Deadly Game (Fortress Security #5)(2)

Figured as much. “And his team?”

“Still in town.” Zane grinned. “They don’t have pretty nurses to pursue.”

“Keep the jets fueled and ready. We may have to move fast.”

With a wave, Brent resumed his journey to the elevator. Once in his SUV, he inched his way down Harding Place toward Interstate 24. He growled at more than one car or truck weaving in and out of the creeping traffic. Brent wanted that coffee so badly he could almost taste it. He would not be happy if he missed a chance to sip the best brew in town.

Because he never lied to himself, he acknowledged that while the coffee was great, he was more interested in seeing the owner of the small shop. And, yeah, he felt stupid, like a hormone-ridden teenager at the thought of seeing Rowan Scott. Black hair, brown eyes, lush lips, tall enough he didn’t have to fold himself in half to look her in the eyes. Being six-foot-four had drawbacks. Not a problem since Rowan was about five-ten, the perfect height for him.

Not that it mattered. He’d yet to get up enough nerve to ask her for a date. How was it a man who ran a multi-million dollar company and had been a Navy SEAL commanding his own team for fifteen years became tongue-tied when in the presence of this one woman?

Rowan seemed glad to see him whenever he walked in. Of course, she was friendly to all her patrons. However, he’d never noticed her sitting with any of the other customers as she did with him if she wasn’t busy.

He needed to know if she was interested in a date. If not, Brent would find another coffee shop to frequent so he wouldn’t make her uncomfortable. He hoped she didn’t reject him, though. He really liked her and the shop was convenient to his commute.

Minutes later, Brent turned into Washington Village and noticed Coffee House’s lights blazing in the darkness. Excellent. The shop was still open. Now if he could just string two sentences together and convince the lady he was worth taking a chance on.

He opened the shop door and breathed deep. Coffee, cinnamon, chocolate, all scents he associated with Rowan. He scanned the interior of the shop. A few customers lingered over mugs of hot drinks and pastries while the lady herself cleaned behind the coffee bar.

She turned. A smile curved that perfect mouth and jumpstarted his heart. Man, he was such a sap when it came to this woman. If only his friends could see him now, they’d be rolling on the floor, laughing.

Brent crossed the shiny oak floor and sat on a cushioned stool at the wooden bar. “Please tell me you still have coffee.”

“I always hold a cup back for you.” She glanced at the clock. “Working late, Brent?”

He nodded. “You don’t have anyone working with you this evening?” Washington Village was a safe neighborhood from what he’d seen, but he didn’t like her being here alone at night. She usually had an assistant with her in the shop.

Rowan wrinkled her nose. “Cassidy has the flu and everyone else had plans.” She shrugged. “When you’re the owner, you work whatever shifts aren’t covered.”

Yeah, he was familiar with that. Brent had been on more than a few missions over the years because he didn’t have the personnel to cover another location. Since he was unattached, he didn’t complain much. That situation, however, had led to him recruit more talent. The truth was, he wanted to be married or dating. Rowan had changed his stance on remaining dateless and single. “I understand.”

She slid a mug of coffee across the bar. “Interested in a snack? I bet you haven’t eaten dinner yet.”

Was this his opportunity? “I wouldn’t say no to whatever you have on hand. Unless….”

Rowan glanced up. Her gaze locked on his. “Unless?”

Just do it, Maddox. Where’s that SEAL courage? “Are you interested in going to dinner with me?”

Rowan’s brown eyes widened. “Would this be a date?”

“I’d like to count it as one.”

“In that case, yes. Do you mind waiting a bit? I have to clean to prepare for tomorrow.”

Giving himself a mental fist pump, he sipped his coffee, and said, “I’ll give you a hand.”

“I can handle it.”

Brent stood. “You’ll finish faster with an extra pair of hands.”

Relief spread on her face. “If you’re sure.”

“What do you need me to do?”

“Finish your coffee while I send the last of my customers on their way.” She hurried around the coffee-colored bar.

Five minutes later, his coffee cup and the shop were empty.

“Would you mind taking out the trash for me, Brent?”

Amusement swept over him at her hesitancy. “Of course not. I’m very skilled at taking out the garbage.” He’d done more than his share of taking out the kind in the garbage cans and the human kind as well over his years in Special Forces and black ops.

Laughing, she went behind the counter and grabbed a basket of cleaning supplies. Within thirty minutes, Coffee House was ready for business the next morning and Rowan locked the front door. “Thank you for your help, Brent,” Rowan said as she faced him.

“No problem. Where are you parked?”

She smiled. “Around back. I live above the shop.”

“Nice. Must make midnight coffee raids a snap.”

“In the middle of the night, I prefer hot chocolate.”