“You need a reason for being here, in case Fulton or your CO catches you on-site.” 

“If I could pass under the radar…if everyone could see me as something other than a cop…a guest, maybe, or a new member of staff, they could be inclined to talk. That would make my job easier.”

“Not staff,” she said contemplatively. “That wouldn’t be right.” 

“Then what did you mean?” 

“A guest, maybe,” she decided. “That would get you in the restaurant, the bar, the spa, the golf course and stables…everywhere but C Building.” Her eyes cleared. “Oh.” 

“What?” he asked, feeling his stomach muscles tighten as he watched her pupils dilate. 

Her gaze trickled down his throat, over his shoulders and down his chest. “It’s that simple…and that complicated.”

“Throw me a bone here, Colton.” 

“You need to immerse yourself among staff and guests. You need a cover. Being my boyfriend would guarantee access to pretty much anything.”

“Your boyfriend.” He heard his tone flatline. It was the worst idea he’d ever heard. 

And it was the best idea he’d ever heard.