Chase had seen that look before. Brandon was planning on pulling some kind of prank or conducting a social experiment on all of them. What was it and how would it affect these men Chase cared about? What about the women in danger Brandon had somehow found and pulled into his odd ‘gift vacation’ for his lifelong buddies? Were the women truly in danger, innocent pawns, or part of an elaborate ruse? You never knew with Brandon.
“I’m in,” Robbie said shortly, his eyes still looking like a darkening summer storm, with thunder and lightning imminent.
“Sign me up, Scotty.” Parker appeared to think this was all some big game, like the video games he designed.
“As you requested, I do have the next two weeks free.” Emmett looked uncertain. “Maybe you and Madelyne havemiraculously picked out a woman who will actually love me for me and not be enraptured by all my fame and fortune.”
Everyone chuckled, but Emmett appeared somewhat serious. Chase didn’t know what being pursued for fame and fortune would be like, but he didn’t want to try it.
He wasn’t certain he wanted to try Brandon’s scheme. The million dollars should be a motivator, but he doubted he’d win it. What about the adventure? Though he enjoyed the quiet pace of Jade Valley, it was a lot quieter than he was used to, even with some unusual crime for the valley the past year. It would be a nice change of pace to explore whatever corner of Europe Madelyne and Brandon had picked out for him.
He would be willing to protect this unknown lady for two weeks, but he didn’t hold out much hope that she was his ideal match like Brandon claimed. He wanted to find a lady like one of the Gem family in Jade Valley—genuine, fun, and naturally beautiful. Unfortunately, all the formerly single Gem ladies were now in relationships.
“I don’t know much about security,” Nelson said, appearing as unsure as Chase felt.
Chase wasn’t uncertain about the security details, but about spending time with a stranger. The idea of her falling in love and him winning a million dollars felt too out there to really consider.
“I’m the same,” Emmett admitted.
“I’ll wing it,” Parker joked.
“I think you all know more than you think,” Brandon said. “I’d want Nelson and Emmett on my side in a fight every time, and Parker can charm anyone who comes around. What criminal stands a chance against that smile?”
Parker laughed. “That’s right. Brag me up all you want.”
“Seriously, my security guys are top-notch,” Rock inserted. “Some of them were borrowed from Robbie’s colleaguesemployed by Aiden Porter, some from Sutton Smith, and some I’ve trained myself. The plan is for you to each enjoy your vacation and your ‘perfect woman’.” He smirked at all of them. “Let my teams worry about their safety.”
Sutton Smith and Aiden Porter were the top security specialists in the world. All the rich and famous people used them when they got in trouble. Chase would trust anyone Rock had trained. The Rock would notice every danger, check every detail, and keep them all safe.
“All right,” Nelson said. “It wasn’t easy, but I got all my projects to a spot where I could take the two-week break for your ‘trip of a lifetime’. Honest truth, I would’ve rather hung out with the six of you for the annual Squadron 7 Bye Week rather than some beautiful woman I don’t know, but I guess I’m in.”
Chase was surprised Nelson sounded disenchanted with the opposite sex. He’d been a ‘woman-magnet’ as Parker called him since high school. He was naturally good-looking, and with the contractor appeal, he probably still had women chasing him nonstop. Maybe he’d gone through a hard relationship.
Sadly, Chase only saw most of Squadron 7 when Brandon orchestrated their Bye Week. He didn’t know much about their personal lives or dating history, besides that they were all single. Which blew his mind as they were each successful and, he’d assume, appealing to the opposite sex.
Chase realized all eyes were on him. He gestured to the Rock. “What about you?”
“I’m exempt.” Rock gave him a rare smile. “Brandon needs me by his side.” The smile disappeared so quick Chase wondered if he’d imagined it.
“You’re in danger?” Chase asked Brandon.
“Always. Why else do you think I keep him around?” He gestured to Rock with an easy smile. “He’s the worst wingman of any of y’all.”
Nelson chuckled, and Parker laughed.
“You don’t need a wingman,” Rock grunted. “You need to stay alive.”
“Until the brain cancer takes me,” Brandon shot back.
That took the mood down a notch.
“Are you in?” Brandon asked Chase, quickly covering his rare snip.
Chase already had work off, and what did two weeks in Europe matter one way or the other? He’d have some experiences and adventures, see the sights, protect the lady, and if the stars aligned, find love.
No. Love and collecting a million dollars weren’t in his stratosphere, but if this trip was Brandon’s last wish, he would do his part to fulfill it.
He shrugged. “I guess.”
