Page 174 of The Bluffing Game

I make a turn back toward the beach and Santa Capinari. We soon leave the dark, desolate area and are once again driving through fairy lights and palm trees.

“You do?” She sounds surprised. “How would you know?”

“Because I have sight and intuition, and I pay attention to what I see and hear. And even the things that aren’t said.”

“Meaning what?”

“Meaning, I know you’re doing this for your sister.” I smile as her eyes open wide with shock, and I wonder if she realizes just how in tune I am with her and her thoughts. Which is weird because we don’t even know each other that well, but it’s almost like I can read her mind. Almost like I already know her. “I’m observant, you know. You may think I’m just this big, sexy man, but I’m so much more than that.”

“I never said I thought you were big and sexy.”

“Handsome and sexy then.”

“I never said I thought you were handsome and sexy.”

“Gorgeous and sexy?”

“Gorgeous and sexy? I don’t believe those words have ever crossed my lips.”

“Super-alpha male and sexy?”

“No and no.” She bursts out laughing. “I appreciate you helping us, Dalton, but⁠—”

“But what?”

“What I’m going to say may sound rude, and I don’t intend it to be⁠—”

“Let me guess. You’re just using me for my good looks.”

“No.”

“You just want to take me to bed?”

“Be serious.”

“I’m being as serious as I always am, but I guess you don’t know me that well yet.”

“No, I don’t. And that’s the point. Neither one of us really knows each other very well. And while I’m grateful for the offer of employment and I’m very grateful that you came tonight—yes, I’ll admit again that maybe I am in over my head—I don’t want you to think you are somehow the boss of my life.”

“I’m not?”

“You are my boss. At work only.”

“I see.”

“And I haven’t even really started working.”

“I’m not really sure what you’re trying to say. You want to quit your job already? You just started.”

“That’s not what I mean. I want you to know that I don’t need you to act as some sort of bodyguard, protector, or knight in shining armor. I’ve got this. I’ve got this for Rosie and for me.” Her eyes peer to the back, and when she looks at Brett, she scowls before turning to look at me. “Just so he knows, Rosie is off-limits.” Her voice rises.

“He’s listening to music,” I say, even though I know Brett is probably listening to every single word.

His eyes do not change. His expression doesn’t change. The music keeps playing, but I know from the way he’s not moving at all that he’s not totally in the quiet to our conversation. The man is an ex–Navy SEAL. He’s never not listening and is always aware of his surroundings.

“I don’t care if he’s listening to music. I don’t care if he can hear me now, but you can, and you can tell him just in case he doesn’t figure it out. Rosie is off-limits.”

“I don’t really think he’s given Rosie any reason to believe that he’s interested in more,” I say honestly.