Chapter 7 #2
She shoved the remaining clothes into her bag and straightened, forcing him to back up a step or trap her between him and the car. She straightened and gave him a wary look. “What?”
What indeed? He had no idea. He was acting like a damn fool though. “Nothing, just making sure you didn’t need me to carry your bag.”
“I can carry my own bag, thanks.” Kate hefted it over her shoulder and brushed past him, leaving Ethan to either stare or follow. She went through the front door, letting it slam shut behind her.
Ethan gave his bike a longing glance. What he wouldn’t give for the open road right now. No complications or confusion, just him and his bike. Simple. Easy. Straightforward.
Whether he liked it or not, Kate Richards was now his responsibility.
Ethan followed her into the kitchen. Aaron and Kate were already seated at the small table; Grey took one of the two remaining chairs. Noni opened the oven door and the scent of sugar cookies filled the air.
“Noni, that smells like heaven on earth,” Aaron said.
“Don't you dare touch these cookies. They still need to cool.” Noni sat the tray on top of the stove, put in another batch and set the timer. “I'll leave you to your business.”
Noni walked right past Ethan and gave him a big wink. Great. The only chair at the table was right next to Kate. If he didn't sit he'd probably offend her, but if he did, he'd have to feel her next to him. Ethan chose to lean against the wall.
Kate stiffened in her seat, but he couldn't help that. He knew if he got close to her again this soon he wouldn't hear a word Grey said and he needed to keep his head on straight.
Deliberately turning her back on him, Kate said, “Noni, could I use your washing machine? I had a little coffee incident on the way here.”
“Just bring me your dirty clothes and I’ll wash them for you,” Noni said.
“I couldn’t ask you to-“
“Nonsense, girl. You’re a guest in my house.”
Kate’s shoulders dropped. “Thank you.”
“All right, I've got the rest of the team arriving in a few days, we can finalize the logistics then. I asked you to come in early because you each have an important role to play,” Grey began.
“Before we go any further, Aaron, where is Ms. Latimer?”
“I spoke with her a little while ago. She got lost, but she's on her way. She should be here any minute,” Aaron flushed and Ethan felt a small surge of satisfaction. He wouldn't be the only man walking around in need all week.
At least Ethan could keep himself busy with work. Aaron would be stuck babysitting the stylist, although he doubted Aaron viewed it as stuck. He was as hot for Celine as she was for him.
Grey continued, “Aaron you already know your job will be to train Ms. Latimer on basic self-defense strategies, even though if we do our jobs right she won't need to use those lessons.”
Aaron gave a tight nod, his ever-present grin absent for once.
Kate interrupted. “Excuse me, sir, but why are you bringing in a civilian?”
It was a good question. Untrained people were more often a liability to a mission than an aid. They were panicky, unreliable at best.
“Caroline demanded Ms. Latimer be her clothing coordinator. Apparently, she’s very in style. Plus, Aaron vouched for her and we vetted her.”
“So we are putting our HVT at risk because she's demanding a certain person?” Ethan said. Caroline was their high value target, and the more Grey spoke, the more she sounded like a spoiled princess who didn't care about her own safety.
“We are ultimately under Senator Cotter's command and this was something he wasn't willing to negotiate, no matter how much I protested. Since Aaron already has an established relationship with Ms. Latimer, I picked him to train her.”
“We’re just friends,” Aaron stiffened.
“Okay, friends. Anyway she's completely ignorant of combat or defense and will be more comfortable and probably listen better to someone she knows. Is everyone here okay with that?” Grey kept his tone straight, even though Ethan detected an undercurrent of irritation.
“Aye, aye, Capitan.” Aaron leaned back and gave a fake salute.
“Drop the smartass,” Grey said and then he turned his attention to Kate. “I need another female to act as a stylist to Caroline, but you will also be acting as her personal bodyguard. You will have a perfect excuse to stay by her side the entire time.”
Kate nodded. “I can do that, but I didn't bring any attire appropriate for a wedding event.”
“I expected as much. Ms. Latimer has been provided your sizes and is bringing your attire.”
“We don't have much time; I suggest you start training immediately.” Grey pushed back from the table and stood. “Aaron, let me know when Celine arrives. I'll want to talk to her, too.”
“Yes, sir,” Aaron said.
“I'll let you get to it then.” Grey headed out of the kitchen, pausing directly in front of Ethan. “Good luck.”
Ethan didn't need luck. He'd been in worse situations. Much worse. He was a highly trained SF operative; he could control his hormones for a couple of weeks. Couldn’t he?