“We’re getting on a call with Hayden to go over logistics for Duncan,” Sebastian tells us, sliding back into the chair at the island. “Is she…” He glances at me then over to River.
With a sigh, River closes the refrigerator, and places the glass dishes on the counter. “Joining the call?”
“Yeah,” Sebastian says.
River looks over at me. “Would you like to be included on this call?”
Shocked, but mildly excited, I agree before either of them can change their minds. “Yes, if that’s okay with both of you.”
River flashes me a wide smile before turning to Sebastian. “Sebastian?”
Sebastian looks over at me, annoyed but not mad which is an improvement from the past. “Yeah, she can be here.”
“Cool, let’s get him on the phone.”
Sebastian opens his laptop and pulls up an app I don’t recognize. A camera opens on the screen similar to the programs that are used by companies for virtual calls.
“Hayden,” River says as Hayden’s face appears on the screen.
“Hello,” he greets in an upbeat tone. “Is that Lux I see?”
I move my head into view. “Hi, Hayden.”
Hayden is around our age and loves to joke around. We’ve been able to get to know each other since we’ve spent a lot of time together waiting outside while the boys got things ready.
“Look at you,” he says. “You’re really becoming part of our operation, aren’t you?”
“She is,” River chimes in.
“I knew I’d eventually wear River down.” My eyes bounce between the guys and they exchange a quick glance humoring me.
“Finally, someone to keep you two in line on the job,” he replies, chuckling.
River rests his hands on the counter, leaning in. “Sebastian sent the game plan to you earlier this morning,” he says with authority, and I inappropriately find it sexy as hell. “Do you havequestions?”
“Nope. It looks pretty standard.” His expression shows unease. “The only thing I’m concerned about is they’ll know who you are.”
“Duncan knows who I am and will be expecting me,” he says. “Unfortunately, it’s the only way. Which means, you’ll take all directions from Sebastian to ensure I’m not compromised.”
Sebastian steps in. “Lux will remain in the surveillance van with you, until we get the clear from River for her to come out.”
“Yeah, River won’t let me go near anyone until they’re completely secured.”
“Exactly.” River shoots me a firm glance. “I’m meeting Duncan at the target house at eleven p.m. From there, we’ll have to take it one step at a time since Andrew wasn’t too forthcoming about the details.”
River removes his hat, smooths out his hair, then slides it on backward again. My eyes trace the features of his face before sliding down his arms. Unapologetically, I let my gaze linger for a moment, appreciating how tightly his T-shirt hugs his biceps. I swallow hard, forcing myself to refocus on what they’re saying.
“Hughes won’t be there?” Hayden asks.
River rests a steadying hand on my lower back and shakes his head. “No. I didn’t get the feeling he’d show up, but we need to be prepared just in case.”
“We’ll be ready.”
“I will let you and Sebastian work through the remaining details while I take Lux to get her things ready.”
River grabs my dinner, loops his arm around my back, and guides me out of the kitchen.
“Let’s eat in the garden tonight,” he says.
