“Remy!”
But she just shrugged and turned to look for him. As I followed her gaze to the door, I could see Rafe hadn’t moved a muscle. He remained standing against the far wall, hands clasped in front of his waist, his gaze continually scanning the room. When did bodyguards go to the bathroom?Didthey go to the bathroom? More than a few women slowed and smiled at him, but his stone-faced expression never changed.
It occurred to me that I’d need an explanation for him at some point. What had Grace said? My bodyguard could be a friend, a cousin, a boyfriend...except that last one wouldn’t work right now, since Remy was about to introduce me to a guy. Well, I’d figure out something.
A group of college students needed a refill on their pitcher and a round of shots, so I was busy with them and didn’t see Steven Gillespie approach the bar. When I finally made my way back to Remy, I looked up. Way up. To a very blond, very good-looking guy wearing an expensive suit and a smile.
“Victoria? Hi there.” He put out his hand. “I’m Steven. Remy’s told me a lot about you.”
“It’s just Vic. And hi.” My hand disappeared inside his as a pulse of electricity shot up my arm. Steven was a lot fairer, and a lot taller, than the guys I usually found attractive, but he definitely belonged on the cover of a magazine. He was one of those jock types, square-jawed and broad shouldered with crinkly eyes and an All-American vibe that bore down and warmed you from the inside out.
My tongue felt thick in my mouth. I hadn’t flirted in forever. But at least my job provided an easy opening line. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“Sure, a lager would be great.”
I poured it and handed it to him, and he slid a fifty onto the bar. Looked like he’d be staying a while. “So Remy tells me you’re originally from New York. Whereabouts?”
“Small town in the Hudson Valley. Catskill Mountain area, if you know it.”
“Sounds nice.”
Did it? He probably was thinking about the Vanderbilt and Roosevelt mansions overlooking the river, not the ragged cornfields and tire fences that greeted people when they exited the highway for my hometown. “Where are you from?”
He gestured outside. “About six miles that way. Georgetown.”
Oh, good Lord. Remy wasn’t kidding. Georgetown meant money, class, family distinction. This guy was a catch with a capitalC. I leaned on the bar to get a little closer. I could smell his cologne, spicy and solid but not overdone. I bet Steven knew exactly how to treat a woman, and the way he was smiling down at me, I had a feeling he was already making plans. Maybe Remy was right. Maybe this was the night I stopped thinking about my college heartbreak and gave someone else a shot. I smiled right back, then turned to my other customers, but I could feel him watching me as I poured drinks and delivered plates and dropped off checks as the night wore on.
A half-hour later I glanced at the clock and then untied my apron. “I have a fifteen-minute break. Want to go outside and get some air?”
“Sure.”
I ducked around the bar and was heading for the door with Steven right behind me when Rafe stopped us.
“Hang on.”
Whoops. I’d forgotten about my new bodyguard. I narrowed my gaze and tried to telegraph my approval so he’d let us go by. But he didn’t move. “Sorry. I can’t let you leave with him.”
I stared at Rafe. He couldn’t be serious.
“Hey, buddy.” Steven stepped in front of me. “We’re together.”
“Not unless I say you are. Sorry,” Rafe said again, looking at me. “But everyone has to be vetted.” He stood a couple inches shorter than Steven but probably weighed a good twenty pounds heavier, and all of it was muscle. “He’s not approved,” Rafe added, and I had a vague recollection of writing down the names, numbers, and descriptions of all my closest friends and family. Little had I known that Grace was compiling a yes-and-no list for my bodyguard.
“Hey, buddy, get out of our way before –”
Steven didn’t get a chance to finish. Before I could blink, Rafe had him up against the wall, his beautiful, perfect features mashed against the doorframe. Rafe leaned close and said something into Steven’s ear. I couldn’t hear what he said, but I had a feeling it meant I wouldn’t be getting lucky anytime soon.
Steven growled something in return, but he didn’t move. He didn’t look at me, either. Rafe released him long enough to escort him outside. I trotted behind them, my stomach in a knot. A line of people waited to get in, and they watched with interest as the three of us hurried onto the sidewalk and around the corner.
“What the hell is this, Victoria?” Steven’s smile had vanished, along with the light in his eyes. “Or should I say,whothe hell is this? A jealous ex-boyfriend you forgot to tell me about? A crazy current boyfriend you forgot to tell me about?”
“He’s not –” I stopped. How did I explain? Steven didn’t know about my new job. If I said Rafe was my bodyguard, I’d have to explain why I needed one. And then I’d have to explain why I was in a world of debt and about to spend my days hunting down mistresses.Discretion is key.Grace’s warning echoed in my head.
“It’s complicated,” I finally said. “I’m sorry.”
Steven looked from me to Rafe and back again. He straightened his shirt and gave me a look of disappointment. “I’m sorry, too. If it gets less complicated, let me know.” With that, he was gone.
I couldn’t breathe. I could barely see straight. “You didn’t have to hurt him,” I finally hissed.
