komondor, a Hungarian sheepdog.”

“I can’t tell which end is which,” Bree said.

“Well, they perform very different functions.” Rylan lifted the dog’s long corded bangs so Bree could see his eyes. The other end of the animal wagged. “I wouldn’t recommend getting them mixed up.”

Laughing, she stroked Papadum’s head. The wagging increased. “Papadum? Were you craving Asian food when you named him?”

“He was abandoned. The owner of an Indian restaurant found him in a dumpster when he took the trash out one night.”

“How sad.” Bree stooped to hug Papadum and the dog licked her cheek.

“See, you figured out the right end,” Rylan quipped. “That could have gone horribly wrong if you hadn’t.”

“Rylan!” Bree gave a choke of laughter. “Your dog is lovely, but why is he here?”

“Ah.” He gave her a sidelong glance. “I thought you might like to borrow him.”

Chapter 4

Bree was regarding Rylan as if he’d gone mad. “You thought I might like to borrow your dog?”

“Hear me out.” From the look on her face, the outcome hung in the balance. Although she appeared bemused, there was a definite flash of something more dangerous in the golden depths of her eyes. “Papadum may look like Mother Nature’s idea of a joke, but he’s a great guard dog. He’s calm with strong protective instincts. He would defend his family with his life.”

“Apart from the fact that I don’t need protection, I live in an apartment and work long hours.” Bree looked at the dog, who was sitting between them, his dreadlocks stirring in the breeze. “Papadum is big. He looks like he needs plenty of exercise.”

“That’s where I come in. Bring him to the gallery each day and I’ll take him for walks.” She was still viewing him with suspicion. “And you’ll be doing me a huge favor.”

“How?” The single word was hardly encouraging.

“I have a number of rescue dogs. I’ve just taken in a new guy, and he’s unsettled the dynamics. Papadum could use some space from all the drama.” It was a white lie. Papadum was the most laid-back dog in the world. He wasn’t part of the problem, but Rylan figured Bree didn’t need to know that. “Plus, you get to hang out with the coolest canine in town.”

The dog chose that moment to wave one mop-like paw in Bree’s direction. “See?” Rylan said. “Papadum thinks it’s a good idea.”

“Why do I feel like I’m being manipulated? By both of you?” She rolled her eyes. “I’ll give it a trial. Two days. If it doesn’t work out, Papadum goes home with you.”

Rylan resisted the impulse to punch the air in celebration. Papadum would take better care of her than any sophisticated alarm system. “It’s a deal.”

“What does he eat?” Bree asked.

“That’s a whole other conversation.” He handed her Papadum’s leash. “We can talk about it later when we decide where you’re taking me for dinner.”

Before she could reply, a car pulled up next to Rylan’s.

“Clearly, I am not meant to get any work done today.” Although the words were spoken under her breath, the smile on Bree’s face was genuine as she stepped forward to greet the woman who emerged from the vehicle. “I wasn’t expecting to see you this morning, Mom.”

Audrey Douglas Colton was an attractive African American woman in her early sixties. She had medium brown skin, short dark brown hair with a hint of gray and glowing golden-brown eyes. It was obvious that Bree got her stunning looks from her mother.

“I had half an hour to spare before my volunteer shift at the community hub.” Audrey kissed her daughter’s cheek before turning to survey the dog. “Oh, my. Isn’t this amazing? What is it?”

“It’s a dog. His name is Papadum. He’s going to be staying with me for a while.”

Audrey’s gaze met Rylan’s for a second. He read the question in her eyes. This is your doing? He answered with a brief nod, and saw her features relax. Anything that kept her daughter safe was fine by her.

Bree linked her arm through her mom’s and steered her toward the gallery. “Believe it or not, I haven’t had coffee yet.”

Audrey looked shocked. “Are you ill?”

Bree laughed. “Just busy.”

Rylan held the door open for them. “I’ll leave you ladies now.”

“Oh, please join us.” Audrey placed a hand on his arm. “I’d love to know how my student protégés are getting on.”

He followed them toward Bree’s office with a feeling of disquiet. He liked Audrey a lot, but he wasn’t a good enough actor to sustain lengthy questioning on the subject of African American art. He hoped she’d remember he was a bodyguard playing a role and go easy on him.

Bree ducked into her assistant’s office to request coffee. From the squeals of delight that ensued, Rylan figured Papadum was having an impact on Kasey.

When they went into her office, Bree released the dog from his leash. Papadum immediately commenced a detailed inspection of the room. Bree took a seat at her desk and gestured toward two other chairs before turning to her mom. “How’s Dad?”

“Oh, you know. Worrying about the farm, as usual. While the rest of the Colton family is celebrating the unseasonably cold weather because it means the ski season could be extended, Calvin is concerned about the impact on his animals.”

“To be fair, that is his job,” Bree said.

Audrey’s smile was mischievous. “I know. But when I want him to admire the winter wonderland outside the farmhouse, it ruins the effect if he says, I wonder if I should move the calves to the south barn.”

Kasey entered at that moment, carrying a tray laden with mugs of coffee, cream, sugar and a plate of cookies. Rylan rose to help her, and she smiled gratefully as he took her burden from her and placed it on the desk. When he returned to his seat, both Bree and Audrey were staring down at the tray. While Audrey’s expression was one of surprise, Bree’s was more like shock.

“Aren’t those the cups Nonnie gave you?” Audrey asked. The bright hand-painted cups depicted a variety of different animals.

“Yes.” There was a hollow note to Bree’s voice that Rylan didn’t like.

“I didn’t know you’d started using them.”

“I haven’t. I wouldn’t.” Bree turned to look at Kasey. “Where did you get these from?”

“They were in the kitchen next door. I thought you must have bought them to brighten the place up.” Kasey looked bewildered. “Is there something wrong?”

Even though she smiled at her assistant, Rylan could tell Bree’s expression was forced. “It’s not a problem. Thank you for the drinks.”

When Kasey had gone, Audrey turned to Bree. “Care to share?”

In the instant before she answered, Bree flashed a glance in Rylan’s direction. It was a plea. Work with me. In response, he pressed his knee lightly against hers beneath the desk. Her shoulders relaxed slightly.

“I know what must have happened,” Bree said. “I was sorting out my own artwork for the show. At the same time, I’d been cleaning out the display shelf where I keep Nonnie’s cups. Nonnie was my mom’s mother,” she explained to Rylan. “She was also the person from whom I inherited my artistic ability. When I was a child, she painted this set of cups for me. They’re too precious to use.”

“They’re beautiful.” Rylan admired one of the intricate hand-painted pieces.

“The box containing the pieces from the shelf in my apartment must have somehow gotten mixed up with one of the boxes containing my paintings.” Bree turned to Audrey with a shrug. “It’s easily done when everyone is so busy.”

Audrey’s shrewd gaze assessed her daughter for a moment or two. “Is that the best you’ve got?”

Bree gave her a look of near-perfect innocence. “What do you mean?”

Audrey pursed her lips and shook her head. Glancing at her watch, she picked up her tote. “Lucky for you, I have to go or I’ll be late for my shift.” She got to her feet and stooped to kiss Bree’s cheek. “Work on that story before we meet again, loved one. It has more holes than a piece of Swiss cheese.”

After she’d gone, Bree gave a little sigh. “I hate lying to her.”

“Don’t worry,” Rylan said. “She didn’t believe you.”

Bree gave a little laugh. “I had almost convinced myself that the coffee-thing, like the recorder, was due to my own absent-mindedness. But this?” She gently touched one of the cups. “There’s no mistaking this.”

“Someone is sending you a message,” Rylan said tersely, “and it isn’t a pleasant one.” When she raised her eyes to his, he could see the fear in their depths. “It’s time to tell me all of it, Bree.”

She nodded. “Not here. Do you like Thai food?”

He raised her hand to his lips. “You just found my weakness.”

She turned to look at Papadum, who had fallen asleep and looked like a large, unusual rug. “AppeThaizer allows dogs. I’ll make reservations for seven o’clock.”

“Okay.” Rylan got to his feet. “I’ll be in the promotions office if you need me.”

When he reached the door, he turned back to look at her. She was already reaching into her desk, but there was a crease between her brows that troubled him. He wanted to go to her and smooth it away. More than anything, he wanted to tell her that he was there to protect her.

Once Bree knew he was deceiving her, their closeness would be over. That scared him more than the shadowy figure who was threatening her. He could deal with the external danger, but he honestly didn’t know if he could cope with having to watch Bree walk away.

* * *

I should have smashed those cups and used the pieces to slice your pretty face.

The voice Bree had chosen for her text-to-speech software was light and female. Most of the time, she found it soothing. Whenever she converted one of the threatening emails to speech and listened to it, the gentle tones somehow made the words even more frightening.