Ah hell, he was a glutton for punishment.
Ethan headed out across the gravel parking lot to her, rounded the open door and stopped in his tracks. Kate was bent over at the waist, her pants pulled snug across a perfectly shaped ass. His good intentions flew out the window. He scrubbed a hand over his beard and tried to clear his throat. “Need some help?”
She jumped and bumped her head on the door. “Ow.”
“Sorry.” He leaned over her, trying to see what had been taking her so long, and get a little bit closer. The smell of coffee hit him hard. As did the spilled bag and stained shirt. “What happened in here?”
She tossed him a frown over her shoulder and tried to shove her wet clothes into her bag. “Deer.”
“Ah, makes sense. They’re pretty thick out here, have to keep an eye out for them.” He’d passed a few on his bike on the side of the road on his way in to Noni’s a little while ago and not given it another thought. “You okay?”
She held up a pair of wet trousers that looked just like the ones she was wearing now. Her delicate features tilted with dismay. “I am but my clothes are not.”
“I bet Noni’s got a washing machine.” And he really hoped she’d brought something besides pants suits. He wanted to seemoreof her.
She shoved the remaining clothes into her bag and straightened, forcing him to back up a step or trap her between him and the car. She straightened and gave him a wary look. “What?”
What indeed? He had no idea. He was acting like a damn fool though. “Nothing, just making sure you didn’t need me to carry your bag.”
“I can carry my own bag, thanks.” Kate hefted it over her shoulder and brushed past him, leaving Ethan to either stare or follow. She went through the front door, letting it slam shut behind her.
Ethan gave his bike a longing glance. What he wouldn’t give for the open road right now. No complications or confusion, just him and his bike. Simple. Easy. Straightforward.
Whether he liked it or not, Kate Richards was now his responsibility.
Ethan followed her into the kitchen. Aaron and Kate were already seated at the small table; Grey took one of the two remaining chairs. Noni opened the oven door and the scent of sugar cookies filled the air.
“Noni, that smells like heaven on earth,” Aaron said.
“Don't you dare touch these cookies. They still need to cool.” Noni sat the tray on top of the stove, put in another batch and set the timer. “I'll leave you to your business.”
Noni walked right past Ethan and gave him a big wink. Great. The only chair at the table was right next to Kate. If he didn't sit he'd probably offend her, but if he did, he'd have to feel her next to him. Ethan chose to lean against the wall.
Kate stiffened in her seat, but he couldn't help that. He knew if he got close to her again this soon he wouldn't hear a word Grey said and he needed to keep his head on straight.
Deliberately turning her back on him, Kate said, “Noni, could I use your washing machine? I had a little coffee incident on the way here.”
“Just bring me your dirty clothes and I’ll wash them for you,” Noni said.
“I couldn’t ask you to-“
“Nonsense, girl. You’re a guest in my house.”
Kate’s shoulders dropped. “Thank you.”
“All right, I've got the rest of the team arriving in a few days, we can finalize the logistics then. I asked you to come in early because you each have an important role to play,” Grey began.
“Before we go any further, Aaron, where is Ms. Latimer?”
“I spoke with her a little while ago. She got lost, but she's on her way. She should be here any minute,” Aaron flushed and Ethan felt a small surge of satisfaction. He wouldn't be the only man walking around in need all week.
At least Ethan could keep himself busy with work. Aaron would be stuck babysitting the stylist, although he doubted Aaron viewed it as stuck. He was as hot for Celine as she was for him.
Grey continued, “Aaron you already know your job will be to train Ms. Latimer on basic self-defense strategies, even though if we do our jobs right she won't need to use those lessons.”
Aaron gave a tight nod, his ever-present grin absent for once.
Kate interrupted. “Excuse me, sir, but why are you bringing in a civilian?”
