Page 7 of Island Whispers
“Do I need to be the boyfriend? Haven’t played the role in some time, but I know how.”
“Normally I’d jump on that. But I don’t think Nina can pull it off. Roxy would pick up on any weird vibes and we’re back to worrying the whole family over what is probably nothing.”
“Except I’m here. She’ll be safe on my watch.”
“True.” Jess’s immediate agreement was a clear vote of confidence.
“Should we do the old friend from high school routine?” Boone asked.
Jess laughed. “That won’t fly. No one in this town would have forgotten if they had attended school with you.”
She glanced over as the office door opened and Boone gave her a big wink. “You flatter me.”
“I heard that,” the man said as he walked in. “She’s my girl and should only be flattering me.”
Jess shook her head, her ponytail swinging as she hopped out of the chair and rushed toward the man who must be her fiancé. After a warm kiss, she turned back toward Boone.
“Nash, this is Boone. He’s one of the agency protectors working in the area.”
Nash stuck out his hand. “Pleasure to meet you.”
“Likewise,” Boone said. “And congratulations on your engagement.”
“Thanks, man. The wedding can’t come soon enough to suit me.”
“Me either,” Jess agreed, beaming at her soon-to-be-husband.
Boone recalled a similar look in his sister’s eyes at this stage of her romance, when every day was fresh and filled with hope and big plans. He hadn’t been envious then, but he felt a little twinge now.
Ridiculous.
The fact that his mystery woman had walked out was a good indication that knowing her name wouldn’t have made much of a difference. He needed to get over it and move on.
“Are you new to the area?” Nash asked, dropping into the chair beside Boone. “Presuming that isn’t need-to-know.” He aimed a wink at Jess. His future bride only shook her head in mock exasperation.
Boone focused on being charmed by the two of them, rather than jealous. “I’ve been in Charleston for a few weeks on a different assignment.”
Jess cleared her throat. “And he’s newly assigned to a protection detail here on the island.”
Nash’s relaxed demeanor vanished. “We have more trouble?”
“Maybe. It’s under control,” Jess said. “Everyone is safe.”
“And will stay that way,” Boone confirmed.
“What the hell happened to Nina?”
“That’s a big leap—”
Nash cut her off. “It’s not,” he accused. “You wouldn’t be tip-toeing around it if the situation involved someone other than family. I just came from Mom and Dad’s place so it must be her.”
Jess shrugged. “Sometimes I forget the miracles of small towns.”
“That’s the attitude.” Nash didn’t smile. “Start talking.”
Boone spoke up, if only to divert a pre-marital spat. “We don’t have too many details yet, but it sounds like your sister called Jess after witnessing a carjacking. I was here, so she asked me to spend a few days as Nina’s protector while we assess the risk.”
“There might not be any risk at all,” Jess pointed out.