Page 39 of Regards, Mia

CHAPTER 15

That One Looks Like Trouble

Jay’s security expert looks like he’s barely old enough to drive. I watch him with fascination as he clicks away on his laptop at warp speed.

“This is the most basic system I’ve seen in a while.” He glances up at me, eyes dancing with humor. “Circa two thousand and eight,” he says with a shake of his head.

I squint down at him, noticing the peach fuzz on his upper lip. “Were you even born then?”

Jay interrupts before the kid can answer. “George knows his stuff. He’s brilliant.”

George looks up at Jay like he worships the ground he walks on. “Thanks, Coach.”

Jay nods once, then moves through the small kitchen to the back door. He gestures at the patio. “You got motion detector lights out here?”

“I’m not sure,” I say, enjoying this different side of Jay more than I thought possible. He’s a natural leader, easily assuming charge.

“Add that to the list,” he tells George.

“Already on it.” George finishes up on his laptopand shoves it into his backpack. “Everything should arrive by tomorrow afternoon. I can stop by after school and help you install it.”

Jay agrees and walks George to the door, discussing something I can’t quite hear before the kid leaves.

“After school?” I ask as Jay comes back into the living room.

He shrugs. “He’s the best. He redid my whole system. After he broke in a few times.” Jay grabs his jacket and throws it over his shoulder. “Now no one has a prayer of getting in my gym. You’re lucky to have George.”

I pull on my jacket and grab my laptop bag. “He broke into your gym, but now you’re friends?”

“Pretty much.” Jay opens my door and steps outside in front of me, scanning the parking lot before allowing me to exit my own condo. “He’s a good kid.”

“He’s a criminal.”

He walks me to my car and waits until I’m seated inside. “I believe in rehabilitation.”

“I never said I didn’t.”

Jay raises a brow and leans on my roof looking down at me. “I’ll see you there. Drive safely.”

He shuts the door, and I watch him walk away and climb on his motorcycle. I don’t think I can ever get enough of watching him walk away, or watching him climb on his bike. He is too sexy for ten in the morning. I can’t handle it.

On the short drive to the park, I clear my thoughts of Jay Sanchez and focus on Warner Mattson and Elena. I’ve got to come up with a compelling enough reason to convince Elena to meet with her former boss. Last night I found a few very interesting leads on scumbag Mattson. I just need Elena’s help in nailing him. This meeting is crucial.

When I get to the park, Jay is already waiting for me in the parking lot. He opens my door and walks with me to the play area where Elena and I plan to meet. Even though the weather is still chilly, young children are playing on the swings while theirmothers keep a close watch on them. I spot Elena over by a toy train setup and carefully plan my approach.

“You have to wait here,” I tell Jay.

He stops short and crosses his arms in front of him, surveying the play yard with an eagle eye. “How long will you be?”

“I’m not sure, but don’t blow this for me. Okay?” I glance up at him, noticing how he does not blend in like he promised he would. At the park mostly populated by young mothers or nannies, Jay sticks out like a sore thumb.

“Don’t worry.” He reaches down and kisses my cheek, giving me a pat on the ass. “I’m just your boyfriend waiting for you.”

I glare at him over my shoulder. “Don’t get any closer.”

He nods and takes a seat on a bench, somehow looking relaxed yet ready to pounce at the same time. This giant of a man, who should look extremely out of place at a playground, somehow looks perfectly at ease.

Elena takes her eyes off her two children for a moment to greet me, then goes back to facing the playground, watching them intently. “Who’s that with you?” she asks.

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