Free Undercover Virgin by Becky Barker Page A

main waterway, the traffic was heavier, with ski boats and Jet Skis zipping around on all sides of them. The boat rocked in the rough wake, and he braced himself with hands on her chair. Even the casual brush of his fingers seared her, and she mentally admonished herself to get a grip.
    "How about finding us another place to drop anchor. A place with some natural steps or handholds up the embankment would be nice. I'd like to scout around the area this side of the lake. Maybe have a run if I can find a smooth enough path up there."
    Rianna steered around the next jutting of land, then another before turning into an uninhabited cove with a boulder-lined bank. She cut the engine and let their boat drift as close to shore as possible.
    "The brochure mentions cottages and other rental properties, so I'd think you could find a decent path somewhere near the shoreline," she said.
    "I'll try. Are you a jogger?"
    "No, but after you're done exploring, I'd like to swim for a while. I'm used to a good daily workout, and I'm getting stiff just sitting so much," she said.
    Once she'd shut off the engine, Tremont stepped away, and she drew a calmer breath. He lowered the anchor, and then grabbed a pair of running shoes.
    "Keep your gun handy while I'm gone. I won't be more than an hour. If you even suspect trouble, get off the boat."
    "I'll be careful. If I need to escape, I'll follow you onto shore and then stay as close as possible until you get back."
    "Okay."
    They both moved to the front deck, and he dove into the water. Once he surfaced, she handed him his shoes. She noticed socks were tucked in one and a small handgun in the other. He held the shoes over his head as he waded the last few feet to shore. She watched until he'd climbed the steep bank and disappeared into the trees.
    Her emotions were mixed about her sexy bodyguard. There was no denying the physical attraction. Though neither of them spoke about it or acted on it, it kept intensifying. It wouldn't be smart to let her increasing desire fog her judgment. There was so much more at stake than personal satisfaction.
    She wanted to trust him, yet she'd been trained to consider every angle, the potential risk in every situation. What if Donald Sullivan was wrong about Tremont's reliability? What did she really know about him? Even though his service record was impressive, he'd retired under less than favorable conditions.
    What if both sides had enlisted him to keep her under surveillance? Where did his loyalties lie? What if he'd just headed for the nearest pay phone to contact the men who wanted her dead?
    Hating the paranoia that had been a part of her life for so long, Rianna shook her head in disgust. She'd have to wait and watch Tremont until she could decide whether or not to trust him. Right now, being with him held more appeal than being alone. She was so tired of being alone.
    Thoughts of the loneliness brought memories of her family and their vacation on a similar houseboat. Her brother, Jimmy, had been so full of energy and enthusiasm. He'd wanted to investigate every nook and cranny, to learn how everything worked. He'd wanted to fish and swim and steer the boat. He'd asked a million questions that her parents had patiently answered.
    Jimmy had called her Rianna instead of her given name, Marianna. It had been too much of a mouthful for him, so he'd created the nickname. Tremont was the first person she'd mentioned it to in nearly a decade.
    She couldn't say why she'd shared it with him, except that she'd grown sick and tired of aliases. Once this case was over, she vowed to find a new line of work: one where she never had to assume another name and identity. With Gregory out of the way, it might finally be possible.
    Deciding it was a good time to take stock of the clothing she'd bought, she dragged out shopping bags and sorted through the hastily purchased collection. In addition to a few pairs of shorts and tops, she'd chosen four bikinis, two matching navy-blue