The security room door opens, flashing a line of bright light from the hallway. Or maybe it’s the different lighting and the glare to get off so many TVs. Trey, Simone’s boyfriend and Finn’s partner in crime in Raven Digital Arts, walks in the room. His eyes survey the wall of TV screens, stopping for a second on each one.
“Amanda, Hudson. We only need to get Grant a job here and the whole crew can hang out in the building.”
“I was just stopping by,” I say, unsure if Trey is upset I’m here. I never can get a great read on the man.
“Oh no, I’m kidding… It’s fine you’re here,” he says as he still studies the wall. “Are there cameras in my office?”
Hudson takes a step back, clearly getting into work mode. “Not in your office, but we have stationed one in the hallway.”
Trey nods. He finds it acceptable. “And the closet by Simone’s desk?”
Hudson hesitates for a second and I’m forced to cover my mouth with both hands. Simone is not that great at keeping secrets.
“The closet by the receptionist?” he confirms.
Trey nods.
“We can put a camera there. Would you like one?” Hudson asks.
Trey turns back to in our direction, smiling widely. Frankly it’s a little scary. “No, of course not the closet. Why would you put a camera there?” He pats Hudson on the shoulder twice, quietly laughing to himself like the whole conversation is ridiculous, but I know the truth. “You two have a great afternoon. I’m off to see Simone.”
Without another word he walks out of the room, the door closing behind his quick footsteps.
“What was that about?” Hudson asks still facing the close metal door like he’s waiting for Trey to come back and explain.
“Don’t ask.” We should make a sign at the receptionist desk. If she’s not there, don’t go in the closet. One day someone may see more than they bargained. It makes you look at Trey in a whole new light, but also in a way I never want to think of Trey. Or Simone.
“It may take me a while to get the hang of this group.” Hudson turns back, still puzzled over Trey’s questions. He’ll learn soon enough.
I shrug. I’m still learning this group. They’re a bit crazy, a lot wacky, but my best friends in the whole world. “Are you sure you can survive?”
“Oh my God, woman. Stop. Even without the job I’d be happy. I’m here for you. The job is just the frosting.”
“You turned it down the first time.”
He huffs and does another eye roll, but there’s no praying to the ceiling, so he must not be completely maddened. “I was waiting for you to tell me to take the job.”
And they say women are complicated. “Well, next time tell me and I will gladly boss you around.” It’s only fair I get to on occasion. Marissa tells me I need to be bossier.
Hudson’s boss Ridge wasn’t thrilled when Hudson called and said he wasn’t coming back to Pelican Bay, but when he laid out an idea for him and explained the opportunity, the two of them put a plan together. Finn bought most of his own equipment and is paying Hudson a wonderful salary, but Ridge is helping set up a new branch of his company here. He’s making Hudson half owner and the full manager of the area. Right now, he’s hiring bodyguards for the rest of the RDA girls, but they expect to grow the client base.
They still haven’t agreed on a name. Pelican Bay Security doesn’t quite fit in San Francisco. I’ve never even seen a Pelican although I’ve been assured they’re out there somewhere. They both agree the name has to switch for the West Coast, but that’s where the trouble started. Currently they are considering the name San Francisco Security Firm with the initials SFSF. I’m less than thrilled at the choice, but it’s better than anything else.
I’m giving him a few more days to come to a decision and then I’ll casually mention it to Marissa. The marketing guru won’t be able to stop herself from helping and then Aspen will turn it into a party and before you know it, the entire thing will be huge. But it’s a great way to work up new fancy rich clients for Hudson. And to think, most people think I’m the shy one.
“What’s that look in your eye?” Hudson asks as he wraps his arms around my back and pulls me tightly.
I smile. “Nothing.”
We kiss again and I refuse to let go until my legs tire from stretching.
“You know, there’re no cameras in the closet out front,” Hudson whispers in my ear when I step away, working to regain my breath and balance.
Turn the page to read the series epilogue.
Series Epilogue
Six months later
