The women all turned to the man standing at their table. He was tall and fit, with dark hair and a straight nose. He wasn’t wearing a black t-shirt with the Madigan’s logo though, so Reese wasn’t sure what he wanted. But he was definitely talking to her. “Yes?” She asked.
“Hi, I’m Trent. I don’t suppose I could buy you a drink in exchange for your name, and a little conversation tonight?”
***
Despite the ongoing serious conversation Garrett was having with the guys, he couldn’t take his eyes off Reese. She looked absolutely incredible in that little black dress, but it was her smile and the way her whole face lit up when she laughed with her friends that made it impossible for Garrett to look away. He couldn’t believe the turn of events that had brought this amazing woman into his life, but he was no fool. If there was any way he could convince her to stick around, he’d do just about anything to ensure her happiness.
“Running a background check on the principal is technically illegal since he’s not part of the ongoing investigation,” Caden said.
“I know that,” Garrett bit out. He’d just told the guys about what Reese had seen when she’d locked eyes with Principal Ryker at the art store. “But I also don’t think it’s a coincidence that the principal of a school we suspect is involved in drug trafficking ends up dying in prison.”
“Which leaves us with our hands tied and both of you even more exposed than we thought,” Caden said. “I don’t like that.”
“I could run a check on him anyway,” Blake offered. “Maybe we should be running a check on everyone in that school.”
That didn’t seem like a half bad idea. If only they could convince the higher ups.
“No,” Caden said. “The school itself is not under investigation. Only Madison Grier and her family. But I’ll approve a quiet, under the radar, background check into Principal Ryker, and if Avery has an issue with it, I’ll figure something out to tell him.”
“Guys, this is just as much my case as it yours,” Garrett said. “I should be the one -”
“To do your job and teach those kids,” Blake said. “You’re undercover, and we need you to stay that way.”
“But Ryker knows I’m a Texas Ranger.”
“He also knows you’re not gunning forhim. If he even suspects you could be on to him, whether it’s about the drug case, or whatever else he might be involved in, things could get ugly fast. And given that we’re dealing with a school full of kids, I don’t want you pushing anyone’s buttons that we don’t need to.”
“I’m getting nowhere with Madison,” Garrett said. “I might not be the right guy for this.”
“We still have time,” Caden said. “You got this. Remember, I don’t need a confession out of her. Just a shred of evidence that I can run with.”
Garrett nodded. He was about to change the subject when a man approached the women’s table. And he wasn’t the only one who took notice. Both Caden and Blake turned to see what was going on. “New waiter?” Garrett asked Blake.
“Nope. Never seen him here before.”
Not liking the man who was lingering and talking to Reese, Garrett was on his feet and moving before giving it any more thought.
“I don’t suppose I could buy you a drink in exchange for your name, and a little conversation tonight?”
Garrett’s blood boiled at the man’s question, but he stood back just out of Reese’s sight, waiting to hear her answer. Just because they’d shared a few kisses didn’t make her his, and he would never force her into doing something she didn’t want to do, even if it meant she chose to be with someone else. Reese was smart, talented, and beautiful. And as much as it pained Garrett to admit it, she could have any man she wanted. She didn’t have to settle on him and all the baggage he’d bring into a relationship.
“Thanks,” Reese said with a sweet smile that made Garrett’s insides turn. “But I’m actually here with my friends tonight.”
Garrett relaxed a bit, until the man said, “Alright. Then how about I give you my number and we can talk later tonight.”
Every muscle in Garrett’s body tensed as his hands balled into fists. This guy was seriously pushing.
“Sorry,” Reese said. “I’m not interested.”
Garrett let out a breath he didn’t even know he’d been holding and was at the table in three long strides. He locked eyes with the man, who still hadn’t moved from where he’d been hovering over the women. “The lady asked you to move along.”
“And you are?” The man smirked, only pissing Garrett off more.
“Telling you to leave.” Garrett made sure his badge was fully visible, and fought his own smirk when the other man took a step back.
“Didn’t realize she was taken,” the man said, raising his hands in front of him in a surrendering gesture. Instead of answering, Garrett just glared at him and stood his ground. The man got the message loud and clear and retreated, rejoining his friends at another table.
“Are you okay?” Garrett asked Reese. She gifted him a beautiful smile, but it was the giggles of the other women reaching his ears that made him raise an eyebrow. “Something I said?”
