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“You have a name? We could do some digging.”

“Luca Gallo. The man was actually at the Inn when I drove her back. Three days early.”

“Eager.”

Rhett hadn’t looked at it that way. “Yes. And pushy.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “The guy knocked on her door and all but declared them married.”

“Pissed you off,” Max observed.

“Yes. I was holding steady at concerned and annoyed up to that point.”

“Her parents don’t have a clue that this is the wrong play?”

Rhett shook his head. “Trina’s tried to hold them off, but they want her married.”

“So you’re taking on the role of husband.”

It wasn’t a question, but Rhett answered it as if it was. “Seemed like the best idea at the time.”

“You’re playing the part well.”

He snorted. “And I’ll keep it up. Gallo will be waiting for her when we get back to Brookwell.”

“Jess can’t run him off?”

“Maternity leave.”

“Right.” Max winced. “Ilsa sent her a care package once we got the news. Have you seen her? Is she happy?”

Rhett grinned. “Jess is living her best life.” He wasn’t particularly close to the former Key West police officer who now worked with the Guardian Agency, but his brief interactions had been positive.

“She sounds so relaxed when we talk. Nice to have it confirmed by someone right there.”

“You know it is possible for you to come up and see her yourself,” Rhett said. “She’d probably enjoy a visit. And you can be an honorary fun uncle.”

Max rolled his shoulders. “Maybe we will.” He patted Annie on the head. “We’ll have to be super careful.” He aimed a sly look at Rhett. “My wife is pretty busy, and her boss thinks every time she leaves she’s checking out new places to work. The stress is unbearable.”

Rhett cracked up. “I’m not that bad. I only told her she couldn’t take calls from my sister. Officially, Trina is here to shadow her for a couple of days while she works up a new wedding menu for the Inn.”

“Huh. I was sure you also told my wife you wanted the option to counter any offers she might get from any other source.” Max rocked back on his heels.

“That’s just a sign of my excellent management. Your wife has serious skills. We both know she’s the reason so many people come here for weddings.” Including him. Rhett changed the subject. “Got space for me in the gym this afternoon?”

“It’s a big place,” Max said. “You want Trina to come watch you? I can put a bug in Ilsa’s ear.”

Rhett bent down to love on Annie some more. “I’ll invite her, but I doubt that’s how it’ll go down.”

On the one hand, she might like to see that he could hold his own in the ring. He would certainly like to show off a few moves for her. But then again, there were plenty of other protectors training there on any given day. He wasn’t sure he needed the competition. And knowing nothing about her story, only her obvious resistance to physical contact, he couldn’t be sure she’d appreciate the healthy sweat and tension of the gym environment.

“Probably best if I could burn off some steam before I take her sightseeing.”

“I get that.” Max nodded sagely. “Seriously Rhett, I can make a call and get someone in Chicago looking into this Gallo. Don’t forget you’ve got Upton right there on Brookwell. He’s sharp as they come on protection detail and investigations too. Unless settling down with the baker has made him soft.”

“That’s right,” Rhett said as the names clicked. “You worked with him, didn’t you?”

“For a few years.” Max nodded. “We were on several long-term protection details together. Want me to make an introduction?”

“No thanks.” Rhett kicked at a loose stone as they walkedalong. “We’ve met a couple of times around town. His baker, as you say, is friends with Trina.”