Chapter Five
When Peyton returned to coaching Aurora, Noah called his bosses. He didn’t plan on charging Owen—this was a favor for a brother in arms—but he needed to let them know what was going on. After he explained the situation, they insisted that it was a COBRA Securities operation and that he had the full resources of the offices. Man, his bosses were the best. He couldn’t imagine working for a better organization. Logan and Luke were not only cool, but they were his family, as were all his coworkers—Ethan, Maggie and Carter literally. Each assignment was important and exciting, fueling the adrenalin junkie in him.
Next, he called BeBe Davis, their office manager extraordinaire, asking her to locate a property close to the Benton’s house they could rent. The neighborhood was exclusive and there wasn’t a hotel close. The tough part of the deal would be convincing Peyton to relocate with him. He didn’t want to be far away from her in case the stalker made his move and he didn’t think it’d be right for him to stay in the pool house. They’d either need to explain to the parents what was happening and Peyton didn’t want that, or they’d have to pretend to be a couple and that wouldn’t be a good example to set with an impressionable teenager who was already testing her wings.
BeBe called back five minutes later. Somehow, someway, she’d waved her magic wand and found a house down the street. She texted him the code to the security gate. He shook his head. Many of his coworkers joked that she was part witch because there was no task she couldn’t handle, no challenge too big or too small. He believed it.
Finally, he called his brother to let him know he’d be staying for however long it took to find out who was sending the notes. Ethan wanted to drive up and help, and Noah told him that he might take him up on the offer, depending on how the investigation went or if the stalker ramped up his threats.
He hung up and watched Peyton pace the length of the pool. She was an excellent coach. Swimming had been one of his passions growing up. He and his siblings spent so much time in the water, it’d become a second home. If it wasn’t a pond in the commune they currently called home, it was the neighborhood pool when they visited their grandparents. Joining the Navy had been a no-brainer and then the SEALs the next step. It was all about the water.
From what he could tell from one session, Aurora had raw talent. Peyton was trying to coax it out of her, but the teen was either uninterested or lazy. He could read the frustration on Peyton’s face from the distance. She was the most elite athlete in the sport. She’d demand that from anyone she coached. It was obvious that this wasn’t a good match. Though Aurora might have the talent, she didn’t have the discipline. She’d never be an Olympian.
The phone on the table beside him buzzed. He reached for it and realized it was Peyton’s cell. He didn’t want to interrupt her session, even after it buzzed two more times and then chimed a text. Someone really wanted to get in touch with her.
Deciding he was making sure there wasn’t a serious problem, he turned the phone over and read the text on the screen. He heard a growl and realized it was coming from him. The text was from Mark, the basketball coach. He couldn’t wait to see Peyton tonight and he’d pick her up at six. Noah glanced at his watch. It was a little after four now.
Peyton was crouched down watching Aurora stroke through the water. Why hadn’t she told him she had a date tonight? Well, she wasn’t going. That’s all there was to it. And it wasn’t just because he was jealous…strike that. It wasn’t that he was jealous. Peyton wasn’t his. He didn’t want her to take unnecessary risks until they uncovered the stalker, that was all.
Liar, his brain whispered. He ignored it.
Finally, Peyton blew the whistle. “One hour for dinner and rest and then I want you back here for more training.”
“But it’s Saturday,” Aurora whined.
“State is less than a week away. You can’t afford days off.”
Aurora ripped off her goggles and jerked herself out of the pool, sending water sluicing off her body. She didn’t acknowledge Peyton as she grabbed her towel and stalked to the house.
“She’s a treat.”
Peyton shook her head. “She has such potential. I really thought I could motivate her, but she just doesn’t have the drive.”
Trying to look deceptively nonchalant, he nodded towards the table and said, “Your phone’s been ringing like crazy.”
“I hope it’s not Owen.” She snatched it up, her brows dipping as she read the text. Then her shoulders sagged. “Oh, gosh, it’s from Mark. I completely forgot.”
#
Peyton stared at the text from Mark, not understanding the meaning at first. He was picking her up. Why? They certainly didn’t have a date. Then realization dawned. “Oh gosh, I completely forgot.”
Noah was looking at her expectantly. “There’s a fundraiser at the community center tonight. After everything that happened, I completely forgot.” She checked her watch. She needed to shower and change, and it would still be cutting it close.
“Peyton, until the stalker is caught, I don’t think you should go.”
“I have to.” They’d used her name as a draw to bring in potential donors, so she had to attend. “I’m giving a speech.” That she hadn’t even had a chance to write. She’d have to wing it.
“Then I’m going too,” he insisted.
She eyed Noah’s attire. Though he looked positively mouthwatering in Owen’s t-shirt, the arms stretched over his bulging biceps, and tactical pants with boots, it didn’t quite qualify for black tie. “It’s formal.”
“Got it covered.”
She could argue that she didn’t need a bodyguard, but the thought of walking into the event on his arm sent another delicious shiver down her spine, reminding her of the first one. “I have to attend a wedding tomorrow, too.”
“Have to as in you’re in it?”
“Have to as in she’s one of my closest friends in the world. We were teammates for several years. Lotus is a…free spirit. I guess that’s the best way to describe her.”
Noah chuckled fondly. “I know all about free spirits.”
A sudden stab of jealousy pierced her. She couldn’t picture Noah with a woman like Lotus, who meditated and taught tantric sex classes. “You do?”
“My parents.”
That surprised her. “Really?”
“Oh yeah. Grew up on a commune where free spirit was the rally cry.”
“I want all the details.” She wanted to know everything there was to know about the man who’d appeared in her life when she needed him.
“It’s a long story and we need to get ready. When and where is the ceremony tomorrow?”
“At ten in the morning north of here. Zion. It’s on a beach along Lake Michigan.”
“Outdoors?”
“Yes.”
“Great,” he grumbled.
“If you want to shower, then go first. It’ll take me longer.”
He pushed up from the lounge chair. “I’ll grab my bag from the SUV.” He stopped suddenly and turned around. She jerked her gaze from his firm, excellent butt to his devastatingly handsome face to find a knowing twinkle in his eyes. Busted.
“You better let that Mark guy know you’re riding with me.”
“How did you—?” He’d already taken off for the SUV at a jog. The snoop had read the text message. Once he and his excellent physique were out of sight, she dialed Mark’s number. She’d specifically told him she’d meet him there, and not as a date.
“Hey, Peyton. Thank God. I was getting worried when I couldn’t get in touch with you.”
What was with the smothering? They’d only gone out once. “I got your message, Mark. I don’t need you to pick me up. I’ll drive myself.”
“It’s not a problem. I’ll just swing by after I get ready and we can chat first, maybe have a glass of wine.”
She sighed. It’d been a mistake to accept the first date with him. She never would have if she’d known he’d become so clingy. “Look Mark, I don’t mean to hurt you, but I’m bringing someone with me.”
Silence. Then a low, “Who?”
“A friend.”
“Is it that big guy from this morning?”
No sense in lying since Mark would see him there. “Yes.”
“Dump him, Peyton. I’ll take you. We’re good together. Give me a chance.”
How many times could she say no to someone? She didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but he refused to listen to her. “I’m sorry Mark. I’ll see you there.”
“But—”
She disconnected before he could voice his objections and headed inside her apartment. She’d told him so many times that she wasn’t interested. She agreed to their one and only date after he’d worn her down. Mistake on her part.
Pushing thoughts of Mark aside, she grabbed a bottle of water from her fridge. Noah returned with a black leather garment bag and a small duffel.
“I’ll be out in a few,” he said before disappearing into her tiny bathroom. She gathered the dress she’d purchased for the event, underwear and shoes. The gown featured a fitted top with a tulle skirt in a shimmering gold. She’d prefer to wear a different color, but it was always expected that she’d wear the color.
Her eyes widened when Noah stepped out of the bathroom in a cloud of steam. He was clean-shaven, wearing black dress pants and a white oxford that he’d left unbuttoned. Her mouth watered. The hard ridges of his abs were on display and she longed to run her fingers over the bumps.
“All done,” he said.
Shaking the lust-filled thoughts from her head, she gathered her clothing and brushed by him, her knees weakening at the delicious smell of woodsy cologne and virile male. She wasn’t sure she was strong enough to hide her growing feelings for her brother’s best friend.
#
Knotting the navy tie, Noah finished dressing and waited for Peyton to emerge from the bathroom. Tossing a suit into the SUV was a last-minute decision he was glad he’d thought of. There was no way Peyton was attending the event alone, and no way in hell he was letting Mark take her.
His phone chimed a text. He pulled it from his pocket and read the note from Peyton’s brother, her very overprotective brother. She’d been right about that.
She agree yet?
Damn, didn’t Owen trust him? Yes.
Thank the good Lord, was Owen’s quick response.
Whatever he planned on typing back was lost when Peyton emerged from the bathroom. She wore a shimmery gold dress that molded to her athletic figure and showcased all her curves and muscles. Her blond hair was piled on her head in some kind of intricate twist with a few strands surrounding her heart-shaped face. He’d never seen her with make-up of any kind. Though she didn’t need it, she was the most stunning woman he’d ever seen.
“You, uh,” he had to clear his throat. “You look beautiful,” he said in a huge understatement. She was gorgeous.
A pink blush tinged her cheeks. “Thanks. You, too.”
“You ready?”
She nodded and grabbed a small purse from the island. He escorted her to the SUV and opened the passenger door. She gave a surprised yelp when he lifted her inside. He rounded the hood, feeling very much like he was taking the prom queen out for a first date. But it wasn’t a date. He was protecting her. He’d best remember that.
He waited until they were down the road before he broached the subject he needed to address. “I’m not going anywhere until this guy is caught.”
“I really think you and Owen are overreacting,” she protested.
“I don’t and I’m not willing to risk it. Along those lines, this person knows where you live. He managed to leave you messages without being caught. That means he can get close, maybe even someone you know. It’s not safe for you to stay in the pool house.” He glanced at her to gauge her reaction. She seemed to be listening intently. “I’ve secured a safe house down the street.”
“You rented a house?”
“My firm did, yes. And I think it’d be best if you stayed there while you finish your contract.”
He braked in a line of traffic. She twisted in her seat to face him. “You want me to move into a house with you?”
Why did he like the sound of that so much? “Yes, so I can monitor who comes and goes. It’s close enough that you can coach Aurora without interruption.”
“Okay.”
Noah’s brows lifted and he turned to her. “Okay? Just like that?”
She readjusted in her seat until she was facing forward again. “I trust you and if you think it’s what needs to happen, then I’ll do it.” She held up a finger. “But I still want to go on record as saying that I think you’re completely overreacting.”
“Noted,” he said, a relieved smile curling his lips. He thought he’d have to do some serious negotiating to get her to agree, but she’d surprised him.
Another finger, “Also, I retain the right to say no if you to tell me to do something I don’t want to do. I’m a grown woman and I make my own choices. I’m not going to take unnecessary risks. And,” she continued when he opened his mouth to argue, “I know you’re the professional and I will bow to your expertise. But don’t think it’s something that will sit well with me or something I’ll do unrelated to the situation.”
He wondered if she’d take his orders in the bedroom and then squashed the thoughts down.
“Now shush so I can work on my speech.”
He glanced over at her. “Did you just shush me?”
She smiled cheekily. “I did.”
“Okay.”
Her smile widened as she scribbled notes on a sheet of paper. He pulled into the parking lot of the community center twenty minutes later and found a spot close to the exit. It’d be a longer walk, but he didn’t want to get pinned in and it allowed for a quick escape if needed. He shut off the engine and jumped out, hurrying to open Peyton’s door and lift her from her seat. Once she was on the ground, she smoothed the wrinkles from her dress and threaded her arm through his as he guided her inside, his gaze scanning the area for any threats. A valet station had been set up for the rich donors expected to attend the event. A queue of expensive cars were already lined up waiting to be parked. A middle-aged woman with short brown hair and a sparkly blue dress stood at the door with a clipboard in her hand. She squealed when she spotted Peyton and ran up to hug her.
“We’re so thankful for you coming tonight, Peyton,” the woman said. “Your name alone sold out the tickets.”
“I’m glad to do it, Martha.” She turned and introduced him to the woman who was the assistant director of the center. Martha’s curious gaze raked him up and down and up again and he fought to keep a blush from creeping up his neck at her blatant approval. He nodded politely and stepped around her, entering the gymnasium that had been completely transformed for the event.
There was no doubt Peyton was the star of the night. They hadn’t made it five feet before she was mobbed. She smiled for everyone and posed for endless pictures. He stood back and watched her interact with the people. She was a natural.
Someone asked her a question and she nodded before freezing and jerking her gaze to him. He was instantly at her side.
“I forgot my notes in the SUV.”
He hated leaving her for even a minute, but she was surrounded by a sea of people. It’d take an idiot to try something in here. “I’ll get them.”
She placed a hand on his arm. “Thank you.”
He weaved through the tables, smiling politely at the people he passed. There was wealth in the room, judging from the Dior dresses, Ermenegildo Zegna suits, Rolex watches and diamonds dripping from most of the women in attendance. Hopefully they were feeling generous and would open their pocketbooks to support the community center.
He’d almost made it to the door when Martha cornered him and questioned him about his relationship to Peyton. She stood very close, invading his personal space and regarded him intently. Fighting the urge to step back, he repeated Peyton’s explanation about being old friends. Before she could ask more questions, he excused himself and headed outside. He indicated to the man taking tickets that he would be right back, and the man nodded in understanding.
The fresh air felt good after the stuffy gym. He wasn’t a fan of wearing a suit and right now, the tie felt like it was choking him. The parking lot rapidly filled up with an assortment of cars ranging from Mercedes Benz, Rolls Royce and Lexus to Prius and everything in between.
He found Peyton’s speech right where she’d told him to look. He slipped the paper in his inside pocket and closed the door, hitting the key fob as he walked away to lock the doors.
“Look out!”
Something slammed into him, sending air exploding from his lungs. He hit the pavement with bone-jarring force and what felt like an elephant on top of him. He landed on his injured arm and stars danced in his eyes. This was why he played baseball and basketball in high school instead of football. Getting tackled hurt. And he didn’t even have the luxury of pads. He was so busy trying to regain his breath, he almost missed the sound of the gunshot that cracked dangerously close. He was getting pretty damn tired of getting shot at.
“Stay here,” the man who tackled him ordered. The weight lifted from his chest as the man took off in the direction of the shooter.
Pushing to his feet, he fought for breath while dialing his phone. When Peyton answered, relief hit him as hard as the unknown man. He told her to stay put as he saw the man jogging back to him. He was around Noah’s six-five height, incredibly fit with dark hair cut military short and what looked like a Glock in his grip. He was wearing a t-shirt, shorts and running shoes.
Noah brushed rocks from his palms and then held out a scraped hand. “Thanks. You saved my life.” The guy had a strong, firm grip. “You a cop?”
He shook his head. “Marine.”
Noah barely contained a groan. Great. He’d been saved by a jarhead. He’d never hear the end if his SEAL teammates got wind of the incident.
“MARSOC…or I was.”
That made him feel marginally better. The Marine Special Operations Command were bad asses. Not as bad ass as the SEAL’s, but then, he was incredibly biased.
“Noah Addison.”
“Declan Elliot.”
“Did you find the shooter?”
Declan shook his head. “I caught the reflection of the barrel up there.” He pointed to an open window in an apartment building across the street. “Door was open when I got up there, but the perp was gone.” His eyes narrowed. “You must’ve really pissed someone off.”
Or someone was trying to eliminate him to get to Peyton. Not going to happen.
“Are you on active duty?”
“Honorable discharge, as of two days ago.”
“Do you have a job lined up?”
“Not yet. Came home to decompress before I decide the next step.”
Noah withdrew a business card from his pocket. “I work for COBRA Securities.”
“Oh, yeah? I’ve heard of you guys. Your reputation is the best in the business.”
“If you’re looking for work, give me a call in a week or so.” Hopefully he’d have this wrapped up by then. “I’ll recommend you to my bosses. You couldn’t work for a better company.”
Declan read the card and nodded as he tucked it into a pocket in his shorts. “Thanks. I might do that.”
“Can I get your number in case there are any questions about the shooting?”
Declan recited the digits and Noah keyed them into his phone. He shook Declan’s hand and thanked him again before jogging to the center to find Peyton. He needed to get her out of there as soon as possible. There was no telling where the shooter was right now. He didn’t want to take the chance that he might try again.
It’d been an eventful day.
#
The gunman sighted his target, inhaled deeply and held the breath as his instructor taught him, and then gently squeezed the trigger, anticipating watching the big man’s head explode in a bloom of crimson red.
He jerked his gaze from the sight to see an equally huge man tackle his target to the ground. His shot went wide.
The second behemoth turned and looked directly at him.
“Shit.” He fumbled with his rifle, stuffing it into its case and scrambling from his perch before he secured the latches. He couldn’t afford to get caught. He had too much to accomplish.
He already had Peyton on edge with the medals. Wait until she understood the full extent of his fury.
He rushed down the decrepit steps and stashed the gun in the alcove he’d found earlier. It’d be impossible to find unless you knew where to look. He could retrieve it when the heat died down. Even if it was discovered, the gun wasn’t registered, and he’d made sure to wear gloves so his prints wouldn’t be found—even on the shell casings. He watched CSI so he knew what not to do. Leaving a stray print on a bullet was a huge no-no. That’s how they caught many an idiot. He dashed outside and darted down the block. He had places to be and he’d hoped to eliminate one obstacle to his endgame. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen.
There was always tomorrow.