Page 16 of Some Like It Deadly
“He didn’t.”
“I didn’t.” Richard chuckled and they all moved to one of the larger tables in the back. Security filtered in until the population in the bar had nearly tripled. The prince, princess, and Prentiss were all in the same place.
“Actually, Richard found himself in dire straits and I persuaded Anna to part with Ms. Braddock’s very capable services to help out an old friend.” The prince delivered the explanation smoothly and distracted the couple by asking about the show.
Arm draped casually over the back of her chair, Richard leaned closer. “I thought you were dropping off papers with Judge Harding?”
“I did.” She kept her voice low. “And then I thought I would sneak out for a beer while you went to the musical.”
“You could have joined me,” he reminded her, because he had invited her.
“I thought you said it was pleasure, not business and—” Kate shifted her chair, and glanced back at the entrance, “—what happened to your date?”
“Oh, that woman.” Alyx perked up and grinned. “Poor Richard, his date stood him up. That’s why Daniel and I rescued him.”
Stood up?Kate made a mental note to check on the woman. The waitress delivered a round of drinks.
“She was unavoidably detained.” Richard shrugged, though for once his poker face wasn’t in evidence. “She didn’t miss much.” But there was something in the way his gaze flicked to her. He’d invited Kate to join him earlier in the day, but she’d seen the name Diane Fowler on the calendar and reminded him—Kate shook her head. Classic workaholic forgetting he needed balance in his life. Enjoying his company each day in the office while she also provided him with security didn’t mean she needed to police his romantic life—or lack thereof. If it had been a business event, fine, but he’d not indicated anything of the kind. In fact, he’d appeared genuinely surprised when she’d reminded him of his date. She suspected he’d forgotten the engagement altogether. So perhaps his date had as well.
“I really wanted to like it.” Alyx propped her chin on her hand. Despite her royal heritage and the acknowledged place in the Andraste family, Alyx Voldakov remained true to her American upbringing.
“That’s because you wanted to play the part of Esmerelda,” her husband teased and she stuck her tongue out at him. The playful, easy affection was a pleasant distraction from the undercurrents at the table. Richard stopped watching her andfocused his attention on Armand. Both men spoke in such low undertones that she would have to lean toward them to hear what they were saying.
Not that their topic was any of her business.
“I think I would have been brilliant and the show would be sold out.” Alyx’s mock petulance gave way to another wide grin. “Did you see the text Victor sent during the second act?”
“Bland, pedestrian and insulting were the politest words he used.” Daniel shook his head and slanted a look at Kate. “You were smart to turn Richard’s offer down, Kate. If he makes you go to one of those, ask for a raise first.”
She chuckled. “If I can handle eighteen holes of golf, I think I can handle a dreadfully dull show.” Awareness slicked over her. She had Richard’s attention once more, but she kept her gaze on Alyx and Daniel. It went against the grain to have her back to the door, but she knew every one of the five men stationed around the room. They were all good.
“It wasn’t dull.” Alyx grimaced. “It was painful.”
Another round of laughter and the waitress returned. “Yes, let’s eat.” The prince glanced around at all of them. “Anna is with Penny and I’m not allowed back at the tower for another two hours.”
That was her cue to excuse herself. “Actually, if you will all forgive me…” She rose and so did all three men at the table. Impeccable manners, all of them. Her gaze clashed with Alyx’s and the woman’s amusement was palpable. “I have a few items to prepare for tomorrow’s agenda.”
“Oh, now that’s not fair,” Alyx protested before she could take a step. “Richard is staying, so you should be able to as well.”
“I don’t mind if you join us for a meal, Kate.” Richard gave her an odd look. “I looked at the calendar before I left, we don’t have any early meetings or court appearances. You’ve dropped off the documents with the judge.”
“Maybe she doesn’t want to have dinner with her boss.” Daniel, at least, seemed to be on her side.
“But if she goes and you three begin discussing business or sports, I may die of boredom.” Alyx steepled her hands together. “Besides,you haven’t finished your beer. You should stay and order the largest steak they have.”
“Yes, Ms. Braddock, you should feel perfectly welcome to join us.” The prince added his weight to the tables being turned against her. Socializing with a protectee was off limits. However, she couldn’t play that card and Armand’s smug smile told her he was well aware of the fact.
“Come on, Kate. Sit down, have dinner and, I promise, no work tonight.” Richard took hold of the back of her chair and his voice dropped to a lower note. “Please, have dinner with us.”
“You know, speaking of work.” Daniel looked thoughtful. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you two about— Ow.” He rubbed his arm and grinned at his wife. “Fine, no work.”
Richard gave her a sly look, one that spoke of shared secrets. “Come on, Kate, it’s easier to say yes and then we bill them for the hours later when they forget and start talking business anyway.”
More laughter met the droll statement and she couldn’t hold back a grin. Uncertain whether she was more uncomfortable with the invite or that shewantedto stay, she let Richard coax her back into her seat. “Fine, but the first mention of under par, over par or contract language and all bets are off.”
“Oh, I like you.” Alyx held out her wine glass and clinked it to Kate’s beer bottle. Beside her, Richard’s attention remained almost laser focused on her and every hair on her body stood up and took notice.
This is a mistake.
