His expression turns more serious. “What about Sophie? You two seemed to have hit it off quite well. She lights up whenever she sees you.”
No, he can’t go there. I can’t let him create ties and connections. That will make returning home more difficult.
“Just part of my job, big guy. You created this scenario, and I’m doing my best to make it work. Speaking of which, how are we going to handle your next out-of-town game? I don’t think we can pull off another girls’ weekend so soon.”
“Good point.” He drags a hushpuppy through his tartar sauce, then pops it into his mouth, thinking as he chews.
“There’s always sleuth mode.” I toss my now soggy fry to the side.
“And that would be?”
“Del and I stay close, but not visible. But there’s a problem.”
“What’s that?”
“I can’t be in two places at once. Sophie wants to do another planning session for the fundraiser while the team is away. I’ll have to make an excuse to get out of it.”
A shadow of a smile skirts his face. “Does that mean you’ll be in the same hotel?”
“Yes. Close but not seen.”
“Of course.” His disappointment is obvious.
Why does that send a migration of butterflies through my midsection? “As far as Sophie and Mia know, I’ve worked in security in the past. I’ll tell them I have an interview for a remote position that sends me on location sometimes, which I can leverage as needed.”
“Sounds believable.”
“Good. Then we have a plan.”
He nods but says nothing, appearing distracted. We finish our meal in silence until we’reabout to leave.
Ever the gentleman, Payton rises before I do and holds his hand out for mine. Do people really do that today? Obviously, he does. Must be part of that etiquette training he undoubtedly had to endure. But he wears it so well.
I comply to placate him, then regret it right away. Or rather, I should, but how can I when he tightens his hold, sending waves of delicious shivers over my body? But it’s more than that. I feel safe with Payton. Protected. Which is so foreign to me. I’m the one who’s supposed to keep him secure. Not the other way around.
Our eyes connect for the briefest moment until his gaze drops to my lips, and before I can stop it, mine drop to his. One side of his mouth lifts, revealing his sexy dimple that begs me to touch it. But I resist. I have to…but it’s right there, calling to me.
He continues to hold my hand as we walk through the restaurant to leave. But instead of heading to the car, he leads me down a path toward the beach.
I tug my hand from his more out of self-preservation than an attempt to keep things professional. His touch makes me think of things I know I can’t have. Not with him, anyway.
“Where are you going?”
Without stopping, he points toward the ocean where the sun is starting its descent. “Perfect timing for a sunset.”
“That’s not part of the plan.”
He stops and faces me, his expression imploring. “Mango Key Beach is known for its soft white sands and blazing sunsets. You can’t go back to England without having seen one.”
I scan the perimeter around us and toward the restaurant. A scattered few people walk along the shore, but not too many to navigate or avoid. And he’s right. The sky is ablaze with iridescent pinks, purples, and blues in a breathtaking display.
“Fine, but not for long.”
“Not a problem. Sunsets last only a few minutes.”
I tug my phone out of my back jeans pocket. “Just let me update Del so she knows why we’re not heading toward the car.”
Lily: Principal wants to watch the sunset.
