Didn’t take long to work through the schedule, and they were starting for the door. Good thing. Micha needed a shower and bed if he wanted to be fresh for the morning. Hopefully he could let go of thoughts of Kari and get some sleep.
Ryan pointed down the small dirt road. “Looks like you didn’t do such a good job tucking in your class for the night.”
Swinging a flashlight, Kari strolled their way.
Micha gritted his teeth. “I told them all to get some shuteye.”
“Guess she doesn’t listen real well.” Reid frowned. “Maybe you’re right, and she could turn into a problem.”
Yeah, she could. A problem for Micha.
“Kari,” he said when she reached them. “I thought everyone was taking it easy tonight after the hard day.”
“I wasn’t sleepy and figured a walk might help.” She turned to the other guys and introduced herself.
After a round of sharing names, she peered at Micha. Her skin glistened in the moonlight, raising his awareness of her as a woman.Ugh. Let it go already. He shoved his hands into his pockets.
She gave him a sweet smile. “Is it okay if I walk down to the lake?”
“Can’t see why not,” Reid said. “But Micha should probably accompany you. Wouldn’t want you to get lost.”
“It’s right at the end of the road,” Micha said before this got out of hand and he had to take a moonlight stroll with the woman he was trying to avoid.
Reid met his gaze and held it. “But it can be confusing at night, and I wouldn’t want her to fall in.”
Micha glanced at the other guys for help, but found only smirks. They knew what was going on and weren’t about to bail him out when they were enjoying the show. “Then I guess the logical person to accompany her is Dev since he’s a water rescue expert.”
Dev glanced at his watch. “Logical, but no can do. I have a video call in a few minutes.”
What kind of a call could he have at this time of night? Micha wanted to ask, but Dev was a straight shooter, and if he said he had a call, he had one.
“It’s not that big of a deal.” Kari smiled sweetly at Micha. “I can head back to my cabin and play my bassoon for a while to relax. That is, if it won’t disturb. I can choose some soothing scores to play.”
“No need,” Micha said. “I’ll take you.”
“Are you sure?” She batted her long lashes that she’d coated in mascara since he’d last seen her.
In fact, now that he studied her, she’d put all the makeup on. Was she planning to flirt with whoever she ran into or did she simply like to be put together when she went out in public?
“Great,” Reid said. “Let us know if there’s anything we can do to make your stay with us more enjoyable and productive.”
“I was most impressed with Micha’s skills today.” Her gaze lingered on him for a moment, then shifted slowly to Reid. “I can see what a professional operation you run and doubt I’ll have any suggestions.”
“Then we’ll let you get to your walk.” Reid stepped off and leaned close to Micha to whisper, “She’s putting out serious attraction vibes. Take care and remember she’s a client.”
Yeah, Micha caught the vibes, and he caught Reid’s warning. Problem was, he wanted to explore the vibes, but that wouldn’t happen for as long as he had to care for his sister and her daughter. Besides, he had to do his job right. The job had to come first.
He made sure to take a professional stance and tone and looked at Kari. “After you.”
She started off at a slow pace. “I’m sorry if this is too inconvenient. I really can go back to my cabin. I don’t mind.”
There were those batting lashes again. Not really in a flirty way this time, more like a habit, but he doubted that, too, as she hadn’t done it during the day’s training.
“No worries. It’ll help me unwind for the night, too.” At least if she quit coming on to him.
“How long have you worked here?” she asked.
“About a year now.”
