Page 18 of The Finder

Emma turned and saw Garrett on the phone a little way down the block. She saw the guy that was always with him standing near him. “Let’s go,” Liam said. He began walking towards Garrett. Emma fell into step beside Liam. When they got closer, she could hear Garrett barking orders into his phone. She felt bad for the person on the other end. He ended the call and turned around. When he saw her in the coat, she swore he softened minutely. “We’re going to get some lunch,” Liam said. Garrett began shaking his head. “Emma’s hungry.” Garrett stopped whatever he was going to say and nodded. Emma turned to face Liam. He winked at her, and Emma rolled her eyes.

Liam started walking, and Emma began to follow. Garrett fell into place next to her, but he had his phone out. So, he wasn’t talking to her. Emma noticed the other guy fell into place behind them. Liam led them to a restaurant. He held the door and Garrett ushered Emma in front of him. Stepping inside, Emma looked around. It was a lot nicer than she was expecting. She just figured they would grab something at a fast-food place or something. Of course, she glanced at the three men surrounding her. They were all dressed in designer suits, so yeah, maybe not.

It was at this point that she realized she was way underdressed in her t-shirt that was a size or two too big, leggings, and sneakers. The only thing she had going for her was the dressy coat. The hostess approached with a big smile on her face. “Mr. Lozano, what a pleasure to see you. Would you care for your usual table?”

“No, a table for four near the fireplace, please,” Garrett said in a no-nonsense tone.

The woman’s demeanor fell slightly. “Of course. Right this way.” She picked up menus and started walking away.

Emma put a hand on Garrett’s arm. “Um, I don’t think I’m going to stay. I’m not really dressed for something like this and...”

“You’re staying,” Garrett interrupted her. He put his hand on her back and began propelling her through the restaurant. When they got to the table, Garrett pulled a chair out for her. She eased into the chair, trying to keep the grimace off her face. Garrett sat down in the seat beside her. Emma immediately felt dwarfed by his presence. He was so large and intimidating and so close. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a bottle of ibuprofen. Popping it open, he broke the seal and shook out two into his hand. He held them out to her. “Here,” he said.

Emma looked up at him in surprise. “Thank you,” she said and she took the pills from him. She popped them in her mouth and drank a sip from the water glass on the table. When she was done, she glanced at Garrett. He was watching her in concern. Emma smiled at him, but he didn’t smile back. He seemed to frown even more.

Needing a distraction, Emma picked up the menu and nearly gasped at the prices. Everything was really expensive even for lunch. After skimming the menu, she decided on a cup of soup. It was the least expensive thing on the menu. Between that and the bread on the table, she would be fine. Her stomach started growling at the thought of food, and Emma felt her face flame. Liam chuckled from across the table. Garrett picked up the basket of bread and handed it to her. She felt her face flame even more, but she took a roll out. Maybe if she nibbled at it, it would keep her stomach quiet. Emma tore off a small piece of the roll. She noticed none of the guys had even cracked a menu. Garrett was looking at something on his phone. Emma looked at the other guy she always saw but didn’t know.

“We haven’t been officially introduced yet. I’m Emma,” she said.

“I’m Max,” he grunted back at her.

Emma looked at him in surprise. He was worse than Garrett, and that was saying a lot. Emma took a sip of her water, trying to relax but failing miserably. Their waitress arrived soon after and Emma was relieved only long enough to take one look at her. She was young, probably a year or two older than Emma. She was beautiful, and she knew it. She had long blond hair, and a body to kill for. Her makeup was professional-grade, and her “assets” were on full display. Emma swallowed hard. She really didn’t belong here with these men in this fancy restaurant.

Chapter 13

“Mr. Lozano,” she practically crooned. “It’s so good to see you again. What can I get for you today?” she asked as she flipped her long hair over her shoulder, never taking her eyes off Garrett.

Emma turned away, rolling her eyes. “She’ll go first,” he said, nodding his head towards Emma.

Cold blue eyes met hers and Emma shivered at the animosity there. Miss beauty queen was not happy that she was with these men today. Emma glanced down at her menu, even though she already knew what she was getting. “I’ll take the French onion soup in a cup, please.” No less than three heads turned towards her. “What?” Emma asked.

“That’s not enough food for a bird,” Liam scoffed.

Garrett ignored him and turned to the waitress. “I’ll take the smothered chicken with mashed potatoes and the largest steak you have with broccoli and a baked potato.” Emma’s eyes widened at his order. Then Max and Liam both went on to order huge steaks as well.

Emma sat back in her seat.It must be a guy thing or maybe a money thing,she thought to herself. Thankfully, the waitress left after she had taken their order, and Liam started a steady stream of conversation.

After a lull in the conversation, Garrett turned to Emma. “So, what part of town do you live in?” he asked. Emma’s eyes widened. She glanced across the table at Liam for a moment. He sat back in his chair and crossed his arms and nodded at her. If she could have kicked him, she would have. He was leaving her to deal with this all on her own.

She looked back at Garrett and realized he had missed nothing about the interaction between her and Liam. “Anything you want to tell me?” he asked Liam.

Liam just shook his head. “Nope, boss.”

Garrett turned his steely gaze back on hers, and Emma felt like squirming in her seat. “What about you, Emma. Anything you want to tell me?” he asked.

“No, not particularly,” Emma said.

“Just tell him,” Liam said from across the table from her. “He’s going to find out anyway, and it will be better coming from you.”

Emma glared at Liam from across the table. He just shrugged.

“Will one of you tell me what’s going on before I lose it completely?” Garrett asked in anger.

Emma glanced at him and noticed he was angry and annoyed. His arms were crossed over his massive chest and he was leaning against his chair, pinning Liam with a glare.

“Fine,” Liam said. “I will, but not until after we eat. We don’t need you losing your cool in here and ruining lunch. Let's just eat lunch, and then we’ll talk about it.”

Garrett didn’t look like he wanted to agree, but he eventually caved and agreed to wait until they were done eating. Thankfully, the waitress brought their food not too long after that. Emma started in on her soup. She closed her eyes after the first bite.

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