“Have you heard from Ben?” Viv asked. She grabbed a broad-brimmed straw sunhat and a pair of cheap sunglasses off the credenza. She was dressed in yoga pants and a t-shirt that readColoradoshe’d picked up at a souvenir shop. She didn’t look like a high-powered director, just another tourist on vacation.
“I haven’t,” Charlie admitted.
“He texted me earlier. He’s meeting us down in the lobby,” Rowan said, straightening. “I’m sure he’s there by now.”
They gathered Maddie from her room next. She answered the door almost immediately, hair still damp, tablet already in hand like a shield.
“Sorry,” she said quickly. “I just needed five minutes to finish syncing the schedule.”
“You're fine,” Viv said warmly. “We've got plenty of time.”
Maddie smiled, looking relieved, and fell into step beside Viv as they walked to the elevators.
Charlie brought up the rear with Flo, scanning the hallway, professional mode engaged. Which was good, because in a few minutes she'd be seeing Ben, and she needed all the professionalism she could muster.
The elevator ride down felt like it took forever and no time at all. Charlie watched the numbers descend, hyper-aware of her reflection in the polished doors. She'd dressed practically—tactical pants, boots, a light jacket that concealed her sidearm. Her dark-blond hair was pulled back in its usual no-nonsense ponytail.
Nothing special. Just Charlie King, bodyguard. One of the guys.
The doors opened.
Charlie spotted Ben immediately. He was standing near the entrance, holding a to-go carrier with five coffees from Riversong and a bag of what Charlie hoped were their breakfast burritos. He was dressed in practical hiking gear—cargo pants,boots, a flannel shirt over a black t-shirt that somehow made him look even broader. She felt sudden, sharp disappointment that he wasn’t wearing his Ren Faire kilt. Just the thought of his muscular legs…and the question of whether or not he wore anything underneath made her knees weak.
Stop it.
When Ben saw her, something flickered across his face—warmth, maybe nervousness? His eyes held hers for a beat too long, a faint flush creeping up his neck. right before his gaze moved to Rowan.
Her stomach did an inconvenient flip.
Professional. Stay professional.
“Hey, bud!” Rowan said, clapping his friend on the arm. “Thanks for picking up coffee.” He turned to Charlie. “Hey, sorry, when I texted Ben earlier, I didn’t know how you take your coffee?—”
“I got you a dark roast with a splash of cream,” Ben rushed out.
“That’s my exact order,” Charlie said, keeping her voice steady.
Oh, stop.That mean voice spoke in her head.You think you’re special enough, he knows your coffee order off the top of his head? Pathetic.
Ben looked relieved. “Th-that’s what I’d hoped when I ordered it.”
Her heart did a little flip.
April probably told him how you take it now.That mean little voice just wouldn’t shut up. And it was probably right. April had teased her after the hundredth time she’d ordered just plain black coffee. ‘You know you're allowed to live a little, right?’ she’d said as she splashed cream—not half and half—into her coffee. Charlie had to admit it was fantastic. Pretty soon she’dhave Charlie putting in sugar or cold foam or something girly like that.
“Thank you. Here let me…” She took the to-go holder and her fingers brushed his, sending the room sideways for a moment. Viv, Rowan, and Maddie eagerly grabbed their coffees.
“I brought some breakfast, too.” Ben held up the white paper bag. “I hope breakfast burritos are acceptable. I got several kinds.”
“Oh, more than acceptable,” Maddie said, looking relaxed for the first time since Charlie had seen her on Saturday night. “Any chorizo ones?”
Ben flicked a glance at Charlie. Chorizo burritos were her favorite.
And oh my God, he knows it.
“I mean,” Maddie went on, catching his look, “if no one else wants that kind. Actually, I’ll just take whatever.” She laughed self-consciously.
Before Charlie could tell her it was fine, Ben spoke.
