Page 29 of Out of the Shadows

He nodded, conceding her point. It never hurt to be prepared for anything. “Are you bringing a phone?”

She scoffed. “Is that a real question?” She gestured to the table where a small, red purse sat. “My phone links to my laptop, and I have a few other small tech goodies in there. Nothing that will set off a metal detector, of course.”

Of course she did. She was a badass like that.

Gorgeous and kick-ass. It was a potent combo.

He wanted to slap himself upside the head, but he couldn’t focus on anything except her. Clearing his throat, he asked, “Did you eat lunch today?”

Her hands moved to her hips, and she made a growling sound. “Holy crap. Stop with that already.”

“With what?” His eyes narrowed in confusion.

She dropped her head back and stared at the ceiling. She muttered something he couldn’t decipher and then let out a breath as she met his gaze. “At least you seem to be done being a grumpy ass. That’s a plus, I suppose.”

This woman had him off-fucking-kilter. “How have I been grumpy? I’m just making sure you’re fed and watered.”

She glared at him as he cringed. “Like livestock?”

Yeah... The second the words had left his mouth, he’d known he’d fucked up. But the way her cheeks flushed pink with irritation was mesmerizing.

He couldn’t help himself. Like the immature dumbass he was, he had to poke at her a little more. “I don’t know why you’re being so sensitive, B.”

Slapping the lid of the briefcase shut, she stomped toward him. “Keep talking, bud, and I’m going to bash you. Over. Your. Damn. Head.”

Each of her final words were punctuated by a jab of her finger. He was itching to grab hold of that finger and pull her closer. See what she’d do then. “I’d like to see you try.”

She leaned closer and narrowed her eyes. “Don’t tempt me, boss man.”

His lips kicked up in a smirk. Why the hell he found that so hot, he had no clue. But damn...

Mischief twinkled in her blue eyes as she took a step back.

The evening was young. He may just have to rile her up some more. See what she’d actually do to him.

Realizing where his thoughts were going, he shook his head.Nope. Bad idea, Frazier. Bad fucking idea.

CHAPTER TWELVE

“Where did Esme arrange for you to land?” Bean heard Gavin ask Owen through her headset.

The Bell 505 they were flying in was the smallest helicopter of the Hudson Security fleet. It only held five, including the pilot. Gavin sat up front next to Owen, while Bean sat behind them.

“Esme received clearance for the Safeco Plaza helipad,” Owen replied. “So you’ll be right downtown. Carmichael is meeting us there and will be your driver for the evening.”

As they continued to talk logistics, Bean hoped the headphones didn’t mess up her hair. Not that she really cared. She wasn’t the biggest fan of flying in helicopters to start with and throw in the growing nerves that were swirling in her stomach, her hair wasn’t something she was truly worried about, but it was a good distraction. Puking all over the interior of the helicopter? Now that was the growing worry.

Taking in a deep breath, Bean took in the view as they approached downtown Seattle. Having spent the majority of her life in San Francisco and now living on quaint and quiet Hudson Island, she appreciated Seattle’s beautiful skyline.

Her stomach dropped as Owen approached their landing spot that was smack-dab in the middle of downtown atop one of its many skyscrapers. Once they landed, Bean removed her headset and hung it on its hook. And froze. Her mind whirled as she second-guessed herself. It had been eons since she’d played any sort of smile-and-nod part. Once she’d been old enough, she’d made a life for herself that didn’t include small talk and mingling.

Why the hell had she agreed to do this again?

“You got this,” Owen said. “If you get nervous, just know you look better than everyone else. I mean, those shoes alone, girlfriend.”

Meeting Owen’s steady gaze, she smiled, grateful for the support. She shoved her nerves down and held her foot out, rotating her ankle and showing off the flame-red beauty. “They are pretty fantastic.” She leaned forward and slapped Gavin on the shoulder. “Thanks for the new kicks, boss man.”

“I officially volunteer the next time you need a plus-one, Frazier,” Owen said, elbowing him in the side. She gestured to the door on the opposite side of the rooftop. “Carmichael should be inside waiting for you guys. Text me when you’re about ready to leave, and I’ll be here waiting.”

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