Shane shook his head. “Not according to Elissa. They all check out as legit people with longstanding accounts.”
“So we're stuck,” Charlie said.
“For now. Elissa's still digging.” Shane studied Charlie. “How was today? Any incidents?”
“Easy day. No one followed us, no unusual activity at the locations. Viv's happy with the sites.”
“Good. I’ll email you the posts we found.”
“I’ll start reading them and see if there’s anything?—”
Just then, Charlie’s stomach decided it would be a great time to embarrass her with a growl.
“First, you're going to go eat something that isn't a protein bar.” Shane closed his laptop and stood.
Charlie blinked. “Actually, Ben’s fed me well today. I'm fine?—”
“King.” Shane's voice went firm. “You've been on since Saturday. You need a break. I've got this tonight.”
“I can just order room service, or better yet, we could all get a pizza.”
“Pizza sounds great—” Shane started.
“Or,” Ben spoke up, “I can continue feeding you well, Charlie. There’s a nice restaurant downstairs.” He looked pointedly at Shane.
Charlie's heart started hammering.
“Even better idea, Moose,” Shane said. “I’ll get outta your hair. I’ve got the room across from Rowan’s. You've got your phone. Anything happens, I’ll call and you're back in thirty seconds.” He moved toward the door, then paused. “That's an order, King. Good night, Moose.”
He couldn’t close the door fast enough behind him.
The sudden silence in the hotel room was deafening.
“I, uh.” Ben's voice was quiet. “It wasn't—I mean, I shouldn’t assume?—”
Charlie's head snapped toward him.
“It's fine,” Charlie said quickly. “You don’t have to feed me; you should go enjoy your dinner.”
“No.”
“No?”
“I'd really like it if you'd have dinner with me, Charlie.”
Her mouth went dry. Ben Massey was asking her to dinner. Right now. This was happening.
Not out of pity. Not because Shane set it up.
Because he wanted to.
Say yes,her heart screamed.Say yes say yes say yes?—
“I'm not exactly dressed for a nice restaurant,” she heard herself say as she ran a hand through her wind-tangled ponytail, and wanted to punch herself.
Ben's mouth quirked. “I’m not dressed for it either. But I don't think they'll kick us out for tactical pants and flannel.”
Charlie felt a smile pulling at her lips despite herself. “You sure about that?”
