Page 87 of Seduction in Spades

“Is everything okay with Trey?”

The subtle playfulness is gone. He gives me a curt nod. “Yup.”

Great. I’m back to one-word bodyguards. I slide into the front seat and fasten my seat belt while he climbs in next to me. Since he’s not going to reveal the information I need to hear, I play with the stereo system.

“What kind of music do you listen to?”

I pick up on his side-eye and pause on a pop station playing a throwback Backstreet Boys song.

“Not that.”

“Please tell me you’re not a stuffy talk radio listener.”

“There’s a lot of good stuff on talk radio.”

“During six o’clock rush hour though?” I turn the dial and stop at a country station.

Hugh nods. “Better.”

“Seriously? I wouldn’t have pegged you for country music.”

“It’s all we listened to growing up in Nebraska.”

I snort. “Nebraska? Are all SEALs from the remote parts of the country?”

“Know a lot of SEALs, do you?”

“Just a couple. Two, to be exact, and you’re half of that equation. And I don’t really know you so, I guess one.”

“Ohio isn’t as remote as Nebraska.”

Interesting. Hugh must be part of Nolan’s inner circle. And he either made a huge blunder revealing Nolan’s hometown, or he knew I went to Ohio and met the family last week. I sit on this piece of information, not sure what to do with it.

“Nolan’s a good guy.”

“So they say,” I mutter under my breath.

When we get to the penthouse, I notice the chair I put in the entryway is still there. “You can come in if you’d like. I’m going to start on dinner.”

“I appreciate the invite, Miss Baxter, but I’m going to stay out here and keep watch.”

I turn in a circle in the entryway. There aren’t any windows, and only two doors. One leading to Drake’s penthouse, the other to the one I’m in.

“Does Nolan not like you? This is the worst duty anyone could possibly be assigned. Let me at least bring you an iPad or something.”

“I appreciate the thoughtfulness, but I’m fine.” He takes out his phone and reads a message. “It’s Trey. He says he’ll be delayed and not to wait for him to eat.”

“Sure you don’t want to keep me company?”

His smile is tight, if not forced. I have a feeling there’s more to the text than Hugh is sharing.

“Have a good night, Miss Baxter. Please lock up behind you.”

I toe off my shoes as soon as I step through the door and kick them across the entryway. I start to unbutton my blouse as I make my way to my room and notice movement out on the balcony. I back up slowly toward the door when the figure moves, and I make out his silhouette.

Nolan.

I spot his phone and keys on the counter and the cap to a Corona. Tempted as I am to ignore him and go to my room to change, I take the high road and step out onto the balcony.

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