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A panoramic shot of the beach and pro football quarterback Andrew Meyers flashed on the screen. He stood propped up against a palm tree about ten feet from Hannah and Brendan’s conversation, eyeing Hannah with a nervous glint. The show then returned to a closeup of Hannah and Brendan.
Laughter bubbled out of Hannah. “Almost no one is.” With a warm smile, she said, “Bren, it doesn’t take bulky muscles, though you are bulking up. Don’t think I didn’t notice.” His cheeks flamed again at her words. “Truthfully, it would be easier if Andrew wasn’t hot, famous, and rich.” Hannah tapped Brendan’s arm with her fist. “Gigi will miss out if she doesn’t give you a chance. Watch out, though. You’re the nicest guy I know—rich and hot, too. Make sure whoever you date isn’t after your money.”
Brendan raised his brows, grinning. “Hot?”
“I assure you, for some women, you’re hot.” Hannah pushed her palms out. “I’m glad we never felt that way, though. I’d miss having such an awesome best friend.” She peeked at Andrew Meyers and sighed. “Wanting someone as more than a friend makes everything a mess.”
“Yeah, I’ll second that.”
“Wow.” Hannah’s mouth dropped open. “You really like her?”
Brendan nodded. “I really like her.”
Hannah jumped up on her toes, clapping her hands. “You should ask her out then.”
With an amused smile, Brendan said, “I’m working on it.”
Jed punched the remote, pausing the TV. He clenched his teeth, pointing at the screen. “Tell me again to my face that man’s just an acquaintance.”
Genevieve covered her mouth with her hand. Oh my gosh, Brendan had liked her for well over a year—like really, really liked her. Uncontrollable flutters erupted in her belly as her mouth parted open beneath her fingers. She’d counted Brendan out the minute Roman had snagged her in the motel parking lot and dragged her back to her Camry, but maybe she shouldn’t have. Perhaps Brendan would come after her? Surely not. He could have any woman he wanted. Why risk his life? Realizing the extent of the danger, he’d just report it to the cops and go on his way, wouldn’t he? Bye, bye ally. Bye, bye sexy CEO millionaire with the sweet heart and gentle touch.
As if on cue with her thoughts of Brendan’s whisper-soft touch, Jed gripped her arm too tightly. Shoot, she was so awestruck by the potential magnitude of Brendan’s interest that she’d forgotten Jed was there.
“Jed, you’re hurting me.”
“I don’t kill people anymore. I let my men take care of those delicate matters without uttering a word to me,” Jed whispered in a lethal tone. “Except him. If Brendan King steps one foot in my casino, I’ll personally blow his desperate brains out, and if you so much as bat an eyelash at him, I’ll break all of his fingers before I do.”
Genevieve’s pulse sped. She could not get Brendan killed. He didn’t deserve to die because she’d pulled him into her messy life.
“Roman,” Jed ground out, releasing her.
“Yeah, boss?”
Genevieve rubbed her bruised triceps while Jed continued, “Did the tracker on lover boy’s car move yet?”
“No, boss. I checked in with Luke, and he says Brendan King’s Tesla is still parked at the motel, but I doubt he’s still there.”
Jed tightened his eyes. “Why?”
“Because I don’t think he’s stupid. He likely already discovered the tracker.” Roman gripped the back of his thick neck, exhaustion evident in his dark eyes. “I think he’s going to be a thorn in our side. The man drove over ninety miles an hour with precision. He’s…not just an office CEO. Guys can’t do that sort of thing without practice. I mean, Marshal, this guy’s built himself up to be a clean multi-millionaire without even going to college.”
“Clean?”
“Yeah, he’s earned lawful millions?—”
“Watch it, Roman.”
“Boss, I’m with you all the way—don’t question it. But a few days ago, you told us to give it to you straight, and I’m doing that. Brendan King’s faster than he looks in both wit and speed. For all his comments on that lame TV show about being a CEO super nerd and the deceiving little blushes, he’s got some skills. I don’t think we should underestimate?—”
“Enough,” Jed bellowed. “An innocent little office freak should be as easy as squashing a fly. I don’t want to hear any more excuses.”
“Jed?” Genevieve gently touched his arm, his rapt attention hopping to her. “I know you said I can’t see my mom, but I want to speak to her on the phone and make sure she’s okay. You said your men are driving her here. How do I know that’s true? How do I know she’s safe?”
“Don’t you trust me, dove?”
Just as she’d hoped, Jed lost his focus on the conversation about Brendan. She prayed that would be the end of it—though she’d have to find another ally, at least he’d be safe.
“Yes, of course, babe.”
