Page 80 of Protecting Love

Her gaze softened. Her jaw loosened.

Her tongue even slipped out between her teeth.

She wasn’t sure why it surprised her he was giving her the opportunity to keep talking before he moved on.

She’d bet anything that he was the patient one in his marriage.

That he wanted to talk things out rather than assume.

“I’ve said what I need to for now. I’m sorry that what I said caused you to react that way. I’m sure it’s not going to be the first time for both of us and we have to come to an understanding... if we continue.”

Might as well throw it out there so he didn’t think he was the one making all the decisions between them.

“I told you a lot. More than anyone else knows. That alone should say something.”

“It does.”

She returned to eating since he had too.

“There are going to be rules.”

Her head snapped up. “I’m not sure I like the sound of that.”

“Because you’re the one used to making them, right?”

She let out a light laugh. “Sometimes. Or sometimes it’s more like I need them to keep London in line. She can be a bit much.”

“Don’t kid yourself. So are you.”

She angled her head. “Why thank you. That’s a compliment. I’m used to everyone saying I’m the sweet one.”

His upper lip curled. “You can be. But I also think you want people to see that and not the other part. The vulnerable one that you just talked about.”

“Doesn’t everyone?”

“You’d be surprised how many people like the attention.” He put his hand up when she went to speak. “Present company excluded. I’m just saying, not everyone is like that.”

“But you are,” she said.

“I am. Back to my rules. They need to be there for your protection.”

“Really, Fletcher? How much danger am I in? A disgruntled former staff of a client I did work for comes in upset he lost his job. Yep, it rattled me. But he’s gone and you said it’s not him who sent the rat.”

“That’s right. It’s not. So until we find out who it is and their motive, then I need to keep a better eye on you.”

“How close of an eye?”

“Not one to the point we have to live together. I don’t believe there is that kind of danger. If you want to know the truth, it’s more about watching out who might be watching you.”

Her jaw dropped. “Seriously? You think someone was watching me last night? Wouldn’t I have felt that?”

Or was she too wrapped up with the guy on her arm? The fact that she wanted to be on a real date with him and not this fake one in the guise of security.

“Not necessarily. And yes. West knows my thoughts on it.”

“Did you notice anything last night?”

“Other than the woman next to me looks smoking in a sexy dress?”