“As long as it’s only for one night,” Blayne said, pulling Ethan into a hug and planting a kiss on the top of his head.
Ethan looked at Blayne’s face and said, “Just for tonight.” He put his arms around Blayne’s neck and kissed him.
There was a knock at the door to the apartment.
“I believe that’s our ride,” Lucas said, pointing to the door.
Blayne turned to go answer the door. Much to the evident surprise of everyone in the room, Hennigan opened the front door.
“Phillipa?” The man’s voice held shock, causing everyone in the room to fall silent.
Blayne and Ethan reached the entrance hall just in time to see a bewildered Mr. J. standing at the front door.
“James.” She reached out and kissed the man on his cheek. “It’s so good to see you. It’s been ages.”
“Since I worked on the security detail for Barnes’ senatorial campaign. That was ages ago now. Do you keep in touch with Cleo?”
“As a matter of fact, I spoke with her tonight.”
Hennigan talked with Mr. J. as if he were a long-lost friend or former lover.No? Could they?
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Ethan asked.
“Probably,” Blayne replied. “I swear. Whenever I think I know what’s happening, there’s another twist.”
“What are you doing here?” Mr. J. asked Hennigan. “Hanging out in a college apartment isn’t your usual scene.”
“I’m an old family friend of Levi and Grace Dickenson, Blayne’s parents,” Hennigan explained. “They informed him that I was in town for business, so he invited me over.” Hennigan flirtatiously placed her hand on Mr. J.’s chest. “I don’t think Blayne realized there would be a party here. But we shared a glass of wine and caught up on old times.”
Blayne couldn’t help but be amazed at Hennigan’s effortless ability to fabricate a believable lie. There was no stumbling or mumbling—just a smooth flow of outright bullshit from her lips.
“Well, if you’re in town for a few days, I’d love to catch up and have dinner,” Mr. J. said.
“I would love that,” Hennigan responded, patting him once on the chest before withdrawing her hand. “Do you still have the same cell phone number?”
“I’ve had it for twenty years, not getting rid of it now,” Mr. J. joked.
“Perfect. I’ll call you.” Hennigan stepped back before saying, “It really is good seeing you, Jameson.”
“Likewise, Phillipa. I’d love to chat more, but I need to take the band back to the hotel.”
“Of course. I remember all too well what your life is like in personal protection. These boys are fortunate to be in such capable care.”
Ms. Hennigan stepped aside, and Mr. J. said, “Let’s go.”
The members of ZERO piled out of the apartment. Each one was a little dumbstruck as they passed Mr. J.
“I’ll talk to you soon, Jameson,” Phillipa yelled after them as Blayne shut the door.
As soon as the door shut, Blayne turned and looked at Hennigan. “You and Mr. J.?”
“We’ve known each other for years, and occasionally our paths cross.”
“Oh, come on,” Blayne said. “You know that’s not what I meant.”
“Mr. Dickenson,” Hennigan said, raising an eyebrow and narrowing her gaze. “I, for one, am not one to kiss and tell.”
Chapter Sixteen
