“I wanted to ask him about the bridge.” According to Brynnon, her brother had been in charge of all supply orders at that time, and Grant wanted to see what he could remember.
“A charity ball isn’t really the place to conduct an interrogation, Grant.”
“I’m not going to interrogate him,” Grant assured her. “I just have a couple of questions.”
He could tell she wanted to say more, but thankfully Brynnon didn’t press the issue. Instead she turned toward her window and watched the scenery passing them by.
What he’d told her had been the truth. Grant had no intentions of grilling her brother, but he did want to gauge Billy’s reaction when he brought up what happened in Afghanistan. See if he showed any signs of guilt. For Brynnon’s sake, he hoped not.
“When we get there—” Her voice broke through his thoughts— “I’ll have to go straight to the stage to give the welcome speech. After that, it’ll mainly be mingling with the crowd until the dance competition. Once that’s over, we can say our goodbyes and leave.”
“Sounds good.”
“Also, I thought maybe, as long as you’re okay with it, I should introduce you to people as my date, rather than my bodyguard.” She quickly added, “Strictly for appearances. I just don’t want to spook any of the contributors. It’s hard enough raising the money these kids need. The last thing the charity needs is for people to shy away from attending future events because they think it’s not safe. I spoke with my father, and he agreed.”
Of course, he did.“Okay.”
A few more minutes of silence passed before she began talking again. “Derek already ran the background checks on those attending and serving, so I’m assuming that’s a non-issue?
Grant looked back over at her. “He did, but it’s still very much an issue. If Wright’s daughter was lying and she decides to come after you again, she could use someone else to do it. Just because a person’s record is clean up to this point, doesn’t mean it’s going to stay that way.”
Brynnon worried her bottom lip with her teeth. Jesus, she really had no idea how much he wished it werehisteeth doing the biting.
“But most of these people are friends or acquaintances with my father. His staff, other politicians, and important public figures. There are even a few priests who help out each year.”
“Most. You said yourself there will be people there you’ve never met before or ones who sign up last-minute.”
Hating the sliver of fear that had returned behind those emerald eyes, Grant reached over and rested his hand over hers. His dick pulsed again when his knuckles brushed against her bare leg.
Stay focused.
“I’m not trying to scare you, Bryn, but if someone wants to get to you badly enough, they’re going to use any means necessary to do so. The truth is, almost everyone has a price or a skeleton in their closet. This is why you have to be aware of your surroundings and make smart choices. For example, you don’t go anywhere by yourself or set your drink down.”
“What about the bathroom?”
“Mac, our female operative, will be there. She can escort you to and from.”
Brynnon drew in a deep, calming breath, her tantalizing breasts rising and falling with the movement.
Not for the first time, Grant wondered how they would feel beneath his palms. They were so close, and the partition was up. All he’d have to do would be to reach out and—
“Okay.”
He blinked, unsure of what she’d just agreed to. For a second, he thought maybe he’d voiced his thoughts aloud—and that she’d just given him permission to touch her.
“I’ll stick to your side and keep my eyes out for anyone who doesn’t seem to belong.”
Running a hand down his jaw, Grant looked straight ahead, his only response a hoarse, “Good.”
For the remainder of the drive, Grant kept quiet for fear he’d open his mouth and say something stupid like telling her again just how badly he wanted her. Or worse, he’d admit to having feelings for her. That shit would open up a whole new can of fucking worms.
So instead, he remained quiet.
Seemingly lost in her own thoughts, Brynnon didn’t seem to mind the silence. Of course, that only made Grant start to wonder whatshewas thinking, filling him with a tailspin of hopes and fears.
Jesus H. Christ, Hill. Get your shit under control.The thought had barely entered his mind when the car slowed to a stop.
She looked over at him with a smirk, “Showtime.”
