Deadly Adventure (Hardy Brothers Security Book 19) Read online

  “It’s nice to meet you, too,” Jesse said. “Although … is this a joke?”

  Mandy stilled. “Is what a joke?”

  “You.”

  James’ shoulders stiffened. “What is that supposed to mean?”

  “It means you said you were never settling down and your dream life was a different woman every week,” Jesse replied. “I asked you why you didn’t want a different one every night and you said it was because women need time to show you all of their tricks but not enough time to get comfortable and expect you to stick around.”

  “Oh, that,” James said, rubbing his chin and chuckling as Mandy shot him a murderous look. “You have to know that was long before you, baby. That all changed when I saw you again.”

  Mandy wasn’t convinced. “Uh-huh.” She flashed the returning waitress a smile as she delivered their drinks. “Can we run a tab?”

  The waitress nodded. “I’ll be back to check on you.”

  Once it was just the three of them, James moved to slip his arm over Mandy’s shoulders and frowned when she fought his efforts.

  “Oh, wife, you’re being a pain,” James chided. “I told you when we got together that I used to be a man who didn’t want to spend time with any woman for more than a few days. Now I only want one woman for the rest of my life. That happens to be you.”

  “It’s hard to stay angry when you’re so freaking romantic,” Mandy muttered, playing with her straw.

  “Then don’t stay angry,” James instructed, brushing a quick kiss against her cheek. “You know you’re going to forgive me eventually. This city makes you hot for me.”

  Mandy rolled her eyes. “Good grief. Did he use lines like that back when you knew him, Jesse?”

  Jesse’s eyes reflected dumbfounded curiosity as he watched the exchange. “I’m sorry. I just … wow. I can’t believe you’re married.”

  “Believe it,” James said. “This trip is actually an anniversary gift of sorts.”

  “How long have you been married?”

  “One year,” James replied, grabbing Mandy’s hand on top of the table. “The best year of my life.”

  “Now who is laying it on thick?” Mandy challenged.

  “Me,” James admitted. “You’re going to have to put up with it until you forgive me.”

  “I already forgave you.”

  “Close, but not quite,” James said, leaning forward and presenting her with his cheek. “Lay it on me.”

  “You’re so predictable,” Mandy grumbled, but she smiled as she pecked his cheek. “Are you happy?”

  “Nope.”

  Mandy made a disgusted sound in the back of her throat as she kissed him again, this time putting a little more effort into the exchange. “Better?”

  “Just until I get you naked in our room tonight,” James replied, shifting his eyes to Jesse. “I’m sorry. We’re on vacation and she can’t keep her hands off me. It’s sad really, but she’s hopelessly devoted to me.”

  “I can see that,” Jesse said, chuckling. “I just … can’t get over the change. I mean, do you have kids? Is that why you got married?”

  James didn’t miss the hitch in Mandy’s chest. It wasn’t the first time she heard the question and yet it bothered her all the same. “We don’t have kids,” James replied. “I married her because I love her.”

  “Of course,” Jesse said, his tone apologetic. “I’m really sorry. You just have to understand, the guy I knew was young, dumb, and restless. This guy doesn’t look restless … or young. He still kind of looks dumb.”

  “I understand,” Mandy said. “I didn’t think he would marry me either.”

  James cast a sidelong look in Mandy’s direction. “When you were fourteen or once we started dating?”

  “Fourteen?” Jesse wrinkled his nose. “You started dating her when she was fourteen? Good grief, man.”

  “No, I’ve known her since she was a kid, though,” James explained. “She’s my sister’s best friend. I was too old for her back then, although I knew she had a massive crush on me. I thought it was flattering.”

  “Okay, that’s a little better,” Jesse conceded.

  “I asked you a question, Mandy,” James prodded. “Did you think I wouldn’t marry you after we started dating?”

  Mandy was caught. “Um … .”

  “When did you finally realize I was serious?” James asked, genuinely curious.

  “When you wanted to move in together.” Mandy sheepishly lowered her eyes. “Until then I kept waiting for you to change your mind.”

  “Oh, baby,” James muttered, snagging the back of her neck and pulling her closer so he could kiss her forehead. “So when I proposed, you really were surprised, weren’t you?”

  “Even when you got down on one knee I worried I was dreaming.”

  “Well, I am your dream man,” James said, resting his lips on Mandy’s forehead before giving her three quick kisses. “I knew I was going to marry you once I pulled my head out of my butt and embraced what I was feeling.”

  James didn’t often talk about the night he and Mandy had sex for the first time, especially the part where he snuck out of her apartment while she slept. He was mortified by his actions, and convinced that was one of the reasons she remained insecure at times.

  “Okay, I’m starting to think you guys are going to make me throw up,” Jesse said, shaking his head.

  “I’m sorry,” James said, pulling away slightly. “We’re a high-maintenance couple.”

  “So I’ve noticed,” Jesse said, grinning. “Still, I’m happy for you. You look relaxed and happy.”

  “I am happy,” James confirmed, breathing a little easier when Mandy settled in the crook of his arm and sipped her fruity drink. “I didn’t know it was possible to be this happy.”

  “And all it took was the love of a woman,” Jesse teased.

  “All it took was the love of this woman,” James clarified. “She changed everything for me … and I will be forever thankful.”

  “Well, that’s great, man,” Jesse said, his dimples peeking out as he flashed a warm smile. “Besides being happily married, what else is going on?”

  “I own a security company in Michigan,” James replied. “My brothers work for me and another guy, a veteran actually. He’s also dating my sister.”

  Jesse snorted. “How does that work?”

  “I pretty much pretend I don’t hear her when she calls him ‘Snookums.’”

  Mandy giggled. “I like it when she does that.”

  “You encourage her to do that,” James said. “Actually, I don’t mind. I did at first. I wasn’t happy with the relationship. He loves her, though. I think he’s going to be an official part of the family before it’s all said and done.”

  “And your brothers? Are they still jumping from woman to woman?”

  James shook his head. “Grady lives with a local reporter and he’ll be engaged soon.”

  “As soon as he gets his courage up,” Mandy supplied.

  “Exactly,” James said, nodding. “And Finn is engaged and a father. His future wife just gave birth about two months ago.”

  “Wow! A baby? That’s a big deal,” Jesse said. “When are you two going to procreate?”

  James exchanged a quick look with Mandy. “Probably never,” he replied. “We’ve talked about it and we’re content with it being just the two of us. That way we can travel and still have naked Sundays in the hot tub.”

  Jesse brightened. “You have a hot tub?”

  “We do,” James said, grinning. “We have one back in our room, too. I suggest everyone get one if they have the option.”

  “Fun,” Jesse said, signaling the waitress for another round. “Does everyone want more?”

  “I could use another,” James said.

  “I’m good for now,” Mandy said. “Maybe later.”

  “Oh, I thought you might go back to the hotel and leave James and me alone to catch up,” Jesse said, taking Mandy completely by surprise
with the suggestion.

  “Oh.” Mandy’s cheeks burned and yet she had no idea why. “I guess that’s not a problem. The hotel is right around the corner. I … sure. I can go back to the hotel.”

  “No way,” James said, shaking his head as she moved to push him out of the booth to clear her way for a hasty retreat. “You’re staying here. You’ve been excited about going to a pub all week.”

  “I know,” Mandy said. “Jesse clearly wants to be alone with you, though. It’s okay.” She kind of meant it. She wasn’t keen on going back to the hotel alone, but she didn’t want to infringe on James’ reunion with his former friend. “It’s fine.”

  “It’s not fine,” James said, his expression flat as he locked gazes with Jesse. “She’s my wife. We’re here on vacation together. She’s not going anywhere without me.”

  “I’m … sorry,” Jesse said, holding his hands up in a placating manner. “I didn’t realize it would be such a big deal for you two to be away from each other for a few hours.”

  “That’s not what this is about at all,” James said. “This is our anniversary vacation. We’re sticking together. I don’t want to be away from her and there’s nothing you can’t say – no stories you can tell – that she can’t hear. She already knows the worst about me.

  “Secondly, she’s a trouble magnet,” he continued. “If there’s trouble afoot, it will find her. I’m not letting her loose in a strange city. That’s just begging for something terrible to happen.”

  “I’m a trouble magnet?” Mandy challenged. “Thanks.”

  “Baby, I love you more than life itself, but let’s not kid ourselves. You can’t help drawing trouble to you. I think it’s because you’re so pretty.”

  “Oh, smooth,” Mandy said dryly, although she settled in the booth again and reached for her drink. “Just pretend I’m not here, Jesse. It’s fine.”

  James blew out a frustrated sigh, her tone irking him.

  “I’m sorry,” Jesse said. “I didn’t mean to cause problems. How about we spend the day together tomorrow instead?”

  “We’re going to Stonehenge,” James answered. “We have our tour booked and everything.”

  Jesse wrinkled his nose. “You’re going on a tour?”

  “Mandy wants to see Stonehenge,” James answered. “She’s been looking forward to it for … well … forever. I’m excited to see it with her.”

  “It’s a tourist trap, though, man.”

  James didn’t miss it when Mandy shifted uncomfortably next to him. She didn’t like Jesse. That much was obvious. He wasn’t sure he blamed her. “Well, we’re tourists,” James said. “We’re going to Stonehenge. You’re welcome to come with us if you want.”

  James didn’t expect Jesse to take him up on the offer. He was dumbfounded when the man bobbed his head.

  “Okay, that sounds great. We’ll go as a group.”

  “Great,” James intoned, risking a glance at Mandy. She didn’t look happy with the new development. “I’m definitely going to need another beer.”

  4

  Four

  “I know you’re angry, and I don’t blame you,” James said the next morning, following Mandy off the bus and struggling to keep up. “Just … yell at me or something.”

  “I’m not angry,” Mandy said, hurrying around the bus and pulling up short when her gaze landed on one of the places she’d dreamed about seeing her entire life. “Look at that.”

  James was torn. Her expression was so excited, so exuberant, he didn’t want to dampen her joy. He also didn’t want Jesse showing up to ruin their day before they had a chance to talk things through. Jesse said he would meet them at the exhibit shortly after ten. They had a half hour before that happened. “Baby … .”

  Mandy was irritated when she turned. “James, he’s your friend,” she said. “I get that he wants to spend some time alone with you. He might want to talk about something that happened when you were overseas.”

  “I don’t care if you hear that,” James said. “You already know my deepest and darkest secrets.”

  “And that’s great,” Mandy said. “Maybe the conversation isn’t about something you did, though. Maybe it’s about something he did … or felt … or that revolves around him. I know we’re high-maintenance and think everything revolves around us, but it really doesn’t.”

  “Huh,” James mused, rubbing his hand over his chin. “I didn’t even consider that.”

  “It’s okay, James,” Mandy said, reaching out to grab his hand so she could give it a reassuring squeeze. “I’m here. I’m in the presence of actual magic. I just want to see it. You can talk to Jesse while I do.”

  “You’re magic,” James said, tugging her to him so he could wrap her in a warm hug. “You’re really smart sometimes. I wouldn’t have figured out that possibility without you.”

  “I am a genius,” Mandy confirmed, kissing the corner of his mouth. “You don’t have to be glued to me. I’m just happy to be here.”

  “And what if I want to be glued to you?” James challenged, refusing to release his wife no matter how much she wiggled.

  “James! I need to see it up close.”

  “I know.”

  “Then let me go,” Mandy whined.

  “I’ll never let you go,” James said. “I will, however, gladly follow you to look at the big rocks.”

  “They’re magical … and possibly leftover from when aliens visited Earth,” Mandy intoned.

  “You are my favorite person in the world,” James said, smacking a kiss on her lips. “Come on. Let’s see the big rocks.” He linked his fingers with Mandy’s to make sure she didn’t race ahead and accidentally get separated from him.

  “Move faster,” Mandy ordered. “I want to stare at them a long time. I’m going to want a lot of photos, too.”

  “Your wish is my command, wife.”

  “YOUR wife seems … happy.”

  James glanced at the man beside him and ruefully smiled as he crossed his arms over his chest and watched Mandy excitedly talk to another woman next to the ropes that separated the walkway from the prohibited grass around the Stonehenge exhibit.

  “She’s wanted to see this forever,” James explained. “She thinks it’s magic.”

  “What do you think?”

  “I think she’s magic,” James said. “I also think she looks amazingly happy. I have no idea who that poor woman is next to her, but Mandy just can’t stop chattering on about this place.”

  “That’s my wife,” the man said.

  James snickered. “Oh, I’m sorry. Mandy is … excitable.”

  “So is Becky. That’s my wife’s name, by the way. I’m Danny Cameron. We’re from Illinois.”

  “Oh, it’s a small world,” James said, shaking the man’s hand. “I’m James Hardy. We’re from Michigan.”

  “It is a small world,” Danny said. “How long are you over here for?”

  “Just until this weekend,” James replied. “We fly home first thing Sunday morning.”

  “We’re here another two days and then we’re gone,” Danny said. “My wife has a list of things she wants to see before we leave. Our beds didn’t make the list.”

  James snickered. “My wife has a few things she still wants to see, too,” he said. “I think the big ones are Harrods and the wax museum.”

  “Oh, Becky would never go to the wax museum,” Danny said. “She thinks they’re ghoulish. I would like to see it, but she gets two votes to my one. How about your wife?”

  “My wife is … amazing,” James said, opting for honesty. “She would give up the museum to make me happy.”

  “Would that make you happy?”

  “No. I think wax museums are pretty cool and I absolutely adore watching her freak out over the horror displays. She’s something of a horror geek … and a Jaws geek … and a Star Wars geek. Come to think of it, she’s an all around geek.”

  “She sounds like the perfect woman.”

  “She is,” James ag
reed, smiling as Mandy flipped through her guidebook and continued talking to Becky. “God, I love her.”

  “Oh, you’re cute,” Danny said. “How long have you been married? Is this your honeymoon?”

  “We’ve been married a year.”

  “Yeah, once you hit the ten-year mark, give me a call,” Danny intoned. “You probably won’t feel the same way.”

  “I’ll always feel this way,” James said, lifting his eyebrows as a hand landed on his shoulder. “Hey, Jesse.”

  “Hey, man,” Jesse replied, offering Danny a friendly head nod. “I thought it would be easier to find you here. I’ve been here for twenty minutes wandering around. This place is packed.”

  “It’s Stonehenge,” James said. “It’s magic.”

  “Yeah, you’ve turned into a sap or something,” Jesse said. “Where is your wife? I thought you couldn’t be separated from her for thirty seconds or she would cry or something.”

  James narrowed his eyes. “She over looking at the stones,” he said. “Do you have a problem with Mandy?”

  Jesse balked at the question. “Of course not. She seems great.”

  “Then why did you say that?” James pressed, keeping one eye on Mandy as he faced Jesse down. Becky had her hand on Mandy’s arm and both women appeared entranced with something in the guidebook. “You have attitude where Mandy is concerned, and I want to know why.”

  “I don’t have attitude,” Jesse scoffed. “I’m just … stunned. How could you get married?”

  “Um, I’m going to check on the women,” Danny said, shifting uncomfortably.

  “Thanks, man,” James said, offering him a wan smile. “I just need a few minutes alone with my friend.”

  “I understand.”

  James waited until Danny was out of earshot before letting his temper come out to play. “Tell me what your problem is with my wife.”

  “I don’t understand why you picked this route,” Jesse said, opting for honesty. “You were going to play the field forever. You were going to love hundreds of women. Now you’re saying you’re going to love one for the rest of your life? I just … it makes no sense.”

  “I was an idiot when I said that stuff,” James argued. “I was young … and foolish … and terrified I was going to die over there. It was dangerous to dream about a future because being distracted is what gets you killed in a place like that.