Free Wild Suspicions (Romantic Suspense) by Rebecca Marey Page B

pill-induced sleep. He stood up, let out a huge yawn, and stretched dramatically toward the ceiling. The sudden performance jolted Liddie from thoughts of Garrett. She’d been replaying their conversation repeatedly in her mind, trying to understand what he wanted from her – why he thought it was necessary to plant doubts about Parker.
    “ Get ready, Liddie, we’ll be landing anytime now,” said Parker, leaning in to give her a nudge. His breath still smelled of brandy.
    He was about to walk to the bar, but Liddie grabbed his sleeve. “Parker, can we talk for a moment?”
    “ What’s up?” He squatted down beside her and Liddie was suddenly struck by the differences between the two men. While Parker was taller with the clean complexion of a beach boy, Garrett’s face was well worn, with a wrinkle here and there, and the never-ending trace of a five o’clock shadow. While Parker’s eyes were clear and icy blue, Garrett’s were dark and intense. One appeared light and carefree, the other troubled and intense. Each provoked a quiver of anxiety, though Liddie wasn’t prepared to understand why that was so.
    “ Well?” asked Parker, playfully poking at her nose with his finger.
    Liddie pointed toward the back door. “It’s those men, Parker. I tried to wake you up. The one came out and made a play for me. Then the other came out and started.”
    Parker ’s brows came together. “Did they touch you?”
    “ Yes.” Liddie took a deep breath. “They grabbed me and tried to drag me to the back. I tried to fight them.” She nodded toward the cockpit door. “Garrett stopped them.”
    “ Garrett?” Parker’s eyes narrowed. He stood up and rubbed his mouth with one hand.
    “ He told them to leave me alone and they did,” explained Liddie. “I yelled for you several times, but you wouldn’t wake up.” She stood up to stand beside him.
    Parker appeared disgusted and looked around, now noticing the damage Garrett had caused. “Geez! Is that why this seat is broken?” He leaned over to inspect the busted armrest. “Can’t I catch a little shut eye without you antagonizing every guy on the plane?”
    “ Me?” Liddie became angry and pushed him hard. “I didn’t do anything but sit here while you slept. If it weren’t for Garrett I’d have spent your nap time getting raped by your two filthy henchmen.”
    “ Raped by my henchmen?” Parker suddenly laughed. “Okay. Okay, Liddie. I’m sorry.” He reached out and tried to pull her into his arms.
    “ No, Parker.” She smacked at his hands and pushed him away.
    “ Calm down, Liddie.” He dropped the smile. “I’ll see that Garrett gets a bonus for taking care of you.” He cautiously reached out to rub her back. “I’ll talk to the guys as well. If something like that ever happens again feel free to pour water over my head.”
    Liddie closed her eyes and willed away the anger. “Either that, or I’ll hit you with a bat,” she assured him. “But there shouldn’t be a next time, Parker. Can’t you fire them? They really threatened me, and actually, they should be arrested. If you don’t do something about it, I will.”
    He nodded quickly. “Yes. Yes. I promise. I’ll contact human resources and, after this trip, they’re gone.” He looked out the window. “I can’t replace them immediately though, so we’re stuck for now.” He led her back to a seat. “Trust that I’ll take care of it, Liddie. Will you do that?” He put a hand on her cheek. “Will you?”
    Parker held her eyes with his, waiting for an answer. Liddie nodded, feeling more defeated than comforted .
    “ Come on, sit down. We’re landing soon.” He gave her waist a squeeze. “Now give me a quick kiss, beautiful.”
    She obliged with an obligatory peck on his cheek.
    “ I’m going to go have a talk with the guys right now. You relax, okay?” He stroked her arm. “I promise you, Liddie, it will be just you and me soon. And it’ll be great.”
    The words hung