“I take my job very seriously. If it was under any other circumstances, believe me, I wouldn’t think twice.”
“Next time, I’ll have you be a guest at my event instead of security.”
Penelope slid to the side and smiled, her lips tight. She ordered another drink and downed it. Grant, without any other opportunity for relaxation on the horizon that he could permit, did the same.
* * *
The next morningGrant sat next to Rusty in his office reviewing the final report of his first assignment: Penelope. The jewelry she wore just to get a coffee while meeting with a florist cost more than Grant had earned in his entire career.
“How was she?” Rusty said, sorting the mail on his desk.
“Excuse me?” Grant said, his voice raising in pitch. He scratched the back of his neck, pretending to stretch. “She was fine.”
Rusty paused. “Did you…?”
“No!” Grant said. “Of course not. I mean why would I, how could I…”
Rusty lowered his hands. “You did.”
“I swear I refused her!” Grant said. He shook his head. “But man, did she make it hard.”
“Someone actually turned down a client?” Bryce said, strolling past the open office door with coffee.
“What?” Sawyer said, popping in. “That rich chick hit on you and you said no?”
“I was working!” Grant said. He looked between Sawyer and Rusty, confused. “Did I miss the memo about this being an escort service instead of private security?”
“That’s just wrong,” Rusty said. He opened an envelope and took out a check.
“Everyone bangs their client,” Sawyer said.
“Sawyer.” Rusty rubbed his forehead.
“What? It’s a proven fact. Well, it was.”
“He’s got time,” Bryce said, walking back the other way, stirring his coffee with a spoon.
“Are you saying you all did it on the job?” Grant pointed at Rusty. “You? And you?” Now he pointed at Sawyer.
“Guilty, man,” Sawyer said.
“Me too,” Bryce called from his desk.
“Guilty but no regrets,” Colt said from his.
“Unbelievable,” Grant said.
“Can’t help it if we’re irresistible.” Sawyer held up his hands. “I hope she doesn’t give us a bad review because you didn’t keep her safe overnight.”
“She wouldn’t do that.” He turned to Rusty. “Do clients do that?”
Rusty laughed. “Relax. She said you did great. Requested you next time she’s in town. What?” Rusty took in Grant’s slouch. “You don’t want to make up for missed opportunities?”
“When are you going to give me a real challenge?” Grant asked. “Following a rich lady around as she buys shoes and charms donors isn’t what I signed up for.”
“Did she get robbed?” Rusty said.
Grant shook his head.
