Surprisingly, his use of the nickname didn’t bother her like before. Maybe it was the softer tone he’d used or the way his hot breath and lips had brushed against her ear when he spoke. Either way, her heart began beating a little faster.
Forgetting how close they still were, Brynnon turned her head to thank him. When she did, their noses nearly touched. She should have pulled away but was too entranced by the way his pupils had begun to dilate. A classic sign of arousal.
Brynnon inhaled quickly, the catch in her breath breaking whatever spell they’d both been under.
Looking as taken aback as she felt, Grant practically jerked away, returning his attention to the three men sitting across from them.
Thankfully, Martin, Billy, and her father had all been focused on their own conversation and hadn’t noticed the exhilarating exchange.
“So Brynnon.” Martin’s smooth voice matched his TV-ready smile. “Your father tells me you sold another house. Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” Brynnon returned a forced smile.
“It’s good to know your little business is holding its own.”
Beneath the table, Brynnon’s fist tightened in her lap. Sensing her struggle to maintain her cool, Grant discretely reached over and covered her hand with his.
Under his breath, he whispered, “Easy.”
It all went completely unnoticed by the others, but Brynnon couldn’t help but be appreciative.
Feeling more in control now, she forced her lips into a smile. “Actually, Martin, my little business is doing much more than just holding its own.”
“Of course, it is.” He smiled arrogantly. “I’d expect nothing less from you.”
Rather than respond to the jerk’s fake compliment, Brynnon started to introduce him to Grant. “Martin, this is—”
“Mr. Hill,” he cut her off. “Good to see you again.”
“Downing.”
Confused for a moment, Brynnon looked back and forth between the two men before realizing her mistake. “Oh, of course. You two have already met.”
“We have.” Martin nodded. “Your man, here, does good work.”
“Oh, he’s not my—”
“Bodyguard?” His pristinely manicured brows turned inward as he glanced at her father. “I thought you hired him to look out for Brynnon after receiving that last threat.”
“I did. That’s why he’s with her now.”
“Dad’s making you have a bodyguard again?” Billy grinned over at her. “Better you than me.”
Brynnon’s eyes flew to her brother’s. “Wait. You don’t have one, too?”
“Nope.”
She shot her dad a look. “Seriously?”
“We’ve discussed this before, sweetheart. You know how Billy is. He’s given every guard I’ve hired the slip within the first twenty-four hours. Frankly, it’s a waste of money.”
“That’s not the point.”
“Ah, come on, sis,” Billy popped a green bean in his mouth. “Don’t be mad. Dad just knows I can take care of myself.”
“Are you implying I can’t?”
Billy looked at Grant. “I’m sure my sister doesn’t mean to sound ungrateful for your services. She’s just pissed because she’s the baby, which means she gets special treatment.”
