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Baffled, I looked to where Gunner was still in line, and back to Maestro, this time dressed in a Canotier hat and breezy linen clothes. “What are you doing here?”
“You know better than to ask that question, dear Rachel. But was I right, or was I wrong?”
“About the touching?” I considered it, and now that I put it all together, Gunner had been brushing and grazing my skin and tucking my hair out of my face more than I had noticed in the moment. It made me flush at the base of my neck. “Now that you mention it, yeah.”
“Do you enjoy it?” Maestro asked in that warm whiskey voice of his.
“I don’t mind,” I admitted, but my mentor only nodded.
“I don’t know if your man knows that he’s using it or not, but that technique is called kino escalation. Small touches that slowly morph into more meaningful ones until you’re completely comfortable with him. Which, in my expert opinion, you’re close to being, anyway.”
I watched Gunner as he moved with a confidence that was impressive in a man his size. I’d known him less than a day, but I liked him. And not just because he swept in and saved me when I was at my most vulnerable.
“Should I be worried?” I asked, and Maestro shook his head.
“No, no. I’m telling you this so you know how to use the technique yourself to get closer to people. Even this man, if that’s what you so choose. Are you ready to listen?”
With a last look at Gunner, who was occupied at the desk, I nodded. “I’m ready.”
“Focus on the person you want to become closer to, and slowly, carefully build up the amount you touch them, and how meaningful those touches are. For example, move from hands, to arms, to neck, and finally, lips. None of the early behaviors should appear intentional. They should be natural. As time goes on, you can make these touches more pointed and obvious. The slow building of trust and touch, that is kino escalation. Do you understand?”
“I do. I know the chemistry between Gunner and I is tense. Now is not the time for romance, but maybe once it’s all blown over … will I be ready to date again?”
“Splendid. Now, you will be able to spot kino escalation when it’s being used on you, and also use it yourself whenever you like. Do you have any questions?”
“Not really. Will that really help me with what I’m going through, though?”
His grin was indulgent, smile lines making him feel more approachable. He nodded his head towards where Gunner stood, his back towards us. “A wise man once said, ‘In the middle of every difficulty, opportunity lies.’ Sometimes, that opportunity is a person.”
“Oh. Okay.” I followed his gaze, a little warmth building in my belly. “I think I understand.”
“Perfect,” Maestro said. He stood, walking away just as Gunner approached again.
“Who was that?” he asked, looking at the space in the crowd where Maestro had disappeared.
“Just an old friend,” I told him dismissively, feeling amused at my own little secret. “Did you get us a room?”
He looked at me cautiously. “I did, but I don’t know how much you’re going to like it. They only had a single king suite available.” At my incredulous look, he quickly added, “I can sleep on the sofa. It isn’t a problem.”
The lobby was packed, and I could tell it was stressing Gunner out by the way he kept glancing over his shoulder. He’d taken control of the entire situation so far with calm, cool professionalism. Even if I didn’t love the “one bed” reveal, I owed it to him to keep giving him my trust, especially if I wanted to benefit from his expertise.
“It’s fine. Let’s just get upstairs. I’m desperate to lie down.”
Looking grateful, he let his shoulders sag just slightly. He had been holding himself so tensely, waiting for my rejection. “Great. Let’s go.”
Chapter Fifteen
There was only one bed tucked away in an alcove, but it was big enough to sleep an army. I was still keeping it for myself, though. A girl has to have limits.
The suite was big enough that we wouldn’t be breathing down each other’s necks, but small enough that there was no way anyone could take one of us off guard without the other one knowing. Once we were upstairs and alone, it all started to catch up with me. The bizarre temporary setup was mitigated a little by the fact that Gunner was only doing his job. Going above and beyond took on a whole new meaning with what he was doing for me.
I dropped my bag on the bed, and then followed it with my body, groaning, “I’ve had enough intrigue for the rest of my life.”
Gunner, who was unpacking the small go bag he told me he kept in the trunk just for occasions like this, chuckled. “I’m afraid you’ve got a few more days, at least. So buckle up.”
I rolled over on the puffy white comforter to watch him. There were suspiciously few clothing items and an alarming amount of electronic equipment and weapons. “You don’t really think they’ll try to come for us in the middle of a hotel, do you?”
He shrugged one massive shoulder. “I don’t know, honestly. In my line of work, it’s usually personal issues between my clients and a disgruntled partner of some sort. I rarely have to have people on site for home security unless it’s a high-risk client. Tech startup entrepreneurs, controversial politicians, those sorts. Going up against one of the top syndicates involved in drug smuggling and sales is not really in my wheelhouse, but I think I’m cut out for the job.”
