Recovering his composure, he pocketed his device. “Regarding your belongings—their current whereabouts?”

“The retrieval process remains pending,” she acknowledged.

“Allow me to handle that task,” he offered immediately.

Colleen’s eyebrow arched slightly, impressed by his readiness. “I appreciate your thoughtfulness—most kind.”

“My pleasure entirely,” he assured her.

With unexpected alacrity, Brady bounded toward the baggage carousel. Colleen’s international relocation had necessitated substantial baggage—a challenge, fortunately mitigated by Brady’s considerable physical strength.

“Miss Hayes, take a look.”

Having arranged her numerous cases with methodical precision upon the wheeled carrier, Brady gestured toward his handiwork. “Is this everything? Did we leave anything out?”

“One moment,” Colleen murmured, conducting a thorough visual inventory before offering a satisfied nod. “All here, nothing missing.”

“Excellent.” Relief illuminated Brady’s features as he set the laden cart in motion. “Shall we proceed? My vehicle awaits in the subterranean parking facility.”

“Lead the way,” she acquiesced.

Upon entering the concrete expanse of the garage, Brady said to Colleen, “Miss Hayes, please make yourself comfortable inside—the interior climate remains pleasantly regulated.”

The garage didn’t have air conditioning, transforming it into a sweltering chamber during the summer months—a veritable heat trap.

“Much appreciated,” she responded gratefully.

While Colleen settled into the mercifully cooler confines of the passenger compartment, Brady methodically transferred her possessions from cart to trunk, handling each item with meticulous care.

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Scarcely had Colleen adjusted her position in the comfortable seat when her phone vibrated with Hadley’s incoming call.

“Has the rendezvous occurred successfully?” Hadley inquired without preamble.

“Indeed,” Colleen confirmed, genuine warmth infusing her smile. “Your brother possesses remarkable qualities.”

“He’s indeed a nice young man,” Hadley replied with a smile, genuine warmth infusing her voice. “Get settled first, and we’ll arrange a time to meet properly.”

“Sounds good.”

After ending the call, she saw Brady trudge back to the waiting car, perspiration beading across his forehead despite the mild temperature.

Colleen extended a crisp tissue toward him. “Here,” she offered pragmatically, “wipe your face before you drip all over the seat.”

“Thank you, Miss Hayes,” he responded with practiced formality.

Colleen shifted slightly in her seat, the formality suddenly uncomfortable. “You don’t have to call me Miss Hayes,” she blurted out. “It sounds ridiculously stuffy. Since you’re Hadley’s brother and just a bit younger than me, please—just call me Colleen.”

Brady’s expression flickered with unexpected hesitation at her mention of their age gap, an inexplicable reluctance drawing his brows together.

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