His smile gleamed. “Should I be flattered you’re watching me?”
“Please,” she scoffed, and sipped more cola.
Colin spoke to Eve, beside him. “Who was your friend?”
Eve stilled, chip halfway to her mouth, and Alexa fancied the secretary paled a bit. “What?”
“The man in the baseball cap. Did you know him?”
“Oh.” Eve laughed. It sounded uncomfortable. “He was a tourist. He wanted directions, but I told him I didn’t know anything. He kept asking questions anyway. Finally, I said I had to go.” Eve gobbled her chip and fell silent.
Jamison murmured, “Who are they talking about?”
Alexa told him, and when he asked for a description of the man, she gave that, too. Jamison fell silent.
After lunch, Colin, Eve, and Mart decided to relax back on the grass for a few minutes, but Jamison rose to his feet. “I’m taking a walk. I’ll be back soon.”
Alexa found herself popping up as well. “Me, too.”
She wanted to be with him. Unfortunately, she had reacted before her brain had fully engaged. Now she had to endure Jamison’s small smile.
“Can’t get enough of me, princess?”
She huffed in indignation. “Please. I want to know what you’re up to.”
“Do you.”
“Of course. Tell me.”
“I want to check out that guy Eve was talking to.”
“Then it’s a good thing I’m coming, since I’ve seen him and you haven’t.”
They wandered around the lush, beautiful park, but didn’t spot the man. In one area, they found an art exhibition in full swing.
“Look at that.” Alexa pointed to a blue photo of the moon rising over the water. “Isn’t it dramatic?”
“Look at this one.” Jamison tugged at her fingers and indicated a photo of two children with their arms crossed, resting on a sandstone wall, impish faces grinning. A sand-colored building stood to the left, in the background.
“They’re cute,” she said with a smile. “They look full of mischief.”
“It was taken in my village,” he said. “See the building? It’s near my old school.”
Alexa glanced back at the photo, and imagined Jamison as a boy in that same place. “Those children remind you of yourself, don’t they? Eyes gleaming, and full of mischief.”
“You’re starting to know me.”
He stood very close right now, his arm only a breath from hers. Alexa contrasted it to earlier, when she had wanted to escape every time Colin had tried to hold her hand or walk close beside her. Now, only millimeters separated her from Jamison, but she not only didn’t mind it—she liked being so close to him. A dangerous admission from any account. Luckily, she hadn’t babbled that out loud.
“Are you still taking me to visit your family?” She wasn’t sure if he’d changed his mind, after the drama of the last few days.
“Are you trying to back out?”
“No. Why would you think that?”
He did not answer directly, which was just like his incorrigible self. “Glad to know I’m back in your good graces, princess.”
“You’re like a foxtail. I can’t get rid of you.”
“You say I’m a fox?” He grinned.
She burst into a peal of laughter. “Don’t flatter yourself. I just called you a burr. You know, the weeds that stick to your socks in the summertime?”
He chuckled and moved on, eyeing more photos.
Mart appeared. “We’re ready to go, you two.” He glanced from one to the other, taking in their lingering smiles. “Am I interrupting something?”
“A moment of truce,” Alexa said.
Mart smiled. “I’m glad to see your weapons are holstered. And that you took my advice, Alexa.”
“What advice?” Jamison wanted to know.
“To be nice.” Alexa grinned. “Haven’t I been nice to you? Say yes, or Mart will pound me.”
Jamison chuckled, but shot Mart a faintly warning glance. “Thanks for looking out for me, bud. But I can handle things with Alexa just fine on my own.”
Mart took no offense. “I can see that.”
The five of them headed toward Caelian Hill. On the southeastern side, they walked for half a mile and explored the beautiful Basilica of St. John Lateran, and then wandered back in the direction of Via Claudia, exploring the vast expanse of still standing and crumbling buildings. Apparently, long ago the wealthy had lived on this hill, and lavish villas had been uncovered under the Baths of Caracalla. As the afternoon passed, Alexa grew pleasantly tired.
At one point, the men all walked together, discussing the sights, and Alexa found herself behind them, walking beside Eve. She cast about for something to say. Time to try to be nice again, she decided. At any rate, it seemed rude to walk and say nothing.
“How is your foster mother?” she inquired with a smile. “Is she out of the hospital yet?”
“Uh…no.” Eve glanced to the side, as if searching for an answer. “She needs more tests, and observation.”
“I’m so sorry.” Alexa didn’t press further. Clearly, Eve didn’t want to divulge details.
“Thanks,” the secretary muttered, and glanced left again, as if something had caught her attention. Suddenly, she flapped her hand, as if swatting at a mosquito. Then she did it again, more urgently.
What in the world? Alexa followed Eve’s line of vision. A man in a ball cap was partially hidden by the corner of an old ruin.
Was that the man Eve had spoken to earlier? Suspicion surged. Eve hurried ahead, as if eager to leave the man behind.
“Who was that?” Alexa demanded, swiftly keeping up.
“Who?”
“You know. The man in the baseball cap. The one you spoke to in the park.”
“How would I know? He’s a stranger. I hope he’s not following me.”
Alexa frowned and glanced back. The man had disappeared. “Are you sure you don’t know him?”
“Are you accusing me of lying?”
“You act like you know him.”
Eve glared. “You just don’t quit, do you?”
“What do you mean?”
“You want Colin all for yourself, so you try to start lies about me. I don’t have a secret boyfriend, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
“I didn’t think that.” Alexa had received the impression the man was middle-aged.
“Forget that weirdo.” As Eve hurried after Colin, she spat, “You’re enjoying yourself, aren’t you?”
“What do you mean?”
“Colin’s drooling all over you, and you’re lapping it up!”
Alexa wasn’t sure if she cared for that particular metaphor. “Colin’s sweet and thoughtful, like always.”
“He doesn’t have real feelings for you,” Eve asserted, but no conviction rang through her words.
Alexa again felt an odd compassion for the prickly, insecure secretary. “He likes you, too.”
Eve’s jaw dropped a little, and she stared back in suspicion. “Why would you say that?”
“Because it’s obvious he feels affection for you. But I don’t know what he’d think if he knew how you treat me, however.”
Eve’s lips pressed white. “Back off,” she hissed. “Can’t you please do that? You’re making things so difficult!”
“What things?” Eve’s plans to snare her boss?
Eve glanced over her shoulder. “Just things,” she hissed. “I’ve warned you. That’s all I can do.” She sped ahead to reach Colin’s side.
Warned her? About what? Alexa glanced over her shoulder again, but the man had vanished. She wasn’t sure if she believed Eve’s story about the man being a random odd bird. But how could Eve possibly know someone here in Rome?
Alexa couldn’t figure it out, but to her relief, saw no sign of the man again.
For the remainder of the afternoon, Eve appeared glued to Colin’s side, and pointedly excluded Alexa from all conversations. It was rude
, but then again, Eve hadn’t enjoyed much time alone with Colin today, which she obviously craved. For the moment, with Colin talking to Eve, Alexa felt like the third wheel.
Where was Jamison? A quick glance spotted him leaning against a stone wall. Glad urgency quickened her steps, and she hurried to join him.
“Hi,” she said. Jamison’s elbows rested on the wall, much like the children’s in the photo, and he looked out over the old ruins. Alexa placed her arms next to his and gazed out, enjoying the view, too. Enjoying his presence. The stone felt warm to the touch.
“Why aren’t you with Colin?”
“I’d rather be with you.” Oops! Open mouth, insert foot. “I mean, Eve wants to spend time with him. I decided to give them some space.”
“You prefer to be with me?” His black gaze held hers.
She looked away. “Maybe.”
His arm brushed hers. Accidentally? Or on purpose? She suspected the latter.
He said, “I enjoy your company too, Alexa.”
The admission hung heavily between them. Alexa glanced uncertainly at him, and he looked back, his body posture calm. “The world hasn’t come to an end, has it?” he asked quietly.
“No,” she admitted, and glanced away, her heart beating rapidly.
He straightened and his hand settled on her lower back. Its warmth lingered for a moment. “I think they’re looking for us.”
“Oh!” Quickly, she turned. Colin and the others had stopped and were looking back. “Let’s go, then.” She hurried to catch up.
The warm feeling stayed inside of her, though, even when Colin slipped an arm around her shoulders and pointed out the Aqua of Claudia and then the Temple of Claudius, which they would visit next. Eve didn’t like Colin’s gesture, if her scowl was any indication, but Alexa wouldn’t let the secretary ruin her day. Soon after, Alexa edged away from Colin, and enjoyed wandering around the old ruins.
At last, Alexa admitted why she didn’t want to be close to Colin. She liked him a lot. He was perfect and wonderful, and one of the nicest guys she had ever known, but she only felt affection and friendship for him. No romantic interest at all. What she felt for Jamison, however, was an entirely different story. A troubling story, and not one she knew how to handle yet.
But how to tell Colin what she felt? The next time they had a serious conversation, she would tell him, she decided.
Chapter Fifteen
The next two days flew by, with no opportunity to talk to Colin. Alexa was pleased with the progression of the book, and Saturday morning arrived quickly. It was the day to visit Jamison’s family. Alexa dressed with care in casual slacks and a gold silk top. She felt nervous, but tried to ignore the butterflies in her stomach.
She emerged from her room, purse in hand.
Jamison leaned against the kitchen counter, waiting for her. He straightened and slowly closed the distance. “You still want to visit my family?”
“Of course. I can’t wait.” She grinned.
“Why do I feel scared?”
She lightly punched his arm. “You’re not scared of me. Not a strong bodyguard like you. You could probably bench press little ol’ me.”
“Two of you,” he corrected, without conceit.
She grinned still more. “So, what are you scared of?”
“Embarrass me, and you’ll pay,” he warned.
She rubbed her hands. “Now that sounds like a challenge I’d like to take.”
His hand warmed her lower back as they walked out the door. It closed with a click behind them. Jamison glanced at her feet.
“Where’s your heels, princess?”
A blush warmed Alexa’s cheeks. Sometime not long ago, she had stopped wearing heels when she was with him. It hadn’t been a conscious decision, but there it was. Funny, but when she wasn’t wearing heels, he didn’t seem nearly so short.
“I can put some on, if you’d prefer. Maybe my white ones. You like those best, don’t you?” Those were her three and a half inch stilettos. She withdrew her key, but his hand closed around hers, stilling the movement.
“Can’t be you’re showing consideration for me?” he asked quietly. His warm, black gaze snared hers.
“Don’t flatter yourself,” she managed to scoff. “You know how I need control over my environment. I couldn’t possibly trust you enough to want to be close to you.” Oops!
“Close to me?” He smiled, then. “And you trust me. We’re making progress.”
“Hmph,” she sniffed, feeling too unsettled for her liking. “Time’s awasting. Didn’t you say we have to drive three hours?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Here we are.” Jamison parked the car in front of a sprawling home built out of weathered golden stones and topped by a tile roof. Flowers in pots bloomed on either side of the front door, which now opened. A gaggle of people burst out.
“Jamison!” cried a young girl, and vaulted into his arms.
“Ciao, Ana, piccolina,” he hugged her tight and planted a kiss on her head.
Alexa stood to the side as his family greeted him, and then Jamison introduced her. To her surprise, they greeted her with equally warm hugs. She tried to sort out everyone. His mother, who liked to be called Mamma Tia; his father, Stephano; his grandmother, and three sisters all milled about.
“I’m pleased to meet all of you.” She smiled, hoping they understood English. Apparently, they did.
“Come in. You are just in time for lunch,” Mamma Tia said. “I knew you couldn’t stay long, and I want to make sure my Jamison is well fed. He doesn’t eat right, does he, Alexa?”
Alexa was surprised to be asked such a personal question about Jamison. They must know he was living with her, as her bodyguard. Hopefully, they didn’t have the wrong idea about their relationship.
His mother bustled into the charming house. Flowers in vases bloomed on every available mantle and table, and beside them were pictures of her children at various ages. Alexa wanted to slow down and search out the ones of Jamison.
“Here.” With a pleased expression, his mother waved to a long oak dining table. It was loaded with antipasto, fresh baked bread, wine, and dishes of pasta.
“It looks fabulous!” Alexa breathed. Her stomach rumbled—thankfully, quietly. However, Jamison sent her an amused glance.
Mamma Tia smiled widely, pleased by her comment. “At last, Jamison, you have brought home a good girl.” She glanced at them both, speculation clear in her eyes.
Although Alexa felt a bit embarrassed, she was delighted to see the tips of Jamison’s ears grow red.
Her bodyguard pulled out a chair for her. Under his breath, he said, “Sit and don’t say a word.”
“But Jamison,” she twinkled up at him, “why ever not?”
“Alexa,” he growled.
Alexa turned her bright smile upon his family. His mother said, “So tell me, Alexa, how has my Jamison been treating you?”
“Mamma,” Jamison interjected, “Remember? Alexa and I are not seeing each other. I’m her bodyguard. Today, she was nice enough to come so I didn’t have to take time off work.”
His mother didn’t blink. “I see.” She returned her attention to Alexa. “How has Jamison been behaving?”
Jamison sent Alexa a warning, speaking glance. Unfortunately, it also fueled the little imp that enjoyed stirring up trouble for him. She smiled at his mother. “He has exemplary manners, and treats me with unfailing courtesy.”
Mamma Tia’s eyes narrowed, and Jamison coughed suddenly. Apparently his sip of water had gone down the wrong way.
Alexa kindly patted his back. “There, there.” His muscles rippled, strong and hard under her fingertips, and she hastily removed them. “Are you all choked up because I gave you a compliment?” she asked kindly.
His brows lowered.
“Jamison,” Mamma Tia said. “Why are you frowning at our guest?”
Obviously, his mother was a sharp lady. Not much would
get by her. Alexa grinned now, thinking of the different, subtle ways she could torture him. Although maybe that wouldn’t be proper guest behavior.
“Don’t,” he warned under his breath. Unfortunately, it also sounded like a dare. He cleared his throat and said to his mother, “Water went down the wrong way.”
“I see.” Mamma Tia didn’t appear to believe her son. She turned a wide smile upon Alexa. “Tell me about yourself, Alexa. Where do you live in the United States?”
“California. Just north of Los Angeles.”
“Oh! Jamison’s Aunt Pauline and his cousins live in Los Angeles. He’s very close with them. He stayed with them while he went to USC. He graduated at the top of his class,” she added with a mother’s pride.
“A great school,” Alexa said. Obviously, the bodyguard had it going on academically in order to graduate from USC with honors. “But I’m afraid we’re rivals. I went to UCLA.”
“Surprise, surprise,” Jamison muttered.
Alexa tacked on, “But you must have graduated way before me. We probably weren’t at the same football games, TP-ing each other’s cars.”
“If you want to know how old I am, just ask.”
She sent him a gleaming smile. “Well yes, now that you mention it, how very old are you?”
His black brows zoomed together.
“Sensitive about your age, too?” she suggested with sympathy.
“No.”
“Then tell me.”
He sipped water. “I’m thirty-five.”
“Good! Not as old as I feared,” she said with a mock sigh of relief.
“And what do you mean by that?” he inquired, too quietly.
“I’m concerned for your well-being. Don’t frown like that,” she told him. “I just don’t want you to get hurt, protecting me. You know, age-related degeneration makes one more susceptible to injury.” She sipped her fruity drink. “Don’t you want to know how young I am?”
“Eat your food,” he growled.
Meanwhile, his family had watched this byplay with much interest. His oldest sister hid a smile behind her napkin. His mother glanced at the two of them with a delighted, considering look in her eyes. And his father looked pleased, period.
Her Reluctant Bodyguard Page 25
