Chapter 17 #2
"Nash, I'm sorry," Jason said when Nash reentered the room.
"If I'd anticipated Ruben would hire a guy like that, we would have kept a closer eye on him and could have given you a heads-up.
" Regret rang sharp in his tone. "Hightower mentioned Ruben might hire somebody since they didn't agree that Emil took the jewels.
But Hightower and WhiteRock both wrongly assumed he would hire a legit private investigator, not the mercenary type that showed up today. "
Nash retook his seat and popped a french fry in his mouth. "It's okay, Jason. Did you get a name?"
"Yeah," said Knox, his fingers flying over the keys of his laptop. "Ronan ID'd the guy. He just sent some stuff over." He squinted at the screen. "Guy's name is Tanner Wilkes. He's more of a fixer than a private investigator. An off-the-books guy that gets things done by any means necessary."
Nash grunted. "With a strong moral code, no doubt."
Knox snagged one of Nash's fries. "Well, he's out of the way for now. Drakos's security will sit on him for a couple of days."
"Thanks." He pushed his remaining fries toward Knox and rubbed his temples.
"For tomorrow night, I think we stick to the plan—Lena and I attend the party using our covers, make contact with Cassidy, and go from there.
" He looked at Jason. "It's your call. But given everything that's happened in the last forty-eight hours, I think it'd be best if all three of you were stationed nearby. "
Jason set down his water bottle with a firm nod. "Agreed."
They finalized a few more details and wrapped up. Nash was glad the meeting didn't go on too long. He was anxious to check on Lena, give her an update, and explain what to expect tomorrow. There were also other things he needed to explain—before he lost his nerve.
He knocked softly on her door, hoping she hadn't gone to bed early. A moment later, Lena opened the door wearing a comfy-looking, light-pink loungewear outfit. Damp hair, no make-up. Beautiful, innocent, weary, and worried.
"Hey. I just want to give you a heads-up about tomorrow."
"Oh yeah, sure. Of course. Come on in."
He entered her room and noted Nutmeg perched on a pile of pillows. The furball didn't even raise his head at Nash's entrance. "Not much of a guard dog tonight, is he?"
Lena's mouth curved up. "I think he just knew it was you."
He shook his head in mock-disappointment. "Maybe."
Her expression shifted. "So, tomorrow?"
He shoved a hand through his hair and filled her in about Ruben hiring Tanner Wilkes, assuring her Wilkes wouldn't be a threat anymore. He also explained that she needed to hang out at The Mandeville the next day until time for the party.
"Jason, Knox, and Allie will be close by tomorrow night in case we need anything."
Lena crossed her arms. "I know you all were hired to find the jewels, so I really hope that works out. But if nothing else—"
"Cassidy's safety is our first priority, Lena.
Don't worry about that. But yes, as long as you and Cassidy are safe, we're hoping to locate the jewels.
After the party tomorrow night, we may blow the whole cover idea, get you and Cassidy off the island, and then Jason, Knox, Allie, and I will come at Emil with a different plan.
We don't need to discuss any of that right now though.
Let's just get through the next twenty-four hours. "
Her arms uncrossed. "Sounds good to me."
And now for the conversation he'd been dreading.
"The other thing I needed to say . . . about that kiss this afternoon . . ."
She stilled. Her expression unreadable.
He rubbed the back of his neck. Why did he feel so nervous?
This shouldn't be complicated. The facts were simple.
"Obviously, I have feelings for you. But I don't want to mislead you.
" He cleared his throat. "What I mean is, like I explained on the beach, there's a reason I'm single right now.
My work has ruined a few relationships, or chances at relationships.
I change employers a lot. My income fluctuates.
My work takes me all over the world. I'm gone on long-term assignments a lot.
That's not fair to any kind of relationship.
I know that. I want to be fair to you. So I shouldn't—"
"Hey, I get it." She grabbed his arm, then released it, looking like she didn't know what to do with her hands. "But . . ."
She glanced at Nutmeg as if he could help finish her sentence. The furball raised his teddy-bear head and plopped it down again on the stack of pillows. Without rendering any aid to their awkward conversation.
Her gaze returned to his—and the spark of determination in her eyes caught him off-guard.
"Nash, I have to tell you . . . you have more integrity and stronger faith than any man I've ever met.
I think subconsciously I assumed I would compromise—for a relationship with a man whose faith in God wasn't as strong.
Just because . . . I've never known anyone like you.
I know we only met three days ago and I don't know if I'm what's best for you.
But any woman would be incredibly lucky to be in a relationship with you—even if you weren't around all the time—rather than settle for someone of lesser character who came home every night at five o'clock.
" She took a breath. "Sorry, that was a lot. "
Her words slammed into his chest. And knocked the door to his heart off its hinges.
He'd never met anyone like Lena Ashworth.
Every woman he'd ever dated, or considered dating, had made it clear that a relationship couldn't survive all his work travel.
A relationship with him hadn't been worth the sacrifice.
But Lena . . . She saw things differently. She saw him differently. His throat tightened. "Thanks," he managed.
"Um, anyway . . ." She stepped back and bumped into the edge of the bed.
She wasn't the only one who felt unsteady.
Her hands fidgeted with the hem of her shirt. "We should probably just focus on tomorrow night and Cassidy for now. Then, if you want to talk about this again later, we can."
His rigid stance and slow nod contradicted his racing heartbeat. Keep cool. She only said she was willing to talk later. That's it.
Weird tension ballooned between them. He didn't know what she was thinking. He wanted to kiss her again.
Which is why he turned and walked to the door. "If you need to take Nutmeg out, text me first. I'll go with you. Otherwise, I'll see you in the morning."
The admiration in her eyes made stepping into the hallway the most difficult exit he'd made in his life.
"Good night, Lena."
"Good night, Nash."