Page 100 of The Assignment: Room 3

“Sorry she’s jumping up on you and wanting to hold your hand.”

I cup Celest’s face in my hands. “No apologies. We agreed that you’re going to give this a chance. I’m a grown-ass man. If I had a problem with it, I’d let you know. You have a very sweet daughter. You should be proud.” Her shoulders sag in relief.

“Really?”

I press a kiss to her lips. “Really, so please relax and enjoy us getting to know each other better. Can you do that for me, pet?”

“I’ll…”

“Mommy, why is Mr. Fex calling you a pet? You’re a human bean.” This kid is so damn cute as she teeters toward Celest.

“I do that because I think she’s cute, like a puppy dog.”

“What can I be? What can I be?” I relinquish my hold on Celest and crouch down to Gracie’s eye level.

“Mm… I think you are like a fuzzy teddy bear. You give good hugs. What do you think, Gracie bear?”

She throws her arms around my neck and hugs me tight. “Like this?” She’s got me in a headlock, and I can’t help but laugh.

“Maybe a little softer. How old are you?”

“Free,” she says proudly, holding up three fingers.

“Wow, you’re strong for your age, Gracie bear.”

She turns to Celest, gazing up at her with adoration. “I’m Gracie bear!”

“I love it. Now, let’s show Flex to the dining table because dinner is ready.”

“Oh, I left the bottle of wine I brought in my car. I’ll be right back.”

“You didn’t have to bring anything.”

“I know, but my mom taught me good manners. Never go to a dinner party without a gift for the chef.”

“I don’t think this is classed as a party, and I’m definitely not a chef. What kind of wine pairs well with eggs and gummy worms?”

“That’s a universal dish, for sure. You could go with a vintage red or maybe some champagne.” I steal a quick kiss before heading out to my car. “I’ll be right back.”

I take the steps two at a time, only to see a guy circling my car. What the fuck? “Can I help you?”

The guy’s eyes go wide as saucers, “Just admiring your ride. Don’t often see cars like this around here.” I look him up and down for signs that he might be carrying a weapon.

“Do you live here?” My eyes flit to the car I saw earlier. The lights aren’t on, but now there’s no one in the car. “Is that your car?”

“Nah, just visiting an old friend. The car is a rental.”

I beep my car open and grab the bottle of wine I left. “Well, have a good night…”

“John.” He holds his hand out to shake. “And you are?”

“A stranger with a nice car. You might not want to loiter around other people’s cars. They might get the wrong impression.” It’s a thinly-veiled threat.

He puts up his hands. “No worries, my friend. Just thought you had a cool car.”

“Goodnight, John.” I wait until he walks away and take note of his license plate. If it’s a rental, it will be easy to find out. I make a mental note to check if he follows me when I leave tonight. One of two things is happening right now, and neither of them is good. Either he’s keeping tabs on Celest, in which case, I will be putting twenty-four-seven security on her and taking this guy out, or he’s following me, and I’m going to have to break his face.

When he gets in his car and drives off, I make a quick call to Luther. “Hey, man, can you run a plate for me?”

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