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“Yeah, with you. I’m not usually looking for landmarks in case I get lost.” I shrugged and picked at the corner of the folder. “And who said any of them are hot?”
“Don’t try to tell me you didn’t notice.” He wagged his spoon at me and laughed.
“Okay. You caught me.” A slow smile took over my face. I couldn’t help it. “Maybe I noticed. I might even have a date with one of them.” Flicking my eyes to his, I held my breath, studying his reaction.
His eyes narrowed, and my stomach twisted.
“Who?”
“The tour guide who showed me where to find you.”
“Em,” he warned. “Who?”
“There’s no way I’m going to tell you.”
He recoiled as if I had slapped him. “Why?”
“Because I really need this. After Bryce and losing my job, I need a night out where I don’t have to think.”
He pursed his lips, but didn’t speak.
“So it’s one syllable or nothing?”
“What?”
I rolled my eyes and hopped onto a barstool. “Exactly.”
“These guys are way—”
“Out of my league?” I snapped.
Bash’s eyes flared, and my cheeks burned.
“No,” he began, his words painfully slow. “These guys are used to puck bunnies. Unless they’re married, they’re looking for a good time. Nothing more. And—” He held up his hand. “If they’re married, don’t get involved.”
“Bash! He’s not married.”
“That’s good at least,” he grumbled.
“I’m not a little kid. I don’t need you looking out for me.”
He wiped his hands on a towel and slung it over his shoulder. Leaning against the counter, he folded his arms, his eyes roving over me. “I know you’re not a little kid anymore, but I will always protect you.”
My body burned from his gaze and I gulped, wholly unable to speak.
His words weren’t a threat.
He had uttered an oath.
One he meant with every fiber of his being.
“Do you understand?” he asked, his voice low and commanding.
Something deep within my core tightened at his words and I could only nod.
“Good. I have to package up these soups and then I’ll be ready to go.”
I closed my hoop earring and eyed Bash as I slid the next one in.
