Page 9 of The Sweetmate
One things for sure—I noticed familiar look in her eyes. One I see every time I look in the mirror.
Loneliness.
***
As we exit the plane and enter the breezeway, I finally break our silence. “Want to get something to eat before we arrive at the hotel?”
“I’d prefer to go straight to my room, please.”
“Need to decompress. Got it.”
She doesn’t say anything but gives me a sideways glance. Did I go too far? Does she think I’m a jerk? I’m kind of an ass, but in a lovable way. She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s going to come around. We’re going to be pals before this trip is over. What a twist since I didn’t even want anyone with me on this trip.
Jensen steps in front of us to grab our luggage on the carousel.
Lisa turns to me. “Who is that?”
“Jensen. He’s my bodyguard.”
She takes a step back, and her eyebrows rise in surprise. “You have a bodyguard?”
“Yes.” Feigning mock insult, I place a hand on my chest. “I’m a little insulted. You know, I’m your client, but I know more about you than you do me. Seems only one of us did our research.” I arch a brow, and her gray eyes narrow.
“I did my research,” Lisa says through gritted teeth.
Firing back with a scoff, I say, “You didn’t even recognize me.”
“You were in disguise. And you were sleeping!”
She’s so adorable all riled up. I bet her feathers don’t get ruffled nearly enough. Time to fix that. My voice is laced with sarcasm. “You’re right. What a disguise. Glad I didn’t add the fake mustache to really throw you off. Seriously, though, are you going to be this thorough with the rest of your assignment?”
Barely controlling her temper, she hisses, “I amalwaysthorough.”
“You didn’t even know Jensen,” I whisper.
“Where has he been this whole time?”
“Lurking. Being discreet. He’s a freakin’ ninja.”
“Oh, really?”
“No.” I snicker. “You’ve just been oblivious.”
“You seriously share DNA with Mr. Brunner?”
“Half. Or no, more like a quarter. An eighth? Parents are half. Then they share…” I trail off as I take in the way she’s snarling at me.
She purses her lips together and slowly nods before storming off. I call out to her as she walks away to help Jensen with the luggage.
“What are you trying to say about Mr. Brunner’s genetics? You’re not insulting my uncle, are you?” My phone buzzes, and it’s Brox. “Hold that thought. Your boss is calling.”
Lisa freezes and slowly turns to face me. Her mouth drops open, causing my smile to widen.
“Hello?” I answer.
“How’s it going?” Brox asks.
“Pretty sure your minion hates me.”
