Page 68 of Choosing Stella

“No, thanks. I’ve had enough men trying to get me out of secure buildings this week.”

His expression changed immediately.

Colleen gathered the three rejected dresses, extra shoes, and accessories, made sure Geo had everything Bancroft sent, then left with the unused wardrobe.

Once the reinforced door locked behind her, the safe house felt quieter.

I crossed the room toward him.

“I’m okay.”

“I can see that.”

“You got very serious.”

“You were almost taken yesterday.”

“Yes.”

Geo’s hand settled at my waist, light enough that I could step away.

I didn’t.

“That doesn’t mean I can’t joke about it.”

“I’m aware.”

I leaned in and kissed him.

It wasn’t the desperate kind of kiss we’d shared after he caught me. I meant it to be quick.

Geo let it stay quick.

That somehow made me want another one.

Instead, I stepped back.

“I’m changing before you become a security problem.”

He gave the dress one more slow glance.

“I’m already a security problem.”

“That’s surprisingly self-aware.”

I went back to my room.

When I returned in my black T-shirt and charcoal pants, Geo had the tracker connected to the receiver.

He tapped the secure phone on the table.

“Locke’s ready.”

We called him together.

Locke answered on the first ring.

“Tell me you’ve tested everything before calling.”