“After you’ve changed, list everything you want. Clothes with sizes, makeup, toiletries, food. Whatever you’ll need over the next few weeks.”
Brittany’s brows shot up. “Weeks? I can’t possibly be away from Phoenix that long.”
“You’ll be able to keep up with your work even if you can’t personally accompany the senator to her events. Trust me, Holden would rather have you safe and alive than next to her when meeting constituents. Brittany, this is serious business. You may believe what we’re doing is overkill, but from what I’ve learned, you need protection. Fuse and Mitch will keep you safe. Let them do their job.”
Brittany considered Dani’s words on the way to Scott’s home, knowing the other woman was right. If she were going to be staying anywhere else, the situation wouldn’t be so painful.
She’d never stopped loving him. As a weak young woman, Brittany had gone along with her father’s insistence the relationship with Scott must end. The look in his eyes had been of disbelief, changing to anger and resignation before he’d stormed off.
Her father and mother consoled her with empty words about a better man in her future. It never happened. Her heart continued to belong to the dark-haired, green-eyed man who’d introduced her to the sweet pleasures of love, becoming her most staunch supporter in her desire to teach instead of becoming one more beltway commuter. He’d been the only person to encourage Brittany to fight for her dreams and not those of her parents’.
What had she done? Sent him away, broken his heart, as well as her own.
Now she’d be living with the man she’d rejected until the threat was over. Brittany didn’t know how it would work or how long it would last. While meeting with Dani, she’d found herself wondering if Scott had someone special in his life. A girlfriend or fiancée. Had he ever married? Were there children?
No one spoke during the short trip, and Brittany found herself welcoming the quiet. Leaning back in the seat, she closed her eyes, not wanting to consider him with someone else. She knew it was irrational, as she’d been the one to end their relationship years ago. Even so, the thought of him making love to another woman caused a sharp pain in her chest.
The silence ended when Scott pulled the ringing phone from his pocket. “McCall.” Several seconds passed without him speaking, his jaw clenching as he listened. “This isn’t a good time. We’ll have to talk later.” He let out a frustrated breath. “Yeah, I’ve been out of town for work. I’ll call you when I can, Linda.” Ending the call, he slid the phone away, hands stiffening on the steering wheel.
Brittany hadn’t been prepared for the kick to her stomach. Of course he’d moved on, and she now had proof of it. What had she expected? From the time she’d first met him, Scott had always drawn the attention of women. His extreme good looks, infectious smile, and charming personality hadn’t changed in all these years.
“A friend?” Mitch asked, lips twitching at the disgusted look Fuse shot him.
“Yeah.” Linda was slightly more than a friend, but not by much. It had been months since he’d seen her. He’d thought by now she’d have gotten the hint and stopped calling. When the threat to Brittany was over, Fuse would make certain Linda understood he wasn’t interested.
Glancing in the mirror, he saw Brittany’s face turned away, her attention on the passing scenery. Fuse knew she’d heard the call, and didn’t know why the fact bothered him. They’d been apart much too long for her to care about his personal life. Or lack of one.
Taking several turns, he doubled back twice, confirming his belief no one followed. Traveling down a winding road, he took one more turn, ending in front of a rambling ranch home. It had been restored, newly painted with lush landscape.
Lips parting, she placed a hand over her heart. It was exactly the house they’d talked about buying before she’d ended their relationship. A place where they could raise a family, live out their retirement after the children left. In her mind, she couldn’t have conjured up a more perfect home.
Fuse stopped the engine, turning to face her. “I know it’s not the palace you’re used to, princess, but it will have to do.”
The combination of animosity and challenge in his voice struck her as an invisible blow. Jaw dropping, she couldn’t summon the words to respond.
Fuse ignored her stunned expression. “I’ll take you for a tour, but first, I need to check on the horses.”
“You didn’t tell me you had horses.” Mitch jumped out, opening Brittany’s door while Fuse disabled the front door security before taking off around the house.
Without speaking, Brittany followed Mitch to the house. Opening the door and stepping aside, her eyes widened at the beautiful entry which opened into a large living room on one side and dining room on the other with stunning wood floors.
She was glad Scott wasn’t with them, as her feelings were too raw. “We talked of a house like this…” Her voice trailed off, realizing what she’d been about to reveal to Mitch. Her bodyguard didn’t need to know the depth of her stupidity all those years ago.
“I’m sure he wouldn’t mind if you looked around.” Mitch’s voice was soft, encouraging, as if he knew her struggle.
Giving a slow nod, she continued, discovering a large, refurbished kitchen with new cabinets, granite counters, and professional appliances. What drew her attention was the oversized island, which included its own sink and an incredible amount of storage. She estimated at least eight people could work simultaneously without getting in each other’s way.
Sucking in a breath, she turned to see the kitchen opened into a family room with its own fireplace, flat screen television, and leather seating. On the center table were several gaming controllers.
“You started without me.” Fuse walked in, coming to a stop within inches of her.
“I see you still enjoy gaming.”
Crossing his arms, he lifted a brow. “Always. What do you think so far?”
“It’s, um…really wonderful, Scott. May I see the rest of it?”
Something in her voice softened his reply. “Sure.” He motioned her back to the hallway, which must be five feet wide. “There are four bedrooms and two baths down here.” He opened the door of each. “I only have furniture in three. Hoping to get to the last one soon. And this is my office. The master bedroom is on the other end of the house.” He glanced over his shoulder, leading her in the opposite direction. “You know, so when I fill the house with kids, my wife and I will still maintain some privacy.”
She couldn’t stop a painful gasp. Turning away, she tried to hide it by coughing.
“You all right, Brit?”
Straightening, she cleared her throat, flashing him a forced smile. “Of course. May I see it?”
“My bedroom? Sure.” He pushed opened a pair of double doors, letting her pass before him.
It was everything they’d planned. A king-sized four-poster bed, massive fireplace, private patio, built-in bookshelves, and large walk-in closet. The bath had all the appointments, including a two person shower.
Heart ricocheting in her chest, she turned away, doing her best to get past him without running. She needed air and space and to be alone.