“Everyone was always whispering behind closed doors. If someone was in the break room when I went in for coffee, they’d stop their conversations and hurry to change the subject. That or they’d leave the room altogether.”
The space between Nate’s brow scrunched together with concern, so she tried to explain.
“I know it wasn’t personal. It’s not like they were talking specifically about me or anything. People there had various levels of clearance. With so many employees, it was hard to know who was on your same level and who wasn’t. It was safer just to stop talking and move on, rather than risk being fired or prosecuted for accidentally revealing classified information.”
“So, when you said you wanted to work someplace more personal…”
“That’s what I meant.”
“I know you have a pretty high clearance, but you do realize Jake and the teams…we won’t be able to shareeverythingwith you, either, right?”
“I know. But working for R.I.S.C in one office space rather than a building the size of Texas—no offense—is more my style. And the way Sarah talks about Bravo, it seems as if you’re more like family than co-workers.”
“That, we are.”
Gracie smiled. “I could tell that the second I walked outside last night. I know Sarah and Kole think of you all as brothers.”
Nate tipped his chin. “And we love them the same way.”
“See?” she said wistfully. “That’swhat I want to be a part of. I saw a similar relationship with the people at the VA hospital where I volunteered.”
That seemed to pique his interest. “I didn’t know you volunteered at the VA.”
She nodded. “For the past year. I’d go there a few times a week. Mostly, I’d just sit and visit with some of the patients who’d been there a while. Too many had no one who could or would come to visit them. No family or friends close by. I got pretty attached to a couple of the patients. It was really hard saying goodbye.”
“I bet. But, if they knew you as well as you seemed to have gotten to know them, I’m sure they understood why you needed to leave.”
Her smile grew. “They did. One of the guys even got together with the nurses and bought me a cake for my last day there. It was nice. Kind of bittersweet.”
“Well, you seem like you’ll be a perfect fit for R.I.S.C.”
“Thanks. I hope you’re right.”
There was a stretch of silence before Nate stood up. “Speaking of work, you have to be at the office tomorrow morning.”
Gracie glanced at her watch. “Oh, my gosh, you’re right. I had no idea it was getting so late.”
“Come on, I’ll walk you to your car.”
“Thanks, but you don’t have to do that.” She followed Nate into his living room where she’d sat her purse and keys.
“It’s late, and you’re alone.” He stepped over to his apartment door. “I’m walking you to your car, Gracie.”
Sensing he wasn’t budging on this one, Gracie went to the bathroom, changed into his shirt, and grabbed her things before following him out the door.
As they walked, it was hard not to notice how alert Nate was. Even while carrying on a casual conversation, his head was on an almost constant-swivel as they made their way to where she was parked. She also hadn’t missed the slight bulge against his lower back.
Knowing he had a gun tucked in his waistband didn’t bother her. Despite her moment of unfounded paranoia in the restaurant earlier, nothing about this man scared her. On the contrary, being with Nate made her feel safe. Protected.
“I’m assuming this is you?” Nate nodded to her car. It was the only one in the parking lot.
“Great deduction skills, Mr. Carter. You should really think about getting a job as a security specialist or something.” Gracie smirked at her own sarcasm as she unlocked her car and opened her door.
“You know”—Nate leaned his hip against the driver’s fender and crossed his arms at his chest—“when I first met you last night, I thought you were this sweet, innocent, young woman.”
Gracie did her best to ignore the way his biceps bulged beneath his sleeves. “And now?”
“Now…” He stood straight and moved closer to her. With the open door between them, Nate brought his hand toward her and carefully brushed some hair from her forehead. “Now, I think there’s a lot more to you than meets the eye.”
