Page 13 of Island Whispers
He didn’t elaborate, hoping she might be curious enough about him to ask.
“Where were you raised?”
“Western Nebraska,” he replied. “Not a lot out there except for pigs, cattle, and farms. And the wild-west show that celebrates the rowdy parties and history of the area.”
“Hm.”
They drove a few blocks further to Central Avenue, the heart of the town. Shops lined both sides of the main street, ranging from practical to whimsical. The businesses were different, but somehow the storefronts were cohesive, giving off a relaxed, welcoming vibe. He could just imagine families, a little sunburned, stopping at the ice cream shop after a day on the beach.
“This is a really cute town,” he observed.
“Thanks. The locals have worked hard to make it a place tourists want to explore and come back to season after season.”
She pointed, guiding him around to the service street behind the shops that lined Central Avenue. “Best if you pull around back.”
Based on Logan’s comments that Nina had been diligently focused on her business, likely out of habit as much as avoidance today, Boone wasn’t surprised that Nina insisted on going back to her shop. Plus, she lived in the apartment above the storefront. Which only made things easier for anyone who wanted to track her down.
When he’d parked in the space she indicated, she hopped out, her gaze raking over his truck.
“Problem?”
“No.” She tucked her hair behind her ear. “The truck fits you,” she said. “And the contractor ruse.”
Was she serious? “Did you decide that’s how you want to introduce me?” He’d gladly dive into that role for her. Anything to spend more time with her, to get her to open up. He was sure if she did, they would find something special between them.
“No,” she replied. “I’m crap with lies. That’s the main reason Jess was worried about you playing a part other than bodyguard.”
He was tempted to challenge that. But lies weren’t exactly the same as walking out. It wasn’t as if she’d made him any promises in that hotel room.
“Does the truck make the man for you?”
She shot him a quelling look that he probably shouldn’t find so adorable. But something about her uneasiness with him spurred him on. He wanted to know her and now was his chance. He wasn’t about to squander it.
“In case Jess hasn’t given you all the details, my parents own a nursery landscaping business,” she explained. “Well, my brother owns it now, but we grew up working that business. Trucks are comfortable to me.”
“Duly noted. And Jess hasn’t given me much more than your name, address, and relationship to her.”
She stopped in front of the back door plastered with the shop logo. “I don’t mean to be a bitch,” she murmured. “Or get all whiny on you. I’m not usually—”
“The target of an escaped criminal,” he finished for her. “Whatever happened a few weeks ago, I’m here now solely to protect you.”
“So you do remember me.”
Absolutely. He remembered her taste, her scent, the slide of her hair through his hands and over his skin. He only nodded, fearful that explaining anything would end in a confession that he’d searched for her.
“Yes,” he said at last, managing to keep it to that one word.
The risks might not be entirely clear right this second, but he needed her to trust him, to get comfortable with his presence, so he could keep her safe in case a threat materialized.
Logan had warned him that the cops were relieved when he’d shown up to see her home and they’d urged him to do something to cover up the logos on her vehicle. Seeing that the car was parked behind the shop in plain view, apparently Nina hadn’t agreed to that yet.
Although she hadn’t had much time to deal with anything.
“Logan said something about covering up your car. I can get that handled.”
“Why bother?” she countered. “I’d have to cover the shop too. Assuming he even remembers the name.”
This wasn’t the time or place to argue. “Let’s go inside.”