Page 40 of Second Chance Savior

“Neither. Several puzzle pieces just connected, especially when I noted the gown you’re wearing. Great boots, by the way.”

Charlie had visibly relaxed, and now her mouth curved at the corners. “Thank you.”

“I better get you inside, Madame Lieutenant Governor. Looks like you could use a drink and a comfy place to sit. Guessing you’ve had a night.”

“Have I ever.”

Hodge bent his elbow, and Charlie slid her arm around his. He led her toward the house with his shotgun cradled on his other side.

“I’ll get the rest of our stuff and lock up the car,” I said. Neither of them were paying me any attention. “Okay for me to park here, right? Right.”

I’d turned invisible, apparently.

By the time I caught up, Hodge was already ushering Charlie to the leather couch in the living room. “River left me a message last night about watching a condo building downtown,” he was saying.

“Soyouwere the one. A friend from the SEALs?” She frowned at the TV, which showed a sea of emergency lights and police cars outside the botanic gardens. Hodge switched the screen off.

“Yep, we were in the Teams together. River didn’t give me the name of who I was supposed to watch for, but he gave me a description. A woman about five foot six, strawberry blond, thirties,beautiful.” Hodge grinned at me where I stood in the entryway. I’d dropped my duffel by my feet. “Didn’t take me long to figure out the lieutenant governor lived in that building,” Hodge went on, “and she matched said description. Though you’re even more beautiful than your photos give away.”

I rolled my eyes. Really?

I had a bit of a reputation among my friends as a flirt. But it was all in good fun. Hodge was laying it on thick.

“River told me he’d send someone to watch over me,” Charlie said, “but I don’t appreciate being ordered around. I went to a friend’s instead.”

“Figured it was something like that,” Hodge said. “Ididkeep watch at your building for a couple hours. Then hetexted that I was dismissed and didn’t respond to any of my calls after that. Seriously, man. Manners.”

They both looked over at me.

I crossed my arms and leaned into the wall. “Where are your sisters?” I asked. “As you’ve guessed, we had some issues. No one can know Charlotte is here.”

“Yeah, yeah. It’s fine. My younger sis is out on a date with some idiot, and my older one is sound asleep. Both of them know how to be discreet.”

“With you as a brother, they’d have to.”

Hodge flipped me off while he smiled at Charlie. “Lieutenant Governor, what can I get you? A drink?”

“Water would be great, thank you.”

“And I bet a blanket would be nice.” He grabbed a throw from the back of the couch and draped it around her shoulders.

“I appreciate that.” Charlotte snuggled into the couch and wrapped the blanket even tighter.

“I’ll get you that water, plus some warm milk with honey. My momma’s recipe. Always made me feel better.” Hodge looked smug as he made his way to the kitchen. I snorted.

I went and sat on the couch beside Charlie. “Hey, you sure you’re all right?” I asked softly. “Tonight’s been a lot.”

“I’m fine, River. Honestly. I’m processing, okay?”

I went to touch her shoulder. She pulled sharply away, and I held up my hands. “Is this because of the kiss thing? You’re still mad about that?”

“What kiss thing? Everything before I got stuffed in a trunk is blending together into one nightmarish haze.” Charlie shoved up from the couch, letting the blanket fall to the couch. “You know, I’d actually like a shower. I feel grimy.”

“I’ll grab you a change of clothes,” Hodge volunteeredfrom the kitchen. The great room wasn’t very big, so he’d likely heard most of what we were saying. “Since I assume you came without luggage. My little sister’s around your size.”

“That would be amazing, Hodge, thanks.”

He pointed Charlie toward the bathroom, then disappeared briefly into one of the bedrooms. Hodge reappeared and set a stack of clothes outside the bathroom. The water had started to run.

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