I swing my gaze back and forth to make sure no one’s within earshot, then lower my voice just shy of a whisper. “Stop it. I’m not your wife. I’m your bodyguard.”
“Yes, I know. You remind me constantly.” He grinds out.
We stare at each other as if in an impasse while the heat between us rises hot enough to cook our own food. If this keeps up, I may have to ask for a fake divorce just to keep my shot at that sweet position with his sister’s security team.
I lean forward. “Why did you insist on this facade in the first place?”
His expression turns sheepish as he sighs. “I was half joking.”
“What do you mean?”
“When Emalia wants me to do something I don’t want to, I will suggest the most preposterous thing to make her back off.”
“And this works?”
“Usually.”
“But not this time.”
He lets out a self-deprecating laugh. “No, but I have to admit, it’s working out better than I expected.”
The man really knows how to turn on the charm.
Our server returns and places our food in front of us. Payton doesn’t touch his. Just stares at me, waiting to see if I’ll like his recommendation, which I’m almost positive I won’t.
I rarely roll my eyes. In my line of work, that’s a tell. But this time, I’m willing to make a bold statement about how frustrating this man is. I even make a grunting sound so he’ll know just how annoyed I am beforetaking a bite.
Oh. My. Word. Tangy flavors cascade over my tongue in waves as I chew. Then, the full impact of the grilled, meaty fish hits me like a burger would. I suppress a moan of pleasure in time, but clearly not my expression because he shoots me the smuggest grin I’ve ever seen.
“See? I was right, wasn’t I?”
I wipe my mouth with my napkin. “Fine. Yes, you were right.”
He slants his gaze upward, appearing thoughtful. “I think if I were to tally a score, I would be in the lead.”
Maybe my last observation was wrong. Blast! That makes him right again.
“Don’t get cocky.” I take another bite of my sandwich, doing my best to ignore him.
“You’re taking my fun away.” Even when he pretends to pout, he’s disarming.
And a master at redirection. I’m only now realizing he changed the subject by bringing up our shower together.
Observation #7: Payton uses redirection when he’s uncomfortable with the conversation.
I banish the memory before my face turns red again. “Hockey is clearly fun for you, so what’s yourfunplan after hockey?”
He drops his gaze. “I hadn’t thought about it, to be honest. Right now, I’m just focused on the game and being the best forward I can. For me and my team.”
The way he saysmy teammakes me ache all over as if I’m missing out on something. I draw circles in my ketchup with a french fry. “The camaraderie you guys have is really amazing.”
His gaze turns penetrating as he studies me. “It is. I imagine you and Del have a similar dynamic.”
I bark out a laugh. “Del is…well, let’s just say Del is all about Del.”
“But you spend a fair bit of time together, don’t you?”
“Some, yes. And we’re roommates. But we’re not home much, and we’re rarely on the same assignment.”
