He narrowed his gaze, wondering how she knew. Panic flirted for a moment, but everyone here was on an approved list. This wasn’t some random chick he’d met in a bar. “How did you guess that?”
She stepped closer so that only he could hear her low words. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you. I know everyone in the room. Part of it is my overactive brain that remembers every face and name I’ve ever seen. I’m also a computer nerd, and I was asked to check the list. It’s what I do. It’s also why I’m here. I assume you’re here for a similar reason that can’t be mentioned to the press, and though we’ll be honored, no one will ever read our names on documents for twenty-five to fifty years.”
“So you know all the names of everyone in attendance?”
She shrugged. “Yeah, it’s a blessing and a curse. Like I can be at some random bar, especially here in DC, and know every single person by name.”
“That’s an interesting skill.”
Her lips twisted up to the side. “It is, and it isn’t. Random meetings like this will make you wonder if it really was random. I try not to remember every name and face, but it’s a curse I have to live with. I wasn’t even the person who really looked into your background. I just had the information. With a quick flip through, I had all the names memorized.”
“So you knew my name from the second I ran into you?”
She lifted one shoulder, and her eyes narrowed as she flashed an apologetic smile. “Before you even stepped over to the bar, I’d pegged you for Brady.”
He frowned, worry sliding through him. She had his name, but did she know what he did for work?
“You know my name, but I don’t know yours.”
Her cheeks grew darker. “No, you don’t.”
“Should I guess?”
One shoulder went up, and he took that as a yes. He was at a disadvantage. She had an amazing brain, and he didn’t know anyone’s name here other than his team and a few of the elected officials who were glad-handing everyone.
“Your parents would have been very boring if they had named you Ginger. I mean, it would be a go-to name for a baby with red hair, but I bet they were more inventive than that.”
He slowly walked around her, taking in the way her dress hugged her torso and then flared at her hips. He wished the dress was tight all the way down to her thighs so he knew what her ass looked like, but he could wait and find that out later.
“Do you want any hints? I mean, I had an advantage you don’t.”
He stepped around to stand in front of her. “No. I think your parents were forward-thinking and named you a gender-neutral name. I bet your name is something like Sam or Kelsey.”
Laughter spilled out, and she shook her head. “Absolutely not. My parents didn’t name me Ginger, but they saw red hair and thought Garnet.”
He blinked at her. “Oh wow, I’m surprised.”
“It’s okay. They were perfect parents, other than the obvious miss with my name.”
“Garnet. That’s not a typical name for our modern age.”
Her laughter was light and airy. “Yes, it was popular a long time ago. At least I was the only Garnet in my entire school.”
“So you know my full name.”
She nodded. “I do. My last name is Stratton. So, Garnet Stratton.”
“Nice. Garnet, I have to ask, do you want my number?”
Her eyes narrowed. “You didn’t ask for my number. That’s interesting.”
He nodded. “I want it, but I’m leaving it up to you to call me first. Sometimes women give numbers when they don’t want to because they feel pressured. Though I asked first, and we’re in this environment where we both know we have security clearance, I’d rather let you change your mind later about me having your phone number if you like. I think you’re gorgeous, and funny, and smart, but I want you to be in control.”
Her eyebrows shot up. “Did someone tell you to say that?”
He shook his head. “Not directly. I have a habit of excessively scrolling social media, but only on Saturday mornings when I wake up early. I stumbled upon the advice. It made sense.”
“Wow. So yeah, I’ll take your number.” She handed him her phone, and he input his name and number.
