Page 15 of Thirsty Bodyguard Summer

“That wasn’t flirtation.”

“It was effective.”

“It was leverage.”

“I’m six foot two. You moved me across a crowded kitchen like you’d rehearsed it.”

“You listened.”

“You told me who could get hurt.”

Her lips parted, but she didn’t answer.

I glanced through the windshield. The boardwalk receded behind us, along with the restaurant and the fans someone had directed there under my name.

“I thought showing my face would settle them,” I said.

“It might have settled the first six people. Everyone behind them would’ve moved forward to see you.”

“And then the people inside would’ve been trapped.”

“Yes.”

“You saw that before I did.”

“That’s why I’m here.”

I glanced down at the space between us.

“You also put your hand on my waist.”

Her mouth tightened.

“I’m taking the lesson seriously,” I said. “I’m capable of respecting your professional skill and enjoying the contact.”

“You’re capable of turning oxygen into a pickup line.”

“That sounds like respect.”

“It wasn’t.”

“It sounded a little like respect.”

Cassidy picked up a cold bottle from the console and handed it to me. “Drink.”

I opened it. “I love it when you get commanding.”

“Drink quietly.”

I took a long swallow.

Her phone vibrated. She read the screen, then typed with both thumbs.

“Is the post still up?” I asked.

“The original diner photo is still public. The account that called it an informal appearance deleted that post.”

“After sending half the boardwalk to breakfast.”