Queen of Hearts: (Family Stone #6 Shelley) (Family Stone Romantic Suspense) by Lisa Hughey Page A

get special treatment.”
    Shelley opened her eyes and lifted her head as the door rattled.
    Ric was across the room and in front of the ornate doors in a heartbeat. He had his weapon out and ready. Her body tightened. She couldn’t imagine that someone complaining about a hydro therapy bath was a threat. But what if she was? Ric was standing right in the way.
    “You need to leave this room alone,” the spa employee said to whoever was on the other side of the door.
    “Fine, but don’t think the manager won’t hear about this.” The voice faded as if the complainer was walking away from the room.
    Everyone relaxed.
    Ric didn’t return to his seat. He stood next to the door, his body ready.
    Shelley let her gaze trail lightly over him. His shoulders were broad and sturdy. His stomach flat, pecs rippled beneath the simple Polo shirt. His worn jeans cupped the bulge beneath his zipper and molded to thighs as thick as the eucalyptus trunks in her yard. His biceps tested the hem of his shirt sleeves, and dark hair dusted his forearms. A wide, black tactical watch emphasized his thick wrists, and drew her gaze to his hands. Those hands had caressed and stroked every single inch of her body, taking her to heights of pleasure that she’d never experienced before.
    The memory of all that man between her thighs swept over her and her entire body liquefied in remembered lust.
    Ric’s gaze found hers, heated. But all he said was, “I’m going to step outside for a moment. I’ll be right back.” He nodded to all of the women.
    “But we know it was a man that wrecked my hotel room.” Shelley understood caution but that was definitely a woman’s voice.
    “It was too neat. He could have an accomplice. Or he could have been hired by a woman. At this point we can’t rule out any possibilities.”
    Then he was gone.
    “Someone’s a little hot and bothered.” Bliss’s dark gaze shifted from Shelley to where Ric had just been standing. Shelley wanted to sink under the water in total embarrassment. Hopefully the flush on her face would be attributed to the moist heat of the pool rather than being turned on.
    Jess laughed softly. “She should be. I saw him naked.” She fanned her face with her fingers.
    “Jess,” Shelley hissed.
    “I’d ask more questions, but we’re talking about my mother-in-law-to-be.” Bliss teased.
    “Cut her a break,” Ava said. “Con is freaked out by the whole thing.”
    Bliss frowned. “Yeah, Jack too.” Her smile fell from her face and shadows darkened her eyes.
    Shelley wondered at Bliss’s expression. She thought that Bliss had been unnaturally subdued today but she really didn’t know her future daughter-in-law that well. “Everything okay, honey?”
    Bliss blinked furiously. “Of course. What could be wrong?”
    “I don’t know. Why don’t you tell us?” Shelley said softly.
    “I just….” Bliss pulled her legs in to her chest in, wrapped her arms around her calves, and rested her cheek on her knees.
    They all waited, sensing that something important was coming. “Why isn’t Jack taking care of your security?”
    Shelley had wondered the same thing. Did it really make sense for Ric Santana to watch her? However, she didn’t think that’s what had really upset Bliss.
    “And?”
    “I think he’s having second thoughts,” Bliss whispered. Her words were barely audible over the rush of the bubbles in the pool.
    “What?!” Jess sat up so quickly that water splashed over the edge and onto the tile floor.
    “No way.” Ava shook her head violently.
    Shelley curled her arm around Bliss’s shoulders. Her body was tight with tension. “Why do you think that?”
    “Because he’s been really distant and distracted since we got here.” Bliss tucked her head down hiding her face from them all. “And I just can’t help but feel like maybe he’s changed his mind.”
    “He’s loco over you.” Ava patted Bliss’s shoulder. She pressed her lips together. “I work with