“He’s quite efficient and forthright,” Caitlyn’s father said.
“He was sure watching both you and Keven just now,” Zoe whispered to Caitlyn.
“We didn’t even talk to each other.”
Zoe shrugged. A tinge of worry made Caitlyn queasy. Did the bodyguard have other responsibilities, like keeping an eye on the team leaders to make sure they didn’t mess up their assignments?
“Thanks for giving us a ride,”Noah said to Keven while Finn pulled their bags from the back of the truck.
“I was hoping to see the company jet I’ve heard about.” Keven scanned the crowd and frowned as though he’d tasted something foul. “Watch out for that Caitlyn though. The little liar will do anything she can to get you into trouble.” Muttering a vulgar term, he spun around, away from Caitlyn, apparently interested in the people on the other side of the truck.
Noah glanced in her direction, startled at the intense expression on the face of the older man beside her. He looked angry and...protectiveas he glared at Keven. Of course, a father would believe his daughter, even if what she claimed was a lie.
“Well, thanks again for the ride. See you.” Noah grabbed his bag, and he and Finn went over to where Joe and the others were gathering.
“Any sign of the new guy you mentioned?” Finn checked out the other travelers being dropped off.
“Savage?” Noah didn’t want to appear to be looking at Caitlyn, so he tried to do it only from the corner of his eye. “He’s meeting us in New York since he’s coming from Washington state. ‘Tis times like these that drive home how big this country is.”
“Hey, ‘tis Max.” Finn strode over to him. They’d been working in the same department for the last six months.
“Where are Sona and Kayn?” Noah asked Joe.
“They’re already on the plane.”
“You’re really a bodyguard?” Zoe asked, looking up at the big man.
“I am.” Joe gave her a kind smile. “What’s your major?”
While they talked, Noah tried to remember what he’d read about Zoe. They’d worked in the same department last fall, but because of their class schedules, they had interacted little. All he could recall was that she was an art student and quiet.
Trying to think like a leader, Noah decided they would need to consider ways to make sure the quiet ones didn’t get overlooked. Since Caitlyn was friends with Zoe, she might have some insight. He’d been impressed with the list Caitlyn had presented for their in-person meeting.
By the time they made it through security for private jet passengers, Noah had gradually shifted closer to her. He knew what the interior of the REKD Gaming jet looked like, having traveled on it several times, and hoped to sit near her so they could talk.
“Wow,” Caitlyn said. “I thought it was going to be a small plane like a Cessna or something.”
Noah had to hide a smirk that she’d think they could all travel in something so small.
“That’s why it took all four of us to buy it together in order to afford it,” Kayn Rafferty said from the top of the stairs. “Welcome to the first unofficial,” he made air quotes. “REKD Gaming pre-retreat retreat.” He then motioned for them to board.
Before Noah could step behind Caitlyn, he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned and had to look up before meeting Joe’s dark eyes.
“I would like to talk with you for a second, away from the others,” the big man said.
“Sure. Have I done something wrong?” Noah asked, searching his mind.
“Not yet.”
Noah blinked. “Notyet? I’m guessing you’re thinking I will.”
“You have dynamics going on with this team which could cause you some problems, yes.” Joe looked toward the plane, and Noah followed his gaze. Caitlyn was passing by a window.
“I’ve been pleasant and business-like to her,” Noah growled, defensive.
“And you’ve finally stopped making faces at her.”
“‘Twasn’t my fault. Sona surprised me in the meeting, ‘tis all,” Noah said, his face warming. “I haven’t done it since. I’m sorry you noticed. I hope she didn’t.”
