Chapter 14
Chapter Fourteen
COLE
I’ve only hustled through an airport faster one time—this morning. Now is a close second.
Sierra plants her feet as she tugs at my arm. “Is there a horde of angry passengers chasing us?”
I glance around. Definitely no hordes in sight. I’m frowning anyway. “It’s late. We’ve still got a long drive.”
I’m still not sure if I’m running from what happened on the plane where I sprung a boner like a damned teenager, or whether I’m dragging Sierra along so we can get to the house.
She frowns at me. “Maybe I should have asked if they could serve Wheaties on the plane.”
Damn. My stride slows as guilt hits me. She’s got me all worked up. I was so wrapped around the axle about how good she felt in my hands that I went storming off the plane like a moron.
I didn’t even think she might need another wheelchair ride. What kind of person with medical training does that?
Idiots, apparently. I soften my voice. “Sorry, I was beating feet. Are you hungry?”
As she repositions her ponytail, she moves closer to me to avoid a woman with a suitcase. “A little hungry, but more tired. It’s just been a long day. It’s no big deal.”
I correct her. “It is a big deal.”
Much to my frustration, it looks like all the food places in the airport have metal grates over their entrances.
I glance at my watch. It’s late. “We can stop as soon as we get out of here and get you some real food.”
“Don’t worry, I shouldn’t have mentioned anything.” She waves a dismissive hand.
“I do worry. It was also lame of me not to get you a wheelchair. I can do that now. But first let me dig out a couple of bars that I have in my bag.”
A look of resolve hits her face. “No wheelchair, please. I didn’t need it at the hospital, but I had the impression you’d be a pain in the rear.”
Kicking myself, I navigate us to the edge of the walkway, out of the flow of traffic. As we cut through the crowd, I drag my ringing phone out of my jeans pocket.
“Marshall, hang on for a second.” Pinning my phone against my shoulder, I offer Sierra the two bars from my backpack. “Peanut Butter or White Chocolate Macadamia?”
Her brows go up. “Uh… I don’t know.”
I rip open one and pass it to her. “Taste test. If you don’t like it, I’ll eat it.”
As she tries one of the bars, I get back to the call. “I’m back. We just landed in SLC. What’s going on?’
“The usual here. I got a contract for a private security gig so a couple members of the team do that for the next two days. But that’s not what I’m calling about.
I have some information for you. Don’t get too excited, it’s not much, but I chased down what I could with some light research into Bryan Owens from the last known address you had. ”
She’s eating, but I still turn so Sierra’s less likely to hear. “Go ahead, I’m listening.”
“The guy missed a meeting with his parole officer a few months ago. Hasn’t been seen since. It’s going to take some time to run down more. Seems like there’s an information vacuum surrounding what his PO did after that.”
I hold the curse back that burns a bitter path on my tongue. My frown tightens. “Can’t say this surprises me.”
“Man, I got to say what you texted me about Sierra’s injury and amnesia is rough to digest. Sorry she got hurt. You didn’t mention how this guy’s connected. Do you think he did this to her?”
“Anything is possible. I consider him dangerous.”
Sierra grins at me.
I wish I could offer the same back. I’m too angry about Bryan. If you would have asked if he’d harm Sierra a year ago, I would have said hell no. But things changed.
I need to have this conversation in private. My unease makes me pace. “Not sure, Marshall. We should talk in person. Appreciate you doing what you did.”
“Copy that. Let me know when it’s a good time to stop by your house. If anything comes up that you need, let me know. You’ve got our team at your back.”
I haven’t even started the job, and he’s already offering the team’s services. “Thanks, Boss. That means a ton to me.”
“We were friends long before I was your boss.”
It’s good to have him in my corner. My biological brothers have my back too, but they’ve got lives that don’t involve dealing in the dark shadows of security and rescue like Marshall’s company is set up for.
Sierra yawns as she moves to toss the empty plastic wrapper into the trash can. I keep my eyes glued on her. The crowded airport makes me edgy. I don’t like the distance between us.
I’m still not sure of the threat. If it’s Bryan, then there’s no chance in hell he’s in Utah. But I don’t know.
Until I do, I want her close.
A group of people move between us as she makes her way back toward me and I have to shift to keep her in my sight line.
A man’s gaze hones in on her.
I straighten.
He takes a few steps in her direction. Holds his hand out toward her. I speed my steps.
The man says something I can’t hear.
“Hey!” I shout.
He’s only focused on her.
At the last second, I step in his path. “What do you want?”
Flinty eyes raise to my face. “To give you a brochure.” He shoves a piece of paper at me. I snatch it.
He takes a step back, scowling at me. “It’s just a discount coupon for our shuttle service.” He points to the logo on his chest. Speedy Shuttle Incorporated.
I crumple the flyer and loop an arm around Sierra. “I’m her ride.”
He catches the hint and shrinks back. “Whatever, man, I’m just doing my job.”
“Don’t rush up on women like that.” I glare at him. “Or men either, for fuck's sake. Someone might not be as nice as I am.”
I swivel Sierra away. Damn. I forgot Marshall was on the phone. “Sorry man. Had to deal with something. I’ll be in touch. We need some sleep tonight. I’ll touch base tomorrow.”
He signs off.
Sierra slips out of my hold, looking displeased. “What was that about?”
I feel the frown lines between my brows. “I’d feel better if you stay close to me.”
She glances around. “I just went to the trashcan.”
“Know that. But like I said, I’d feel better if you didn’t leave my side.”
One of her brows goes up this time. “Does that mean you’re going in the ladies’ room with me too?”
“I might.”
Unperturbed by the whole thing, she tugs my sleeve and grins. “Come on then. If we’ve got a long drive, I better go before we pull out.”
Sierra thinks I’m kidding, but when we pass a family bathroom, I tug her inside.
“This is ridiculous! It’s a single stall. Not like anyone else can get in.”
I lock the door and lean back against it. “Just doing my job.”
“Of driving me crazy.” She reaches around me and unlocks the door. “What do I have to do to get you to leave me alone in here?”
She’s damned close and the spitfire light dancing in her eyes makes me weak.
“A kiss.” I coax as I wrap an arm around her waist.
Foolish move. I just promised myself I’d stay away.
She leans into me, letting her curves mold to mine and stands up on her toes. She strikes fast. Shocking me with a fast, closed-mouth kiss.
“There you go.”
When I drop my mouth next to her ear, I let my voice go rough. “Not even close.”