Accidental Knight: A Marriage Mistake Romance(28)

“Keys. Accounts. Electronic access,” she clarifies. “I know he has a N.E.O. email address.”

Her question surprises me, but I’m also impressed. Looks like Bella inherited some of Jonah’s common sense.

“Well, board members don’t necessarily need access to internal files,” Roger says. “Of course, your grandfather had full access to everything. I’ll check with IT, and let you know what exactly your father has. Let me assure you, security is taken very seriously here. If there’s anything he shouldn’t have, it’ll be revoked by me personally. Now...” Roger flips to another section of the notebook. “I’ve provided you with a comprehensive list of employees, and you’ll see we have our own security division.”

I know the second she sees my name on that list.

Drake Larkin, Security Specialist. Personal.

That’s how my name is listed. She twists slightly and gives me a long, thoughtful look.

Something about how her little lips suck in catches my eye, flicks down my spine.

Shit. I’ve got to stop letting this girl give me a downright lethal hard-on without her even trying.

“Rest assured, Mr. Larkin will remain on payroll,” Roger says. “Personal security for you, as he was for your grandfather, just like Jonah requested.”

I can guarantee Jonah never told her that, either. My title, paid position, and the look on her face says she wonders why.

Fuck. Suddenly, I’ve got bigger problems than my trousers going too damn tight.

Roger circles her attention back to the portfolio, and they touch on more mundane subjects for the next hour or so.

When it’s over, Roger walks us back down to the ground floor, and we say our goodbyes.

The company’s in good hands with Jones. He’ll help her any way he can, and not just for himself.

Like everybody else, he respected the hell out of Jonah Reed.

For me, the blistering secrets and awkward mess he’s left behind haven’t shaken that part.

Still, damn if I don’t wish that man had left more answers.





“So what type of security did you do for Gramps?” she asks, once we’re outside, walking to my truck.

Damn. Hasn’t she had enough secrets for one day?

“It’s more like a title. You think Jonah would’ve wanted me listed as 'helper' on the payroll? Or better yet, 'old Army buddy?'”

She grins, but her eyes are still curious.

I’m too distracted to care when my stomach growls like a bear.

We climb in the truck, and as I’m driving out of the parking lot, I have a better question. “Hungry? There’s a good burger joint here in town. It’ll tide you over till you get those enchiladas done.”

Her smile climbs, reaching her pretty green eyes. “Until you have those enchiladas done, chef.”

I flash her a quick smile because I know I only have to worry about lunch. Dinner’s on her tonight.

That damn horse won’t be there by the barn when we get back, and she’ll be the one chasing him down this time.

Then again, I know I won’t be far behind. Until this shit is over, Bella Reed won’t be out of my sight.

We’re two days in. Only six months to go.

Only.

Fuck!

It won’t take that long, I tell myself. If we can just hold down the home front, get her situated, keep her vulture parents away, Bella can sort out what she’d like to do, and I’ll carry on with auxiliary security.

Then, Sheridan will file the quickie divorce papers he promised and I’ll be on my merry way.

“And yes, actually, I am pretty hungry. Burger sounds good.”

“Okay,” I answer. “Eat in or drive through?”

“Drive through!” she answers instantly.

I switch on my blinker to turn onto the road where the only fast food drive through joint is located. “Good choice. You’ll need time to chase down that horse before it’s dark.”

She shakes her head. “Nope. Edison will be having himself a party at the barn when we get home. Wait and see.”

I’ve always liked Edison, even if he annoys the hell out of me, but I appreciate him a bit more right now. For giving us a safe subject.

For showing me that she does have a sense of humor, just like Jonah said.

For giving me a reason to make her smile, really smile, and forget the last two days of pure hell.

Sweat pricks my brow.

Somehow, I don’t think for a second she’d find the proxy wedding as hilarious as our little enchilada war. I hate trying to cheer this chick up while I’m lying to her through my teeth.

Shit sucks.

It sucks a little less by the time we’ve gotten our food.

We both order burger meals with curly fries and lemonade. After everything is passed out the window, I drive to the edge of the lot so we can eat while it’s nice and warm.

She has the big three-ring binder that Roger gave her, using it as a tray for her food. “So, what’s in this for you? Besides keeping your paycheck, I mean.”

I know what she’s getting at, but take my sweet time chewing and swallowing to come up with an answer.

“Roger said you’re now my personal security, just like Gramps requested. I take it that means it’s in the will and there’s nothing I can do about it right now. What I’d really like to know is why?” She takes a quick slurp of lemonade. “I get that he was worried. Knew I’d need some backup when it came to my parents.” She sets her cup in the holder and looks at me. “What I don’t get is why you agreed. Money? Is that why?”