Her eyes shoot to mine as if she only now realizes I’m watching her too. She bites down on her plump bottom lip as our gazes lock, neither of us looking away. Several breaths pass before I tear mine away with a groan.
Stomping over to the cafe door, I jerk it open. A scan of the interior confirms what I already suspected. This is my sister’s friend, the one I’m supposed to be protecting. And she certainly isn’t the nerdy academic I’d been expecting. Isn’t it just my fucking luck the first woman in years who piques my interest is the asset in my latest assignment.
Which means she’s off limits.
In a multitude of ways.
Not only is she an asset, but she’s my sister’s friend. That’s certainly not a line I want to cross. The woman is already a big enough pain in my ass. I can only imagine what she would be like if she were to find out I was involved with her friend. Last, no one should be saddled with my demons. I refuse to get tangled up with anyone who might get caught in the crossfire of my life, which could result in their paying the ultimate price.
Heaving a deep sigh, I plop down in the chair across from her. She arches a brow at me like I didn’t catch her ogling me as her forefinger worries the ring on her right thumb.
“Emerson Pearson, I presume?”
“Clancy Bingham?”
And fuck, if my name from her lips in that husky voice doesn’t have me thankful I’m sitting down. This woman is going to be trouble with a capital T.
“That’s me, darlin’.” Don’t know where the fuck that came from either. Never had the urge to call a woman pet names before, but it slipped right out without a second thought. And damn if I don’t love the slight pinkening of her cheeks in response, even if she’s also rolling her eyes.
“I don’t think Terra gave the right warning about you,” she mutters.
I tip my head to the side with a smirk. “So she did warn you about me then? And just what warning did big sis have?”
She studies me for a brief moment before looking over my shoulder. “Doesn’t matter.”
I’m about to argue with her when we’re interrupted by Rose, the waitress who’s an institution here at Pepper’s. “Hey Clancy, what can I get for you today?”
I tip my chin at her in greeting. “I’ll take an iced tea to go, please.”
Her eyes dart between Emerson and me. “No pie today?”
I give my head a shake. “No. I’m good, had a late breakfast and we’ll be heading out soon.”
“Alright then. Be back in a second with your drink. You need anything else, hon?” she directs at Emerson.
“No ma’am. Thank you, though.”
Rose leaves to fetch my tea while Emerson picks up her fork, scooping up a bite of pie. I’m mesmerized as the flaky crust and sugary nuts disappear between those plump lips. She hums, eyes falling closed as she chews the dessert, and a look which can only be described as pure bliss falls over her.
My dick hardens as I imagine creating a similar response while both of us are naked and wrapped up in each other.
Rose returns with my drink, and I gulp from the plastic straw in a futile attempt to cool myself. What was supposed to be a routine job has me ready to run for the hills, and it hasn’t even begun yet.
Chapter Five
Emerson
The rough terrain jolts the vehicle as we travel over the vast parcel of land, jarring my bones with each bump and hole. There isn’t much for a road out here, so we’re having to make our own. The goal is to get to the first area I’ve marked on the map in the southeast section of the property. It looks most promising for potential reserves.
The dusty landscape has already coated everything in a fine layer of red dust. It’s something I’m more than familiar with after many years spent in the field, and why I dress for efficiency and comfort on these trips.
My lightweight, breathable olive green hiking pants and tan overshirt aren’t the most fashionable or flattering. Thoughts which usually never cross my mind, but the stoic man deftly maneuvering the SUV through the empty landscape has me reconsidering the practical wardrobe.
Which is ridiculous, or at least it should be. He’s my bodyguard and my best friend’syoungerbrother. Those two things alone are major red flags, never mind the fact I absolutely don’t have time for a man in my life. It’s already completely consumed with work and making sure my mother receives the care she needs.
It doesn’t mean I’m blind to the objective hotness I’m now blessed with seeing for the next several days. I swear just looking at him has my panties dampening. And I’m pretty sure I caught heat and appreciation in his honey-colored eyes yesterday when he caught me staring at him and joined me at my table.
I thought I might die from sheer embarrassment when I realized who I had been practically eye-fucking. He took it in stride though, and save for a few heated looks, seemed to keep things completely businesslike. Which isn’t surprising considering I’ve probably got a decade on him. It’s laughable he would be interested in a hefty perimenopausal academic who is well on her way to being past her prime.
