Harlequin Romantic Suspense April 2021 Karen Whiddon (best fiction books to read TXT) 📖

been able to confirm that Charlie’s fingerprint wasn’t on the suitcase. He swore it couldn’t have been his.”

Bonnie nodded. “I agree. Randall Bowe made up what he wanted to for the witness stand. Charlie’s wasn’t the only case. But I got fired before I could do anything more to help.”

Dominique looked at Stanton again, and saw her satisfaction at finding the truth reflected in his gaze.

They really made a good team.

It’s only temporary.

Best she remember that.

* * *

The de la Vega home was lit up as Dominique and Stanton walked up to the front door. He’d insisted on coming because he was her bodyguard, yes, but he’d always enjoyed her family.

“You can wait outside if it’s going to be too awkward. You know my sister is going to assume we’re an item again.”

He wanted to remind her that for one blissful night they had been an item again, and a hot one at that. But her stilted mannerisms communicated her insecurity over the situation. Dominique’s family was from Colombia originally, and she and her twin, Soledad, were first-generation Americans. Rigo had married an American woman he met when he was serving in the US Navy as an exchange officer, in Jacksonville, Florida. She was from Grave Gulch and he’d promised to bring her back to her hometown as soon as his military stint was over. That had been before Dominique and her twin were born, over thirty years ago. Their mother had passed five years ago, leaving Rigo heartbroken.

“I wouldn’t dream of it, and not just because I can’t let you out of my sight. I love your family and your dad’s great.”

“He’s paying you.”

“Handsomely, I might add.” Stanton couldn’t help teasing her.

“Okay. Well, I gave you an out.”

“You did.” And she might not believe it, but he was looking forward to the party.

They walked into the amber glow of family, friends and the most enticing aromas of the meal, catered by a local favorite restaurant if the logo on a delivery van in the driveway was an indication. Rigo’s pair of boxer dogs trotted over to greet them.

“Hi, girls.” Dominique squatted to pet them, accepting sloppy kisses from Rosa and Rita. Another reason he’d fallen for her way back when. She didn’t care about what mattered, like the mess a dog’s affection could make. As much attention to detail as she paid to her outfits, and as expertly as she applied her makeup, Dominique was grounded.

Dangerous territory.

“Dominique!” Aunt Gloria walked over, her dark hair worn long like her niece’s but with strands of silver that reflected the overhead lighting. Her eyes widened as she recognized him standing behind Dominique. “And Stanton—wonderful to see you again.” Gloria hugged him and he hugged her back, feeling as though he was some kind of prodigal son. Which was ridiculous, as he hadn’t been the one to walk away. And Aunt Gloria wasn’t even Dominique’s, or his, mother.

You pushed Dominique away. You let her go.

He mentally bristled. Hadn’t he been the one who’d reached out with texts, phone calls? And Dominique had let them all go without one single response. Her silence had given ghosting a whole new meaning for him that included pain, shame and regret. He felt a wet tongue on his hand and looked down at Rosa, whose soft brown eyes were beseeching him, as if to say, “Why did you stop coming ’round?” Rita sat patiently and waited for him to pet Rosa, then accepted his attention.

“Where’s Dad?” Dominique scanned the spacious great room where friends and family mingled in several groups.

“Back in the kitchen with your uncles.”

Dominique looked at Stanton. “Come on. Let’s get it over with.” Her grin relieved him. At least she wasn’t harboring a grudge about her father any longer, for hiring him without her permission. Maybe Dominique would actually enjoy this time with her family.

They walked around a wall to the kitchen, which overlooked part of the great room and the roaring fireplace. So typical for a de la Vega function, the men and women chatting and enjoying themselves.

“Mija. Come here.” Rigo held open his arms for Dominique, and Stanton waited while they embraced, nodding at the other men who were mostly Rigo’s brothers and close family friends.

“Happy Birthday, Daddy.”

“Thank you, but let’s not talk about birthdays. I’m too old for this.” His grin belied his words and the low rumble of male laughter surrounded them. Rigo’s dark eyes sparkled. “Who’s this handsome man you’ve brought to our fiesta?”

“Funny, Dad.” Dominique turned and greeted the other men before she returned her attention to Stanton. “I’m going to find my sister. Are you okay with me not staying in here with you?”

“Yes. As long as I can see you.” The house was spacious but small enough that he’d be able to keep her in sight range, as long as she stayed on the same floor, as she caught up with Soledad.

“Great.” She poured sparkling water into two large red plastic cups and gave him one. “We’re both on duty, aren’t we?”

“Cheers.” He tipped his and as their cups touched he looked into her eyes. There was a light in them that he’d normally attribute to appreciation, but what was she grateful for? It couldn’t be him, specifically. That he’d agreed to them coming to the family party, much closer to the center of Grave Gulch?

“Cheers.” She smiled and before he realized her intention, leaned up on her tiptoe and smacked his cheek with a very loud, definite kiss. “Don’t ever change.”

Stunned, he watched her sway as she left the room and walked over to where Soledad stood in front of the fireplace.

A hard grasp on his shoulder by her tío Héctor reminded him he wasn’t alone. “She sure is a beauty, my niece. What are your intentions, amigo?” The group of men again erupted in laughter, but Stanton didn’t miss Rigo’s more measured look. Like him, the older man seemed to wonder what indeed his plans were for his and Dominique’s relationship.

Aw, man, he was