“He’s alive, ain’t he?”
He sounded far too amused for her liking. “Why do I think you actually believe that’s an answer?”
“Because we know each other so well.” He followed her to her side of the car and opened the door for her. “Isn’t that what you told him? We get each other?”
“You were listening.” Not a question, because she didn’t need to ask. She knew and had expected all along.
“Do you blame me?”
She slid into the seat and glanced up at him. “Your ego will be unbearable now.”
He leaned in with a wide smile plastered on his face. “Blame yourself.”
* * *
TWENTY MINUTES LATER, Shane understood Makena was not amused. She hadn’t said a word since they pulled away from the curb at Tyler’s house. Just stared out the window, tracing a finger over the glass, humming now and then. Not talking to him or even looking at him, which he found annoying.
Shane decided to put it out there. State what ate at him. Not Tyler’s murky past or questionable choices. Not how his story fell apart if you dissected it. “He has a thing for you.”
She kept her focus out the window and off him. “I know.”
That was news to Shane. “You do? Since when? I swear you denied it when I suggested it earlier.”
She turned and shot him a don’t-be-dumb look. “He all but told me to dump you because you’re all wrong for me.”
And now Shane had other reasons to hate the guy. “Not happening.”
“I wouldn’t.” She smiled. “Because you’re the perfect bodyguard.”
That response didn’t sit right with him. They’d had sex. He’d held her and kissed her. They spent time together and... Shane cut off his thoughts. He’d been the one insisting they keep their relationship on a friendship level and now he was getting all wrapped up over another man wanting her. Talk about sending mixed messages. Not his style at all, but when it came to her, his feelings and common sense, and what he should do versus what he wanted to do, got all tangled up.
“I don’t trust him.” Shane offered the explanation without fanfare.
“He performs an important service.”
Shane wasn’t as convinced. Yes, the site exposed men who deserved to be exposed, but he couldn’t help thinking Tyler had a hidden agenda. Of course, every man associated with the site struck him that way. Maybe his paranoia was running on high.
“You don’t think he’s a little too good to be true?” That was as far as he’d go...for now.
“You don’t trust anyone.”
She wasn’t wrong. “I trust you.”
“Because you like me, even though you fight it.” Makena’s hand balled into a fist against the door. “I hate this part of the drive.”
Shane focused on the road and the narrow bridge ahead instead of her throwaway comment. The span skimmed over the water for half a mile. He understood the concern. Sometimes the sun’s reflection bounced off the water and blinded drivers. “I’ve driven it a million times.”
“Your skills aren’t what has me concerned. Death by drowning is the main thing on my mind.” She seemed to brace her feet against the floor as she stared ahead.
Shane looked at her and did a double take. They’d driven to Tyler’s house via a longer route from another part of the county, avoiding the bridge. “I can turn around.”
She shook her head. “I’m fine.”
She didn’t look it. She’d been shot at and looked less fatigued. Shane decided right then that he would never understand her. “The death grip on the door gives you away.”
“Just drive. The faster you go, the sooner this will be over.”
He admired her spunk. That and about a hundred other things.
The tires crossed the bridge entry with a thump. With the low sides, they could see the open water. It flashed by on both sides, and cables scaled above them. A few other cars passed in the opposite direction, but the road stayed clear.
A quick look in his rearview mirror showed a vehicle coming up behind him. It moved too fast, which suggested a kid or a driver confused about the concept of defensive driving. Shane kept watch, stealing peeks.
Then the mood changed. The truck, big and black, lined up behind him, way too close. He took in the large grille on the truck and the tinted windows. He couldn’t make out the driver, but this guy was playing games.
Shane glanced over at Makena. She hadn’t picked up on the tension. She sat there, fiddling with the radio. His gaze shot to her seat belt.
The revving of the engine had his attention zipping back to the mirror. He tapped the brakes, trying to back the guy off. If this was innocent, he should get the hint, but Shane sensed this was deliberate. Someone wanted to make a point. A very dangerous one.