Page 30 of Out of the Shadows

“Thanks for the lift,” Gavin said as he slid open the door. He quickly got out and turned back. With one hand holding her briefcase, he held his other out to her. “I don’t plan on us being at the event too long, Owen. I’m thinking a couple hours max.”

“No problem. Just let me know when you’re ready.” Owen grinned and waggled her eyebrows. “It took us twenty minutes to get here, but you know I can make it in half the time if you need.”

“No, thank you,” Bean said, placing her hand in Gavin’s as she carefully stepped out. “That was plenty fast enough. Idon’t think my stomach could handle you doing all your fancy flying stuff.” She grinned at the other woman. “Thanks for not making me airsick. It’d be a shame to puke on this dress.”

Even though the helo’s blades had slowed, Gavin kept a firm grip on her hand as they quickly made their way to the building’s entrance. As they approached, the door opened, and Carmichael held it open for them.

“Daaamn, B,” Carmichael drawled. “You look crazy fuckin’ hot.”

Her face heated, and she rolled her eyes as they stepped into the elevator. The guy was always joking around with her.

Carmichael pressed the button to the parking garage. “When are you gonna agree to finally go out with me?”

“Uh, that would be never, my friend.” She chuckled, knowing the guy wasn’t serious. “But thanks, I think.”

Gavin made a grumbly noise, and she glanced up at him. His jaw was clenched tightly, and he was glaring at Carmichael, who was making a production of eyeing her up and down, which she didn’t mind since she knew he was a harmless flirt.

“Carmichael,” Gavin snapped.

Their friend’s eyes widened, and he held up his hands. “Sorry, Fraz.” He turned to her. “No disrespect intended, B.”

“I know. None taken.” She made a face and inclined her head at their boss, shrugging. She patted Gavin on the chest, and he tensed further. “Ease up, boss man.”

The elevator dinged, and the doors opened. She waited while both men stepped out, their heads on a swivel. She didn’t move until Gavin held his arm out for her to take. This wasn’t her first rodeo, but their alertness was a good reminder that they were on a mission.

She inwardly winced. Okay “mission” may be laying it on a bit thick, but this definitely wasn’t a fun, social evening out.

And just like that, nerves bloomed anew in her belly.

Looping her arm with Gavin’s, she let out a breath that was intended to be steadying but was more holy-crap-what-did-I-get-myself-into.

She was a hacker,nota field operative.

Trying to remember Owen’s words of encouragement, she glanced at her fabulous new shoes. Yes, they were beautiful. But, no, they did nothing to soothe her nervousness.

You’ve got this. It’s just a routine work assignment.

She repeated the words in her head as she settled herself in the black SUV. Carmichael hopped into the driver’s seat while Gavin sat next to her in the back for the short ride to the Four Seasons Hotel. With another deep breath, she did her best to ignore the trepidation inching up her spine.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

“Good evening, Mr. Frazier. You and your guest are seated at table one, sir.”

“Thank you,” Gavin said to the woman at the entry table.

Bean waited for the woman to acknowledge her—the “guest”—but nope. The other woman didn’t bother to look her way. Not even a glance. The lady only had eyes for Gavin.

Not that Bean could really blame her. The man did fill out a tux stupidly well. If Henry Cavill had a love child withFight ClubBrad Pitt, it would be Gavin. He exuded a confidence and an intensity that was breathtaking.

She pressed her lips together.

Whoa. Not thatshethought of him that way, of course. She was simply stating a fact. It was unfair how good the man looked all prettied up. Not that he didn’t look just as good in jeans and a T-shirt, because he did. It’s just that?—

Stop.

She flinched when his hand settled at the small of her back and wanted to clobber herself.

Holy shit, focus!

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