I rolled my eyes as the waiter arrived to take our plates. “Isn’t that a little forbidden?”
“Maybe when you were sixteen, but you’re all grown up.” When she winked, another wave of heat found my face. Which she noticed.
Her laugh turned into both of us giggling, which prompted the not so mystery man to study us. I’d be damned if he wasn’t taking notes. What on earth was he planning on reporting back to Maverick?
The vintage of wine I preferred?
“Yes, I am.” I don’t know why the man’s presence annoyed the hell out of me, but it did.
“So you are sleeping with him.”
I chewed on my bottom lip, trying to ascertain how I wanted to handle the situation. The best thing to do was to have a nice, long chat with Maverick. However, I knew enough about his personality to know he wouldn’t give up that easily. “We just talked.”
“All night long.”
Offering a not so nice look, I couldn’t keep my eyes off the guy. He was even doing a piss poor job at pretending to find whatever was on his phone interesting. He’d ordered water and a cup of soup, another dead giveaway that he was on the job.
“What are you looking at? Is there someone following us?”
“I think so and don’t look just yet. There’s this guy just a few yards away. He’s definitely studying every move we make.”
Sandra narrowed her eyes. “Who is it? Maverick?”
“Oh, hell, no. He hired someone to watch out over me. I noticed him earlier when I left my house. At first, I was nervous, but he had that haphazard look about him.”
Sandra purred. “No serial killer vibes, huh?”
“Exactly. The bouncer dude in a really bad suit is sitting three tables behind us. Trying to act nonchalant.”
“That’s hot as shit.”
“Being followed? I don’t think so.”
“So what are you going to do about it?” Her entire expression changed to one of mischief. She dared dart a single look around her arm, sucking in her breath as soon as she did when returning her head in the correct direction. “You’re right about the description. He’s watched one too many detective shows, but kind of cute if you ask me. At least it’s sweet Maverick is worried about you.”
In my mind, that meant he thought what I’d suggested might have merit. “Yeah, well, I don’t need a babysitter.”
“What’s the big deal? You have your own personal security guard. Even if it’s only a copycat, given what you endured, I’d be extremely happy for someone to follow me wherever I went.” She narrowed her eyes. “Unless you’re trying to lure this real killer out in the open.”
When I shrugged, she groaned.
“You cannot do that!”
“This nightmare needs to end. If Maverick doesn’t want to help me, I will do it myself.”
“Translation. You want his help. Don’t try and tell me otherwise. The question is, my best friend, what are you going to do about it?”
She was right as usual. I needed him to believe in and trust me, not just provide protection services. I was finished with hiding in the shadows, living my life by always looking over my shoulder.
“I guess I need to reiterate what I told him before. I’m going to get away from him and you’re going to help me.”
“And why should I do that?” Her upper lip curled on one side.
“Because you’re always telling me I need to live more. Plus, Maverick needs to learn I can take care of myself.”
“There’s nothing wrong with a man protecting his lady.”
“There’s just one tiny problem with that. I’m not his lady and I never will be.”
