Page 2 of Grumpy Special Ops Bear: Ep. 1
Halle laughed as she reached into the back seat for a small duffel. “You wish. We’re going to dinner to meet with your new clients. They walked in this morning and were able to get a meeting right away. They must have some deep pockets if they could do that.”
It usually took clients a few weeks, even months, before they could meet with Hector—my peer and other guide—or me. A lot of planning was involved in these trips. Not to mention, we would run background checks on the clients to ensure people like me wouldn’t be going on trips with killers or members of a mob. It took preparation and lots of money to get something like this going.
Whatever the clients were paying, it must’ve been a hell of a lot. I hoped we at least completed the background checks. I’d prefer not to be stuck with a bunch of psychos on a dangerous adventure where anything could go wrong.
Halle jumped behind the wheel.
“How many in the group?” I asked while kicking off my sneakers.
“Seven.”
I frowned. “I’ve never taken so many clients as a solo guide. Can’t we reschedule this until Hector gets back from his honeymoon?” Normally, by myself, I’d take only four people to ensure the safety of the group and to ensure that I had time to dedicate to each client.
“The bosses say that you can decline this job, but they’re offering to pay you double for this trip with a hefty bonus.”
My eyes widened. “Holy shit! Hell yes, I’m taking this job.” It would mean more money in my nest egg for retirement. But I also knew that I’d have to work harder to ensure everyone in the group’s safety, which I was more than capable of doing. “These clients must be VIPs. Do you have any idea who they are?”
“They work for some finance company—at least I think they do. I didn’t get to hear much before I was told to come get you.” Halle’s fingers played nervously on the steering wheel. “I saw them when they came in though, and… Trinity, they’re unusual.”
“Lovely. They’d better not be assholes,” I groused while tugging my dress pants over my tight yoga bottoms. I slipped my suit jacket over the snug black Lycra tank top. My look was complete when I pulled my dark brown cinnamon hair from my bun and shook it out, allowing it to cascade around my shoulders. Tossing all my discarded items into the bag, I climbed into the SUV.
Halle shook her head. “I wasn’t thinking asshole weird, more like creepy. There were seven of them, but only one of them ever said a word. It was like the others were scared to speak.”
I unhappily pursed my lips. “That’s bizarre. Are they new employees?”
Halle shrugged. “No idea. The whole situation was strange. Though the guy who did talk was pretty fucking hot.” She waggled her eyebrows at me. “Rough around the edges, but that beard stubble… Man, I wish I were going with you.”
“Interesting,” I retorted. “Stilettos in the back?”
“Of course.” Halle glanced at me sideways. “It was the first thing I checked.”
“I trained you well, grasshopper.”
Reaching into the back seat, I took hold of my sleek stilettos and slipped my feet into them. “I only hope you’re wrong about these clients. I really don’t feel like dealing with a bunch of fucking idiots on a dangerous trip. One horrific experience was enough to last me a damn lifetime.”
Chapter 2
Trinity
I rushed through the door,darting my eyes around. Looking over at Halle, I inquired, “Do you see them?”
Halle pointed to the guy pacing back and forth. “There’s one of them. I believe his name is Josh Price.”
My eyes locked on him as we sauntered toward him.
Goddamn. He is pretty hot.
He smiled, glancing at Halle and then me. “I was wondering if I got the time wrong.”
“That would be my fault,” I explained, stepping forward with my hand out to shake his. “Trinity Holiday, the guide the agency has sent to you and your group, Mr. Price. I apologize for being late. I jumped out of an airplane not too long ago.”
He grinned, holding my hand longer than necessary. “Sounds like you’ve had quite the day.”
An unexpected jolt shot through my fingers, and I quickly pulled them away.
His smile slipped before his lips tilted up again. “I’m looking forward to our trip together, and so is the rest of my group. We’re just right over here,” he replied, leading the way to his table.
Halle and I followed him through a maze of tables in the busy restaurant, dodging servers with trays and businesspeople who’d had too much to drink.
