Page 12 of Montana Manhunt

Grant smiled. “If you want a taste tester for your experiments, I’m your man.”

Rayne’s eyes sparkled. “Deal.”

Noah turned to Violet. “You and Rayne decide where you want to eat while Grant and I retrieve our gear.”

“Anything you don’t want?”

“No, ma’am. We eat anything that doesn’t eat us first.”

“Surprise us,” Grant said.

Noah leaned down and brushed his lips over Violet’s, then straightened and twisted the doorknob. A moment later, he and Grant were in the stairwell, heading for the hotel lobby.

“Violet’s okay?” Grant asked.

“I don’t think Camilla’s death has sunk in yet.”

“Probably won’t until Violet sees her sister.”

The two operatives walked from the stairwell into the lobby and outside to their SUVs. They moved their vehicles into the garage under the hotel and grabbed their bags.

In the stairwell again, Grant said, “So, is there something you want to share with the class, Noah?”

His eyes narrowed. “About what?”

“You and Violet.”

“We’re dating.”

“Officially?”

“Is there any other dating?”

“Sure. Friend dates.”

Noah scowled. “I’m not in the friend zone, Bowen.”

His friend chuckled. “Good. I was concerned Violet had shoved you into the friend zone after our first mission. You two are a good match.”

He smiled. “I agree.” Now all he had to do was convince Violet she should keep him. Permanently.

When they reached the fifth floor, Noah slid his card into the reader and opened the door.

Violet and Rayne were on the sofa, looking at a phone screen. They rose, took their bags from Noah and Grant, and stashed their gear in the first bedroom.

“Please tell me you decided on a restaurant,” Grant said. “I’m starving.”

“There’s a steakhouse one block away.”

“Perfect.” He rubbed his hands together. “Let’s go.”

“Walk or ride?” Rayne asked.

“Walk,” Grant said. “Violet, what’s your vote?”

“Walk. The fresh air will do all of us good.”

“Noah?”

---