arms around Owen’s neck and poured the love she felt for this amazing man into their kiss. Did he understand what she was saying without words? Long minutes later, she broke the kiss. “I love you, Owen. I’ve loved you since we were seniors in high school.”
“Don’t ask me to risk your life, G.”
“This is the best way to protect you. We both know Gonzalez won’t stop coming for Toni and Ellis. I want her to have a life with the man she loves and their child.”
“What about us? Don’t we deserve a life together?”
“Of course we do. Owen, we’re stronger together than apart. Let me protect you.” She smiled. “I can be very convincing arm candy because I adore you. Besides, if you think I’ll let some other woman put her mouth on yours, you need your head examined.”
When Owen laughed, Gigi knew she’d won this argument. “I wasn’t looking forward to that,” he admitted.
“Your reluctance would have showed.”
Sobering, he kissed her forehead. “While that may be true, I would have hidden my discomfort.”
“Now, you don’t have to act out a lie.”
“If I agree to this, you have to promise me something.”
“Name it.”
“You’ll do exactly as I tell you without question. I may not have time to explain.”
“I promise.” He was the expert in these situations. She’d be stupid to balk when he gave her an order for her own protection.
“If I tell you to run, make tracks without waiting for me.” He cupped her chin with his hand. “I’m serious, G. I’ll always stand between you and a threat, and will protect myself better after I know you’re safe.”
Although she didn’t like the possibility of leaving him behind without anyone to watch his back, if Gigi insisted on staying to help, Owen’s attention would be divided between dealing with the threat and protecting her. She brushed her mouth over his. “You have my word. However, I won’t give you blind obedience on everything in our lives.”
Owen snorted. “That thought never crossed my mind.”
She winked. “As long as we’re clear on that point, I’ll concede to following your orders in dangerous situations.”
“Let’s hope we don’t have too many of those in the future.” He stilled, then blew out a breath. “I need to talk to your father.”
“Why?”
“I can’t ask you to marry me until I have his permission.”
Her jaw dropped. Marriage? Wait a minute. She wasn’t a kid anymore. “I’m 30 years old.”
“He’s your father, and my future father-in-law. I don’t want to start our life together by disrespecting him.”
Tears stung Gigi’s eyes. “Although he’ll appreciate the gesture, you don’t have anything to worry about. My parents adore you.”
“As your friend, sure. As your future husband? We’ll see.”
“When will you talk to him?”
“As soon as possible. I don’t want someone in town to tell your parents about us.”
“Good idea.” Gigi could just imagine how that would go over since she’d neglected to call them herself.
“Did you assess your clothes?”
She nodded. “I’ll need two more outfits. We don’t need a boutique unless you think Gonzalez might invite us to a black-tie dinner. This is supposed to be a business meeting, not a social event.”
“Best to be prepared for a meal with Gonzalez, just in case.”
Gigi wrinkled her nose. At the rate she was spending money on clothes, Owen might think his girlfriend was a fashionista. Since she was on her feet for hours each day at the B & B, Gigi preferred to wear comfortable clothes better suited to running up and down stairs and wrangling dogs and kids than clothes appropriate for a serious social engagement. “All right.”
“Give me ten minutes, and I’ll be ready to go. I need a few items myself. If we share a meal with Gonzalez, I can’t wear my Fortress uniform.”
Gigi stepped back. “I’ll use my phone to look up nearby shops.” She returned to the living room. When she glanced back, Owen was talking on his phone.
“Everything okay?” Jesse asked.
Gigi glanced at the medic. “He agreed to let me go to Mexico.”
Brody whistled. “Nice work, Gigi. I didn’t think he’d go for it.”
“He’s not happy, but I told him I didn’t want another woman kissing him.”
Both operatives laughed. “Good for you,” Jesse said. “You’ll be the perfect partner for him.”
She hoped so. She’d need to do her own Oscar-winning acting job. “Have you stayed in this area of town before?”
“Several times. What do you need?”
Gigi grimaced. “Clothes for me and Owen. Do you have suggestions?”
“Try McGuire’s,” Brody said. “They’re well known for fine