Griff put his head down and worked, refusing to talk to or even look at Scarlett as they unloaded the Escalade. She was diligent, trying to help, but he could carry ten bags to her four. They got all the food to the open kitchen area on the main level and into the fridge, freezer, and pantry; then they unloaded the clothes and toiletries from the back of the Escalade. He grabbed his duffel bag, that Sutton or Jasmine had thought to put in, and gestured for her to go in front of him on the stairs. They ascended to the main level, and when she hesitated there, he grunted. “Up one more.”
The suites were all on the second level, with the exception of Tucker and Maryn’s master suite, which took up the entire third level. Griff rarely went up there when he’d been here to go on hunts or snowmobile rides with his buddies Tucker and Cal Johnson, great men he knew from military ops long ago.
He made the mistake of focusing on Scarlett’s slender form as she ascended the stairs in front of him. The memory of her in his arms rushed over him. Why did she have to be so appealing? He couldn’t even remember half of the women who had tried to pursue him throughout the years. Saying no had never been a problem for him. He had a higher calling to save lives and protect the innocent, as well as protect any woman from having a relationship with the likes of him. A beautiful woman couldn’t dissuade him from that. But he’d been lying to himself. Scarlett could yank all his lofty ideals out from under him and have him begging at her feet like a puppy, hoping for one simple pat on his head.
He shook his head as they reached the second story. No. He was Griff Quinn. He was stronger than the memories of what he’d had with Scarlett and the pull he felt toward her now. He couldn’t succumb to her sweet smile, her teasing voice, or her clear green eyes. Saying it wasn’t fair for her to be with someone like him was so inadequate that he didn’t waste time going there.
Scarlett looked over her shoulder at him with those beguiling eyes. In the dimly lit hallway, without the usual makeup and fancy clothing he’d gotten used to seeing her in when he Googled her, she looked so soft and appealing. He tripped over nothing and almost went down. Scarlett dropped her bags and reached out to steady him. Her soft fingers wrapped around his forearm.
Griff pulled back quickly, embarrassed at his awkwardness and even more embarrassed at the way he was reacting to her. He could battle several men at once and not falter, and he’d just tripped over this beautiful woman. Ridiculous. Get in control, he told himself.
He gestured toward the first open door. “This okay?”
She shrugged. “Sure.” Picking her bags up, she walked into the room with him right at her heels.
Griff flipped on the light with his elbow. This entire level was suites for guests. He thought there were seven or eight suites, but he couldn’t remember for sure. When he’d gotten hold of Tucker, his friend had told him he’d have the housekeepers come through the house, and then he’d remotely get the lights and heat on. He asked if Griff wanted him to have the fridge stocked with fresh food, but Griff felt like his friend was doing more than enough and had declined.
He followed Scarlett through the room and into the attached bathroom and closet. Setting down all of the bags that contained the junk she’d had on that list, he clung to his bag of essentials and backed away.
“Good night,” he said, turning away before he had to torture himself with her beautiful face any longer tonight. At least they were finally here and not stuck in the Escalade together. He had to smile as he remembered her tickling him last night, but the smile faded quickly as he thought of how many times he’d almost kissed her. He was stronger than that, or at least he used to be. Yet what mere mortal could be strong when Scarlett Lily was smiling at them?
“Aren’t you hungry?” Scarlett asked.
Griff stopped but didn’t turn around. “Too tired,” he lied. He was tired, but their drive-through lunch hadn’t been enough and his stomach was eating itself at this point. Didn’t matter. He’d hide out in his suite until he was sure she was asleep; then he’d go grab something in the kitchen. “Feel free to eat whatever you like, though.”
With that, he hurried from the room, down the hallway, and into the suite next door. He wouldn’t let himself think about what compelled him to pick this suite. He was supposed to protect Scarlett; that meant being close by, right? He shut the bedroom door, dropped the bags in the closet, stripped off his clothes, and started the shower, turning the handle to cold. He was tired, hungry, and completely irrational where Scarlett was concerned. Staying far away from her was as important right now as protecting her.
Chapter Ten
Scarlett heard the shower start, and her stomach did a dance before it settled. Griff was so close, yet as unattainable as if he were still deployed. She started to unload the toiletries and makeup in the shower and drawers, noticing that the basics like shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and toothpaste were already in the bathroom. There was also some face wash and day and night cream in the cabinets. Those were all closer to the brands she usually had her shopping consultant purchase. Whoever owned this house was generous and thoughtful.
When she pulled out peaches-and-cream shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion from the supplies Griff had bought, her eyes widened. She hadn’t requested any of this. It was the very brand and scent she’d used in college, when she didn’t have any money for expensive perfume. Griff had always told her back then how much he loved the way she smelled. Hmm. Maybe the gruff Griff Quinn wasn’t as impervious to her as she thought.
Stacking the clothes Griff had purchased for her in the closet, she couldn’t resist sliding a soft sweatshirt over her T-shirt, pulling her skirt off and putting on some leggings, and slipping on some warm socks. The house was nice and warm, but all that snow outside … She shuddered just thinking about it.
Griff’s shower was still running when she padded out into the hallway. She made her way downstairs and ate a cheese stick, some carrots, and a handful of almonds. Not a fabulous dinner, but she didn’t feel like cooking right now. She wandered around the main area and stopped in front of a display of wedding photos on the mantel; she recognized the couple as Tucker and Maryn Shaffer. Tucker was a brilliant billionaire who had invented the Friend Zone, a social media site that surpassed all the rest. He was almost as big as Griff’s brother Mack, and he looked imposing with dark hair and serious eyes. His wife was a petite blonde whose smile and bright blue eyes lit up the room. Scarlett had met them both at a party and thought they were great. So these were Griff’s friends. Good friends to have.
She should’ve gone back up to her room, but she didn’t want to listen to Griff’s shower running. Instead, she flicked the gas fireplace on and padded over to the couch. Pulling a blanket over her, she stared into the flames for a while. She wondered why Griff had to be so strong and distant. Every chance they got to connect was ruined somehow, mostly by him.
Footsteps came on the stairs. Scarlett stood, letting the blanket drop onto the couch and turning toward the entrance to the great room.
Griff strode in, headed for the kitchen. When he saw her, he came up short. “I thought you were asleep,” he said too quickly, as if he was nervous to be around her.
“Nope.” She was getting really tired of his games.
“Maybe you should get some rest. It’s been a long couple of days.”
“You’re the one who drove the entire time. I bet you’re exhausted.”
He simply nodded, but he did look tired. He looked incredible, too; he’d come fresh out of the shower, so his dark blond hair was even darker than normal.
“Sit down and I’ll make you something to eat,” she offered. He’d upended his life to protect her. She knew it was what he did, but she also knew this assignment couldn’t be any easier on him than it was on her, especially with the way he acted like he didn’t want to be with her. It hurt, but she still appreciated that he’d take the job and be here for her when it was hard.
“No, thank you. I’ll get something tomorrow.”
“Sit down,” she commanded, pointing to the high-back barstools lining the long granite island.
His eyebrows jumped, but he didn’t comply.
Scarlett marched around the couch and kept coming until she was right in his space. He smelled so clean and good, but she couldn’t let that distract her. “Look, I know this isn’t easy for you, but we’re going to be stuck here for who knows how long. We might as well get comfortable and enjoy each other’s company.”
Griff’s blue gaze was wary as he blinked down at her. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Scarlett.”
“Come on, Griff.” She groaned and reached out a hand to him. “We were good friends once. We’re adults. I think we can put the heartache behind us and be friends again.”
His eyes went from her face down to her outstretched hand, then back up again, several times. Scarlett tried to wait patiently. She wanted so much more than friendship from Griff, but it was becoming all too clear she wasn’t going to get it. They could at least try to be comfortable around each other the next few weeks, stuck in this gorgeous mansion.
Griff clasped his hands behind his back, shook his head, and took a large step back. “I really need some space right now,” he pushed out. Then he pivoted and all but fled out of the great room. She heard his footsteps pound up the steps and then his door shut.
Scarlett stood there, stunned. He needed space? Her hands shook with frustration. She’d give him space, then, the jerk.
She clicked off the fire and went to her own room. Saying a quick prayer of gratitude for being safe, and even thanking her Father in heaven for Griff being the one protecting her, she begged the Lord to show her His purpose here. Right now nothing made sense to her, especially her ache for Griff and his obvious refusal to be near her.
Chapter Eleven
Scarlett slept better thanks to a high-quality mattress and the fact that she was completely exhausted. When she awoke, the sun was blinding off the mounds of snow outside. She wondered if Griff had slept and where he was. Standing and stretching, she padded into the bathroom, searched through the clothes Griff had bought her, and put on a T-shirt, shorts, socks, and some no-name running shoes. If only she could run outside. She looked out there and shivered. Not happening.
Exiting her room, she strained to hear movement that would indicate where Griff was, but nothing came. She walked down the stairs, detouring to the large living area and grabbing a water bottle from the kitchen before going back to the entryway and taking the steps downstairs. The sounds of weights clanking drifted from the workout room, and she smiled. Griff needed space? She’d see if he really wanted it.
She pushed open the workout room door and had to lean against the doorframe. Griff was wearing a fitted T-shirt and shorts and performing a lateral raise. The muscles in his shoulders and arms were all engaged, his skin glowed from a slight polish of sweat, and he was completely glorious to behold.
He caught her gaze in the full-length mirrors and lowered the weights to the racks before turning to face her. “Hey.”
She smiled. “Good morning. Care if I share the gym?”
He swallowed and shook his head slightly. “Of course not.”
Scarlett headed for the treadmill to warm up. The gym was small, and she liked the intimacy of exercising near Griff. They used to lift together in college all the time.
She started at a walk and quickly broke into a jog. Glancing away from the panel, she caught Griff staring at her. He didn’t glance away, and that made her irrationally happy. She smiled at him, remembering long runs in the California sun with him. “Do you still like to run?”
Griff nodded, picked up some huge dumbbells, and started into bicep curls. “Yeah, but I hate the treadmill.”
“Really?” Scarlett tried to talk normally, but her mouth was watering at the vision of his well-defined biceps as he lifted and lowered the weights. “At home I have my Kindle and I can jog for hours while I read.”
“Wow. I’d probably get dizzy and fall off the back.”
Scarlett maintained a steady jog, excited they were having a normal conversation. Maybe she could convince him they could be friends again, and maybe a miracle would happen and they’d get past friends. “You’re like the ultra-athlete. I’m sure you could run blindfolded.”
“Thanks.” He re-shelved the weights and turned to her, folding his arms across his chest. “You’re … really fit.” He swallowed again, and she had to hide a smile. “Do you have trainers work with you?”
“Almost every day.” She wondered what everyone at home was thinking. She’d heard Griff tell his sister-in-law to get a hold of her parents, and that was all she really cared about.
“Impressive,” he muttered. He hurried as far away from her as he could and started using the cable machine for reverse flies.
Scarlett had nothing to stare at but him. It was more fun to watch him work out than any reading material she might have used to pass the time. A few times he caught her watching him. He didn’t maintain eye contact, and that was disappointing. She’d love some long, searching gazes from him. He could teach any action hero how to look and fight, but he failed miserably as a romantic interest. Too bad for her that he was the only romantic interest she wanted.
Forcing herself to increase her speed, she ran at a faster pace but was still able to watch Griff almost uninterrupted.
He set down a barbell he was using for overhead presses, whirled on her, and pinned her with a frustrated look. “Why are you staring at me?”
Scarlett arched her eyebrows. “I don’t have anything to read.”
He pushed out a breath and muttered, “Just a second.” Hurrying through the door, he disappeared.
Scarlett upped her speed and did a long sprint until she heard his footsteps returning. She slowed to a walk as he strode back in with a handful of magazines. Scarlett stopped the treadmill as he approached. She got a whiff of his clean, masculine scent and hoped she smelled good. If she was lucky the peaches-and-cream lotion would drive him crazy.
Griff handed over the magazines, and their hands brushed. Warmth rushed through her. Could he feel the connection as strongly as she did? The depth of his blue gaze said he did. “These were the only magazines I could find,” he said. “There are a bunch of books in the office on the main level, but I didn’t know if they’d stay open while you ran.”
“Thank you.” She forced herself to look at the magazine covers. The Rising Star. She was on the cover of one of them with B.C. Knight. They’d done an article about one of her recent movies, The Fearless Warrior. She glanced back up at Griff and held up the magazine. “Weird to read about yourself.”
“I bet. What’s B.C. Knight like?”
“He’s an amazing guy.”
Griff grunted, and his eyes flashed with a predatory gleam. Scarlett felt something stir in her abdomen. He was jealous. Didn’t he know B.C. was happily married? The fact that Griff felt possessive of her for any reason made her hot all over.
Scarlett set the magazines on the treadmill holder and stepped off and close to him. “Does that bother you?”
“Why would it bother me?” he threw back at her, but he didn’t step away.
Scarlett lifted her shoulders. “I don’t know. Maybe part of you still cares.”
Griff stared at her and pushed out a ragged breath. Neither of them moved, and Scarlett prayed he’d admit to feeling something for her. He broke eye contact and rushed for the door, muttering, “I need to check the security cameras.” Then he was gone.
Scarlett deflated against the treadmill. This man was harder to get through to than a rhinoceros. He had a thicker skin than one, too. Dang Griff Quinn all the way to purgatory. She still loved him, and he couldn’t even admit that he cared about her. She returned to the treadmill and pushed the speed and incline up. Working out hard might keep her from crying over what they’d lost. Heaven knew she’d gone to that miserable place far too many times over the years.
Griff had nev
er felt like a wimp before, but he did right now. He’d literally run from the workout room, muttering some excuse, to escape telling Scarlett how impressive she was, how much he still cared. He had to be more vigilant than this. He could not allow himself to interact casually with her.
The security devices were top notch, and there were cameras in all the main areas of the house and the hallways and stairwells. He’d simply carry a device everywhere and monitor Scarlett and the property that way. He could avoid her and keep his sanity.
If only he could keep himself from remembering how amazing it felt to hold her in his arms. No! He couldn’t be thinking thoughts like that. He was on a job. Scarlett was an assignment. Feelings could not factor in. Romance, love, and an irresistible woman were not on his radar. Somehow he’d stay detached and strong until they found the man who’d put the bounty on Scarlett’s head.
He hurried for his shower, frustrated that he hadn’t made it through his workout and more frustrated that he had to stay away from the fabulous woman sharing this mansion with him. He might need to pray for strength. Sadly, prayer had never worked out for him.
Chapter Twelve
The next few days puttered by slower than any days Scarlett could remember. Even when she wasn’t on a tight schedule with a movie in production, she was busy catching up, dealing with sponsors, her agent, her tax or investment people, dress designers, image consultants, personal trainers, or a hundred other things that needed to be caught up on. Now she was stuck in a mansion in Island Park with nothing to do but exercise, read, watch movies, and cook elaborate meals because she was so bored, and it was wearing on her. The world outside was covered in ice and snow. It was picturesque with a slow-moving river easing through the backyard and loads of pine trees loaded down with white fluff, but she didn’t have the gear to go out and explore the winter wonderland.
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