Page 17 of Rugged Fox

With that parting shot, the kid walked around the house and disappeared.

Nolen whistled. "Got to respect a kid who sticks up for his mother."

I continued to stare at where Lucien walked off to. I could say with complete honesty this was the first time I had ever been threatened by someone so young. I wasn't sure how I felt about it either.

"Let's get started."

We were halfway through getting the cameras installed when Kati stepped out onto the back deck. This time her hair hung in loose waves down her back. Her face didn't have a stitch of makeup and I couldn't help but stare at her beauty. Everything about her was natural and perfect.

"Can I get you guys anything to eat or drink?"

Hell, even her voice mesmerized me. There was nothing about her that I didn't like.

"No, thank you, ma'am."

"Ma'am?" Kati chuckled at Nolen's answer. "I would hope I don't look that old."

My friend laughed with her and it made me want to punch him in the face. As much as I liked the sound of her laughter, I didn't want it to be in response to another man. Even if I knew that man had no interest in her other than as a client.

"Not at all. Old habits are hard to break though," Nolen responded.

Kati's smile was electric and for once it didn't look forced when she turned it on me. "How about you, Easton? Is there anything I can get you?"

Suddenly an image of Kati on her knees, pulling my cock out of my shorts, popped into my head. I doubt that was what she meant when she asked her question, but it was sure as fuck where my mind went.

"No, thanks." The words sounded like they were ripped out of my throat and rocks took up residence in my mouth. I wasn't even sure they were recognizable at this point. Considering my response caused Kati's lips to turn down in a frown, I knew it sounded even worse to her.

"Well, okay. I'll leave you guys to it, then."

I wanted to slap myself. Nolen was kind enough to wait until Kati was back inside the house before he rounded on me and did the slapping for me. Right on the side of the head, no less.

"What the fuck was that? This is not the Easton I've known for over twenty years. Since when did you become a bumbling idiot?"

I grabbed the next camera and stomped over to where we’d agreed to mount it. Those were valid questions but the problem was I didn't have answers to them. I wasn't sure what was wrong with me.

Talking had never been a problem for me, and my friends liked to tease that I was a good listener. In the Marines, guys would seek me out for advice because I would encourage them and give them the push they needed. I was the nice guy, and yes, I knew that nice guys always finished last, but I was okay with that. I would rather help hundreds of others than do one selfish thing.

However, all of that seemed to vanish into thin air the moment Kati was within ten feet of me. I got tongue-tied and didn't know how to fix it. For once, I didn't have the answer, and the usual nice guy disappeared. Just like earlier at the office when I refused to leave so my friends could handle the assignment.

"You really like her, don't you?"

"What, are we a couple of teenagers? Besides, she's a client. Last time I checked, it wasn't appropriate to have feelings for someone who hired us. I might not be business savvy but even I know that crosses too many lines."

"Sure, if you became some crazy stalker, but if the feelings are mutual . . ." Nolen left it at that and turned back to the installation he was doing.

It gave me something to think about. I was worried about the power dynamic. Not only had Kati hired us, but she was dependent on my team to keep her safe. If I started something with her and it went south, how would she feel about my team protecting her?

That was enough of a reason for me to stay away. Kati needed to be safe more than I needed to get my dick wet. It had been a while since I got laid, what was a few more months?

CHAPTER NINE

Kati

This was turning out to be the shift from hell. I'm not sure if tonight was a full moon but the lunatics were out in droves. I wanted nothing more than to go home and crack open a bottle of wine. Maybe catch up on my shows or download a new book. I was suddenly in the mood for some protector romance books. I was in a group that gave some great recommendations; it was time I took those other readers up on their suggestions.

One look at my supervisor's face as she strolled up to me told me I wouldn't be getting any of those things soon.

"I'm sorry to ask this of you, Kati, since I know the shift has been rough, but can you stay an extra hour? Mary is running a bit late. Her husband was late getting off work."

---