Deadly Peril_Military Romantic Suspense Page 4
Jana stared up at those blue eyes, then spun and walked toward the door. She needed to have a heart-to-heart with her grandmother, and right away. Then Thaddeus would receive a polite escort to the door, and that would be that.
There was no reply from Thaddeus. But Jana sensed his eyes on her as she stepped into the hallway, making her feel undressed. The day had started out poorly then had only gotten worse. Eva was going to get an earful.
Chapter 4
The previous day hadn’t improved after leaving Thaddeus to get settled into his suite. Jana’s pleas to her grandmother had fallen on deaf ears. Eva hadn’t budged, so the bodyguard stayed. He’d joined them for dinner, because he was required to stick close. It was suffocating, but there wasn’t much that could be done about it.
Jana had suffered through the evening, not on her best behavior. But her grandmother had ignored the drama and treated Thaddeus like an invited guest. Jana supposed he was, although he was there for business reasons.
That was how Jana intended to think about it. For a while, she’d have to put up with an intruder in her home. But it wouldn’t last long. It couldn’t. The whole thing would blow over, and the sooner the better. Meanwhile, she bit her tongue. At least when she was in Eva’s presence.
Thaddeus had spent a couple of hours to ensure the residence was safe. Jana hadn’t been able to imagine what he had to check, but he seemed to know. She should have felt safer, yet she hadn’t sensed any danger at home. It had been her haven.
Yet it wasn’t anymore, since a stranger was going to be there twenty-four hours a day. Jana wondered if he took days off, but doubted it. Thankfully, he hadn’t bugged her that evening, so she’d retired to her room early. Unfortunately, removing him from her presence hadn’t wiped his hunky frame from her mind.
Jana’s body and mind hadn’t cooperated with her rational side. Even when she’d tried to sleep, visions of Thaddeus had flooded her thoughts. His buff form had become a persistent image. Trying to push it away had made it worse. She’d begun to envision how he would look without the sweater and jeans.
It was an impossible situation. Jana had been divorced three years before, after a tumultuous four-year marriage to Rakel Eilif. Her grandmother had been pleased that she’d chosen a good man. Rakel was an Icelandic name, and he had the heritage behind it. That put him in good stead from the beginning.
Rakel was a ski tech, so Jana had met him on the slopes. Although he hadn’t competed at the higher levels, he was a competent skier. The initial attraction had been strong, and he’d proposed within months. Yet her husband had had very different views on most issues.
Jana would have been smart to get to know him better before becoming his wife. She’d heard that couples who argued could make a marriage work. Apparently, the bickering signified that the partners really cared about each other.
That was not so in Jana’s situation. The bickering had turned to arguing, and when it threatened to become outright fighting, she’d bailed. After a few short years, she’d realized she no longer loved him. The thought of divorce had been heartbreaking, but she’d had no choice.
She hadn’t been able to live that way. Marriage was supposed to be based on love and mutual respect. Her grandparents had been a good example of that. Having witnessed the unending adoration they’d had for each other, she couldn’t accept less.
Jana had filed for divorce, despite her husband’s plea to work it out. The marriage hadn’t been working and she’d had no indication of that changing. It was better to admit defeat and go their separate ways. She cared about him, but the feeling of being in love had been torn asunder.
Since then, Jana hadn’t dated much. Skiing had kept her occupied, plus she was very involved in her business. A casual dinner once in a while was all she was up for. And she hadn’t really connected with any man since her separation.
That was just fine with Jana. The pull towards Thaddeus was mere infatuation. Any woman who laid eyes on him would feel attraction. That didn’t mean anything, so she needed to get over it. She’d broken up with a man because of irreconcilable differences.
Jana didn’t need to get involved in a similar situation. From the first minute, she’d argued with Thaddeus. Admittedly, she’d started it. But no matter; she didn’t think that would change. She’d best cool it. Most of all, she must not give him any wrong signals. If he sensed the attraction, that would be very uncomfortable.
She didn’t know why she was thinking about Thaddeus in that way. He was a bodyguard, not a prospective date. And he’d shown no interest in her beyond keeping her safe. He’d been around less than a day, but still…
*****
The next morning, Eva cooked breakfast. She loved to cook, so Jana couldn’t deny her that pleasure. She put out a spread of eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, fruit, and pancakes. It was enough food to feed a family of ten.
Thaddeus was a good eater, another point in his favor with Eva. He ate all the food on his plate then graciously accepted seconds. Jana sipped her coffee and nibbled her blueberry pancakes. Usually, she cleaned her plate, but her appetite was off.
After the meal, Eva shooed Jana and her bodyguard out. She would handle the cleanup. After all, she had all day. But Jana suspected that her grandmother was anxious for Thaddeus to get on duty and unravel the mystery of the recent threats.
Jana wasn’t so sure that was going to happen. If she were to guess, she’d bet that the danger had passed. She wondered how many days without incident it would take to reassure her grandmother—hopefully, not many.
On the drive to the ski shop, Thaddeus was quiet, which was just as well. Jana didn’t feel like arguing first thing in the morning. Her business wasn’t far from home, so riding together in silence wasn’t too much torture.
Jana enjoyed the snowy scenery as the Jeep rolled along the road. But a spicy, masculine scent filled the air, reminding her of her bodyguard’s presence. She’d noticed that he’d chosen a navy-blue sweater to pair with his jeans. The darker color accented his sky-blue eyes.
On the short trip to work, Jana steeled herself not to stare at her bodyguard’s muscular thighs. He did look good in a pair of jeans. She guessed admiring wasn’t off-limits, so long as she didn’t take it further. And that, she had no intention of doing.
The parking lot came into view, so Jana waved toward a spot near the perimeter. “You can park there to leave the closer spaces open for customers.”
Thaddeus parked, but before Jana collected her stuff, he jogged around to open her door. That was something her husband hadn’t done. She wondered if it had something to do with guarding her, or whether his manners were commendable.
In an effort to maintain a professional relationship, she didn’t comment. “I’ll show you around and introduce you to my business partner.”
Weekdays weren’t as busy as weekends or holidays, but there were quite a few cars in the lot. That was a good sign. Thaddeus opened the glass door and Jana strode inside. She approved of what she saw. The place was clean and orderly.
The wooden plank floor had been swept and the racks of clothing and ski equipment had been neatened up. She swiped a finger along a shelf, but there was no dust. She didn’t expect there would be. The nightly cleaning assured the place was spotless.
A clerk at the counter greeted Jana. The other salesman was showing skis to a customer. Thaddeus followed her through the store to the back room. Her business partner was typing but stood up from his chair.
“Good morning, Jana.”
“Good morning.” Jana waved a hand. “Let me introduce Thaddeus Jonsson. He’s going to be hanging out with me for a few days. Thaddeus, this is my partner, Alton Parker.”
Alton looked up at the imposing figure, appearing a bit at a loss for words.
“You can call me Thad.”
“I’ll explain later,” Jana said, then motioned for Thaddeus to follow her. On the way by, she stopped by Alton’s desk. “Is everything set up for the day?”
> “Yes, I got in early. We’re in good shape.”
In a softer voice, Jana said, “How is Celia?” Although Alton didn’t bring it up often, his wife was ill. The doctors had diagnosed her with multiple sclerosis. The treatment and drugs were making some difference, yet it was a heartbreaking situation.
“She has good days and bad,” Alton said. “We’re doing all we can to stabilize her condition.”
Jana squeezed his arm, before proceeding on her way. Her office was in the back of the building. She unlocked the door and went inside, bodyguard in tow. “You can sit, if you like.”
Thaddeus took a seat in the chair in front of the desk, while Jana sank into her desk chair. It was awkward having a man by her side nonstop. She was going to have to make arrangements, so she could get some work done.
“Alton has been with us for many years. He knew my grandfather, and when I needed a business partner, he was the only one I thought of. He is familiar with the business, plus he’s a whiz with paperwork, something I dread.”
Thaddeus nodded. “It’s good you have someone you trust.”
“Alton is in his forties but stays fit and skis frequently. If he needs to step in with a customer, he can offer valuable suggestions,” Jana said. “Unfortunately, his wife is ill.”
“I heard.”
“It breaks my heart, but he swears it’s best for him to keep working.” Jana opened her bag and pulled out some paperwork. “I imagine the medical costs are a burden, even with insurance. But I haven’t asked, since that’s so personal.”
“You’re likely secure in your office. I’ll go scope things out on the premises.” Thaddeus got up and left, leaving Jana alone to tend to business.
*****
Thaddeus was responsible for Jana’s safety, a duty he took seriously. Despite the casual atmosphere of the ski shop, he didn’t take anything for granted. While Jana worked, he had a chance to assess the situation.
When he walked through the back room, Alton was busy on the computer. Thaddeus didn’t interrupt him, as there would be plenty of time to get to know the man later. Jana’s business partner was a distinguished-looking fellow.
He was about five feet ten, lean build, dark hair that was cut short. His deep brown eyes had revealed the pain he must feel about his wife’s condition. Jana’s mention of it had appeared to be a stab to his gut. That was something to watch.
A man with a sick wife could get desperate, for any number of reasons. Thaddeus would keep an eye on Alton, no matter how much Jana trusted him. Statistics showed that a high percentage of crimes were committed by people that were close to the victim.
The shop smelled of wood and the outdoors. Music played but was drowned out by the chatter of customers and sales clerks. The establishment had two doors: the main entrance and the back door adjacent to Jana’s office, which remained locked. Customers used the front door.
Outside it was chilly, and Thaddeus expected snow. He scanned the parking lot, memorizing the vehicles parked there. Other establishments in the area offered food, ski rentals, and souvenirs. Pedestrians strolled the sidewalks, and traffic cruised the street.
There was no sign of trouble or anything out of the ordinary. Satisfied for the moment, Thaddeus sent a text to the office to let Travis know that he’d arrived and there had been no further incidents. He’d check in daily, or sooner if the situation changed.
Thaddeus didn’t bother to convey Jana’s disgruntlement. Travis likely assumed that to be the case. It didn’t alter the fact that she needed protection. What hadn’t been predicted was how vehemently she’d react to having a bodyguard.
That didn’t affect Thaddeus. He had a job to do and he’d do it. There was one complication: Jana Tomasson had turned out to be a beauty. She was tall, although several inches shorter than he was. Her lean, toned form was a turn-on.
As Eva had so astutely mentioned, Icelandic women were strong and independent. Thaddeus liked that—a little too much. He could take control of the situation when needed, but he admired a woman who could look out for herself.
Jana was so much that way that he suspected she didn’t need anyone else. That was the attitude he’d gotten from her. But she did have a weak spot for her grandmother. The records mentioned that Jana was divorced. That was a point of curiosity.
Thaddeus wondered what type of man could handle her. It seemed her ex-husband hadn’t been able to. It was smart not to get too interested in the client. Yet anyone who was close to her, or who had been, might be the source of the threat.
It was best to keep a low profile, so Thaddeus didn’t stand by the door like a security guard. He mingled with the clerks and studied the gear on sale. The morning went by quickly, and before noon, Alton came out to go to his car. “If you need anything, Thad, please let me know.”
“I appreciate that.” So far, Thaddeus had been treated like a visitor or guest, not his role at all. “I can take care of things. You don’t need to be concerned.” Judging by how Alton took that in stride, Jana must have told him about his bodyguard status.
A few minutes later, Jana emerged from her office. “I’m starving, how about you?”
“I could eat.”
Something about that seemed to tickle her. “So I’ve noticed.” She waved at the clerk. “I’ll be out for lunch.”
She stepped outside and zipped up her jacket. “I suppose bodyguarding includes lunchtime.”
“It’s twenty-four/seven.”
“I assumed as much,” Jana said. “Well, it would be embarrassing to have you standing around watching me. I’m known in this area; people would wonder.” She looked up at him. “I think you’ll have to sit at the table with me.”
“That’s probably best.”
Jana chose a nearby café that was close enough to walk to. It was standard fare and the décor was appropriate for the ski area. The walls were polished wood and the floor was made of planks. Even the tables and chairs were wooden.
The establishment was cozy and warm. The customers appeared to be locals, from the way they had seemed to settle in. Thaddeus ushered Jana to a table at the back, so it was easier to keep an eye on the place. It wasn’t a social occasion, as much as it might feel like one.
Jana picked up a menu. “This isn’t a date, so I’ll cover my meal.” She looked up. “Am I supposed to buy yours?”
“That’s not required. I’m covered for expenses.”
“Can I say that this is weird?”
Thaddeus raised his eyebrows.
“I mean, I’ve eaten here a lot. But not with a man who looks like…”
“Who looks like what?”
“Nothing, forget it,” Jana said. “I was just trying to say that I don’t know bodyguard protocol. I’m not used to having another person with me wherever I go.”
“Just do what you’d normally do. Forget I’m here.”
Jana grinned. “Uh huh.”
“What?”
Then she laughed, which made Thaddeus laugh, even though he didn’t know what he was laughing about. He supposed being together did feel like a date. Although it shouldn’t have. He’d eaten with clients before and it hadn’t been a problem.
Yet it was different with Jana. He was attracted to her, despite his best effort at suppressing the feeling. But he wouldn’t let it interfere. He was a professional, there to protect her. It didn’t matter that she was gorgeous and that when she looked at him with those green eyes, he melted.
Thaddeus wouldn’t allow her to perceive anything but a client/bodyguard relationship. That shouldn’t be difficult. After all, on deployment he’d honed the skill of masking emotion, even submerging it so far that it didn’t exist. He was a pro at that.
So why was being with Jana so disconcerting?
Maybe it was her forthright manner. It was disarming. Thaddeus would have to strengthen his emotional barrier. Yet when she’d laughed, he’d wanted to hug her. He’d wanted to sweep her into his arms and carry her away. He’d wanted to…
Jana’s eyes sparkled. “I doubt that.”
The rest of lunch proceeded in a similar vein. It shouldn’t have felt like a date, but it did. The burgers, fries, and Cokes were served, which gave Thaddeus a reprieve from talking. But it didn’t subdue his body’s reaction to being around Jana.
Jana chatted about work, skiing, friends, and anything else that came to mind. Thaddeus envied her for being able to talk so easily. Fortunately, she didn’t demand that he reciprocate. She seemed pleased for him to listen and appear interested.
When lunch was over, Thaddeus was relieved to get back on the job. His parka covered his body, down to his knees. That was a good thing, as he hadn’t been able to control his desire for Jana. It was humiliating—not that he was attracted to her, but that he couldn’t manage his reactions better. That wasn’t like him at all.
*****
In her office, Jana returned to work. Lunch with her bodyguard had been…interesting. After the initial awkwardness, she’d felt very natural. Thaddeus had brawn, but sensitivity as well. He’d really seemed to care about what she was saying, more than she could say for her ex-husband.
In contrast, Thaddeus was polite and concerned about making her comfortable with his presence. On the outside, he was fierce, even imposing. She wondered what he was really like on the inside. But she wouldn’t have a chance to find out. He’d only be around for a few days. She needed to remember that.
She locked the door and got to work. Once she was lost in designing her invention, she forgot about Thaddeus. Her sole focus was the biofeedback tool that had taken her years to perfect. She’d utilized the latest brain-imaging techniques at an expensive lab.
She knew more about the brain’s basic hardware than she’d thought was possible. The biofeedback technique was cutting edge. It was a breakthrough on using the technique in monitoring heart rate variability and gaining the ability to control the nervous system’s stress response.