I nodded, knowing how true that was. I’d seen it with my grandfather, and I’d seen it with Connor.
“If you’re ever in the market for a new job, I have a friend who works at a boutique publishing house. She’s always looking for forward-thinkers like you.”
“Thanks,” I said. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
She took a sip of her drink, then asked, “So how long have you and Connor been together?”
“Oh, we’re not…” I glanced over to where Connor was standing with Jackson and some of the other guys by the pool, suddenly feeling warm. “Together. Not like that.”
“Really?” Catherine arched an eyebrow. “You could’ve fooled me.”
The problem was, she wasn’t the only one fooled. Whether I liked it or not, admitted it or not, I was falling for Connor. And that was a problem.
Chapter Fourteen
Connor
I followed Jackson over to the pool, where a few of the guys were already assembled. Catherine had chided him for working, but we all knew it was impossible for him not to. Jackson was the founder and co-owner of Cole Security, and he took personal responsibility for everything that happened. It was a quality I both admired and understood. Any mistakes, any casualties, and I was always trying to determine what I’d done wrong.
“Did you tell them, Charlie?” Jackson asked.
Charlie shook her head, Mark’s arm wrapped around her waist. “I was waiting for you. The ambassador decided to drop the lawsuit.”
I breathed out a sigh of relief. “Thank fuck.”
“No,” Mark said with a stern expression. “Thank Charlie. She’s the one who provided the intel that persuaded him.”
She lifted a shoulder, a smile playing at her lips. “It was clearly in his best interest to drop it.”
I wondered just what kind of information she’d acquired. Even in the time I’d been assigned to protect him and his family, it was clear he was into some shady stuff. I was just grateful she’d gotten the proof we needed.
“What about the daughter-in-law?” I asked, concerned about what had happened to her. “And the granddaughter?”
“They’ve been extracted,” Jackson said.
I closed my eyes, sending up a silent prayer. It could’ve been so much worse. And it was a lot worse than it should’ve been, thanks to my actions.
“They’re at a safe house. I’m working with some friends to get them new identities,” Charlie said, filling in the rest of the details.
“Thank you, Charlie. Sincerely,” I said. Her blue eyes flashed with emotion.
I turned to Jackson. “I’m sorry—for everything.”
I’d endangered his men’s lives. I’d fucked up the mission. And my actions had nearly resulted in a lawsuit.
He clapped a hand on my shoulder. “We all understand why you did what you did. Next time, ask for help or take a step back.”
I nodded. “I will.”
Jackson and Charlie joined nearby conversations, leaving me alone with Mark. His eyes were constantly tracking his wife, just as I was continuously keeping an eye on Olivia.
“So…Olivia?” Mark nudged me with his elbow, beer in hand.
“What about her?” I took a sip of my water.
“Gotta love a hot vacation fling.” He arched an eyebrow, as if challenging me to disagree.
Charlie elbowed him hard in the side, even though she’d been talking to someone else. “I heard that.”
