SEAL's RESOLVE - Rebecca Deel Page 0,58
Abigail’s dress. Rafe rescued me.” She glanced at Rafe whose lips edged up at the corners.
“Are you okay, Kristi?”
She dragged her attention from the muscular operative. “Thanks to Rafe, I’m fine.”
Jill stood and cupped Kristi’s chin. She scowled. “No, you’re not. Even the best makeup job in the world can’t hide that bruise on your jaw or the one forming on your forehead.” Kristi’s assistant glared at Rafe. “How did she get those bruises?”
“The kidnappers hurt her. Most of the bruises are from the night she was taken.”
Her jaw dropped. “There are more?”
“Jill, I’m fine,” Kristi said. “Rafe saved my life more than once over the past two days. Don’t blame him for the bruises. We need to start on our to-do list. Maggie will arrive with her mother soon. We have continuous appointments today.” After that, Kristi would have another late night as she worked on Maggie’s dress.
Her friend blew out a breath. “Right. Did you finalize Maggie’s designs?”
“They’re in the white binder on the cutting table. Go look at them. I’ll be right there.” When Jill left, Kristi walked to Rafe and brushed her mouth over his. “Everything okay?”
He shook his head.
“What’s wrong?”
“I checked the first floor for listening devices and cameras.”
Her blood ran cold. Based on his expression, the news wasn’t good. “How many did you find?”
“Six bugs so far, and two cameras. I still need to scan the bathroom and the rooms on the right side of the hall. One of the cameras was in your workroom. The other was in the living room. Once I complete the first-floor search, I’ll go upstairs.”
Cold chills surged up Kristi’s spine. “Can you tell how long they’ve been in place?”
He hugged her. “No, but I’m getting rid of everything. By the time I’m finished, you won’t have to worry about someone listening to your conversations or spying on you with a camera.”
“Who is doing this?” she whispered, sick at heart.
He tightened his hold. “I don’t know, baby, but I’ll find out.”
“Kristi, those designs are amazing. I love what you did with them.” Jill stopped abruptly in the kitchen doorway. “Oops. Sorry.” She backpedaled. “I’ll go back to the workroom.” A second later, she was gone.
Jon and Eli chuckled as Kristi rested her head against Rafe’s shoulder, laughing softly. “Jill will have questions. I better answer them before Maggie and her mother arrive.” She kissed Rafe and headed for the workroom.
Jill’s cheeks were red. “What’s going on between you and the bodyguard? I thought you were marrying Hugh.”
“I shouldn’t have considered his proposal. I don’t love Hugh and never will.”
“He’s rich, good looking, and fun. You’re crazy for letting him get away.”
He was almost tapped out and had a gambling problem, but Kristi didn’t feel comfortable divulging that information yet. “Do you want to go out with him?”
Jill grimaced. “I doubt Hugh notices me. I don’t run in your circles. Anyway, what’s going on between you and the bodyguard? He looks familiar, but I can’t place him.”
“He used to date Callie. Rafe is a good man. He risked his life to save mine.”
“Is that all you feel? Grateful?”
“That’s the tip of the iceberg. He’s kind, loves dogs, treats me like a princess and a strong woman, and he’s a genuine hero with a heart of gold. I’m honored to have him in my life. I know that I’m his first priority. I won’t have to worry about him paying more attention to his own reflection in the mirror than to me. Rafe won’t notice other women except to assess whether they pose a threat to my safety. Rafe Torres is honorable to the core.”
Jill studied her a moment. “I haven’t heard you say anything like that about Hugh.”
“If I did, I’d be lying. I don’t see myself spending a lifetime with him.” Not like she could with Rafe.
“Hugh called several times while you were gone. He was worried and didn’t understand why you refused to answer his phone calls or texts.”
Kristi blinked. She’d forgotten to look in her purse for her phone. “We returned to town early this morning and drove to Dad’s office. I haven’t checked my phone.”
“Hugh knows we have several clients scheduled for today. Don’t be surprised if he checks on you.”
“I don’t have time to talk to him. We’re booked solid and will be lucky to squeeze in lunch.”
“Make time,” Jill said flatly. “I’ll cover for you while you talk to him. You owe Hugh common courtesy no matter how you feel about him.”
Although she was