Laughing, Nate handed her the shirt. “Here. It’s my favorite, so please don’t eat anything red while wearing it.”
Snatching it out of his hand, she playfully narrowed her eyes at him. “Very funny.”
Gracie held the shirt out in front of her. It was plain with the exception of the word ‘Army’ spelled in black across the chest.
“Well, I could probably wear it for a dress, but it’s clean, so I won’t complain.” Glancing back up at him, she offered him a sincere smile. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Just like at the restaurant, they stood there, staring at each other. Gracie wanted nothing more than to reach up, take his face between her hands, and press her lips against his.
Instead, she blurted, “So, this room is really impressive.”
Nate grinned back at her, his face beaming with pride as if she’d just told him his baby was the most beautiful one she’d ever seen.
“Thank you. It’s nice to finally have someone appreciate my equipment.”
Gracie bit her tongue to keep from making an inappropriate remark. Though she wanted to take advantage of the golden opportunity he’d just laid at her feet, she remained quiet.
Nate puffed out his chest as he walked past her and into the room. “Yep. This is where the magic happens.”
“Interesting.” Gracie purposefully made her tone sound as though she were trying to solve some great mystery.
Nate looked over at her. “What?”
Gracie shrugged casually. “Oh, nothing. It’s just that most men I know would say that thebedroomwas wear the magic happened. But for you it’s in here.” She gave the room an assessing glance.
Okay, so maybe she was flirting a little, but come on. There wasn’t a woman out there who could blame her.
“She’s got jokes,” he smiled. “Good to know.”
Giggling at herself, Gracie looked around the room again. “Seriously, though. This is some heavy-duty equipment.”
“You do programming?”
“Me? God, no. But I was around a lot of technology at my previous job. I mean, it’s the NSA, so of course they’re going to have top of the lineeverything.”
Nate pulled out one of the chairs for her. “Why’d you really leave?”
Confused, Gracie took the offered seat. “I explained all that last night when we were sitting around the fire.”
“I know.” Nate sat down in the other one, turning so they were facing each other. “I just got the impression there was more to the story than you let on.”
“Oh.” Damn. He did have good instincts. Biting her lip, Gracie tucked some hair behind one ear. “Well, you’re not entirely wrong.”
“You want to share? I’m a good listener, and I promise your secret is safe with me.”
Gracie laughed when Nate pretended to zip his lips and then throw away an invisible key.
“It’s really nothing big. Honestly, it’s a little embarrassing.”
“Why’d you leave, Gracelynn?”
Her eyes rose to his. For some reason, hearing her full name falling off his lips made all her girlie parts stand up and take notice.Easy, girl.
Clearing her throat, she said, “I felt like the job was becoming toxic.”
“How so?”
