Page 3 of Wrecked

“How has your recuperation gone?”

“It’s not been without setbacks, I’ll admit that. But both legs are fully functional. I’m ready to demonstrate that in the physical fitness assessment.”

Shane nods. “Fair enough.” He pushes a document across the desk to me. “Part of the compensation package includes a fully furnished apartment in The Gold Coast, not far from here. I happen to own the entire building, and a lot of my employees live there. I occupy the penthouse floor of the building. The building is secure. Additional amenities include a private underground parking garage, a state-of-the-art fitness center, as well as many other perks.”

“I certainly wouldn’t turn down free lodging.”

“It’s probably one of the nicest buildings in the city. In your resume, you indicated you were proficient with small firearms.”

“I am.”

“What do you carry?”

“A Beretta, sir.”

Shane nods. “I’ll want our shooting instructor to evaluate your skills. I hope you’re okay with that.”

“That’s not a problem.”

“Good. Our weapons instructor’s name is Daniel Cooper. He’s expecting you at our company’s private shooting range this morning at nine. Are you carrying now?”

“Yes, sir—Shane.”

Shane nods, as if he expected as much. “After your weapons evaluation, you’ll come back here to the building for a physical fitness and hand-to-hand combat assessment by our residentmartial arts instructor, Liam—my brother. Your resume here says you have studied Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, and Krav Maga.”

I nod. “I have black belts in all three.”

“In light of your accident, are you still able to handle yourself in one-on-one contact?”

I nod. “Yes.”It may hurt like hell, but I can do it.

“Excellent.” He closes the folder on his desk. “If you pass all the assessments, then I’ll offer a provisional position with a ninety-day probation period. I’ll have someone drive you to the shooting range for your appointment.”

Shane makes a phone call, and a few moments later, someone is at his office door. “Come in, AJ,” he says.

A nerdy guy about my age walks in. He’s dressed in a pair of jeans, a white Oxford shirt with a pocket protector, sneakers, and round wire glasses. “All set?” he asks.

“Yes. AJ, this is Sam Harrison. He’s a candidate for a bodyguard position. Sam, this is AJ Byer. He’s the head of our IT department. I’ve asked him to give you a ride to the shooting range. Feel free to ask him anything about the company you want.”

AJ nods. “Nice to meet you, Sam. For what it’s worth, this is a great place to work, and Shane is a great boss.” AJ shrugs. “Just sayin’.”

* * *

We arrive at the shooting range about twenty minutes later. It’s located northwest of the city, in a rather remote industrial area.

AJ drops me off at the door and hands me his business card. “Here’s my work number. Let me know if you need a ride back to the office. I think Cooper’s planning to bring you back himself, but if that changes, just holler.”

“You mean, if I fail the assessment?”

AJ laughs. “Somehow I doubt that will happen. Shane seems to have taken a liking to you, and he’s a great judge of people.” He points to my McIntyre Security visitor badge. “That will get you through the door. Good luck!”

I thank AJ as I get out of the car and head for the entrance. Sure enough, I swipe my visitor badge to get in. Inside is a large space filled with displays of weapons, ammo, and tactical equipment. There are racks of guns on the walls behind the counters. Clothing racks, body armor, Kevlar vests, tactical belts—anything you can think of.

I count four people working the room, but just one stands out to me. The man behind the main counter eyes me curiously. He’s an older guy, probably in his mid-fifties, with short gray hair and a trim beard. His T-shirt hugs his broad chest and muscular torso, the short sleeves molded to his biceps. His forearms are sexy as hell, with his tanned skin, thick veins, and a chunky, old-school wristwatch.

He looks all badass as he moves around the counter and heads my way. He’s wearing worn blue jeans that are lovingly molded to his body. His T-shirt is black with what looks like a company logo in the top left corner. He walks with a confidence that’s hot as hell.

I do my best to ignore the way my pulse picks up at the sight of him.