It was probably for the best. If Knox hadn’t interrupted, he wasn’t sure what he might have said. Tayla Faraday was full of surprises. And he was finding it more and more difficult to ignore the magnetism between them. It wasn’t simple physical attraction. That was only part of it. There was something less superficial, something about her character, that pulled him toward her. And that could get him into trouble. He wasn’t sure he was ready for another relationship, and he needed to make sure he didn’t start something he couldn’t finish.
Which was why seeing her later that night, looking absolutely breathtaking in that black dress, was sheer torture.
Chapter 9
Jason swallowed twice. And tried to force a nonchalant exterior. But he was far from uninterested in Tayla’s entrance. She looked amazing. And he realized, if he wasn’t careful, she would distract him tonight.
She walked across the living room, and Knox gave a low, appreciative whistle.
Ignoring the whistle, she looked at Jason and Knox standing over Rowan, and a collection of listening devices on the dining table. “You gentlemen look very handsome this evening.”
“Thank you,” Rowan said, who was the only one not wearing a tux. Sporting his faded Batman t-shirt and jeans, he was staring at Tayla. Almost drooling.
Jason smacked the back of his head. “Are all the GPS trackers operational?”
Rowan rolled his eyes and rubbed his head. “Yes, you’re good to go.”
Jason finally met Tayla’s gaze. “You look beautiful.”
He may have imagined it, but he thought she blushed.
“Thank you.” She set her purse on the dining table. “Where’s Leland?”
“He’s almost ready.”
She grabbed her earlobe, and her eyes grew wide. “I forgot my earrings. One second. Be right back.”
He watched her walk back to her room.
Knox elbowed him.
“What?” asked Jason
“Your date is stunning this evening.”
“Yes. She is.”
“You know you’re insane, right?”
He dropped two listening devices in his jacket pocket. “What are you talking about?”
Knox rolled his eyes. “Of all the women in all the world, why choose the niece—and the only living relative—of a man who could kill you seven different ways with a paperclip? Seriously?”
“Lower your voice.” He glanced at Leland’s door, then Tayla’s. Both still closed. Thank goodness. Knox was a good friend, which was probably how he picked up on . . . whatever it was between him and Tayla. It was also thereason he was tolerating Knox’s comments. “Nothing has happened. Leland doesn’t have any reason to kill me.”
With a Cheshire Cat-worthy grin, Knox raised an eyebrow. “Yet.”
“Here.” Jason handed him five GPS tracking devices. “Stick one on Frederick’s car. We may not need the others, but I want to be prepared.”
“Got it.” He slipped them into his pockets. “I was just pointing out the irony. I’ve introduced you to several lovely women in the past few years. With any one of them, you could have had a nice, simple relationship.”
“There’s no such thing as a simple relationship.”
Knox gave an overly-serious, thoughtful nod. “True. So very true. But,” He clamped a hand on Jason’s shoulder. “I’m there for ya, pal.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means if you want to find out if you have a chance with her, I’ve gotcha covered. I’ll run interference on Leland. He won’t be in the way.”
