Bodyguard Father

Bodyguard Father
Alice Sharpe

Garrett Skye took his bodyguard job seriously. So when he was accused of taking a life rather than protecting one, he was left with few options but to go on the run.Unfortunately, amateur P.I. Annie Ryder insisted on bringing him to justice. The woman was easy on the eyes, and convincing her of his innocence didn't take much. Especially when she learned about the little girl he'd do anything to protect. Before long they'd uncovered a plot bigger than they'd imagined. But even more worrisome was that Garrett found himself falling for Annie, against every fiber of his ladies' man reputation….

Garrett could almost feel his daughter’s arms wrapped around his own neck.

He watched as Annie put her down. The image of his little girl waving goodbye as the door closed burned itself into his head.

When he met Annie back at her house, the first thing out of her mouth was, “Your Megan is absolutely adorable. She’s just wonderful.”

“How was she?” he asked. “I mean, did she seem…happy?”

“She seemed good, Garrett. Happy, affectionate.”

He nodded, looking over her shoulder, swallowing the sudden lump in his throat. Annie touched his chin and he met her gaze. “She squealed and hugged herself when she thought of you,” she added.

He smiled slowly, a bittersweet, tear-at-the-heart kind of smile. He had a lot to make up to his little girl. How had every good intention he had turned out to be wrong?

He had to get Megan back. There was absolutely no other option.

Bodyguard Father

Alice Sharpe

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

This book is dedicated to Elisabeth Naughton and

Lisa Pulliman, roommates extraordinaire

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alice Sharpe met her husband-to-be on a cold, foggy beach in Northern California. One year later they were married. Their union has survived the rearing of two children, a handful of earthquakes registering over 6.5, numerous cats and a few special dogs, the latest of which is a yellow Lab named Annie Rose. Alice and her husband now live in a small rural town in Oregon, where she devotes the majority of her time to pursuing her second love, writing.

Alice loves to hear from readers. You can write her at P.O. Box 755, Brownsville, OR 97327. SASE for reply is appreciated.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Garrett Skye —Accused of killing the woman he was paid to protect, he’s on the run. His goals: recover from the wound sustained in his escape, regain custody of his three-year-old daughter and disappear forever.

Anastasia (Annie) Ryder —This cookie-baking preschool teacher turns down her private detective father’s last attempt at reconciliation. Can she atone for her behavior by completing his last case: finding Garrett Skye?

Megan Skye —This three-year-old charmer is the center of Garrett’s heart. He’ll do anything to protect her….

Shelby Greason —She hired Annie’s father to bring her mother’s killer to justice.

Robert Greason —Still grief stricken by his wife’s death, he’s now receiving death threats of his own.

“Curly” and “Moe” —Two thugs with deadly intent.

Rocko Klugg —Awaiting a new trial, everyone knows he’s a murderer and that he wanted Elaine Greason dead. But what is he looking for now and how far will he go to get it?

Jasmine Carrabas —Klugg’s girlfriend. This slick beauty has a scary mean streak.

Randy Larson (Red Thunder) —Have his dreams corrupted him?

Tiffany Boothe Skye —Garrett’s ex. Her interest in being a mother is less than her interest in a new man. How far will she go to destroy Garrett’s credibility?

Ellen Boothe —Tiffany’s mother, Megan’s reluctant babysitter.

Brady Skye —Garrett’s older brother is a lawman in Oregon. Will he help or hinder his brother’s efforts to clear his name?

Lara Skye —Brady’s beloved wife, the sister Annie never had.

Contents

Chapter One (#ub8b6fdad-7969-590f-ab62-da6a879b4f96)

Chapter Two (#uc01621b7-6e62-5dc1-a9ce-dcf5557daa30)

Chapter Three (#ub063811b-59c4-5c0a-a633-20ee6348bb86)

Chapter Four (#uc4cba5b4-4b5e-5fca-8df5-ff71719dbad3)

Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Epilogue (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter One

Annie Ryder was ready to call it quits. Two days of lurking around in the cold, snapping pictures of old buildings, old streets and old ranchers had left her stiff and grumpy. Plus, the unfamiliar black-framed glasses rested heavy on the bridge of her nose while the thick brown wig atop her head itched to the point of distraction.

Oh, who was she trying to fool? Or, worse, impress? “You can’t impress a dead man,” she mumbled to herself.