long. I don’t do well inside for long periods. I need to be out in the fresh air and sunshine. We can sit here awhile. I’ll grill some burgers, and we can just relax, maybe swim or take the jet ski out for a spin.”
Miguel’s phone chimes, and his lips curve up as he checks the screen.
“What’s so funny?”
He lifts his dark eyes to me. “Tyler’s checking up on you.” As he keys in a reply and hits send, he regards me curiously.
The thought makes me smile. “Do you know him well?”
Miguel shrugs. “As well as can be expected. Tyler is a bit of a loner. He keeps pretty much to himself. What about you? How well do you know him?”
Not as well as I’d like to. My cheeks grow warm, and I chalk it up to the sun. Stepping off my barstool, I peel off my t-shirt and head down to the swim platform. “I’m changing into swim trunks and taking the jet ski out. Do you want to join me?”
Miguel hops up and follows me down the steps, patting his jacket pockets. “I’m afraid I didn’t pack any swim wear.”
“I’ve got clean spares in the stateroom. Help yourself. Or, stay on board. It’s your call. Do you know how to swim?”
“Yeah.”
In the end, Miguel decides to change, and he joins me in the water. I haul out the jet ski and a pair of lifejackets, and we take turns churning up the water.
After all our horsing around, we climb back on board, and I pull out the protein bars and some chips I found in the cupboard.
“So, what do you do for a living?” Miguel asks me as we eat at the bar.
I hate it when people ask me this. “Nothing really.”
His eyes widen in surprise. “Nothing?”
“My sister and I both inherited sizeable trust funds from our paternal grandfather. Neither one of us needs to work. Besides, I wouldn’t know what to do anyway. I have trouble sitting still for long.”
“What about your sister?”
“She’s a student at University of Chicago, currently majoring in psychology, but that could change at any moment.”
“What do you like to do?” he says.
I shrug. “I like being outside. I like the water and my boat. And photography.”
“Well, there you go. You could be an outdoor photographer.”
“I suppose. What about you?”
He grins at me. “I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I have to work for a living.”
“Does bodyguarding pay well?”
He nods. “It’s good money. I can’t complain.”
“Do you like it?”
“Yeah, I do. I like protecting people. I’m not afraid to get between my client and someone who means them harm. It’s very rewarding work because I know what I do makes a difference in someone’s life. Sometimes it’s the difference between life and death. Not everyone can say that.”
I can hear the conviction in his voice, the passion. He means what he says. He’s selfless.
After we finish eating, Miguel checks his phone again. “We’d better head back. Tyler wants to talk to you.”
My heart skips a beat at the thought of seeing Tyler again. I don’t know what he wants, but it must be serious if he’s willing to face me after last night’s kiss.
Miguel helps me stow the jet ski. Then we change back into our clothes and return to the marina. I’m wired with anticipation, and I can’t stop wondering how he’ll act. Will he pretend it didn’t happen? Will he want a repeat? As much as I do, I’m not going to hold my breath.
By the time we get back, it’s mid-afternoon. I dock the Carpe Diem in her slip, and with Miguel’s help, secure the boat. I hop in my car, and Miguel follows me in his vintage black Ford Mustang. When I arrive back at my townhouse, I spot Tyler’s BMW parked in my driveway. The patrol car is gone.
As I pull into my drive, I realize Miguel’s gone. He was right behind me a few minutes ago, but now he’s nowhere to be seen.
By the time I park my Porsche in the carriage house and shut off the engine, my pulse is racing.
Tyler’s appears at my door, his expression sober as he opens my door. “We need to talk.” He’s all business, his tone direct and professional.
My dream of a repeat kiss goes right out the window. “Well, hello to you, too.”
He scowls. “This isn’t a personal call, Ian. It’s official business.”
“Let’s go inside.” I nod toward the house, and Tyler follows me through