Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears. “Troy, you were right. Telling you what happened and seeing the doctors—both were right.” She shuddered. “There’s a lot of stuff I still need to process.”
When the waiter arrived, they ordered a seafood platter and a Caesar salad to share. Gwen ordered the seafood pasta, and Troy ordered the striped bass. “Their food is delicious, and so is the view.” He watched her with discerning eyes. “Before this mess started, I wanted to talk with you. Check in. How are you feeling?”
“Honestly, a bit tired. The antibiotics are slowing me down. Dr. Sommerfeld said the wound looks good. Other than that, my arm is sore from the rabies shot,” she chuckled.
“I’m sorry that mutt got that close to you.” He pressed his lips together.
“Isn’t that my job? It didn’t get you.” She raised a brow.
“It is. It has no bearing on your skill. I need to get accustomed to having my own security. It’s not my normal to stand back. Jule said the same thing when Blake started. I apologize. I will try to do better. Just understand, my momma raised me to have a very old-fashioned view of women.”
“If this isn’t working…?” Gwen’s voice dropped to silence. Her eyes focused on her hands.
“No, no. Gwen, you are great at your job. And you’ve seen me at my worst. I’m stepping all over myself; that’s not where I’m going. Bear with me, I’m used to being the protector.” Troy’s hands fidgeted.
Gwen smiled. “We will figure it out.”
“My next concern. I told you a little about my mom. She’s flying in Friday at 0700 to be here for the surgery. I want to warn you and ask for your help.”
Gwen tilted her head back and roared with laughter. “She’s that bad?”
Troy chewed his cheek as he fantasized about sweeping his tongue along her throat. The scent of her rose perfume wafted toward him. “She’s a character. But I get it, she’s afraid.”
“You’re a good son.” Gwen rested her head against the back of her hand.
“I do my best to make sure she has what she needs. She’ll always be taken care of. And the rest of my family too.” His shoulders rose in a mini-shrug.
“What do I need to know about your mom?” She brightened the tone.
“Julian and Holly insist she stays there too until our home is complete. With Martin and Beth, plus their three, and Sadie, plus Holly being pregnant, I’m hoping she’ll be distracted, go into grandma mode and keep off your scent. My sister, Evie, tells me she’s a different person when she visits with her kids.”
“Different how?” Gwen crunched her brows.
“Grandma mode. All cute and motherly. My fear is if she turns her sights on you, she’ll want you to explain why a beautiful girl like you is doing such a dangerous job. Why don’t you wear a dress or skirt? Are we dating? Why aren’t we dating? And is it because you’re a lesbian or I’m gay? The list goes on. But the biggest is, she’ll ask you what I’m hiding from her.” He bowed his head.
“Are you hiding something from her?” Gwen met his eyes.
“She doesn’t know the full extent of my injuries. I haven’t been as open with you as I should either.” His chin trembled.
“Troy, you do realize, as far as I’m concerned, you will tell me what you want, when you want. That doesn’t prevent me from performing my job.”
The waiter brought their meals. Troy waited until they were alone again. Their conversation drifted to the first day and secretaries.
“I read through the stack of resumes Verna gave me. One candidate stood out for me: Kendrick Valentine. He’s a former airman and is currently working in the health information offices. Do you think there would be a problem with me having a male secretary?”
“I’m glad you believe me when I said you’re not going anywhere. No, if he meets your needs. Ugh, that didn’t quite come out right. If he does the job, I have no issues,” Troy said. “I’m curious why he wants to change positions. The health offices are a pretty mellow place to work.”
“I’ll ask when I interview him. Do you need to sign off on the person I do choose?” Gwen worried.
“I don’t have to sign off, and if it’s your choice, I won’t have a problem. No one else will,” Troy said firmly. “You may want to give Kip a head’s up, so he doesn’t try to steal Verna from me.” He finally felt at ease to give her his full smile.
* * *
After dinner,Troy insisted on driving home. He parked on Ocean Boulevard near Central Beach, also known as Coronado Beach. They left the car and sat in the sand on a blanket from the Tahoe’s trunk. “I want to tell you a little about Iowa.” He exhaled loudly.
“You don’t have to if it’s too painful,” she said softly.
“Part of your job is to protect me. Gwendolen, I need to tell you something. You taught me a lesson in bravery today.”
