Angel

Blue eyes gazed out a tiny window. Fluffy, white clouds dotted the horizon. The vast, unending ocean stretched for miles and miles beneath. Pink lips twisted into a wry smile. She could almost imagine…she was among the angels. "Ms. Crane? Ms. Crane?"

Agent Freeman’s blue eyes flitted over her tired, pretty features. This whole ordeal…it had taken a lot out of her already. And it was far from over.

"Yes?"

"We’ll be landing soon. Do you need me to go over the details again?"

She lay back against the headrest wearily. "I don’t want to hire a bodyguard. I don’t want this…person intruding on my privacy. Every minute. Every hour. Every day," she sighed.

Freeman snapped his briefcase shut with an answering sigh. "It’s for…"

"I know. I know," she interrupted. "My own protection. If I hadn’t been so foolish in the first place…"

"Ms. Crane…"

"Please fasten your seat belts. We’ll be arriving in Boston shortly," the bubbly brunette advised.

"Thank you…" Her name tag read Sandy. "…Sandy."

"Okay…so maybe Jean-Luc didn’t have this flashing neon sign on his forehead that said ‘drug-dealing bastard.’ But I shouldn’t have been so willing to marry a man that from all accounts was a first-class, low-life creep," she whispered in shame. "What does that say about me? What kind of person am I?"

"Your fiance…former fiance…" Hal paused. Former? Less than a week ago the man had been blown to kingdom come. With his mistress. Ms. Crane was lucky. " You are a very lucky woman. If the drug cartel hadn’t mistaken…"

"Go on. Say it. You don’t have to walk on eggshells around me. There’s a bounty out on my head. Jean-Luc’s lies and cheating are the least of my worries right now. It’s not the first time I’ve been played for a fool." But it will be the last, she vowed silently.

Freeman rubbed his eyes tiredly. "As I was saying…you are a very lucky woman. But there’s no guarantee you’ll be as lucky the next time. Be assured, Ms. Crane. The drug cartel will not rest until it is certain you no longer pose a threat to its livelihood."

"But…"

Freeman anticipated her retort. They’d talked this thing to death during the inhumanely long flight. The woman beside him was as stubborn as a mule. "Ms. Crane! I’ve had enough of this. You will hire a bodyguard if your life means anything to you at all."

She turned to stare out the window once more. Her jaw set in determination. Arms crossed defensively. She resisted the overwhelming urge to argue back. She could be a real bitch when she wanted to. It was no use. She’d say yes. For now. And as soon as it looked like the drug cartel had forgotten her very existence…no more bodyguard. Simple as that. "Okay. You win. Happy?"

Freeman shook his head. Too easy. But asking for anything more was like pulling teeth. And that had never been a favorite past time of his. "Good. I knew you’d come around."

Icy blue eyes stared through him. "So sure of yourself, Agent Freeman."

You’re a smartass. But you’re not stupid. "You’re an intelligent woman, Ms. Crane. I knew in the end you’d make the right decision," he said smugly. If you hadn’t…I would have drug you kicking and screaming out of this airport. "We’re here," he said. Releasing his safety belt. "Here. Let me help you."

She rolled her eyes and grabbed her bag herself. "I’m intelligent AND independent," she almost growled.

Freeman closed his eyes and groaned as she shouldered past him. "Ms. Crane! Ms. Crane!" he snapped impatiently. "I thought I made it clear…until I deliver you to the safety of your own home, you don’t leave my sight."

"Fine!" she spat. Jerking her elbow from his grasp. Her angry blue eyes searched the terminal. Where was he? Father promised…

"Aunt Sheridan! Over here!"

She was really a stunning woman when she smiled, Freeman realized. Her whole face lit up with happiness. "Ethan! I’m so happy to see you," she cried. Flinging her arms around his neck.

"Mr. Crane?" he inquired with an outstretched hand.

The young man’s handshake was firm. "Thank you for bringing her home. I’ve already taken care of the arrangements we discussed over the phone. The Harmony Police Department promised to send their best man. He should be waiting for us back at the cottage."

"Arrangements! What arrangements? Ethan…I thought I could trust you."

"You can, Aunt Sheridan. With your life. That’s why I hired the best man for the job. I can’t be too careful when it comes to you."

The indignation died down, and her blue eyes melted. So, Freeman thought. The nephew was the soft spot in the prickly demeanor. And an ally. He hefted her bags into his arms. "Sorry to interrupt the family reunion…"

"I’m sorry," Ethan apologized. "Charles is waiting for us, Aunt Sheridan. Are you ready to go home?"

"Ready as I’ll ever be," she muttered.

He wondered what that was supposed to mean. But then again…with family like the Cranes, he didn’t have to think too hard. "Show me the way."

The trip to Harmony from Boston was-thankfully-not as long and mind-numbing as the flight. But…Ms. Crane was putting forth her best effort to convince the young nephew that a bodyguard was pure folly.

Ethan didn’t buy it. "I’m sorry, Aunt Sheridan. But I’m going to have to side with Agent Freeman and the FBI on this one."

Needless to say…he didn’t know which was worse. The stubborn, argumentative woman who always had an answer. Or the sulky Ice Princess.

The gates to the Crane Mansion loomed ahead.

No warm welcome home. Only a formal greeting from the security guard.

"Father?"

Ethan patted her hand gently. "Grandfather had important business to attend to."

She looked all the world like a sad little girl at that moment.

He wondered if maybe this face was the true face of Sheridan Crane he was seeing.

"But he said he couldn’t wait to see you at dinner tonight. You are coming, aren’t you Aunt Sheridan?"

"I…I don’t know, Ethan. It’s been a very long week. The flight was especially draining," she stated. Casting a pointed glare his way. "Maybe I’ll see him tomorrow."

He didn’t stand a chance, and he obviously knew it. "Then I’ll see you first thing in the morning," he smiled. Giving her an affectionate kiss on the cheek. "You don’t mind…"

"No. Go ahead. Don’t worry about me. I need to go sleep off some of this jet lag anyway," she laughed lightly. "Maybe I can get rid of my shadow," she said in a stage whisper.

Ethan chuckled. "Don’t let her give you a hard time, Agent Freeman." He grinned at her playful slap on the arm. "And you…behave."

"Yes, Sir," she saluted him. Her blue eyes twinkling mischievously.

"Are you going to heed his advice?"

"What do you think?" she said slyly.

He stepped out of the limosine and held the door open for her. "I didn’t think so. Ms. Crane…this is where we part ways."

"I’m going to miss you so much," she deadpanned.

"Really?" he shot back with an arched brow. "I can stay if you wish." He had to laugh at the look of pure horror written across her face. "On second thought…I want to hang on to my sanity as long as I can. It’s a plus in this business."

"Funny," she said as snottily as she possibly could. "Look…will you just…LEAVE!"

"It’ll be my pleasure. But first…I have to check out Harmony’s finest and see if he measures up."

She flung the front door to the cottage open and stomped inside. "Where is he? I'm dead on my feet. I'm sick of staring at you. Tell me, Agent Freeman. Do you ever smile? Are you always this pleasant?"

Me? he thought incredulously. Who was being the ultimate brat here? You're no walk in the park yourself. "All the time," he grinned. Mainly to irritate the hell out of her. Because he could.

"UGH!" she threw her arms up in the air. "Get out! Get out now!" she yelled. So loudly the window panes rattled. "I'm sure I'll be fine. Now...I'm going to take a long, hot shower and then I'm going to crawl into bed and not roll over until tomorrow morning."

"Are you sure, Ms. Crane?"

"I'm...AAAHHHH!"

Freeman crashed through the bedroom door. Gun drawn and ready. "Ms. Crane! Ms. Crane! Are you hurt?" His faded blue eyes searched the dimly lit bedroom for her figure as his free hand searched for a light switch.

Light flooded the room in the next instant.

And he couldn't help the smile that stole over his lips.

"Who the hell are you?" Sheridan Crane spat venomously. Clutching her unbuttoned silk blouse to her chest.

He knew the answer before a word was spoken.

"Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. Your bodyguard," he stated. Making no effort to conceal his amusement. Or his admiration as his dark brown eyes roved her figure.. "You must be Ms. Crane. Don't be so shy. We ARE going to be living together."

If looks could kill...

“YOU are my bodyguard?” she eyed him suspiciously.

“Do YOU have a problem with that?” Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald smirked. His dark eyes gleaming.

Freeman held a hand to his brow. Great. He was toying with her. They were off to such a wonderful beginning. “Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald…have you been briefed on the situation and its particulars?”

Lopez-Fitzgerald cast a quick glance at Sheridan. His eyes drifting from her face lower. “They didn’t tell me everything,” he said dryly.

She glared back at him and pulled her blouse together. “Didn’t your mother ever teach you it’s not polite to stare?” she said angrily. Turning on her heels and vacating the room.

“How did you survive the flight from Paris?”

Freeman chuckled. “Ms. Crane’s a handful, Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald. That’s why I want you to always be on your toes. She’s very resourceful. Don’t let her out of your sight for even two seconds. That’s all it takes,” he finished soberly.

“She gave you the slip?” Lopez-Fitzgerald said in an amused voice.

“On more than one occasion,” Freeman nodded his head.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” he said as they walked back into the living room.

He reached inside his jacket and withdrew a card. “Here. This is the number to my cell. If anything goes wrong…anything at all…”

“Thank you, Agent Freeman. I’ll make full use of it.”

The men shook hands, and Luis watched as the limosine crawled away.

“Thank you, Agent Freeman,” a voice mocked from behind him. Directly behind him. She had her arms crossed defensively across her chest, and her chin was set in determination.

“Let’s get a few things straight here,” he said in an authoritative voice.

Her blue eyes narrowed.

He could see her visibly bristling at his words. His tone of voice. “Like it or not, you’re stuck with me. I’m stuck with you. I think it’s in our best interests to learn to get along with each other.”

“Our best interests? It’s not in my best interests to be stuck with you. With any bodyguard for that matter.”

His jaw clenched. “Oh,” he said. A black brow arched. “But it IS in your best interests to be dead?”

“I didn’t say that,” she huffed. “Tell me something, Officer. Do you value your privacy?”

“In this case privacy will have to take a back seat to your safety.”

She pushed a lock of blond hair from her eyes and tried another tactic. “What about your friends? Family? Girlfriend?” He wasn’t wearing a ring. “I’m sure we can work something out. So you don’t have to completely neglect her. You don’t have to be my babysitter.”

His laughter filled the cozy living room. “My friends and family support me, Ms. Crane. They know I can keep you alive until the drug cartel is caught.”

Her blue eyes flashed at him. Nothing was working. He had an answer for everything. “But your girlfriend?”

He stepped in closer. Invading her personal space. “I don’t have one. And if I did…she’d understand that I was only doing my job.”

“Would she?” she challenged. “She wouldn’t get the least bit jealous?” Okay, Sheridan. Where did THAT come from? Open mouth. Insert foot. Maybe he didn’t notice…

He grinned at her. “Are you saying YOU would be jealous?”

“Of course not,” she rolled her eyes. “You’re not exactly God’s gift to women,” she said snidely. “Arrogance is not an attractive trait.”

“So that’s why you’re still unattached,” he shot back. Grinning at her open-mouthed expression of shock.

“I think it’s time YOU got a few things straight here,” she growled. “My personal life is none of your damn business.”

“Au contraire,” he whispered. Leaning in so close he could feel her breath on his face. “This assignment, I’m afraid, is up close and personal.”

“Really, Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald?” she said in a husky voice. Her red lips curling up in a smile. “Just how up close and personal?” she whispered in his ear. “Dammit! What the hell do you think you’re doing?” she grit out between clenched teeth when he grabbed her upper arms and hauled her up against him.

“This assignment is my job. I take my work very seriously. This…little game is not going to work. You’re not going to seduce me out of my job, Ms. Crane.”

Her blue eyes glittered with rage. “Seduce you! Do you honestly think I would sleep with the likes of you?” she spat. His hands were burning a hole through the thin cotton of her shirt. She rubbed her arms roughly when he let go abruptly. His handsome face dark with anger.

“I know you’re used to snapping your fingers and getting exactly what you want,” Luis said in a low voice. “But I don’t work that way. I’m not going to go away just because you want me to. I’m sticking around. And I won’t put up with your rich bitch, high and mighty attitude. Get dressed. Your father’s expecting you.”

“No man tells me what to do,” she snapped. “I’m going because I want to,” she hugged her sides.

Her bedroom door slammed shut behind her.

Luis dropped to the sofa. Groaning. “Damn Cranes,” he muttered. “Daddy’s spoiled princess.” He pulled his cell phone from his jeans pocket and punched in the familiar digits. “Hey Marty…let me talk to the Chief. He isn’t there. No. That’s okay. Yeah. The pictures don’t do her justice.”

Sheridan leaned against the door frame. Listening attentively. A self-satisfied smirk on her lips.

“I’ve never met a more self-centered BRAT,” he said. Sneaking a look in her direction. His brown eyes twinkled at her.

She stomped over to where he sat and yanked the phone from his hand. Stabbing at the OFF button. “Jerk,” she growled.

He chuckled and stuffed the cell phone back in his pocket. “Are you ready?” he asked. Raking his eyes over her svelte figure. Clad in a low-cut, body-hugging white tank and a pair of snug black pants. “Nice outfit. I thought you Cranes went for a more sophisticated ‘Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous’ style.”

She shoved past him with an icy glare.

“Guess not,” he muttered under his breath as he jogged to catch up with her. “Stay close,” he said. Grabbing her by the arm. “Are you forgetting there’s a price out on your head?”

She shrugged his hand off her arm. “No,” she said snottily. “But I hardly think these criminal masterminds,” she rolled her eyes, “would make it past Crane security. Besides…Father hates it when I’m late.”

“Oh…I get it. You can’t let Daddy down, huh?” he sneered. “Everything has to be perfect because you’re Daddy’s little girl.”

She looked stricken.

He began to wonder if maybe he shouldn’t have…

“Ethan!” she waved. A smile gracing her lips again.

His eyes narrowed, and he gripped her firmly by the elbow.

“Get your hands off of me, Officer. Before I…” she hissed. “Ethan! I’m so glad you’re here,” she jerked her elbow from his hand and threw her arms around the young man’s neck.

“You must be Aunt Sheridan’s bodyguard. I’m Ethan Crane.”

Luis shook the hand he offered. “Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald.”

“Lopez-Fitzgerald?” Ethan’s blue eyes showed recognition. “Are you…”

“Ms. Crane! Ms. Crane!” Luis yelled as Sheridan disappeared inside. “Where does she think she’s going?”

Ethan laughed beside him. “She’s not going to make it easy on you, Luis. She doesn’t want a bodyguard. But I’m glad she has one. Take care of her. She’s very important to me,” Ethan said earnestly.

Luis saw the caring in the younger man’s blue eyes. “I won’t let anything happen to her. But you’re right. She’s definitely NOT going to make it easy,” he sighed as Ethan led him through a door, and he stepped into the Crane Mansion. He was sure his family’s entire house would fit inside this room alone.

“Hello, Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald.”

Luis turned around slowly. Coming face to face with an elegant older man. Dressed to the nines in an expensive suit and giving him a disapproving look.

Sheridan stood behind him. “Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald…this is my father…”

“Alistair Crane,” Luis breathed. His dark eyes taking in every detail of the man in front of him. He wanted to commit the face of the man who was the cause of his father’s disappearance to memory.

“I want to thank you, Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald for looking after my daughter. She’s very precious to me,” he said coolly.

Luis had the distinct impression the bastard was lying through his teeth. And Sheridan was eating it up. Looking up at her father adoringly. “I’m just doing my job, Mr. Crane.”

“Will you be joining us for dinner?”

“I…”

“No, Father. Luis won’t be joining us for dinner,” Sheridan answered for him. Daring him to pick a fight with her in front of the Almighty Alistair Crane.

What the hell, Luis thought. They’d have to go through the old snake first, and he was sure Alistair had his own head well-protected. “I’ll be in the kitchen. Send for me when you’re ready to leave,” he told Sheridan.

She ignored him. Taking her father’s arm and walking toward the grand dining room. “Father…I missed you at the airport today.”

“My dear sweet Sheridan…you know I had very important business to attend to. I thought you understood…”

“Yes, Father. I understand.”

“Good,” Alistair patted her arm. “Ethan? Is your mother still feeling unwell?”

“She has a terrible headache, Grandfather. She sends her regrets that she can’t make it to dinner and welcome you back home, Aunt Sheridan.”

Luis shook his head. Business! He stuffed his hands in his pockets and roamed the halls. In search of the kitchen.

“Luis! Mijo? What are you doing here?”

“Mama,” he hugged her tight. “This is the new job I told you about.”

“You’re Miss Sheridan’s bodyguard? Mijo…I’m so relieved. I know you won’t let any harm come to her.”

Luis slipped an arm around his mother’s waist. “I won’t, Mama. I promise. Now…I’m starved. Where’s that kitchen?”

Luis stood at a distance. His arms crossed across his chest. Watching Alistair Crane interact with his “precious” daughter.

“Sheridan, dear…I know you’ve had a great disappointment lately. But you really should be more careful who you choose to consort with,” he said. Voice dripping with disdain.

“Yes, Father. But…”

“How do you think this makes us look?” he continued. Walking around his desk and lowering himself into the high-backed leather chair.

“I didn’t know he was…”

“Us Cranes. Involved in a drug scandal?” He removed a cigar from a drawer at his right, and Sheridan’s brother…Julian Crane…appeared at his side to light it.

“Grandfather,” Ethan interjected. “Don’t you think you’re being a little harsh? How could Aunt Sheridan have known Jean-Luc was such scum?”

“Ethan,” Sheridan said softly. Placing a restraining hand on his arm. “You’re right, Father. My taste in men is atrocious,” she lowered her head.

Luis couldn’t believe the transformation. This meek woman wasn’t the spitfire from the cottage.

Alistair Crane smiled at his daughter. “I’m glad you see things my way.”

“Yes, Father. I’m sorry for being such an embarrassment to you.”

“Aunt Sheridan,” Ethan protested. “You could never be an embarrassment. You’re one of us. We love you. No matter what.”

Luis narrowed his eyes and studied the Crane mogul’s reaction to those words.

To his surprise, Alistair rose to his feet and opened his arms. “Ethan is right, dear Sheridan. We love you.”

Julian looked skeptical in the background, Luis thought.

“Oh, Daddy,” Sheridan cried. Clinging to him. “I love you, too.”

Alistair’s cool blue eyes looked through him, and he turned to receive Sheridan’s kiss on the cheek. “Sheridan…I have a present for you.”

Sheridan’s blue eyes lit up like a child’s on Christmas Day. “A present for me?”

The drawer slid open slowly, and Alistair withdrew a tiny crystal container. “Your favorite perfume,” he smiled.

Perfume? What was so special about perfume, Luis wondered.

But Sheridan took the present from his hands like it was a treasure. “Thank you, Daddy.”

“That’s not all,” Alistair revealed. Picking up a key from his desk. “I hope it’s to your liking.”

Sheridan’s eyes grew round, and her mouth fell open as her father dropped the key in her open palm.

“I know you prefer to drive yourself instead of taking the limosine. So I took the liberty of choosing a car for you.”

“Aunt Sheridan,” Ethan spoke like an excited schoolboy. “You’ll love it. It’s a red convertible. With leather interior…”

“Why don’t you take it for a test drive?” Alistair suggested.

The smile on Sheridan’s face vanished the moment Luis spoke up.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Crane. But that is impossible. I’m sure you’ll agree with me that your daughter’s safety is the most important thing. And I don’t think it’s very wise for her to leave the confines of the Crane property.”

“How dare you!” Sheridan bristled.

“How dare I? I’m your bodyguard,” he said calmly. “And it’s my duty to keep you safe. It’s the job I’m being paid to do. And going out into the open air is like an advertisement that you want to be killed.”

“He’s right, Aunt Sheridan,” Ethan conceded.

Sheridan’s chin jutted out stubbornly, and she glared at him with icy blue eyes.

“Sheridan,” Alistair spoke. “Heed Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald’s instructions. For me,” he implored.

Luis watched. Amazed. Alistair’s words…they hypnotized her. And all resistance fled from her countenance.

“Yes, Father.”

“Now go along, dear. I have important business to attend to. Business you shouldn’t concern yourself with. Don’t give the kind Officer here a hard time. Cooperate,” he said. Picking up the receiver of the phone and pressing a number.

Just like that, they were dismissed.

The library’s doors shut behind them, and Ethan hugged Sheridan goodbye. “I’d walk you to your cottage, but I think Luis can handle it,” he smiled.

White-hot anger emanated from her in waves, and Luis wasn’t entirely happy when they left the relative sanctuary of the Mansion behind.

They slipped in and out of the shadows as they trudged to the cottage in silence.

He gripped her elbow firmly as the door swung open, and the lights flickered on.

She rolled her eyes. “Who’s going to get me, Officer? The Bogeyman?” she sneered. Jerking her elbow free and stalking inside.

He followed her. Barring her entry into her bedroom.

“What the hell is it this time? I’m exhausted! Will you just leave me alone long enough to get ready for bed?”

He held a finger to his lips, but she didn’t notice. Or maybe she just ignored him.

“Oh my god! I can’t believe you! I suppose you have to check under the bed and in the closet for monsters. Well…that’s it. I’ve had enough. Move out of my way, Officer,” she shoved past him. Resting the key and the perfume atop the smooth wood of the armoire. And pulling a flimsy nightgown from its drawers. “I’m going to bed now. Do your damn security check,” she muttered. Toeing her shoes off.

His black eyes glittered. She was infuriating. That’s what she was. And he had the irresistible impulse to wrap his hands around her slender neck and squeeze.

“Officer,” she huffed. “Fine,” she snapped when he didn’t bend to her will and exit the room. Her fingers unzipped the side zipper of her pants, and the black material pooled at her feet. Her white shirt fell from her shoulders.

He turned around. Loosening the buttons at his neck. A sudden wave of heat passing through his veins. The blood pounded in his ears, and he could hardly breathe when he realized he could still see her. In the reflection of the mirror.

Blood-red lace lingerie molded to her form. And his eyes traced the curve of her spine as her fingers unsnapped her bra. She eased the straps down her arms and…

His breath stuck in his throat when her blue eyes met his gaze in the mirror. And for an instant he could swear he saw desire flair up in their depths. Desire that matched his own. His fists clenched at his side, and he forced himself to break their intense stare. “Uh…I’m finished here. Do you have any extra sheets…a pillow I can use?” He heard the soft whisper of silk as she moved across the room.

“They’re in the closet outside. Let me get them for you,” she said softly.

“I can get them,” he told her. Breathing in sharply when his hand brushed against hers. “I’m sorry,” he apologized when she snatched her hand back. Like it had been burned.

“I can get them, Officer,” she insisted. “I hope you don’t mind the couch. It’s a little small,” she said. For no reason at all really.

The tension in the cramped hall made it hard to breathe.

So he did the only thing he could do…

Sheridan exhaled a sigh of relief once he disappeared into the living room. And twisted the knob on the closet door. Emerging seconds later. Arms laden with sheets and a pillow. "I hope these are…” Oh god. The shirt was gone. And the jeans fit his body like a glove, and she just knew she was instants away from spontaneously combusting.

“What?” he smirked. Rubbing his arms briskly. “You hope they’re what?”

Sheridan raised smoldering blue eyes up to his face, and she quickly looked away. “I hope these are okay,” she rushed. Setting the bundle down on the edge of the sofa and stepping back. Putting some distance between them and wrapping her arms around her chest self-consciously. “They’re all I have.”

“They’re fine,” he assured her. “Ms. Crane? Is something the matter?”

“Uh…huh?” she murmured distractedly. “What do you mean?”

Luis stuck his thumbs in the waistband of his jeans and leaned against the arm of the sofa. “I don’t know. You seem…kind of…quiet,” he grinned. His brown eyes sparkling at her teasingly. “I can’t figure you out.”

She lifted curious blue eyes to him.

“In the span of a few hours, you’ve went from bitchy to weak to…”

“Stop wasting your time,” she spat in irritation. Turning on her heel. “You aren’t going to be around long enough to find out.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure of that if I were you,” he called after her.

The door slammed, and he heard the lock click into place.

She was a mystery to him. Like a puzzle that’s pieces didn’t make any sense on it’s own. He wanted to find out what made her tick. And that realization made him curse under his breath. “Dammit, Luis. You can’t let her get to you this way. She’s just a job. Just a job,” he repeated. Feeling somewhat better. But at the back of his mind…

He already knew THAT wasn't true.

And he was in a helluva lot of trouble.

Long limbs sprawled at odd angles. A pale yellow sheet bunched at his waist. He tossed and turned restlessly. One bronzed hand shoved through black hair, and brown eyes popped open to survey his surroundings once more.

This wasn’t the home of a Crane.

Midnight sky was slowly giving way to morning as the sun’s rays painted the horizon outside in pale pastels.

Last night was the most restless night of his life.

And it had little to do with the fact that he was responsible for a human life. A human life steeped in fame. Fortune.

He closed his eyes as the sudden, unbidden image of her smooth, naked skin assaulted him. The ridges of her spine like pearls. The whisper of silk as she moved.

She was beautiful.

A woman with many, many layers.

Complicated.

She was untouchable, he told himself. Sitting up with a groan and swinging his legs over the edge of the sofa.

Bare feet padded across the living room.

The door to her bedroom was slightly ajar.

Sometime during the night she had unlocked it, he realized with a slight smile.

He pushed the door forward gently. Holding his breath as it creaked on its hinges. Unable to breathe at all at the vision he encountered.

Her face was lax in sleep. Peaceful. Her chest rose and fell gently with each breathe she took. Her short blond hair curled around her face.

She was the picture of innonence.

But then…it just went to show…appearances COULD be deceiving.

Sheridan Crane was no angel. Hellion was a description more fitting.

He pulled the door shut behind him after quickly inspecting the room and walked into the kitchen.

Cupboard doors banged shut, and coffee mugs clattered against the tile countertop as he searched for a law enforcer’s staple. Coffee.

Finally…success!

The coffee percorlated, and it’s rich aroma wafted through the kitchen as he scanned the refrigerator’s interior.

He knew he shouldn’t be surprised to find it fully stocked, but he couldn’t help it. Things were SO different this side of the Harmony ‘railroad’ tracks.

He whistled a cheery tune under his breath as he cracked eggs into a bowl, and bacon sizzled in a pan on the stove.

“Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald!”

Luis winced as her shrill scream ricocheted off the walls of the cottage.

“I’ll have you know, you woke me from a perfectly wonderful dream. You didn’t waste any time making yourself at home, Off…” All thoughts flew out of her brain as she rounded the corner, and she stared slack-jawed at his…physique.

Luis turned around with a wicked gleam in his dark eyes. “Are you hungry, Ms. Crane?” he asked. Shifting his attention back to scrambling the eggs in the pan.

Sheridan’s tongue darted out to moisten her lips unconsciously. “I…I…” she stammered. How were words possible at this moment? He was standing before her. Cooking. In nothing save a pair of black boxers. She had a weakness for black boxers.

“Yes or no?” Luis queried. Spooning a heap of eggs into a plate to his right.

Sheridan had difficulty tearing her eyes away. She couldn’t possibly speak.

Luis fought the urge to laugh when he turned around to find her staring. “Here. I fixed you a plate anyway. How do you take your coffee?”

“Black,” she sighed. “No,” she rushed. “I’m sorry,” she said. Flustered as hell. “With sugar. Lots of sugar.”

“I’m afraid I don’t know where the sugar is. Maybe you can point me in the right direction.”

She moved toward him slowly.

It was almost as if she were afraid to be close to him, Luis thought.

“Uh…I’m not sure where it is,” she said. Averting her blue gaze and fixing it on a point on the wall.

He filled her coffee mug with the steaming liquid as she ransacked the cabinets for sugar.

“I found it, but I can’t…I can’t…reach it,” she huffed frustratedly.

Luis swallowed hard. His dark eyes fixated on the slip of silk riding up her long tanned legs as she raised on tiptoe stretching an arm out to the top shelf. He cleared his throat uncomfortably and crossed the room to stand beside her in two or three long strides. “I’ll get it.”

She sucked in a deep breath as his arm reached past her. Fleetingly brushing against her breast, and her cheeks instantly flamed with heat. “Thank you,” she murmured when he handed the sugar over to her.

After a few awkward seconds of staring at each other, Luis broke their gaze. “The food’s getting cold.”

She crossed her arms across her chest self-consciously as she seated herself opposite him and hesitantly picked up a fork.

“Aren’t you going to eat?” he asked.

She took a dainty bite of eggs between her teeth, and he rolled his eyes.

“At that rate, you’ll still be chewing on breakfast come dinner.”

“Haha,” she muttered. “Why Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald…I didn’t know you were a stand-up comedian.”

The bitch comes out to play early, he thought silently. “Loosen up,” he said instead. “I’m not going to bite. And I’m certainly not going to attack. I’m responsible for your safety. Remember?”

She picked up the pitcher of orange juice and poured a small glass. Lifting it to her lips and sipping. “How can I forget? When you keep reminding me? What’s in this for you, Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald? A hefty raise?”

Anger flared within him, and his jaw clenched. “Money doesn’t make me operate. Pride in my job does. I’m not doing this for the money, Ms. Crane. Although…I think anyone who spends more than a few days with YOU deserves some sort of medal.”

She slammed her glass down on the table in rage. Her blue eyes dangerously dark.

He grinned.

She was seething.

And he realized…he LOVED getting her all worked up.

“Oh really?” she bit out. “I don’t see people lined up outside to see you. If you’re such a popular guy, Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald, tell me. Where are they?”

He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms about his bare chest. Brown eyes glittering with amusement as she seemed to forget any other retort begging release from her tongue, and those blue eyes turned dark with something else. “Then you’d have a little competition. But don’t worry,” he uncrossed his arms. “I think you could take them. I think you’re stronger than you look. And being a Crane…I’m sure you know how to fight dirty. I mean, it’s something Daddy taught you way back when, isn’t it?”

“Go to hell,” she spat. Throwing her napkin at him and stalking out of the kitchen with angry strides.

What a view.

He didn’t even jump this time when her bedroom door slammed. It was something he’d already come to expect.

The dishes clattered as he gathered them up and placed them in the sink.

He twisted the tap, and warm water rushed out as he squirted dish detergent into the sink. He gulped down the last of his coffee and set the mug in the soapy water. Dipping the rag down and beginning to methodically wash and dry the pots and plates and glasses.

A muffled noise from the direction of Sheridan’s bedroom put him on alert, and he dropped the towel on the kitchen counter before easing along the edge of the kitchen wall. Gun in hand. Ready.

But it was the ear-splitting scream that made his heart race and his steps quicken.

And he crashed through the bedroom door. To a sight that made his jaw drop.

“Sheridan! Sheridan! Are you okay?”

Her blond hair was slicked back, and water dripped from her body. Her very naked body. She stood there in shock for a moment. Mouth gaping open. Blue eyes enormous. “Of course, I’m okay,” she spat. Tugging at the comforter from her bed. “Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald…Officer…LUIS!” she yelled.

It was his spoken name that did it.

His dark eyes blinked, and he lowered the weapon in his hands. “What happened?”

She glared at him. Yanking more fiercely at the comforter. “Ugh!” she huffed. “At least have the decency to turn around. Why the hell did you come bursting in here in the first place?”

“I’m sorry. What was I supposed to do? I hear the woman in the next room from me. Screaming bloody murder. BLOODY MURDER,” he emphasized. “The woman I am assigned to protect from a ruthless drug cartel who will stop at nothing to eliminate her from the picture…”

“Sure, sure,” she interrupted him. “I’m sure you’re sorry,” she said sarcastically.

He had his back turned, but he could see her rolling those blue eyes of hers.

“It’s my…”

“I know. Your job. I’ve heard this lecture how many times before in the last 24 hours? Hmm. That would be…a thousand times! And I’m sick and damn tired of it!”

He spun on his heels and said hotly, “Not this again. You, Ms. Crane, sound like a broken record.”

The floral comforter dwarfed her form.

He had to fight the urge to laugh. Not for a moment did he think she wouldn’t kick his ass. Let her try, he thought silently. He bet he could have her begging him for…..mercy. Forgiveness. His brown eyes lingered lazily on a bead of water that clung to the hollow of her throat just so.

“Broken record! I’ll show you broken…”

He let her rant. Shaking his head to clear it of the images that assaulted him. Him shutting her up with a kiss. A long, deep, wet, passionate kiss. Dark against light. As they moved together in unison…He stifled a groan when she stepped nearer. God. This was insanity. Not even two days, and he wanted…

The perfect bead of water traveled slowly. To the valley between her breasts.

Her blue eyes glittered. A devious sparkle in them. “What is it, Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald?” she purred. “Cat got your tongue?” she questioned. Her own pink tongue darting out to moisten her lips.

He swallowed hard as her soft body brushed against his.

She trailed her manicured nails up his forearm.

And he shivered under her touch.

She gasped as his own hand grabbed hers and pulled her up against his hard chest. Her lungs burning. Feeling as if they would burst as she held her breath.

“As much as I’m enjoying this little…seduction of yours,” he said in a low whisper. “It has to end,” he growled. Shoving her from his grasp. “NOW! Get some clothes on.”

She clutched the comforter to her shoulders. “I can’t.”

He rolled his eyes at her words. Jaw set in anger.

“What’s the matter, Officer? Can’t take a little temptation?” she laughed wickedly. “You’re no fun at all,” she grumbled.

“Well…you’re no walk in the park, either,” he muttered under his breath.

She couldn’t tell what he said. But she had her suspicions. None of them good. How was she going to survive much more of this? Cooped up in this tiny cottage. Alone. With him and only him.

It was exhausting.

The air between them hummed with electricity.

This…attraction she felt for him…it was like a live wire.

“You never told me what happened,” he said. Breaking the heavy silence.

“What?” she asked dumbly. She was so busy thinking up solutions to this unexpected problem, she didn’t hear his question.

He picked his gun back up from her armoire. Testing its weight in his hands. “Well…something must have frightened you. What was it? What on earth happened?”

She blushed furiously in embarrassment as she ducked her head. “It was nothing,” she said softly.

“Nothing! Ms. Crane…I get it,” he smirked. “This is all part of your little plan.”

“Oh, I HAVE to hear this,” Sheridan tapped her foot impatiently. “WHAT plan, pray tell, is that?”

“My! Aren’t we forgetful?” Luis crossed his arms. “I thought…and I’m using your exact words here, you wouldn’t sleep ‘with the likes of me’?”

Anger flared up in her blue eyes.

“Well? Did you change your mind?” he teased.

“Well what, Officer? You’re so smart, Einstein. You tell me,” she said.

His deep brown eyes darkened as he studied her. So intently.

It was unnerving. Like he was staring straight into her soul. As if he knew all her secrets. All her hopes and dreams.

Fantasies.

No. This was…this was…“This is absolutely ridiculous!” she cried.

Luis grinned. “What’s so ridiculous about wanting me?” That did it. She was steaming now. RED-HOT.

“Wanting you? WANTING YOU?! Why on God’s green earth would I want you? Really, Officer. There are so many reasons. Number one I don’t even know you.”

“Come on. You can’t say that,” he smirked devilishly. “After all…I’ve seen you naked,” he said in a low, appreciative voice. “You’re quite the little exhibitionist.”

“Me? What about you? At least I had a good excuse. I was in the middle of taking my shower when this enormous ta…I just got out of the shower. Why are you prancing around like you’re…Adonis or something? Too sexy for your shirt, Officer?” Sheridan! You did NOT just say that!

Luis’s teeth gleamed white against his dark skin when he smiled. “You think I’m sexy, Ms. Crane?” he waggled his eyebrows. “Why thank you.”

“Ugh!” she flailed her arms about in frustration. “Why do you always twist everything I say around? Not EVERYTHING is an innuendo. Do you take pleasure in aggravating me? Are you enjoying making my life miserable? Why couldn’t I get a nice, ugly, mute bodyguard that can’t give me orders?” she grumbled.

He chuckled. “Uh…Ms. Crane. I’d be a little more careful if I were you.”

She caught the comforter just before it slipped. Then stomped off toward the open bathroom door. Pausing just outside. “I’m going to finish my shower now.”

The smile on his face faltered somewhat as she visibly paled. “What is it?” he hissed. Creeping up behind her.

“N-Nothing,” she stammered.

His shoulder brushed against her arm as he leaned forward to do an inspection of his own, and she nearly jumped out of her skin. “Dammit! Would you stop that?”

“What?” he asked innocently.

Or maybe NOT so innocently, she thought to herself. Touching me, she wanted to scream. “Sneaking up on me and trying to cop a feel,” she muttered. Backing up against the doorframe.

His eyes twinkled as he said, "I’m more straightforward than that, Ms. Crane. If I wanted to touch you,” he whispered. Raising a hand to her cheek. “I would just do it.”

Her gaze darted back and forth between his lips and his eyes. Do something Sheridan. Do something before you make a complete fool of yourself and… “There’s a tarantula in my shower,” she blurted.

And the look on his face…

She could die from the mortification.

His lips twisted upward on their own volition, and he removed his hand from her cheek. “A tarantula? You nearly gave me a heart attack over a tarantula?”

Her cheeks burned hot as she stared at her feet. “It’s huge,” she shuddered. “I reached for the shampoo, and it was just…there.”

He laughed. Cute. She was embarrassed as hell.

“Don’t laugh. It was huge and hairy and it stared at me with these awful beady eyes,” she pouted. “Kill it,” she whined. Eyes wide with fright.

And blue as the ocean, his brain supplied. He was drowning. Mesmerized.

“Please,” she begged. “I can’t…Luis,” she cried. Hanging back nervously. “Just kill it.”

He pushed down his amusement and sauntered into the bathroom. “Where is this…monstrosity?”

Sheridan was so terrified she didn’t recognize the teasing quality of his tone. Maybe she just didn’t care. “In the shower, you idi…”

“Hey!” Luis held up his hands defensively. “No need for name calling. Simple question. What’s so hard about a simple answer?”

“Moron,” she muttered under her breath.

“Smartass,” he shot back triumphantly.

She shot daggers at him.

“Do you want me to kill the tarantula or not?” he sighed.

She swallowed her pride. “Yes,” she whispered. “It’s in there,” she pointed with a shaky finger.

Luis’s hand grasped the edge of the shower curtain, and slowly he pulled it back.

“Luis!” she groaned. “Hurry up and kill the damn thing!”

He flung the shower curtain back and…

She bit her lip. Hands covering her eyes.

“A tarantula?” Luis gasped for breath in between belly laughs. “You call THAT,” he pointed to the rather puny spider perched atop a shiny bottle of shampoo, “huge?”

“It is. I mean…it was. Shut up,” she huffed.

He snickered as he picked the spider up by one long leg. “A Daddy Long-Legs,” he shook his head. He opened the small bathroom window and dropped it outside. “Satisfied now?”

“No,” she grumbled.

He whirled back around to face her.

“You’re still here. G-E-T O-U-T!” she yelled. Shoving him out the bathroom door.

He grinned when it slammed shut in his face. He couldn’t resist. “I bet you LOVED ‘Charlotte’s Web’.”

“Fffffffffuuuuuuuuuunnnnnnnnyyyyyyy,” she shouted brattily.

“I try.”