Robin Bielman: Veiled Target

He didn’t know what he’d expected her to say, but that wasn’t it. Her occupation had never entered his mind. However, now that he knew, could she help? Would she be able to offer valuable input? Information was what he’d wanted from the get-go. The only thing different now was her knowledge wasn’t personal—it was professional.

“I’ve rendered you speechless, huh?” she asked when he neglected to give a timely reply. “Did Kensie and Francesca tell you I was a hairdresser or something?”

Remembering his place, he cleared his throat. “Or something.” That was the easiest answer he could muster.

“Something like…”

“It doesn’t matter. I appreciate your offer, but I don’t need your help.” It was safer for her if she kept her distance. Safer for him too. “I’ve got it under control, so no need to worry your pretty little head.”

Oh, he’d blown it now. He could take his “pretty little head” and shove it. Tess wasn’t about to let him off the hook. She was enjoying the date far more than she anticipated, feeling things she never thought she’d feel again, and then he threw in a missing friend? Awesome . This guy was too good to be true. She wanted in on the chase. Wanted to feel the rush of a hunt.

Next to him.

“How about I just tag along and offer my assistance when you don’t need it?” She waited a beat, then added, “Free of charge.”

Damn, she wished she had a camera because his expression was priceless. She’d replay his flabbergasted look in her mind all night. And smile.

He reminded her of his masculinity by puffing out his chest. “Thanks, but no thanks.”

At least she thought that was what he was doing. It was rather distracting. A lesser woman would probably swoon.

“Look, I’ve got nothing better to do tonight, so come on. It could be fun.” She didn’t like the imploring note in her voice, but she didn’t want the elation inside her to end. Something about Trey’s proximity brought out the happy, young, mischief-seeking girl she’d once been, and she wanted to keep pretending she was everything she wasn’t.

“Are you ready to order?” the waitress asked, sounding impatient as she paused at the table.

“No, actually. We’re leaving, so just the check please.” Trey pulled on his leather jacket and slid closer to the edge of the booth.

The waitress nodded and scurried off, disappearing into a crowd Tess hadn’t noticed on her trip back from the restroom. Probably because she’d had her eyes on him.

“I’m very good at what I do,” she said, hating being told no.

“I’m sure you are. But I don’t need a PI.” By his bullheaded look and forbidding note in his voice, Tess was shit out of luck.

She silently cursed. Besides practically begging to help him, she couldn’t believe she’d told him she was an investigator. She’d never told anyone that. Not even Jason— until he’d proposed, and look where that got him. Her cover was second nature; production assistant rolled off her tongue like cheeseburger with fries. Shit. Shit. Shit. She’d forgotten who she was.

And liked it.

But she couldn’t afford to do that. Not now. Not with a new assignment and her ass grass if she failed.

“Because pilots are so good at finding people?” Apparently she didn’t mind if her ass was grass. She couldn’t let it go. Couldn’t let him go. She wasn’t acting reasonable or mature or respectable. And she didn’t give a crap. She wanted to escape. Just for tonight.

Something flashed in his eyes, changing the color from blue to a dark greenish brown, and he snarled. “You don’t like to take no for an answer.”

“No. Not—”

“And for your information, I’m very good at finding people. I do a lot of search and rescue. So I’m perfectly capable of locating my friend on my own.”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to imply you weren’t capable. Just that two heads are usually better than one.” Wow. The words coming out of her mouth were completely foreign to her. When the hell had she ever wanted or needed a partner?

“I’ve got that covered. The friend that interrupted us is waiting for me.”

“He seems pretty occupied to me.” She nodded in the direction of the wood-paneled bar. The guy had a pretty redhead practically sitting in his lap and cocktail glasses dangled from their hands. “And not at all inclined to leave anytime soon. I’d make a much better sidekick.”

After he glared at the bar, his disposition softened slightly. His hunched shoulders relaxed, and his eyes darkened. His gaze fell to her lips when he said, “What I’d like you for isn’t the sidekick position.”

Regardless of how hard she tried to remain cool, she was positive her cheeks turned ruby red. The corners of her mouth also betrayed her, pulling up against her will. And did her eyelashes actually flutter without her permission? Bad eyelashes.

“I’m quite certain you’d benefit from any of my positions. It’s just a matter of how I can best serve you right now.”

He hit her with a smile that made her forget her own name. “I, uh, don’t doubt that. But right now your safety is my main concern.”

“I’m a big girl and can more than take care of myself.” If he only knew.

“I’m sure you can. But I’m not taking you with me.”

The waitress dropped off the check and he pulled out his wallet. Tess glared at him, hoping he’d reconsider. He left more than enough money on the table and slid her bills back to her.

Fine. She put the money in her purse and got up to leave. If he wanted to play it that way, she’d play. She’d walk out of the bar, pretend to leave, and then…follow him. He didn’t know it, but he’d presented a challenge. And she never backed down from those. Add in an element of danger and she was all over it. Her sense of adventure wanted in. Already, her blood was pumping through her veins a little bit faster. Besides, what harm could come from following him?

“Thanks for the drinks,” she said.

He scooted out and stood beside her and his nearness ramped up her pulse faster than if she’d been standing on the edge of a mountain, ready to hang glide. His woodsy yet fresh-as-rain scent drew her like a fish to a wormed hook. She wanted to bury her face in his broad chest and breathe him in.

“You’re welcome. It was a pleasure meeting you.”

“Likewise.” She took a step away.

“I’ll walk you to your car.”

“That’s really not necessary.”

His arm came around her back. Tingles shot up her spine. “It is.” He guided her through the crowded bar, pausing for a moment to track down his friend. “Wait just a minute.”

He wove his way to the bar. When he planted a firm pat on his friend’s back, the guy jumped to attention, jostling the woman from his lap without a second thought. Either Trey had caught him by surprise, or more likely, he followed Trey’s lead.

“Hey, babe. Can I buy you a drink?”

Warm, alcoholic breath touched the side of her neck as a shoulder bumped hers.

“No thank you.” Tess turned to find a guy about her age giving her googly eyes.

“Aww come on. I won’t bite.” He licked his lips. “Unless you want me to.”

She took a step back, but it didn’t dissuade the poor jerk. He sidled right on up to her again, this time putting an arm around her waist.

“Listen, moron. I said no. Now move away from me or I’m going to break your arm.”

“Tough chick. I like it. I’m Bo.”

“I’m not going to ask you again.”

“Ask me what, gorgeous?”

“Go away, Bo. Now.” She lifted his arm from her side, but he immediately put it back.

“I don’t want to. I want to buy you a drink. What’s your poison?”