Sworn to Protect Read Online Free PDF Page B

winter. It wouldn’t last though, she knew. She’d grown up here and in a couple weeks all those coats and scarves would be in storage for another nine or ten months.
    She let out a light laugh at his comment and shot him a quick glance. “I’m guessing because it’s bikini weather.”
    He snorted. “It’s been a long time since I’ve worn one.”
    She nudged him with her elbow. “Ha, ha. You know what I mean.”
    He just lifted his shoulders in a casual gesture that shouldn’t have affected her at all. But just being near him had her adrenaline pumping. Another good reason not to bother with her coat. It was as if being in his presence just heated her up from the inside out.
    “So your meeting was good?” he asked as they reached the cute shop with outdoor seating. He held open the door for her and she couldn’t help but notice the way he scanned their surroundings, as if it was second nature.
    Athena had noticed that Grant and pretty much anyone who worked for Red Stone Security did the same thing. They were always on alert for any sort of danger. After traveling across the globe, she could appreciate that. “Yeah, I think so. Harrison’s hard to read but I have a feeling he’d tell me straight out if he was unhappy with anything. Of course it’s too early for him to be unhappy with me.”
    “Forgive my ignorance,” he said as they got in the short line. “But what exactly is your position? I’m a little unclear on the details.”
    “Well, they’ve basically created a new position. Not for me specifically, but I’m a good fit.” Or she really hoped she would be. “You obviously know how many different functions they provide security for?”
    When he nodded she continued. “They’re always expanding and now instead of just providing security, they’re being asked to host or set up events taking place in Miami. I’m basically going to be an event coordinator for all local events—and an upcoming tradeshow in Vegas, but that’s a little different.” Something she didn’t plan to get into now. “They want me—along with a team—to make sure the event isn’t…”
    “Boring, military, staid?” he asked, making her laugh as they reached the counter.
    Smiling, she nodded because he was dead on. “Pretty much.”
    After they ordered, he paid for her food—much to her annoyance—telling her it was because it was her first day, but she wasn’t so sure. It wasn’t worth making an issue over, however.
    Travis had been right because the service was quick. With her iced green tea and salad, she and Quinn managed to snag the last table outside. Considering the gorgeous weather it seemed everyone else had the same idea as they did.
    Once they’d settled at their table, Quinn threw her for a loop when he asked, “So what’s up with you and Carlito?”
    Thankful she had her sunglasses back on to shield her eyes, she paused with her drink halfway to her mouth. “What do you mean?”
    “Are you two dating?” Even though she was glad for her own sunglasses, she hated that Quinn had his on too.
    All she could see was herself in the reflection. She shrugged, deciding not to give him a straight answer. It really wasn’t any of his business. “Why do you care?”
    “I want to know what kind of competition I’m up against.” He took a bite of his Panini, his body language casual, as if he hadn’t just shocked the hell out of her.
    Okay then. If he was going to be blunt then she was too. “You ended things with me, Quinn.”
    His jaw tightened. She was glad for the little sign that he wasn’t as calm as he wanted to put off. “I was a jackass.”
    “No arguments here.” She let out a quick laugh and took a bite of her lunch.
    “I’d like to take you out again. On a real date.”
    Well, hell. Of all people she appreciated honesty. She didn’t like playing guessing games with people and in her job so many often couldn’t be straight with her about what they wanted. Or they were simply