“Kind of like him saying it’s in a woman’s nature to be mercenary.”
“Exactly.We’ll train him yet.”
Heath’s phone vibrated, and he pulled it from his pocket.He checked it, and an almost panicked expression crossed his face.
“Is everything all right?”Quinn asked, alarmed.
“It’s from my new boss.I hope I haven’t messed up on something already.”
“But you’re meticulous in your work.”
“Thanks.I am, but no one’s perfect.I’d better see what he needs.”Heaving out a breath, Heath opened the email.
We’re having a big meeting here on Monday.I know this is short notice, but my partners would like to meet you in person.One of them has been in Seattle for business and visited with family while there.He has the company jet and could give you a ride if you can arrange your schedule.Plan on three days here.It’ll give you an opportunity to see our facility and meet your coworkers in person.You’re welcome to bring a guest or two.I know how close you are to your family.
Heath stared at the message.
“What?”Quinn asked, curiosity burning through her resolution not to ask him.
He handed her his phone.
“Wow.They’ll fly you to North Carolina in aprivatejet?”
“Well, one of them is already in Washington, so it’s not like they’re coming to get me.But yeah.I’d get to ride in a private jet.”He shifted to face her.“Do you want to come with me?”
“Me?What about your family?”Quinn asked, fighting the desire to cryyes.She’d never been to North Carolina and had looked up Boone when Heath had told her about his new job.It would be a beautiful time of year to photograph the area.
“Yes,you.Look, I know my family’s schedule for next week.There’s no way any of them could come.”His expression turned pleading.“I’ll pay for your return flight.”
“I don’t have any appointments next week, since I was planning to catch up on my photo editing.”
“Then you can come with me!”Heath gave her a quick hug.
“What is this?”Viktor asked, hurrying to join them.
“Uh…” Heath began, glancing at Quinn.
Her mind jumbled with ideas for a second, the most prominent one about Heath and how fast things were moving between them.Having the viscount around might keep things from getting out of hand.
“Have you ever heard of the video game REKD?”Quinn asked Viktor.
“I have played it a few times, but I don’t have a great deal of time for such things.”
“Heath is a programmer for them, and he’ll be there for an important staff meeting.”She sent Heath a pleading look.
He seemed confused for second before his expression turned resigned, and he asked, “Would you like to come with us, Viktor?It’d give you a chance to see North Carolina.”
10
During the drive to Seattle to meet up with the REKD gaming partner, Heath felt a little like a chauffeur and not part of the group.Quinn sat turned slightly in her seat.She could see both men, but it was Viktor she’d chatted with most of the trip, talking like old friends.
Heath kept glancing in the rearview mirror, so he knew his expression was sullen.He reminded himself not to be petty and tried to think of something else.Not about when he’d finally broken the news to his parents about his new part-time job.Lia and Coop had been right.Heath should have said something sooner.His sister had assured him she’d help their parents understand while he was gone.
The only entertaining thing to happen that morning had been when they’d prepared to leave.Viktor was coming to Boone without his bodyguards, and they weren’t happy.It’d been hard not to chuckle at the quiet argument that had gone on between the three of them.As the two disgruntled men had stood outside the Citadel, the viscount had said one sentence to them.
“Iwillbe just a regular guy on this trip.”Then he’d opened the back door of Heath’s RAV4 and climbed in.
Heath hoped thatregular guycould carry all the luggage he’d brought.
