Coop opened the door on Brynnon’s side, and almost immediately they were bombarded with a barrage of flashing lights. Grant didn’t understand the fascination with politicians and their families, but clearly some held them at almost the same level as famous celebrities.
With his hand resting protectively on Brynnon’s lower back—something he found himself doing a lot—he did his best to act as a regular date would, rather than a bodyguard. But when one overzealous onlooker slid under the security rope and approached Brynnon for an autograph, Grant’s instincts took over.
In less than a second, he was in front of her with his hand held out, preventing the woman from coming any closer. Thankfully, the guards at the door quickly escorted the woman back to her place in the crowd.
“Jesus,” Grant commented under his breath. “That shit happen to you a lot?”
“Only at events like this or at my father’s rallies. The poor woman probably doesn’t even know who I am.”
“Well, thatpoor womanbetter keep her ass behind the line.”
Brynnon slid him a sideways glance. With a half-smile, she leaned in and whispered, “Easy, big guy.”
To both his enjoyment and his dismay, the tempting woman reached back and grabbed his hand, sliding her fingers between his. Grant’s eyes shot to hers.
She smiled. “Appearances, remember?”
Goddamn, she was adorable.
Upon entering the large, historical building, Brynnon guided them over to where a young man was checking in the guests’ coats. Billy and his date came up behind them as they waited for their ticket.
“Hey, sis. Lookin’ good.”
Brynnon spun around, a large grin spreading across her face. “Billy! I was hoping you’d make it.”
After giving him a hug, she pulled back and tilted her head toward Grant. “You remember Grant.”
“Of course.” The other man held out his hand. “Glad to see you’re still keeping my sister safe.”
“About that,” Brynnon pulled Billy down to her and lowered her voice. “I don’t want anyone to know he’s my bodyguard, so we’re pretending he’s my date.”
“Ah, working undercover. I like it.” Billy gave him a playful wink. “Don’t worry, Grant. Your secret’s safe with me.” Straightening back up, he glanced toward the woman on his arm. “Speaking of dates, this is Victoria. Tori, this is my sister and Grant. Her...date.”
The bleach blonde Barbie wanna-be completely ignored Brynnon as she locked her sights on Grant. In a blatant display of interest, she let her eyes slide up and down the length of his body.
With a seductive smile, she held out her perfectly manicured hand. “It’s very nice to meet you.”
Though he had no desire to, Grant lifted his hand. Before he could make contact, Brynnon quickly grabbed his hand and gave the other woman an obviously fake smile.
“Will you please excuse us for a moment? Grant and I need to discuss something with Billy...in private.”
Surprised by Brynnon’s abruptness, Victoria batted her fake lashes a couple of times before curling her red lips into a contemptuous grin. “Of course.”
To Billy, Brynnon then tipped her head to the side and walked far enough away to ensure the other woman wouldn’t overhear their conversation. Following the silent instruction, her brother joined them.
Turning his brows inward, Billy commented, “Wow, sis. Rude much?”
“Like I care,” Brynnon scrunched her face in displeasure. “Where do you even find these women?”
He shot back with, “At least, unlike you, I’m here with a real date. Do you even remember what that’s like, or has it been so long since you’ve had one of those you’ve forgotten?” To Grant, he smirked. “No offense.”
Brynnon immediately blushed. Her eyes slid to Grant’s before glaring back at her brother.
Sensing an explosive retort, Grant quickly intervened. “What do you know about Kunar?”
Billy stared back at him. Confused, he asked, “The country?”
“The bridge.”
