of wasting time shopping. Since that wasn’t possible, she chose stores likely to have items her mother would like. Gigi didn’t want to purchase reminders of these days in Mexico for herself. The only good thing about this trip was being with Owen.
After they loaded their empty plates and bottles on the cart and pushed it to the enclosed concrete pad for food carts set up beside the cottage, Owen turned to Gigi and cupped her nape. “Ready to turn in?”
She nodded.
“Start the shower. It’s large enough for two people, just the way I like it. I’ll join you after I lock up.” He nudged her toward the side door, walking behind her.
Chills surged up Gigi’s spine when she realized Owen was between her and anyone watching them. One of those men might have a gun aimed at him. She hurried into the cottage as though excited to do his bidding.
Once they were inside and hidden from sight, Gigi turned back to Owen. “Shower?” she mouthed.
He nodded.
She walked to the master bathroom and turned on the shower full blast. With water pouring from the shower head in the tiled enclosure, Gigi didn’t hear Owen when he walked into the bathroom. She jerked when she turned and saw him.
“Sorry,” he murmured. “We can talk freely if we keep our voices low. You doing okay?”
“I hate being on stage every minute. Apparently, I’m not destined for Hollywood.”
“Same.” He tugged her against him and held Gigi with one hand on her back, the other palming the back of her head. “We’ll stay here for a while to convince Gonzalez’s men we’re indulging in more than practicing good hygiene. After that, we’ll go to bed.”
“There’s only one bed.”
“We’ll both have to sleep in the bedroom. Otherwise, someone will report to Gonzalez that something is wrong.”
“How will the watchers know?”
“Easy. They’ll either pick the lock while we’re sleeping or out shopping tomorrow. If it’s tomorrow, they’ll add more electronics.”
Gigi shuddered at the thought of those men from the beach walking in on them or watching while they slept. “Thanks for guaranteeing I won’t sleep a wink until we’re home.”
He chuckled. “I rigged up crude, but effective early-warning systems. No one will catch us off guard.”
Thank goodness. “Good to know.”
“I’ll stay on top of the covers. I’d love to hold you while we sleep, though.”
“I’d like that,” she whispered.
They stayed in the bathroom for another twenty minutes. Owen kissed her, then murmured, “Get ready for bed while I look around outside.” When he released Gigi, he stripped off his shirt, making it appear that he’d only dressed enough to be decent while he searched outside the cottage. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.” And then he was gone.
Gigi took a slow, deep breath. Good grief. Owen Montgomery was ripped. Shaking off her distraction, Gigi gathered what she needed for bed. By the time, Owen returned from his security sweep, she wore yoga pants and a short-sleeved shirt.
His gaze slid over her quickly. He gave a nod of approval. “Keep your shoes handy.”
With a nod, Gigi moved her shoes closer to the bed for easy access. After Owen readied himself for bed, he left the bathroom wearing his cargo pants and t-shirt and gestured for her to climb under the covers. When she complied, Owen stretched out on top of the covers and rolled toward her. He tugged her back against his chest and wrapped his arm around her waist. “Sleep, baby,” he whispered. “I’ve got you.”
With that promise echoing in her mind, Gigi fell asleep.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Owen rested his arm on Gigi’s shoulders as they walked along the sidewalk of the main shopping district in Loera. Windows sparkled in the late morning sunshine, and natives and tourists alike crowded the sidewalk.
As he and Gigi passed stores, he searched the reflections on the shop windows, looking for Gonzalez’s soldiers. There they were. The same four men who confronted them on the beach yesterday were blatantly keeping tabs on him and Gigi today.
Did the goons expect him to meet with Gonzalez’s weapons dealer rivals on the street to make a side deal? Owen Michaels wouldn’t want to tick off a man supplying him with enough arms to hold the US government agencies at bay. Finding another dealer with that much stock wouldn’t be easy on short notice.
Gigi edged closer to Owen. “Are they still with us?”
“Oh, yeah. They should be hot and tired by now.” Suited him just fine.
She smiled. “Good. There’s a lingerie shop ahead. We should