the boardwalk to the sand. Gigi slipped off her flip flops and walked to the shoreline, her hand held snug in Owen’s.
Despite the circumstances, peace filled Owen. Sun, sand, ocean, and Gigi. Nothing was better than this. Her request to go to Hawaii held definite appeal, and Owen planned to make that visit happen for her. In fact, Hawaii sounded like the perfect place for a honeymoon. All he had to do was convince the woman of his dreams to marry him as soon as possible. After waiting more than a decade, he didn’t want to wait any longer to make Gigi his. He wanted love, laughter, and a life with her.
Owen kissed the back of her hand. “Doing okay?”
“The spiders are back.”
“I feel them, too. I spotted one of Gonzalez’s men before we left the cottage.”
“One?”
“Doubt he’s working alone. I’m an unknown. If they’re smart, at least two men are tracking us. We’ll see how soon they make a move. Let me worry about them. Enjoy the sand and surf.”
“I wish this was just us.”
“Soon, G. I promise.”
“I’m holding you to that. So, Owen, if you could go anywhere in the world for a vacation, where would you go?”
“Anywhere you are.”
“Sweet. Lucky for you I feel the same way. Let’s try this. What are your favorite things to do on vacations?” She bumped shoulders with him. “You already know I love to shop, and you always do what I want. I’d like to plan the next vacation with you in mind.”
He stopped and turned to Gigi, cupping her nape. “Horseback riding in the mountains. I’d love to stay in a cabin where we’re totally alone and I can spend time with you. No interruptions, no worries about the feds on our backs, or corralling rowdy mercenaries with more enthusiasm than experience. I still want you to have access to things that make you happy. What about a place that has shopping and a day spa for you?”
“I’d love a day spa package for couples.”
“Give me several possible dates. We’ll make plans.” He brushed his mouth over hers. “I love you, G,” he murmured. “So much that I ache with it.”
“I love you, too.” Gigi drew him down for longer, deeper kiss. “I’m so happy to be yours.”
Although he wanted more kisses, Owen felt Gonzalez’s men closing in on them. “Walk,” he whispered against her mouth. “If the men are aggressive, give me room.”
Gigi eased away from him with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes and resumed walking along the shoreline. Despite the love and confidence in her expression and bearing, Owen felt her trembling, and it made him furious. His woman shouldn’t be afraid. Owen’s determination grew to finish this mission as soon as possible, and take Gigi home.
Owen wrapped his arm around her waist to lend physical support and keep her close. He and Gigi continued their walk along the beach until they reached a more deserted stretch of sand. Owen wasn’t surprised when two men cut across the sand, heading their direction. Dressed in black cargo pants, combat boots, short-sleeved black t-shirts, and weapons in holsters, Gonzalez’s men stood out on a beach populated by people dressed for swimming. The few people in the vicinity gave the men a wide berth.
“Show no fear,” he murmured to Gigi. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”
She leaned her head against his shoulder as though she didn’t have a care in the world.
Owen stopped and waited for the men to approach. As they drew near, he noted multiple weapons on the pair. Did they think the hardware intimidated him? Owen was armed and trained to handle more than one threat at a time. Unless he was mistaken, two more of Gonzalez’s men trailed behind him and Gigi.
When the men were within six feet, Owen said, “That’s far enough. What do you want?”
The taller man said, “Gonzalez sent a message.”
“I’m listening.”
“Be at his home tomorrow evening for cocktails and dinner. If you reach an agreement, your merchandise will be ready for transport immediately.”
“Which house? Your boss owns three in this area alone and two others an hour from Loera.”
Tall Man rattled off an address. “Cocktails at 7:00. Don’t be late. The boss won’t like it.”
“Tell Gonzalez that my wife and I look forward to tomorrow night.”
Short Man sneered. “The woman isn’t invited. It’s business. The boss doesn’t allow women during business negotiations.”
“Where I go, she goes. That’s not negotiable. If Gonzalez refuses to allow Gina to accompany me, my wife