Distinguished Service. Tori Carrington
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flushed.”
“What? Oh, yes. I’m fine. It’s just hot in here.”
How long had it been since she’d experienced that unmistakable spark of attraction? Long enough for her to have forgotten what it felt like. Even though she knew exactly how long: since before her mother fell ill a year and a half ago.
She briefly closed her eyes, willing the sudden cold away.
How alive it made her feel, that spark of shared attraction. Hot summer sunshine seemed to course through her veins even though it was a chilly and rainy November day. And twenty pounds at least had been lifted from her feet.
“It’s not like you to waste time daydreaming,” Trudy said as she passed with a mop.
Geneva blinked.
No, it wasn’t like her.
And like that, the moment to nip the sexy sensations had arrived. Time to return to the real world where sexy strangers didn’t exist.
Damn.
2
“I KNOW YOU SAID you don’t plan to be in town long, but about that favor I wanted to ask …” Dari said.
Mace found himself following the pretty waitress with his eyes. She was all curly light brown hair, tanned skin and long legs, even in the unattractive white orthopedic shoes she wore.
He bet her thighs were toned and strong and could grip his hips like nobody’s business.
And that mouth …
“Hmm?”
He looked to find Dari grinning at him.
“Thought you weren’t interested in dating,” his friend said, indicating the waitress.
“I’m not.” He sipped his coffee, which was surprisingly good for diner fare. “I might, however, be interested in getting laid.”
Dari howled with laughter. “I stand corrected.”
“You’re sitting, but I get your point.” He put his cup down. His words were meant as a joke, but just barely. The waitress did stir something in him he hadn’t felt in a while. And while it was physical, there was more to it. There was a genuine quality to her smile, a kindness. “Are you really asking for a favor already? I’ve been in town, what?” He looked at his watch. “Five minutes?”
“I meant to ask you the first minute.”
Dari’s expression, more than his words, got Mace’s attention. It wasn’t like his friend to exaggerate. Whatever he was going to ask was important.
In his career in the military, Mace had come to understand how important it was to immediately recognize who he could count on … and, more importantly, who he couldn’t.
Going back to their teenage years, he’d always been able to depend on Dari.
He grimaced, wishing his friendship skills extended to relationships. Maybe he would have had better luck.
His hand instantly went to his cell phone where another voice mail waited from Janine. He didn’t expect it to be much different from the first one.
“Shoot,” he encouraged now.
“Okay. I’ve given you a brief rundown on how quickly Lazarus has grown in such a short time. And with that, comes growing pains. Most notably, we’re attracting some high-profile contracts I’m sometimes afraid we’re not prepared for yet. This one falls solidly into that category.” He paused. “There’s an ex-general, now a political radio pundit, coming into town the day after tomorrow for a three-day stay, including two public rallies. We’ve been hired to handle security for the public end of his schedule—transportation, et cetera—in cooperation with his personnel and local law enforcement. While I’m sure we can handle it, well, it would be stupid not to utilize our assets. And I see you as a definite asset in this case, what with your background and your connections.”
He nodded. “Go on.”
“Well, in a nutshell, I was wondering if you would consider sitting in as co-lead on this one?”
Mace sat back, carefully considering what Dari was saying … and not saying. His friend went on to share some additional details, such as the name of the dignitary. He was familiar with the guy. Hell, nearly everyone in the western hemisphere was familiar with him, if only because of his skill at gaining attention, usually by exhibiting offensive behavior.
“Okay, I get the military connections and the growing pains. But this job sounds pretty run-of-the-mill, tooling around with a political celebrity. What is it you’re not telling me?” Mace asked.
“There have been threats.”
“Threats.”
“Yes. Specific to his visit here.”
For the past few years, Mace’s military career focus had been counter-terrorism, so this was right up his alley. But …
“And …?” he led.
Dari chuckled and pointed a finger at him. “Never could get anything by you. Truth is, these threats are serious enough to concern his security personnel and serious enough to concern me.” He checked the cell phone he had on the table next to his wrist. “And … well, if I’m hoping that by pulling you in on this job, it’ll convince you to sign on with us when your tour’s over in six months … that’s between me and the wall.”
Mace considered him.
Dari grinned. “Did I mention that it won’t hurt business to have a Navy Cross recipient on board with us? No? Well, then there’s that.”
He grimaced at the reminder.
“By the way, Megan and I are looking forward to attending the ceremony Saturday.”
“You’re going?”
“Of course, I’m going. My ass is part of the reason you’re getting the sucker. What makes you think I wouldn’t be there?”
He took a deep breath.
“I plan to sit up front and center.”
“Refill, gentlemen?” a knockout blonde smiled at him suggestively as she held up a coffeepot.
Mace found himself looking for the pretty brunette even as he and Dari held up their cups. The waitress topped them off then hovered for a moment before finally moving away.
“You didn’t even look at her,” Dari said.
“Sure I did. She’s too young and too …”
“Eager?”
“That, too.”
They shared a laugh.
“Okay,” he said.
“Okay what?”
“Okay, I’ll do it. Where do you want me when?” He laughed and looked around the diner again.
There she was.
He found himself relaxing in to the booth as the waitress who’d garnered his attention came through the kitchen door looking even more attractive.
She brought their meals quickly despite the busyness of the place. They ate while Dari outlined the specifics of the assignment.
This beat the hell out of staring at the cracks in his motel room ceiling, feeling guilty about not spending more time at his parents’ any day.
And it made him forget about those shadow hands pressing against his neck for a much-needed while.
Mace’s gaze followed their waitress where she bussed the table next to theirs, even as another couple moved to occupy it. She was calmly efficient and attentive, smiling warmly despite the obvious crowdedness of the diner as she took their drink