“I’m just saying if you still feel, you know, vulnerable and stuff, then I—”
The doorbell rang, and he swore under his breath before retreating down the hall. I put some of my things in the bathroom as voices and laughter erupted from the living room.
I sneaked down the hall to investigate. Peeking around the corner, I saw three men talking to Kennedy.
One looked up and noticed me. “And who’s this?”
I stepped into the living room and walked around the couch to where the men were congregating in the entryway. “Scarlett Carmichael. You are?”
The one who’d seen me offered his hand, and we shook. “Clinton Redman, and these here are my cousins Clarence and Shorty.”
All three were tall, though Shorty was the tallest, with dark hair and eyes. None of them could have been older than thirty. Clarence smiled warmly and shook my hand. Shorty gave a shy glance to the floor instead of meeting my eyes and clasped my hand gently.
“Nice to meet all of you.”
“Yes, ma’am. Our pleasure.” Clinton patted the pistol at his side. “I heard you had some trouble?”
“A man. He came to my house.” A chill ran down my spine, the fear trying to take root again.
“My man K over here told us. Sorry to hear about all that. You okay?”
“I’m fine. Thanks. Kennedy saved the day.” The moment I said the words, I wished I could take them back, because I could swear Kennedy’s chest puffed out farther and his smile broadened into a self-satisfied grin. He edged toward me, his elbow touching mine. Like we were together.
“Anyway, I’m glad you’re here.”
“We like to help people that help us. K’s done a lot for my family, so if I can do something for him, I’m all for it.”
Kennedy handed the gun he’d taken to Clinton. “The guy left this behind.”
Clinton turned the weapon over in his hands and inspected the silencer. “This looks professional. Someone paid this guy a lot of money to come and visit you. Mind if I keep this?”
“Sure. I’ve got a .45 in my safe.”
“Best if you go ahead and get it out. I don’t know what you’re into, but it’s looking pretty heavy.” He turned to his cousins. “Shorty, I want you with them at all times. Clarence, you’ll be with me.” He took my hand again. “You won’t see me or Clarence, but we’ll be around. Trust me. Anyone tries to make a move on you, we’ll take him out. You’re safe.”
I nodded, the warmth in his tone and eyes reassuring me. “Thank you.”
He leaned forward and lowered his voice. “Watch out for Kennedy, though. He’s a handsy son of a bitch.”
Clinton shared my laugh as Kennedy raised his eyebrows at me in question. I shook my head.
“All right. Shorty, you know what to do.” Clinton opened the front door and Clarence followed him out into the growing daylight.
“Make yourself at home, Shorty.” Kennedy waved to the couch. “Have a seat. There’s food and drinks in the kitchen. Bedrooms are down the hall.”
Shorty leaned against the wall next to the door and hooked a finger in the curtain so he could survey the yard. “Thanks. You all plan on going anywhere today?”
I said yes as Kennedy said no.
“We should stay here,” Kennedy cautioned.
“No. I need to speak with Guy. We have to tell him what’s going on. He might be in danger, too. He needs to know.”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea.” He scratched the dark scruff along his cheek. I imagined, for a brief moment, what it would feel like against my skin.
“I don’t remember consulting you for advice on the subject. Shorty, let’s leave at eleven or so. I’m going to try to get a nap.”
“No problem.” He didn’t move from his spot at the door.
I sidestepped Kennedy and returned to the master bedroom.
He followed. “I’m just trying to keep you safe, Scarlett.”
“I’m safe. We have Shorty.” I pointed in the direction of the living room.
“I’m coming, too.” He stepped closer, the room becoming smaller with each move he made.
“I figured as much.”
He placed a hand on my hip. “I can stay in here. I won’t touch you if you don’t want me to. But I want to know you’re safe.”
I sighed, wanting his touch but knowing I shouldn’t. “No one is getting past Shorty, and we need to rest. Did you sleep at all last night?”
His breath tickled my ear. “No. I almost fell asleep, but I couldn’t stop thinking of you.” He placed his other hand on my waist and pulled me into him. Wrapping his arms around me, he just held me.