Page 8 of Island Guardian (Brookwell Island #7)

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 they eloped.

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?”

“Possibly.”

He took a step closer before he caught himself. Already his first inclination was to offer her comfort. The attitude shift was so strange, and yet somehow, exactly right. Still, he didn’t want her assuming he’d demand more physical contact than she was ready for, so he held his ground.

“If something comes up, you have an entire Inn to work with. We don’t have to host anyone here.”

Her shoulders relaxed. “Sorry, I’m all over the place tonight. I don’t mean to overreact. You’re free to change your mind about all of this,” she said, gesturing at herself.

If that was supposed to indicate she was some kind of turn off, she was doing it all wrong. Probably not the best time to mention it. He recognized doubts haunting her gaze now. “I’m in. Until you tell me to go,” he reminded her.

The glossy black curls framing her face swayed as she shook her head. “It’s just—” She glanced at the door and her suitcase, then back to him. “This is such an extreme imposition.”

He shrugged. “For both of us, right?”

Her mouth opened and snapped shut. The smile that followed was slow and shy. “I hadn’t thought of it like that. I guess it is.” She studied him. “Why are you doing it?”

He checked his watch, tipping his head toward the door. “We need to get moving if we’re going to make the plane.”

“In a minute.” She took a deep breath, drawing his attention to her full breasts. “Please, Rhett. I don’t want to make you miserable. Make either of us miserable. Tell me, you’re sure. ”

“I’m sure.” He spread his arms. “You need an ally. I’m available and happy to step up.”

Her smile grew. “You’re very strange.”

“Is that a compliment?”

“It wasn’t an insult.” She waved him over. “Let me show you the rest of the suite before we go. If you have furniture or things that will make you comfortable,” she continued, “I’m happy to make room.”

He glanced around. “I like what you’ve got here.” She’d created a warm and inviting home. “I’ll need a place to work. Nothing elaborate. We can confiscate an extra table or I can order something.” He wasn’t picky. His top priority was her.

He followed her away from the central living area, turning down a short hallway. He’d known the suite was in the corner of the building, but he was surprised to see a full bathroom on one side and antique French doors on the other.

She pointed to the plain door at the end of the hallway. “The back door. Exits straight into a service hall.”

“For sneaky getaways?”

Her nose wrinkled. “Let’s hope not.” She opened the French doors and stepped back. “I use it as an office now. Do you think this would suit you? As a dual-purpose office and bedroom, I mean.”

“I can definitely work with this,” he managed.

This close, her scent was distracting—sweet, warm spices enhanced by the salty ocean air. It reminded him of being a kid and running around during the big Thanksgiving dinners at his grandparents’ place across the river on Sullivan’s Island.

“When we get back, I’ll move my things to the bedroom. The daybed in here is new, but we can move it out and request a roll-away bed if you prefer.”

He managed not to cringe at the thought of sleeping on the daybed indefinitely. But she hadn’t taken this step because she wanted to marry him for real, only to protect herself. “ Requesting a roll-away is likely to blow a hole in the happily married vibe we’re going for.”

“Oh, right.” She took a breath. “Well, the wi-fi signal is great throughout the whole place,” she added. “And if you want a different desk, that’s no biggie.”

The desk reminded him a bit of the table her grandmother had gifted her. “This one isn’t from your family?”

She shook her head and tucked her hair back behind her ears again. “It was in storage. With the Inn’s history, there are plenty of styles and eras to choose from.”

His fingers itched to touch her, to outline the shape of her full lower lip or follow those glossy locks as they curled around her ear. Her habitual movement was such a small thing, and still he found himself wishing he had the privilege of doing it himself.

He could almost feel the heavy silk of her hair sifting through his fingers, brushing over his bare skin as he held her close. Down boy . That was getting way too far ahead of the situation.

“We should go,” he said abruptly. “We can discuss this on the flight. Whatever we decide, I want you to be comfortable too.”

Her soft humming sound of agreement rippled across his senses. Not the time to get distracted. He took her suitcase and she grabbed a sweater, her purse, and her keys from the bowl.

“Why don’t you have a key card?” he asked, watching her lock up. “Wouldn’t that be more secure?”

She laughed. “Hardly. Guests frequently get turned around up here. After a few weeks of folks trying to open my door, I had a regular lock installed and the card reader disabled. It’s been a perfect solution.

Now, even if someone tries the card reader, it doesn’t light up or make any noise so they return to the lobby immediately.

I’ll make sure you get a copy of the key. ”

“Great, thanks.”

“You don’t have that problem at the Cove?” she asked.

He punched the call button for the elevator. “Not at all. Then again, my suite is well-removed from public access. A guest would have to be pretty lost to stumble across my door.” He caught the way her eyes lit up. “Have you considered moving off-property?”

“No.”

The reply, flat and firm, left him wondering about the story behind it. Someday, when she trusted him more, he hoped she’d explain. He wouldn’t push her for answers now.

The elevator opened and she turned toward the lobby rather than the employee parking area. “I just want to speak with Jacob for a second.”

“Lead the way.”

She hurried down the hallway and around the corner, stopping so suddenly he nearly plowed her over.

“Finally! Grazie , Jacob. Grazie !”

Rhett swore under his breath, moving to block Gallo as he stormed toward Trina. “I’ve got this.”

She gave a squeak and reached for his hand. “This is unexpected,” Rhett said. “I thought I’d made myself clear.”

From the front desk he heard Jacob apologizing to Trina. “He asked me to call, but I wouldn’t. I told him you weren’t available.”

“It’s fine.” Still gripping him as if her life depended on it, she pressed herself to Rhett’s side, keeping him and the suitcase between her and the “good” Italian boy. “I’ll call you from the car, Jacob.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“We’re on our way out,” Rhett said to the man blocking their path.

“No, no. I’m here now. The plan must change.” He aimed a pleading look at Trina. “Your mother, she is so happy. She asked me to take a picture.”

Happy over what? The man was a well-dressed, deluded pain in the ass. It was tempting to tell him they were engaged. Rhett barely remembered that he wanted to control the narrative, not let this guy spread the news.

He didn’t dare look at her, but he was sure Trina was on the brink of either a breakdown or a furious outburst. Neither option appealed.

As a professional, he understood that she’d view either outcome as a failure.

They were in a public area of the hotel.

A welcome guest might pass by at any moment.

“We have a plane to catch,” Rhett snapped. “You’ll excuse us.” He turned, tucking her in front of him and ushering her in the other direction. “Keep moving.” He pressed the car keys into her hand. “Straight to the car. Get in, lock the doors.”

“Sir!” Gallo chased them. Because that’s just what Rhett needed. “I must speak with Trina.”

At the exit, Trina rushed out into the night and Rhett turned abruptly to put a stop to this. “You’re embarrassing yourself,” he said, his voice lethal and low. “Don’t care much about that. But you’re making her uncomfortable and that I won’t tolerate.”

“We are friends. Destined for?—”

No way . He was not going to listen to some sappy and inaccurate declaration.

“Tonight you are friends, full stop.” Rhett would clear up that misunderstanding later.

“Right now, we have a schedule to keep. You showed up early. Your problem. Her professional schedule was set and cannot be changed at the last minute.” He crooked his finger, inviting Gallo closer. “If I could make a suggestion?”

“Yes?”

“Enjoy the town. Take a walk on the beach.” Rhett barely resisted a sucker punch. “And go home. Her career is the priority, not you. ”

Gallo reared back, and maybe he sensed the violence Rhett was ready to unleash. “You do not understand. I’ll wait. Arrangements have been made. Trina and I will speak when she returns from… Where are you going, Mr. Ellington?”

“Continuing education,” he replied. It wasn’t even much of a lie if he factored in Ilsa. “Good night.”

He jogged to the car, pleased to see Trina waiting in the passenger seat, buckled up and ready to go. Her suitcase was in the back seat. When he reached the driver’s door, the lock clicked open and he quickly settled in behind the wheel.

“All good?” she asked.

“As good as it gets tonight.” He put the car in gear and drove out of the lot with a control that belied the temper simmering in his veins. “I told him we were headed for a continuing ed deal that you couldn’t cancel.”

“He’ll be here when we come back.”

He hated the grim resignation in her voice. “Probably.” At the corner, he paused to give her a reassuring smile. “But when we come back, you’ll be Mrs. Ellington, making whatever Luca Gallo wants irrelevant.”

He took tremendous satisfaction in the way that reminder perked her up.