“I love all the activity,” Kimberlyreplied.
“What are you doing with yourself?” Alexandra askedMaverick.
Ashton Hott was one of her favorite people. Larger-than-life, he used to tease the hell out of her whenever he’d visit. Memories of her brother, Cain, were sparse, but she’d imagined he would have turned out like Maverick. Loud, funny, and with a headful of unkempthair.
“Livingla vida loca,baby girl. And keeping up my reputation as DC’s biggestplayboy.”
She swatted his bulging bicep. “Seriously, Ashton, do youwork?”
“I own a private security firm that provides protection to U.S. overseasinterests.”
“Likecorporations?”
Maverick nodded. “You got it. Plus, military installations, private companies and individuals. I useyourboy’s unmanned aerialvehicles.”
Her lips split into a grin. “What makes you think Crockett ismine?”
“Alexandra, please. I can’t reveal mysources.”
Kimberly laughed. She loved that Crockett had talked to one of his best friends about her in thatway.
Maverick’s phone rang and he lifted it from his pocket. “Excuse me, ladies. I’ve got to take this. Kimberly, can I talk in yourkitchen?”
“Of course.” She glanced at Colton. “I’m in the hub ofexcitement.”
“Something like that,” Coltonreplied.
As he headed out, Maverick tapped his earbud. “What’s theword?”
Brigit returned with Red, Colton’s businessmanager.
“I’m a party crasher,” said Red. “Your home is beautiful, Kimberly. Settling inokay?”
“Brigit is helping me unpack and I’ve had a string of delightfulvisitors.”
“Hey, Alexandra,” Red said. “Good to seeyou.”
“You, too. How are you?” Alexandraasked.
“Living moment to moment.” She tucked her short auburn hair behind her ear, revealing a diamond cuff. “I need your signature, boss. The fourth wireless carrier ordered ten thousand Crockett Boxes. The Francesco Company needs a parts orderexpedited.”
“Did you read this?” Colton askedBrigit.
“Yes and I signed it,” Brigitreplied.
Colton scanned the contract. Using his finger, he signed on Red’stablet.
Maverick barreled into the room, his attention glued on Red. “Well, well, whom do we havehere?”
Red plunked a hand on her hip. “Take a picture, hot shot. It’ll lastlonger.”
He laughed. “Greatidea.”
“This is my business manager, Red,” Colton said. “And this is Maverick, one of my closestfriends.”
Instead of offering her hand, Red shielded herself with thetablet.
“I thought Vanessa was your biz manager.” Maverick continued eyeingRed.
