Page 24

Chapter Nineteen

LILY

I can’t believe Del agreed to this. When I told her what Payton requested last night, I expected her to say absolutely not.

Putting the principal unnecessarily out into the open is usually a hard ‘no.’ But since the latest suspect turned out to be an obsessed royal watcher who thought she could get a face-to-face with Dame Maxwell if she implied knowledge about their cousin’s demise, Del said there was no imminent threat.

Although I agree, going out like this with Payton feels more like a date than a job. I still insisted on driving, but as soon as we walked into the Turtle Tide, he shifted his demeanor and became attentive and charming.

When he placed his hand on my lower back to guide me to our table, I thought I would melt on the spot like an ice sculpture on the beach. He even pulled out my chair for me, which was sweet, until I told him I needed to sit on the other side so I could keep eyes on the main door.

And now we’re sitting at a table for two that includes a votive candle nestled in sand inside a cute glass holder resembling a seashell. Mellow yacht music plays in the background, which perfectly complements the ocean view out the windows to my left .

Payton runs his forefinger and thumb around his mouth again like he did at the airport the first time we met and at the unexpected team spaghetti dinner. I’ve never seen him do this any other time.

He’s staring at me now. “Need any recommendations?”

“What?” I blink back to reality.

“From the menu.” He points to the simple two-sided laminate still sitting untouched in front of me.

“Oh, I’m sure I can find something I like.” I lift the menu, skimming it as I periodically check the entrance.

Payton follows my line of sight, then faces me. “Are you expecting someone?”

I smile for the first time since we left his apartment. “No, just part of my training.”

Understanding dawns on his face. “Ah, ever watchful for danger.”

“That’s my job,” I sing-song. A little reminder can’t hurt. I don’t know what’s going through Payton’s mind, though I have my suspicions, but he needs to understand that’s all this is for me. All it can ever be.

A job.

Which could lead to an even better one if I keep my focus on why I’m here—to protect my principal against any clear or potential threat.

I finish skimming the menu. “I think I’ll try the burger.”

Payton pulls his brows together. “The Turtle Tide is known for its seafood, which they bring in daily from that very ocean you see out the window.”

After holding my hands up, I drop them to my thighs in a light slap. “What can I say? I’m going for land food.”

He lets out a chuckle that sends an unexpected shot of pleasure through me. “Surely we can do better than that.”

“Why? I’m perfectly happy with a burger.”

“We Brits are known for our fish and chips, but I hate to admit this chef might just outdo us.”

“I didn’t like them there, so I’m probably not going to like them here either.”

“So, you don’t care for seafood?”

“Not really.” I scrunch up my face, debating on telling him how I got a serious case of food poisoning from a spoiled shrimp once, but decide to forgo the gory details. That kind of conversation doesn’t fit well in a restaurant.

He sighs. “What about a grilled mahi-mahi sandwich? That’s close to a burger.”

The man will not let this go. “Fine. I’ll try it. But if I don’t like it?—”

“I promise I’ll order you a burger.” He concedes with a gallant dip of his chin.

“With cheese,” I counter, just to bring the point home.

“Fine.” He slaps his menu onto the side of the table.

I do the same. “Fine.”

Our server appears, takes our selections and the menus, then darts off to get our drinks.

Payton fiddles with unwrapping his silverware and placing his napkin on his lap.

I imagine his parents went to great lengths to teach him proper etiquette, especially considering their ties to royalty, but the whole hockey thing still throws me.

His refined and sophisticated side peeks out when he’s not playing hockey. And on the ice, he’s like this sexy powerhouse who owns it. I’ve found most of my assignments mundane, sometimes boring, but I find Payton’s dichotomy fascinating.

Leaning forward, I fold my arms on the table. “Do you see yourself doing something else down the road?”

“Does it bother you that I’m a hockey player?” Mischief dances in his blue eyes.

“No, not at all. But there’s a time limit to it, right? At some point, you’ll retire.”

“True, but hopefully, that won’t be for a long time. Barring injuries, of course. Although I will say having my bodyguard help me shower will remain a highlight in my career. ”

The heat in his gaze matches the warmth rising from my neck to my cheeks. I take a sip of the ice water our server left on the table. “Can we forget that ever happened?”

“I’d rather you didn’t.”

“Payton!”

“What?” His attempt at innocence is comical.

I swing my gaze back and forth to make sure no one’s within earshot, then lower my voice just shy of a whisper. “Stop it. I’m not your wife. I’m your bodyguard.”

“Yes, I know. You remind me constantly.” He grinds out.

We stare at each other as if in an impasse while the heat between us rises hot enough to cook our own food. If this keeps up, I may have to ask for a fake divorce just to keep my shot at that sweet position with his sister’s security team.

I lean forward. “Why did you insist on this facade in the first place?”

His expression turns sheepish as he sighs. “I was half joking.”

“What do you mean?”

“When Emalia wants me to do something I don’t want to, I will suggest the most preposterous thing to make her back off.”

“And this works?”

“Usually.”

“But not this time.”

He lets out a self-deprecating laugh. “No, but I have to admit, it’s working out better than I expected.”

The man really knows how to turn on the charm.

Our server returns and places our food in front of us. Payton doesn’t touch his. Just stares at me, waiting to see if I’ll like his recommendation, which I’m almost positive I won’t.

I rarely roll my eyes. In my line of work, that’s a tell. But this time, I’m willing to make a bold statement about how frustrating this man is. I even make a grunting sound so he’ll know just how annoyed I am before taking a bite.

Oh. My. Word. Tangy flavors cascade over my tongue in waves as I chew. Then, the full impact of the grilled, meaty fish hits me like a burger would. I suppress a moan of pleasure in time, but clearly not my expression because he shoots me the smuggest grin I’ve ever seen.

“See? I was right, wasn’t I?”

I wipe my mouth with my napkin. “Fine. Yes, you were right.”

He slants his gaze upward, appearing thoughtful. “I think if I were to tally a score, I would be in the lead.”

Maybe my last observation was wrong. Blast! That makes him right again.

“Don’t get cocky.” I take another bite of my sandwich, doing my best to ignore him.

“You’re taking my fun away.” Even when he pretends to pout, he’s disarming.

And a master at redirection. I’m only now realizing he changed the subject by bringing up our shower together.

Observation #7: Payton uses redirection when he’s uncomfortable with the conversation.

I banish the memory before my face turns red again. “Hockey is clearly fun for you, so what’s your fun plan after hockey?”

He drops his gaze. “I hadn’t thought about it, to be honest. Right now, I’m just focused on the game and being the best forward I can. For me and my team.”

The way he says my team makes me ache all over as if I’m missing out on something. I draw circles in my ketchup with a french fry. “The camaraderie you guys have is really amazing.”

His gaze turns penetrating as he studies me. “It is. I imagine you and Del have a similar dynamic.”

I bark out a laugh. “Del is…well, let’s just say Del is all about Del.”

“But you spend a fair bit of time together, don’t you? ”

“Some, yes. And we’re roommates. But we’re not home much, and we’re rarely on the same assignment.”

His expression turns more serious. “What about Sophie? You two seemed to have hit it off quite well. She lights up whenever she sees you.”

No, he can’t go there. I can’t let him create ties and connections. That will make returning home more difficult.

“Just part of my job, big guy. You created this scenario, and I’m doing my best to make it work. Speaking of which, how are we going to handle your next out-of-town game? I don’t think we can pull off another girls’ weekend so soon.”

“Good point.” He drags a hushpuppy through his tartar sauce, then pops it into his mouth, thinking as he chews.

“There’s always sleuth mode.” I toss my now soggy fry to the side.

“And that would be?”

“Del and I stay close, but not visible. But there’s a problem.”

“What’s that?”

“I can’t be in two places at once. Sophie wants to do another planning session for the fundraiser while the team is away. I’ll have to make an excuse to get out of it.”

A shadow of a smile skirts his face. “Does that mean you’ll be in the same hotel?”

“Yes. Close but not seen.”

“Of course.” His disappointment is obvious.

Why does that send a migration of butterflies through my midsection? “As far as Sophie and Mia know, I’ve worked in security in the past. I’ll tell them I have an interview for a remote position that sends me on location sometimes, which I can leverage as needed.”

“Sounds believable.”

“Good. Then we have a plan.”

He nods but says nothing, appearing distracted. We finish our meal in silence until we’re about to leave.

Ever the gentleman, Payton rises before I do and holds his hand out for mine. Do people really do that today? Obviously, he does. Must be part of that etiquette training he undoubtedly had to endure. But he wears it so well.

I comply to placate him, then regret it right away.

Or rather, I should, but how can I when he tightens his hold, sending waves of delicious shivers over my body?

But it’s more than that. I feel safe with Payton.

Protected. Which is so foreign to me. I’m the one who’s supposed to keep him secure. Not the other way around.

Our eyes connect for the briefest moment until his gaze drops to my lips, and before I can stop it, mine drop to his. One side of his mouth lifts, revealing his sexy dimple that begs me to touch it. But I resist. I have to…but it’s right there, calling to me.

He continues to hold my hand as we walk through the restaurant to leave. But instead of heading to the car, he leads me down a path toward the beach.

I tug my hand from his more out of self-preservation than an attempt to keep things professional. His touch makes me think of things I know I can’t have. Not with him, anyway.

“Where are you going?”

Without stopping, he points toward the ocean where the sun is starting its descent. “Perfect timing for a sunset.”

“That’s not part of the plan.”

He stops and faces me, his expression imploring. “Mango Key Beach is known for its soft white sands and blazing sunsets. You can’t go back to England without having seen one.”

I scan the perimeter around us and toward the restaurant. A scattered few people walk along the shore, but not too many to navigate or avoid. And he’s right. The sky is ablaze with iridescent pinks, purples, and blues in a breathtaking display.

“Fine, but not for long.”

“Not a problem. Sunsets last only a few minutes. ”

I tug my phone out of my back jeans pocket. “Just let me update Del so she knows why we’re not heading toward the car.”

Lily: Principal wants to watch the sunset.

Del: We’re back to using principal again? Hmm, was it something I said? Or he said…?

She follows this with a kissing emoji that makes me want to toss my phone into the sand.

The woman is downright incorrigible lately.

With a snort, I pocket my phone, ignoring her comment.

Sometimes, I wonder if she’s trying to encourage something happening between Payton and me, but that would be ridiculous.

She would never do that. At least, I don’t think she would. She is a bit of a wild child.

“Problem?”

I catch up to where he’s standing, shaking my head. “Nope.” I pop my ‘p’ for emphasis. “We better get to it, though. The light’s fading.”

He takes my hand again.

“Why are you doing that?”

“Believability, remember? Someone we know might be here or recognize me. Our fans are very generous with their attention.” He chuckles.

I should argue that’s a great reason NOT to take a walk out in the open like this. But I want to see the sunset and the feel of Payton’s skin against mine is making it difficult to think and make good decisions.

Observation #8: Payton Maxwell is trouble.