Page 23 of Protect and Serve

“Well okay then,” Cade said, slapping Charlie on the back. Hard.

“That’s all we wanted to know.” Cody affected an innocent expression. “Oh, and by the way, Cade and I just happen to be eating at Bubba’s tonight as well. In case you were wondering.”

“Great.” Oh yeah. Awesome.

Nice to know there wasn’t any pressure.

No pressure at all.

There was no way Lisa was keeping her in the stupid kitchen while her brothers had Charlie locked in a box. Interrogating him. She hovered by the door. Unfortunately, it was a well-constructed door, so she couldn’t hear anything.

At least, no breaking bones.

No yelling either.

When the door opened, she jumped back and leaned against the wall and pretended to be checking her phone even though her phone was still in her office. Hopefully no one noticed.

Her gaze snapped to Charlie and she quickly checked him for any gaping wounds.

To her relief he looked fine.

Also, he looked really fine.

He smiled at her, but it was an apologetic offering. “Hey,” he said.

“Hey.”

“I’ve got to go.”

She swung around and glared at her brothers. They just stood there being assholes. Charlie set his finger on her chin and turned her attention back to his face. This time his grin was more genuine. “I need to get ready for tonight.”

Oh yeah. Tonight. Their date.

And he said it in front of her brothers. And no one’s head blew off.

That was encouraging.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“Me too.” He bent forward to kiss her good-bye but a low growl emanating from the vicinity of Hades’ minions forestalled him and he pecked her on the cheek instead.

“Coward,” she whispered and, for some reason, he grinned.

“I’ll see you around six,” he said. And then he was gone.

When the front door closed on him, she whirled on her brothers. “What did you say to him?”

“Who, us?”

“We didn’t say anything.”

“Oh right. So why did he skitter out of here like a prisoner granted a reprieve?”

“I have no idea. Do you, Cody?”

“No idea. He’s still taking you out tonight.”

“Right.” Cade affected a toothy grin. “Not exactly a reprieve.”