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She couldn’t remember anyone in her personal life ever offering her that much power or control. It was a heady sensation. Before she wasted another second overthinking, she pressed her palm to his.

His fingers curled oh-so-gently around her hand. A simple gesture that somehow made her feel seen and heard and…Valued. He didn’t squeeze or tug. Didn’t try any nonsensical gestures like kissing her knuckles.

“Thank you.” Gratitude pulsed through her. Warming her and giving her hope with every beat of her heart. She stood and he released her. Missing that contact was a weird new sensation. “I’ll go pack.”

He rolled to his feet and the smile he gave her felt softer than usual. “I’ll get things rolling with the plane and with Ilsa.”

Another wave of warmth coasted through her before she darted to her bedroom. When she factored in the way she’d automatically latched onto him earlier, tonight marked the most personal physical contact she’d experienced with a man in years.

It was as lovely as it was remarkable.

Chapter Five

While Trina packed,Rhett called the charter service to arrange for the flight to Key West. He also sent the email to Ilsa Crosby. After apologizing for upending whatever was on her schedule tomorrow, he added several specific requests. Trina would need an engagement ring, a dress, and all the other details that would make the day fun and memorable. He offered up a few suggestions, but trusted Ilsa’s expertise.

Despite this sudden, giant whirlwind of change he wanted Trina to have something more memorable than a few minutes in front of a judge.

Of course, everything needed to be legit and as convincing as possible. Having full documentation to share when they were ready for the announcement was essential. Formal photos, a videographer, probably a ceremony out on the water, officiated by the captain of the boat was the easiest solution. Tomorrow should be an event Trina would thoroughly enjoy, even without her family or friends in attendance.

An event she could look back on fondly, once she didn’t need Rhett around anymore.

He had no illusions that her family would be happy theyeloped. He expected he would pass muster as a son-in-law, but her mother would be upset over being left out of the wedding day. Hell, he might even need his dad’s support to convince his new father-in-law that this wasn’t an unmitigated disaster.

Though Ilsa was the soul of discretion, he asked her to keep quiet about this development around the Cove. He didn’t want his staff peppering him with questions or smothering Trina with panic-inducing enthusiasm upon their arrival. With luck, they could exercise some control over how and when word got out about their wedding.

He filed all of that away in the back of his mind. Tonight he just needed to get her to Florida without any additional stress.

Expecting Ilsa would tell her husband, Max, owner of the gym Rhett favored, he invited his friend to join the consult tomorrow afternoon. He’d like to get Max’s opinion on steps he could take to manage any issues Gallo might stir up.

As a Guardian Agency protector, Max Crosby had provided security to globe-trotting, high-profile celebrities prior to settling in Key West. Now, he and Ilsa enjoyed a quieter, more geographically stable life as he provided new-hire training programs for Guardian Agency recruits as well as refresher courses for established protectors.

When he opened his gym, Rhett’s curiosity won out. Impressed, his first visit had led to a regular habit. He enjoyed the physical challenges, felt better than ever, and consistently met interesting people outside of his typical circles. He’d been raised to get along with just about anyone—part of growing up in the hospitality industry—but the gym kept his meet and greet skills sharp. Not to mention the insight into security issues along with a constant flow of intel on travel trends and preferences.

“I’m almost done,” Trina called from the bedroom.

He checked his watch. “Take your time.”

Eager as he was to put some distance between her and Gallo, they had about an hour before the plane would be ready. If Gallo chose to be a problem, Rhett preferred to deal with it here with security guards ready to back him up.

At the sliding glass door that opened onto her balcony, he stared out into the night, contemplating how different life would be after their trip to Key West. They would soon be sorting out how to make her suite a home for both of them.

Just as he turned to explore the rest of the suite, Trina emerged from the bedroom with a rolling suitcase at her side. She’d changed clothes and he did a double take. The dress, deep blue with a lighter aqua pattern, reminded him of rolling ocean waves. The fabric hugged her curves and an unmistakable ache welled up inside him. Her smile was vibrant, almost glowing. He looked closely for any signs of strain or doubts and came up empty.

“You look incredible.” He sensed his plan backfiring already. He was attracted to her and she was worried about being able to show enough affection to make their relationship believable. Too late. He was committed and he refused to let her down.

“Thanks.” At her hesitation, he lurched into action, taking her suitcase to the door. “Do we have a minute for me to order a replacement for the glass I dropped?”

“Sure.”

“It probably seems silly.”

Her gaze on her phone, he took full advantage, drinking her in. “Do what you need to do. Was the glassware included with the dishes your grandmother sent?”

She glanced up. “Yes! Nonna gave me six place settings, complete with glassware and all the fussy extra dishes no one knows what to do with, so I could entertain.”

He smiled. Her nonna reminded him of the aunts. “And do you entertain?”

“Occasionally.” Trina’s soft laughter floated through the room. “Nina insisted. We’ve had fun, though I don’t do the formal dinners Nonna probably had in mind.” Suddenly her big brown eyes widened and her gaze darted around the suite. “Will we need to entertain as a couple?”