Page 20

Serenity

I finished making the cream-cheese-pineapple chip dip my niece loved, and grabbed a bag of chips. After Vanetti offered me this job, I’d packed my bags and delivered Gracie’s gift to Felicity’s house, on the off chance I couldn’t make it. That was before I’d met Stone, or I might not have been so proactive.

I found Stone in the living room, looking at his phone while he waited for me. As I entered the room, he glanced up, and his handsome face sent a thrill through my stomach. Not only that, but warmth rushed through my heart, expanding my chest and pushing outward toward him. Damn. I cared about him, and I couldn’t deny it.

He’d changed into a navy dress shirt, which stretched across his chest, revealing the muscles underneath. His sleeves were rolled up, showing corded muscles and dark hair on his forearms and hands. I’d never realized how sexy arms could be .

He’d shaved the stubble off his chiseled jaw and cheekbones. Usually I liked the rugged look, but without the stubble, it took the edge off the deadly vibe he usually gave off, making him more approachable, but still too hot to believe he was real.

His dark, wavy hair flopped across his forehead, making me yearn to run my fingers through it. Then there were his eyes. Dark pools that held a touch of amusement. He raised a brow, knowing I was staring at him, and enjoying every second of it.

I had to tamp down my urge to throw caution to the wind and kiss that mocking smile right off his face. Sheesh! This was terrible. I needed to pull myself together. I needed to be serene. Ha! I couldn’t even live up to my own name with him anywhere near me.

“Uh… I’ll be right back.” Since he looked so amazing, I knew the shirt I wore needed an upgrade. Rushing into my room, I skimmed through my tops and found the black one I wanted. The long sleeves were a sheer mesh that connected at the crew neck to hug the black camisole underneath. I’d never worn it, but it fit the bill for this moment, looking both sexy and alluring.

I’d bought it as a reward for getting out of the hospital, but after Brandon’s meltdown, I’d never felt like wearing it… until now. I touched up my makeup and hair before stepping into the living room.

Stone glanced over me with darkening eyes and an appreciative nod. My heart did a little happy skip before it hit me that I was introducing him to my family… as what? My new boyfriend?

Holy hell. Maybe this wasn’t the best idea. “Are you sure you want to come?” His brows rose and I hurried to explain. “Not that I don’t want you there… it’s just that… my family will probably want to know all about you, and you’ll never hear the end of it.”

He snorted. “Oh, I doubt it will be as painful for me as it is for you.”

“Exactly. I didn’t even tell Felicity that you were coming… she’s not expecting you. They’re going to think you’re my boyfriend or something.” Eyes widening, I shook my head. “Maybe you should just… lay low here.” Having my family think that Stone and I were together would be awful.

“Sounds boring. I’d rather come with you. Besides, would it really be so bad if they thought we were together?” He stepped close enough that I could smell his amazing cologne.

“What?” I tried not to let it overcome my reasoning, but it was hard to think with all that masculine perfection staring me in the face. “Yes!” I shook my head, stepping back. “I’ll… I’ll just have to tell them that I’m your bodyguard.”

“My bodyguard?” His brows lifted.

“Yeah. I mean, it’s true. And… I’m working on your case and I have saved your life. That would work. Why else would we have to stay together twenty-four, seven?”

“I like the boyfriend angle better.” He grinned, sending my heart fluttering.

“No, I’m still technically married.” I shook my head. “I’m a PI, you’re my client, we’re working on a sensitive case together. Done.”

He raised a brow. “Did they even like your ex?”

“Oh. Sure. At first, but not since the accident when my psychic ability started happening. Brandon didn’t keep it a secret that it freaked him out. He may have tried to get them to agree with him, but it backfired. They’re on my side. ”

His lips curved up. “So… I’m curious. What do they think about that? Do they mind it if you touch them?”

I twisted my lips. “They don’t mind, but that’s because if I saw something about them that could keep them safe, they’d want to know. I mean… it’s not like they run around killing people and hiding the bodies, so there’s nothing like that to hide. Sure, it can get uncomfortable if I see an argument they had, or something stupid they did, but I’ve gotten pretty good at being someone they can trust.”

“That makes sense. Trust is important in any relationship.”

“Exactly.” Was he saying that so I wouldn’t blab about his past? “I’m not going to tell them your secrets.”

He nodded. “I know.”

“Good.” I let out a breath. “It might be a little awkward, since you’re my client, but they’ll warm up. Just… don’t let them get to you, okay?”

He snorted. “Babe, I can take care of myself. You’re the one who’s worried about it.”

From the mischief in his eyes, I could tell he was looking forward to the show, and a knot of worry tightened my stomach. Would he do something to embarrass me? He might, but knowing my family, he would have to get in line.

I slipped on my black leather jacket and grabbed my purse, praying this whole family meeting wouldn’t be too bad. “I’d better text Felicity.”

Stone’s eyes lit up. “Do you have to?”

I smacked him. “Yes.” I pulled out my phone and texted that I was coming after all, and I was bringing my client. I pushed send and hoped she looked at her phone before we got there, or I was going to have a lot of explaining to do.

“Okay. Let’s go.”

We arrived a little late, so I had to park my car across the street from the house. Stone hopped out, and I followed more slowly, mentally preparing to be bombarded with questions.

I automatically reached out to take Stone’s hand, but stopped. He didn’t need protecting at my house, so if I took his hand now, he might get the wrong idea, and that would be a disaster.

Before I could put my hands in my pockets, Stone grabbed my hand.

“What are you doing?” I hissed, trying to discretely tug out of his grip, but he didn’t let go.

“There’s no way I’m letting you say you’re my bodyguard .” He gave me a cocky grin that turned my insides to mush, even while my face went crimson.

“No way,” I argued.

But he just winked and rang the doorbell. Dammit! It would be even weirder if we waited for them to answer. So, I pushed the door open and stepped inside, pulling Stone with me.

My parents, along with Felicity’s husband, Ryan, and their four-year-old son, Hank, my older brother Will, his wife, Emma, and his three kids were crowded into the living room. They all turned to me, mouths open with greetings, but froze when Stone entered behind me. Oh, hell. The doorbell brought Felicity in from the kitchen with Gracie at her side, and Gracie let out a squeal, breaking the tension.

“Aunt Senny!! You came!!”

“Hey sweetie! Happy Birthday!”

Stone finally let go of my hand as she ran into my arms, nearly knocking me over with her enthusiasm. After a big hug, her gaze landed on Stone. “Who are you?”

“Gracie… this is Stone.”

“You can call me Nate.” He smiled and knelt down to Gracie’s level. “I came with Serenity so I could wish you a happy birthday. I also brought you something.”

By this time, my parents had stepped over to see what was going on, confusion written all over their faces, and we all watched Stone pull an object from his pocket. He held it out, showing us a black, polished, oval-shaped rock with several gold and white veins running through it.

“What is it?” Gracie asked, her voice hushed.

“It’s a dragon egg. It’s old, so there’s not a real dragon inside, but see all those gold and white streaks?”

“Yeah.”

“Dragons love gold, and it gives the stone special powers.” He handed it to Gracie, and she took it, her eyes sparkling with awe.

“Wow.”

“What do you say, Gracie?” Felicity prompted, glancing back and forth between me and Stone.

“Thanks Nate! I’ve never seen anything like this. Look everybody! A dragon egg!”

My heart swelled in my chest, warmth washing through me. How could I not help falling for him even more? Sheesh! Who knew he’d be so good around kids? Did he have nieces and nephews? He’d never mentioned any siblings, so probably not. And who knew he was into dragons?

While Gracie showed off her stone to everyone in the room, Felicity stepped beside us. “Wow, thank you so much!” Her cheerfulness came out a little forced. “Gracie loves make-believe with princesses, and knights, and dragons, and all that. Did Sen tell you? Oh, I’m Felicity, by the way.” She glanced at me. “Sen forgot to mention she was bringing someone with her.”

“I sent you a text.”

“Really? Oh, well, I didn’t see it.”

Stone put his arm around me. “When she told me about the party, she wasn’t sure she could take the time. But I managed to convince her we should come. I hope that’s all right?”

What was he doing?

“Of course it’s all right. I’m so glad you’re here.” She sent me another we need to talk look.

“Thanks.” He sent her his sexy smile, and she nearly swooned.

My mom chose that moment to step closer, putting her arm around Felicity to get her attention. “Oh… these are our parents, Kristin and Jack. Nate Stone, right?”

“That’s right. A pleasure to meet you.” He held out a hand, his low voice sending shivers down my spine.

“Nice to meet you, too, Nate,” Mom said, taking his hand.

He smiled. After shaking her hand, he shook my dad’s hand, and Felicity introduced her husband, Ryan, then continued to pull him around the room, introducing him to the rest of our family. I watched him closely to see what else he was going to do, or if he’d start to crack under the pressure of meeting so many people, but it didn’t seem to faze him.

My mom came to my side, glancing between me and Stone. She spoke softly, but it was still loud enough that Stone could hear her. “So how long have you two known each other? You didn’t tell me you were dating.”

I opened my mouth to tell her we weren’t dating, when she knocked her shoulder against mine. “Does he know you’re still married?” She raised a brow at me.

My stomach twisted. “Mom! Of course he knows. And we’re not dating. I’m—Stone’s bodyguard.” There, I’d done it. No more misconceptions.

Stone laughed. “Oh, she guards my body, all right.”

I just stared at him, embarrassment flooding through me in waves. He said that, in front of my mother .

“We’ve only started dating. We met through her work. In fact, I’m helping her with an investigation.”

“Oh.” Mom raised her eyebrows, giving him the once-over, taking in his total hotness and handsome features. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and a little awe. “That’s wonderful.” She leaned in to me, barely lowering her voice. “I’ll bet he’s a good kisser.”

“Mom! Jeez.”

“What?” She straightened, smiling at Stone. “You need some happiness in your life. I’m glad you found someone, especially after all you’ve been through. And don’t get me started about Brandon. That man can rot in hell, for all I care.” She leaned in again. “So, was it good?”

A blush stained my cheeks. “Mom! He’s standing right there.”

Her eyes narrowed, and a sly smile spread over her lips, but she shrugged like I was an idiot and muttered, “Well… if you haven’t kissed him, then something’s wrong with you.”

“Okay, everybody,” Felicity said, saving me from further embarrassment. “Let’s get this party started.”

Felicity explained where the food was, and how to proceed. While everyone hurried outside to the deck, and the grilled hamburgers and hot-dogs, I darted a glance at Stone.

He caught me looking and grinned. “I like your mom.”

I rolled my eyes. “I guess you heard all that?”

He snorted. “Of course. And she’s right.” Grinning, he leaned close to me. “But luckily, I know there’s nothing wrong with you.”

“Well, that’s a relief.” I shook my head. “You want a hamburger?”

“Sure. And I want some of that chip dip you made. Is it a special recipe? ”

“Yes… it’s actually a family favorite. My Grandma used to make it.”

He took my hand again, his touch sending little butterflies through my stomach, and I didn’t even fight him as we followed everyone outside like we were a real couple. Warmth spread over me, filling a big hole in my heart. But was this all an act? Just a fun way to tease me? Or was that sparkle in his eyes just for me?

Soon our plates were full of food. I was hoping to sit somewhere safe, preferably with the kids at their table, but my sister motioned for us to take the spots beside her, and we sat down to eat.

We’d only taken a couple of bites before the questions started.

“So, Nate,” my father began. “What do you do for a living?”

I’d never known a boisterous group of people could get so quiet. All of the adults glanced toward Stone, waiting with bated breath.

“I’m the security specialist for a large corporation.”

“Oh. You mean like cybersecurity?”

Stone smiled. “I’ve got a tech specialist for that. My main concern is the security of the building and grounds, as well as the personnel.”

“Wow. Must be a high-class corporation.”

Stone nodded, but didn’t give my dad the company name he was fishing for. “I keep threats at bay, but if they come in, I’m the guy who handles them.”

My dad’s brows rose. “Oh… that’s interesting. What kind of degree do you need for that?”

Stone shrugged. “I got my training in the military. Now I work in the civilian sector. It’s less messy, and there’s no politics involved, so it’s a win-win.”

That shut everyone up, but it also begged for more information.

“So tell us how you two met.” My mom motioned between us. “Serenity’s kept you a secret. I didn’t even know she was dating.”

Stone met my gaze, a twinkle in his eyes. I opened my mouth to answer, but he beat me to it. “We met on the job. I guess you all know about Serenity’s business?” He waited for their nods. “My boss hired her and introduced us.” He met my gaze again. “What she does is quite remarkable.”

He placed his hand over mine, and a sudden lump got stuck in my throat.

“That was all my idea,” Dad crowed.

“No it wasn’t,” Mom said.

“Sure it was. After we found out what she could do, it only made sense to start her own business, especially when she said she wanted to help people. I told her it wouldn’t hurt to make a little money at the same time. And I was right.”

“You always think you’re right,” Mom said. “But as I remember it, I think Serenity came up with that herself. She has a lot of initiative.” She glanced at Stone, pride shining in her eyes.

“Are all of you seriously forgetting Serenity’s childhood dream of being Sherlock Holmes?” Felicity asked, her eyes wide. “If it wasn’t for Bran— uh… her ex… she would have been a PI a long time ago.”

“Sure, but don’t forget her new psychic ability,” my brother Will said. “That sealed the deal. Of course it’s not all fun and games.” He met Stone’s gaze. “Just make sure you’re not hiding any secrets when you hug her.”

“You mean like the time you were eating my homemade chocolates out of the pantry?” Mom glared at Will, then turned to Stone. “I was saving those for Christmas, and I had to get Sen to tell me what had happened to them.”

Will’s eyes widened. “You’re the one who told her?”

“Yeah. She paid me in chocolates.” I shrugged. “What else was I supposed to do?”

“So, Nate.” Felicity jumped in. “Where did you find the stone you gave Gracie?”

“You mean the dragon egg?” Stone glanced at Gracie, who sat at the smaller table with her brother and cousins. She looked up at him and smiled. He winked before continuing. “I’ve always liked rocks.” He shrugged. “It might have something to do with my name.”

Everyone laughed and gave him their undivided attention. “I didn’t know my grand-dad well, but he was always showing me his rock collection. Naturally, I started one of my own. When I was in the Middle East, I came across a few that I brought home. Gracie’s was one of them. It’s a black onyx, and I had it polished; that’s why it’s so smooth.”

“Wow. That’s so cool.” Felicity set down her fork. “So what’s your favorite type of stone?”

“That’s a tricky question. There are three types of stones: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. I tend to like gemstones the most because they’re pretty and have the most value. Gemstones are usually igneous rocks that are mostly found in areas where magma cools and crystallizes, deep in the Earth’s crust.”

My brows rose. Wow. He really did know his rocks.

Felicity nodded. “Gemstones. Like diamonds. Yeah. I like those the best too. What’s the most unusual stone you have in your collection?”

Stone shrugged. “The most unusual? I don’t know. I like black stones the most because they’re so rare. With that in mind, I have one that’s called a Shungite. But I’d really like to get my hands on a black opal. They’re rare… and extremely expensive.”

“I have an opal my brother gave me,” Mom said. “He brought it home from Australia.”

A squeal came from the kid’s table, and Will’s wife, Emma, told her kids they had to finish their food if they wanted any cake. A few minutes later, the kids scattered to play in the yard, and my mom left to get the cake, while we cleaned up the table.

As we threw our paper plates in the garbage, I caught Stone’s arm. “Sorry about all the questions.”

He grinned. “I enjoyed it. Not too many people like to hear about rocks.”

“That’s true, but I don’t think you’re off the hook yet. If I know my brother, he’ll corner you for sure. If you want, we can leave right after Gracie opens her presents.”

“And miss the cake?”

“Well… no. But after that.”

Stone placed his hands on my shoulders. “I’m fine, Sen. Don’t worry about me. We can stay as long as you want.”

My lips twisted at his use of my nickname. “If you say so, Nate. But don’t tell me I didn’t warn you.”

He chuckled and put his arm around me before we stepped back to the table. I didn’t even try to stop him. It was hard not to believe he meant it. Could my heart get any bigger without bursting out of my chest? I couldn’t stop a goofy grin from spreading over my face. I caught Felicity watching me and tried to wipe it off, but she sent me a raised brow and a knowing dip of her head.

Mom brought out the cake, and we all sang to Gracie. She had to compete with the other kids to blow out her candles, but managed to get them out with the first try.

After eating our cake and ice cream, the presents came next, followed by all the kids running off to play. I went inside to help Felicity clean up. As I washed the plates, I glanced out the window and noticed that my brother had cornered Stone. “Ugh.” I rolled my eyes. “Can’t they just lay off him?”

Felicity glanced up to see them talking and shrugged. “You can’t blame Will after what Brandon pulled. But I wouldn’t worry. Your man is like testosterone in a bottle. I’m a little surprised that Will would even dare.”

I glared at her. “He’s not my man.”

Her brows rose. “Yeah. Right.” Her gaze moved to the window. “Uh-oh.”

“What?” I glanced up to find my dad joining Will.

“They’ve ganged up on him.”

I closed my eyes. “I didn’t want Stone to come, but he insisted.”

“Your text said he was a client.” Her brows dipped. “Is that true? He made it sound like you’ve been dating for at least a little while.”

My shoulders slumped and I let out a sigh. “Yeah, he’s the twenty-four-seven client.”

“Oh.” Her eyes widened, and she gazed out at him again. “I don’t think I’d complain about that situation.” She paused. “You two have some serious chemistry though. Have you…?” She raised her eyebrows at me.

“ No .”

“You’ve at least kissed him though, right? He seems like he really likes you.”

I squeezed my eyes shut, a blush heating my face.

“Oh, you have!” She gave a small squeal.

“Shut up.” I widened my eyes at her. “It was… I wasn’t thinking.” I didn’t want to tell her about the vision, about how much danger he was in. Or how much danger I was in because of this job. “We just, sort of… kissed. ”

“Oh, I get it. It was an accident. You both just turned around at the same time and your lips touched, huh? Kind of like Tommy in second grade?”

“Shut up!” I flicked water at her.

She laughed and flicked me back. After our mini water fight, we finally settled down and got back to the dishes.

“Well, either way, it’s been fun having him here. And that gift was really thoughtful.”

I sighed. “Yeah, I guess. But, did you hear what mom said?”

She chuckled. “Yeah… I did. She obviously sees the same thing that I do.”

My lips twisted. “I think you’re imagining it.”

“Girl… you can’t deny the attraction between the two of you. It’s off the charts. We can all see it, even if you won’t accept it.”

My stomach dropped. This was not helping. “Sure… I admit we’re attracted to each other, but he’s off-limits.”

“Why?”

“I already told you, he’s a client.”

“So what did he do that he needs you twenty-four-seven?”

I huffed out a breath. “I can’t talk about it.”

She glanced out the window. “So he’s not who he said he was?”

“He’s exactly what he said. It’s all true. There’s just something he needs help solving, and his boss thought that, with my special skills, I could figure it out.”

“So… his boss is the one who hired you?” She raised an eyebrow at me.

“Yes,” I answered reluctantly. What was with the look?

“Well, if that’s the case, then Nate isn’t your client.”

“What? Yes he is.”

She grinned. “He’s not the one paying you. ”

I groaned. “Stop.”

“So, who’s his boss, then?”

Shit. I did not want to tell her it was Quentin Vanetti. She’d had a fit when I told her about the last job I’d done for him. “I can’t tell you that either.”

She folded her arms and gave me a pointed stare. “It better not be who I think it is.”

“And what if it is?” I threw my hands up. “What matters is that it’s a job, and once it’s over… I’ll get paid, and then I can pay my lawyer and finally get divorced. So back off.”

Felicity stared at me for a few seconds before she let out a breath, her eyes softening. “I’m sorry, Sen. I just want to make sure you’re safe, that’s all.”

“I know.”

She rubbed my arm before glancing out the window. “You know you could actually date him once the job’s done.”

“Ha! I don’t know. I mean… I don’t even know why he’s pretending to be my boyfriend. He probably won’t even want anything more to do with me after this. Besides, he’s not the type to settle down.”

She studied Stone, who had somehow managed to make Will and my dad laugh. “Okay, I get what you’re saying… but seriously? Have you seen the way he looks at you? I mean…” She fanned herself. “It’s pretty obvious you have feelings for each other, and with a guy like him… I think it would be worth it, even for one night. I mean… look at him. How could you regret that?”

“Oh. My. Hell!”

She laughed. “Don’t tell my husband I said that.”

I shook my head. “I can’t believe you’re telling me to have sex with someone I hardly know. What if he breaks my heart? ”

“Okay, look. I’m not telling you to sleep with him, but I am telling you to give him a chance.” She pulled me around and looked me in the eyes. “Serenity. From everything I’ve seen of him, he truly cares about you. I don’t know what will come of it. Hell… nothing is guaranteed in this life. But you can’t live without taking risks. At least a broken heart means you’re still alive.”

She huffed out a breath and turned away. “Besides, you and Brandon would have been divorced a long time ago if he’d just signed the damn papers. Seriously, don’t let that asshole have any more control over your life than he already has. He just keeps taking from you. What I’m telling you to do is live for yourself.”

She lifted her chin in Stone’s direction, then let out a dramatic sigh and shook her head. “I’ll be disappointed if you miss out and nothing happens between you two.” She caught my gaze. “And it’s not the sex I’m talking about; though… I mean, come on. He cares about you.”

“But you don’t—”

She raised her hand. “Sen. Stop. You haven’t seen how he looks at you while you’re talking to someone else. He seems like a hard man, but his eyes get all soft. When Will accused you of telling on him, Nate bristled, like he was ready to beat Will up. Just look at him out there.”

She motioned toward the yard. Stone held Gracie in his arms, and they were laughing. He set her down, and she dragged him over to her playhouse. He was too big to go inside, but he crouched down while she showed him her kitchen.

Felicity shook her head. “It’s your life. But, if you ask me, he might be worth the risk.”

I swallowed past the lump in my throat. If only she was right. But she didn’t know that Stone worked for a mob boss, and I was beginning to understand that he didn’t just take care of security.

He’d basically confessed to shooting someone, even though it was self-defense. Then there was his reputation, and the way he’d fought Joint. All of that pointed to a lot more that I didn’t know about. Did I want to be involved with someone like that?

Still, a deep yearning filled my heart. I was falling for him. And she was right, it wasn’t just physical. This went much deeper. He could break my heart. After Brandon, I wasn’t sure I could be that vulnerable again. Was I ready to take a chance with Stone? Even if it was just one night?

It was starting to get dark, and we needed to leave. I wasn’t sure about the plan to draw Johnny out, but we needed to plant all the security cameras tonight if it had a chance of succeeding. I hoped my psychometry kicked in, so we’d know if it would work before we went through with it.

“We need to go.” I turned to Felicity. “Thanks for the talk. I’ll think about everything you said.”

“I love you, Sis.” She pulled me into a quick hug. “You know that saying from our favorite movie. A life lived in fear— ”

“— is a life half-lived . I know. I love you, too.” I grabbed my jacket and stepped toward the patio.

“Before you go, I’ve got some leftovers for you.”

Glancing at Stone, I nodded her way before stepping onto the patio. I caught his eye with a wave. He nodded and brought Gracie with him so I could give her a hug. As we told everyone goodbye, Gracie gave Stone a big hug and kissed him on the cheek, raving about her cool dragon egg. Sheesh! Even a seven-year-old wasn’t immune to his charms.

We made it to the car before Felicity yelled at me from the front door. “You forgot your leftovers!”

I turned to Stone. “I’ll be right back.” I left him standing beside the car and hurried back to the porch. “Sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it. If I was leaving with him, I’d be a little scatter-brained too.”

I shook my head and took the plate of food.

“If you get a minute, please call me. I need details.”

“You’re the worst.” I playfully swatted her arm before turning to leave. With a wave, I hurried across the lawn to the street.

Before stepping onto the road, I noticed a car coming down the street. I wasn’t sure they could see me, so I stopped to wait for them to pass. The car came to a stop about fifty yards away, and their high-beam lights flashed on. I waited a couple more seconds to make sure they could see me before starting across.

The sound of rolling tires on the pavement confused me. I jerked my gaze to the car and terror seized my heart. It was picking up speed and heading straight for me.