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“We’re going to pass by one of my favorite joints. We can pick up something there, eat back at my place?”
It was a matter-of-fact suggestion brought on by necessity and hunger, but somehow, it also sounded like a date — which it clearly wasn’t — but tell that to the butterflies that had suddenly decided to dance around her stomach.
Had it beenthatlong since she’d had attention from a man?
They stopped off at Geoffrey’s Malibu, a stunning beachfront restaurant that commanded undisturbed sea views. Lexi was surprised that this was the ‘joint’ in question, not because of the location — you’d have to be a serious Grinch not to admire it — but due to the exclusivity.
While the close by and better known Nobu catered to celebrities who wanted to be seen, this was where they went to for privacy. It was a well-kept secret on the circuit, and not the kind of place she would have thought he’d have much experience with — if any.
But private or not, it wasn’t a place you could swing by without a reservation. They certainly did not have an ordering out service.
A fact which didn’t seem to bother Kane. When Johnny parked up outside, he waved off the valet. Lexi wasn’t sure how she could point this out to him without causing embarrassment.
“Shouldn’t we call first and see if they can accommodate us?”
“No need. Is there anything you don’t like or can’t eat?”
She answered the question automatically. “I’m good with everything but kiwi fruit. I’m allergic to those.”
He turned to Johnny next. “How about you?”
Their driver looked pleased to be considered. “I eat anything, man. Thanks.”
He was out of the car in a flash before she realized he hadn’t checked with her to see what she hadwanted. A flash of annoyance sparked in her chest. Had he mistaken her for a doormat just because she wasnice?
And why the hell did she care what he thought of her, anyway? Fit as he was — and you’d have to be blind not to admire his amazing body — he was still only there in a work capacity. And she couldn’t forget the way he’d treated her earlier: he’d had a definite problem with her that she wasn’t convinced had completely evaporated.
She turned her attention to Johnny, quietly admiring the ocean view. “How long have you worked together?”
Johnny smiled at her through the rearview mirror. “About a year. I was a private chauffeur before. Kane was working security for a high profile crime case involving a rich banker. We ran into some trouble, but I managed to get us out of it. After that, he recruited me and we’ve been a team ever since.”
“What kind of trouble?”
Johnny’s smile stayed on his lips, though a shutter came over his eyes. “Oh, you know, some exciting stuff. This line of work is never boring.”
She wondered what he wasn’t allowed to tell her but took comfort that Johnny didn’t reveal their client’s business no matter how chatty he might seem.
Bud leaned forward, resting his chin onto her shoulder, his breath tickling the back of her ear. Even though Kane had been gone only moments, she could sense the dog’s anxiety. He wouldn’t be happy until his owner returned. This sense of loyalty and love from an animal was truly miraculous. As usual, she felt that pang she always did, wishing she could have her own pets.
But maybe that time was coming sooner rather than later, once all of this — whatever it was — was over.
The picture of her perfect house with the blue shutters and cheerful walkup breezed into her mind. She was still imagining herself inside when Kane returned, arms laden with paper bags. She wasn’t able to hide her surprise.
He placed the bags carefully into the trunk of the car and climbed in.
“Even I struggle to get a reservation unless I shamelessly drop my parents’ names. How did you persuade them to do takeout?”
Kane shot a smug smile her way.
“I did a job for the owner once. When he realized how much I loved the food but hated eating out, he made an exception for me. I order out from them a couple of times a week.”
A couple of times a week? The place wasn’t cheap so unless he was also granted a large discount, he must earn a decent salary though she would never have known that judging by the clothes he wore. The guy gave military chic a new meaning.
“Why don’t you like eating out?”
It was a simple question, but it seemed to have taken him aback momentarily. His eyes turned cagey.
“I’m not keen on loud places.”
