A mountain hideaway is all that stands between a bodyguard and the killer after his beautiful client…
As a highly skilled cyber security expert and bodyguard, there are few dangers Dylan Timmons can’t handle. But his next assignment brings unexpected risks. Hired to protect brilliant—but socially reclusive—neurosurgeon Jayne Shackleford, Dylan seeks answers in what he suspects was a foiled kidnapping attempt. As the daughter of an oil tycoon, Jayne is the perfect target for ransom, so retreating to the mountains is the first step in keeping her safe. The second step is remaining vigilant in their secluded surroundings—and resisting the beautiful brunette with a target on her back.
Before he could activate his lightning-quick reflexes, she went up on her toes and kissed him on the cheek.
Then she turned back to the vending machine. Over her shoulder, she said, “Couldn’t help it. You’re cute when you get befuddled.”
He was willing to concede that she was smarter than he was…and probably a better leader…and, very likely, she was more confident. But he wasn’t about to let her take the lead when it came to what happened between them.
He was the bodyguard. He was in charge.
He grasped her upper arm and spun her around to face him. Holding her other arm to anchor her to one spot in the bland, empty break room, he kissed her. Not a belittling peck on the cheek, but a real kiss on the lips. His mouth pressed firmly against hers, he tasted mint and coffee. Though their bodies weren’t touching, the heat that radiated between them was hotter than a furnace.
Mountain Shelter
Cassie Miles
CASSIE MILES, a USA TODAY bestselling author, lives in Colorado. After raising two daughters and cooking tons of macaroni and cheese for her family, Cassie is trying to be more adventurous in her culinary efforts. She’s discovered that almost anything tastes better with wine. When she’s not plotting Mills & Boon Intrigue books, Cassie likes to hang out at the Denver Botanical Gardens near her high-rise home.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Jayne Shackleford—A brilliant neurosurgeon who developed a pioneering method for treating stroke victims, she’s a little bit clumsy in everyday life.
Dylan Timmons—Not a typical bodyguard, he’s one of the owners of TST Security, a computer whiz and a totally sexy self-confessed nerd.
Detective Ray Cisneros—From the Denver Police Department.
Eloise—Jayne’s assistant.
Wayne (Woody) Woodward—An FBI special agent.
Peter Shackleford—Jayne’s wealthy, powerful father, whose business interests include oil and aviation.
Javier Flores—The handsome Venezuelan businessman shares many interests with Jayne’s father.
“Tank” Sherman—This talented hacker has bitten off more than he can chew.
Diego Romero—Longtime leader of a Venezuelan drugs and smuggling cartel.
Martin Viktor Koslov—The assassin would have no problem killing Jayne. Kidnapping her is much more complicated.
Henry and Cordelia Cameron—One of Jayne’s patients and his wife.
Tom and Betty Burton—Caretakers at RSQ Ranch.
Sean Timmons—Dylan’s brother, a part owner of TST Security.
Mason Steele—The third owner of TST Security.
Hello, Gorgeous! To my sister, Marya Hunsinger.
And, as always, to Rick.
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