by Terry Spear
Kate laughed. “Well, I have to earn my pay some way. And Lexi’s fun to work with.”
“Wait. Back up to the business with the bear cubs,” Lelandi said.
Lexi had to tell her and the others the story, but of course Kate had to tell the part about Ryder showing up as a wolf and getting naked to help Lexi with the cubs. The women were all smiling.
They continued doing makeup, and some of the ladies who were following along on how Kate and Lexi were applying it began to help out. Lexi was delighted. Once they were all done, they thanked their hostess and all the ladies who had participated.
Then Lexi, her mother, and Kate gathered their two bodyguards, who had been visiting with some of the guys in the pack, and headed back to the house.
No one had tried to buy any cosmetics at the party, and Lexi was glad about that. She had meant for it to be a way to say thank you to the pack for taking her parents in and being so good to them.
She was glad they were heading back to the house though. She needed to just relax the rest of the day. She hadn’t expected Ryder to suggest cooking on the grill, but that really appealed. They decided on beef ribs and corn on the cob. Her father slapped Ryder on the back in a show of camaraderie, and then Mike, her father, and Ryder headed out to start cooking the meat.
“You do realize Ryder is earning your dad’s favor,” her mother said.
Lexi smiled. Yeah, she did. But that didn’t mean they were right for each other. At least that’s what she kept telling herself.
* * *
Ryder and Mike joked with Kurt about him not catching any fish.
“Hey, the younger guys had better bait.” Kurt seasoned the ribs.
The guys all laughed.
“Is that all it takes?” Ryder asked.
“Yeah.”
They laughed again. Ryder really liked her dad. He reminded him of his own.
“I haven’t been fishing in years. I think I’m out of practice.”
“I usually fish as a wolf,” Ryder admitted.
“Yeah, me too. Lazy. We catch them, then cook them,” Mike said.
“Ha! Now that I could do. I’d never miss my catch then. It was nice of the other guys to offer me their fish, even if I declined.”
“It seems like a really good pack to belong to,” Ryder said.
“Yeah, too bad you and Lexi and the others can’t join the pack.”
“We’re part of Rafe and Jade Denali’s pack. Not as organized as this one, but we enjoy being with them,” Ryder said. “And Lexi can’t join you until Tremaine is out of the picture.”
Kurt turned the ribs over. “That’s just what I was thinking.”
Ryder shook his head. “The bastard’s in prison for forty years.”
“He’ll most likely die there, unless they release him early,” Kurt said.
Ryder wished Tremaine would die early—in prison.
Mike served up the ribs and the corn on the cob. “The problem is he still has control over the criminal organization.”
The problem was the guy was still alive.
* * *
Two days later, Kate, Mike, and Lexi boarded the helicopter to return to her home in California, but when Ryder shook Kurt’s hand, he pulled him aside. “Let me give you a piece of advice before you go. Lexi has a mind of her own, but don’t let that stop you. She needs more than just work in her life.”
“Are you saying you approve of us getting together if it works out?” Ryder had always hoped if he found a mate, her parents would be family too.
“I’m just saying don’t worry about the differences in your income. If the two of you are meant to be together, let it happen. I’ve had you checked out, naturally. I always check out the wolves interested in my daughter. You’re the first one she’s shown any interest in and the only one I approve of.”
Ryder shook his hand. “Thanks, Doc. That means a lot to me.” Even if Ryder and Lexi didn’t end up mating, he was glad her father believed he was all right.
Then he climbed into the helicopter and saw everyone watching him.
Lexi’s brows rose in question. Ryder just smiled. Her father’s approval was their secret.
Chapter 21
It was late afternoon when Ryder and the others arrived at Lexi’s home, and his first thought was of securing the place. But when she took them through the locked gate in the stucco wall topped with motion-detector lights, he had to take a moment to admire the vista. The two-story composition-and-wood home sat on a bluff, featuring a large veranda with a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean. Virtually every room of the house had floor-to-ceiling windows. The edge of her property was just fifty feet from the ocean. Coastal trees like pine and beech gave her wooded front acreage lots of privacy, but the focal point of her home was the backyard and the ocean view.
“This is beautiful,” Ryder said. “Rafe’s home is above a beach, too, but his beach isn’t private like yours, and it’s filled with beachgoers. I love your rocky cliffs and the privacy you have here. Can you get to the rocks down below?”
“Um, no, not unless you want to break your neck. Maybe someday stairs could be constructed. Don’t get too close to the edge. The place is great for indoor and outdoor parties, when the weather is good.” Lexi showed them the patio and grassy lawn where they had a stone firepit for roasting marshmallows and hot dogs and staying warm on a cold night, a gas grill under the patio cover, an outdoor bar, a whirlpool bath, and a swimming pool. “And it’s perfect for whale watching. With two acres covered in coastal trees, we are able to spend some time as wolves out here without being seen. We have no neighbors for a couple of miles.”
Seagulls cried out above as a squadron of pelicans flew by. A flock of geese was flying off in the distance as the waves crashed down below.
“This would be perfect for parties.” Mike folded his arms over his chest as he looked at the waves cresting and breaking on the rocks, standing rocks in the surf adding to the artistic view.
Ryder could spend his days sitting out here, just enjoying the breeze and salt air. “We need to check out the house.”
Lexi gave him the security code.
“Kate, if you would, stay outside with Lexi to protect her. Mike and I will check over the home to make sure she doesn’t have a welcoming party.”
“There better not be,” Lexi said.
“I agree.” Kate pulled her gun out just in case.
“We’ll be back in a little bit.” Ryder turned off the security alarm, and then he and Mike searched the place, both of them armed with guns.
They checked out most of the rooms, including the large sunroom and kitchen having winning views of the ocean and the swimming pool, and the basement set up for exercising. Even the guest rooms had views of the ocean and pool, and they each had individual decks. One of the rooms had more of Kate’s scent and the closet was filled with her clothes. The next room was the master bedroom suite with another beautiful view of the ocean. Then Ryder checked the closets and underneath the bed, and the opulent bathroom with a whirlpool tub and glassed-in shower.
Relieved no one was in the house but him and Mike, he rejoined his friend in the central living area.
“I couldn’t find any sign of anyone here. Lexi and Kate will have to smell for scents to double-check,” Ryder said as they went to the back-patio door to let the ladies in. “It’s all clear. Come on in.”
Her posture relaxing, Lexi looked relieved. “Thank you, Ryder, Mike, for keeping me safe.”
Holstering her gun, Kate shook her head. “What am I? Chopped liver?”
They all laughed.
“You had the most important role. You were protecting Lexi. We were just cleaning house,” Ryder said. “We need you ladies to see if anyone has been in the house who shouldn’t have been.”
“We can do that. Kate, can you show Mi
ke the room he’ll be staying in?” Lexi asked.
“Yeah, sure.” Kate took him upstairs to one of the guest rooms. “You can put your bags in here, Mike.”
Lexi took Ryder to another room upstairs. He’d had the idea she might put him up in her room, which was a crazy notion, but he couldn’t help thinking about it. He set his bags down in the guest bedroom. He was glad to be here for her, no matter what room he ended up in. Kate’s room was right next to the master suite, so he was certain she could protect Lexi, if anyone got that far in the house. But he planned for Mike and him to be the first line of defense.
Lexi said, “I’m going to take a swim after I check out the scents in the house. Tomorrow I have a busy day. We’re having a promotional party for the women’s new gold line. We have reporters from print magazines and e-zines, and store owners and reps from the different high-end stores who will be here to help sell or sink the line. We’ll also have actresses and models to add to the fun. We’ll have a makeup party similar to what we had at Lelandi’s home. We’ll have finger foods, champagne, and probably some swimming.”
“You’re sure they’re all vetted?” Ryder asked.
“Yes. I’ve been doing this for a year now, and it’s really helped to push sales on the newest products.”
“But you weren’t having trouble with Tremaine’s people before.”
Lexi gave him a look that said to give it a rest.
He let out his breath. “I just want to make sure you stay safe.”
“We will be.” She patted his chest. “Because you will make sure of it. Anyway, I want to enjoy the rest of the day off. Tomorrow morning, we’ll set up for the party. I have a couple of ladies who serve the food and drinks.”
“Does that mean it’s time for me to be the pool boy?” Ryder arched a brow.
Lexi smiled. “It sure does. See you at the pool. Be sure to wear your bathing suit, and I’ll have the sunscreen.”
“I guess you have drink detail,” Kate said to Mike as they left his bedroom.
“And you?” Mike asked.
“I’m on guard duty.” Patting her holstered gun, Kate laughed.
After Ryder had changed into his board shorts, he headed down the stairs, gun in hand and not feeling like a bodyguard. Lexi was wearing a pretty green bikini and a smile for him, a summer floral cover-up slung over her arm. A knock sounded on the door, and Kate went to answer it, dressed in shorts, flip-flops, and a tank top, and armed with a gun. Mike joined them wearing shorts, tennis shoes, and a muscle shirt, his gun holstered at his waist. The bunch of them looked like they were ready for business in a beachy sort of way.
Kate pulled open the speakeasy door that had an iron grate over it, which made it perfect for telling solicitors to get lost without having to open the whole door. “It’s Benjamin.” Kate sounded resigned.
“Let him in.” Lexi also sounded as though it was a necessary evil, and that she wasn’t eager to hang out with him, which Ryder was glad for.
He was ready to send the guy packing.
The redheaded, bearded man walked into the house and smiled brightly at Lexi, who hadn’t moved from her position near the sofa. She was smiling slightly. Benjamin had eyes only for her. He brushed past Kate as if she were a minor impediment and headed for Lexi.
Ryder strode from the stairs to join Lexi, then realized he was being a little territorial and stopped in his tracks, but he caught Benjamin’s eye. Benjamin swung his attention in Ryder’s direction and saw Mike, too, both armed, except Ryder was dressed in a swimsuit like Lexi. The guy only had to put two and two together to figure out something more was going on between Ryder and Lexi. Both Mike and Ryder were wearing growly expressions.
“What’s with all the guns? I came to see you because I just returned from Italy. Well, four days ago. I told you I would, but I wanted to surprise you,” Benjamin said, his attention back on Lexi as he stood before her.
He looked like he wanted to give her a kiss. He’d better not do it.
“If you know what’s good for you, you’ll leave,” Ryder said before Lexi could say anything to Benjamin.
Kate’s mouth gaped, and Lexi’s jaw dropped. Mike’s growly expression turned into a smile.
“Excuse me?” Lexi said, and Ryder clarified what he meant.
“For your own protection.” Ryder motioned to the guns they were all carrying. “You asked what was up with all the guns. Some men want Lexi, thinking she can provide important information to them. It’s not safe for you to be around her.”
“What about you?” Benjamin asked. “It looks like you’re more dressed for playing than for protecting.”
“It goes with the job.” Ryder noticed Kate wasn’t smiling but glancing at Lexi to see her take on it.
“I’m not afraid of anyone.” Benjamin wasn’t getting the message.
Lexi said, “Let’s go to the patio and have a drink, shall we? Mike, can you get us some drinks?”
Ryder wanted to growl. Lexi looked sharply at him, and he realized he had growled a little. He smiled at her. He couldn’t help it, but he wondered how many dates this joker had gone out with her on. She gave Ryder a look to mind his manners.
“Yeah, sure thing.” Mike followed them out to the patio.
Kate patted Ryder’s arm. “Don’t worry. She’s getting ready to dump him.”
“Three dates and he’s out?” Ryder felt less annoyed, thinking Lexi was going to give Benjamin the boot. At least he was hoping she would.
Kate smiled. “You know, if you hadn’t gotten all growly over it, she would have just told him she wasn’t seeing him anymore. But then she had to prove to you that you weren’t running the show.”
“That I’m just the bodyguard.” Ryder hadn’t meant to sound so disgruntled over it.
“No. Not at all. She hasn’t shown this much interest in a guy since I’ve worked for her. And I’m not talking about Benjamin. You are the one she’s set her sights on.”
“So I screwed up.”
“Yeah, but I’m sure you can come up with a way to make it up to her. I wouldn’t leave her alone out there on the patio with that guy for too long.”
“Thanks for the advice, Kate.” Ryder headed out to the patio where Lexi and Benjamin were sitting at one of the tables under an awning.
After setting his gun down on a table next to one of the chaise longues, Ryder walked over to join Lexi. Since his business was protecting her, he interrupted Benjamin, who was telling all about his trip to Italy. “Excuse me, Lexi, did you smell any sign of trouble in the house?”
Lexi smiled at him. Ryder thought that was a good sign. He even wondered if she had been waiting for him to rescue her.
“No. They didn’t enter the house while we were away.” She took a sip of what looked to be an iced tea. Benjamin was drinking a beer.
“Good.” Ryder was still concerned about her having her parties here at the house. Then again, keeping her safeguarded at some other location could be a problem too.
A full bar was set up on the deck, and the sauna looked as inviting as the pool. He was ready to start applying her suntan lotion.
“As I was saying, the Venetian glass art was spectacular. Every piece handmade, just beautiful,” Benjamin said, focused on Lexi, his scent turning annoyed.
Good. Ryder was annoyed the guy was here bugging Lexi.
“And you got something for Lexi from one of those shops?” Ryder folded his arms as he hovered over them, not about to move unless Tremaine’s men intruded, or Lexi wanted him to do something else.
Lexi smiled at Benjamin, waiting expectantly to hear his response.
Benjamin glowered at Ryder and looked him up and down. “What are you, anyway? The hired help? Go clean the pool and butt out of our affairs.”
“I take that as a no, you didn’t get Lexi anything from Italy,” Ryder said. “Now
if I’d been there, well, I would have taken her with me, for one thing.” He smiled at Benjamin. “I think you might be getting a little sunburned, Lexi. Did you want me to apply your sunscreen while you’re talking to this guy?”
“I think we’re done here. Benjamin, I had fun on our last three dates, but as I told you before, that’s all I allow myself before I call it quits with a wolf.”
“We’ve only had two,” Benjamin said, frowning at her.
“Today makes three.”
“Yeah, she counted the seven or eight times I’ve been with her as a date, even when I hadn’t thought they counted,” Ryder said, as if he were part of the conversation.
Lexi looked like she was fighting a smile. Mike was wiping off the bar counter, as if he was the permanent bartender, listening in on the conversation. Kate headed outside with her laptop, giving Ryder a wink.
Benjamin couldn’t have looked any frostier. “Is this all because I didn’t get you a present from Venice, Lexi? Why should I, when you make a lot more money than me and you have this crazy system of dating a wolf only three times?”
“More dates with me,” Ryder reminded him. “I still would have gotten her a gift, just to show she meant something special to me while I was away and that I’d been thinking of her. But we’ve already had a lot of life experiences together: rescuing bear cubs to begin with and protecting her from paparazzi and thugs. That was just the beginning of the fun.”
“I told you why,” Lexi said, ignoring Ryder. “There’s no connection between us.”
