Page 21 of The Playboy Meets His Match
Silence stretched between them while he shot her another speculative glance. “No, we’re not. That’s rather perceptive, Merry. Rob is a private detective and most of us have military backgrounds with several of us having done some foreign work.”
“I’m right, aren’t I?”
“Look, most people don’t know what we do. Let’s leave it that way.”
“I can keep my mouth shut.”
“Then please do. It’ll be safer for everyone concerned.”
“I will, but not around you. You’re not all detectives—so what’s the deal?”
Again, he was silent a long time and she waited, watching him—which was oh, so easy—while he got an answer formed in his mind. At least he wasn’t lying to her about it.
“We try to help people when they need help. We can go places and do things that officials can’t always do. But that’s strictly off the record and for your ears only.”
She nodded. “I’ll keep it to myself. It does raise my opinion of you somewhat.”
He grinned that fabulous grin and shot her another quick look. “I thought I was right down there with the snakes in your book.”
She had to smile in return. “Nope. Dorian’s down with the snakes. You were a little higher in my esteem, but you’ve gone a little higher still since I know you are something besides a spoiled, rich playboy.”
“Ouch! Look, I work. I hope I’m not spoiled—shoot, I might as well save my breath because I know I’m not changing your opinion.” Another quick look shot her way. “I take it you’re not exactly on poverty row since you booked two rooms at the Royalton and rented an apartment. You can choose your work assignments as you please.”
She flushed and was glad it was dark inside the pickup so he couldn’t see her. “I earn a living,” she said.
“You graduated from college about five years ago?” he guessed.
“No. As a matter of fact, I enrolled at Texas University, went one year and landed a part-time job. Then I went home to a summer job that paid so much I never went back to college. But I’m going to get my degree,” she said, fierce determination welling up in her. “I’m taking a correspondence course now. I’ll get my degree.”
“I’m sure you will if you put your mind to it.”
“What did you major in?” she asked.
“Political science with a minor in animal husbandry.”
“That’s a weird combination.”
“I needed both in my life.”
They talked about college years and earlier until Jason turned the truck into his ranch. This time he parked in the garage, a distance from the house. When they entered his kitchen, he punched the alarm so swiftly, she wasn’t certain of the numbers.
“It doesn’t matter whether you got that combination or not—you won’t slip past this one when it’s set.”
“I don’t intend to try,” she said, drawing herself up and receiving a disarming grin.
He reached out to brush her jaw lightly with his knuckles and she drew a deep breath. “I’m glad that scrape is healing.”
“It’s fine.”
“We’re not enemies?” he asked, his voice lowering a notch and a heated look warming his eyes.
“No,” she said, aware he stood too close and she should move away, but she was rooted to the floor.
“Friends, then?” he asked, his hand stroking her throat.
“I suppose so,” she whispered. Summoning all her willpower, she turned away from him. “Where do I put my things?”
“I’ll put them.” He picked up both suitcases and carried them to the bedroom that she had stayed in before. In a short time she was seated on his large leather sofa again, curled up in a corner and he was seated facing her only a little over a foot away.
