Indecent Danger (Danger Incorporated #3)(4)

Martin had never bothered with subtlety and today was no exception.

“I’m trying but the lady is hard to convince,” Travis laughed.

The anger and frustration had fallen away from Martin and now his eyes twinkled with mirth. “Since when have you had a problem with the female sex? Don’t tell me this one’s immune to the famous Anderson charm?”

Travis’s cheeks grew warm as Martin roared with laughter, turning a few heads in the bar. “Aubrey is…different. It’s not about sex. It’s more than that.”

Smiling widely, Martin signaled to the waitress for another round. “I was beginning to think I’d never see the day that you would fall but it’s finally here. You’re in love.”

For the first time in my life.

“I’m not sure Aubrey is in love with me. She’s several years younger than I am so I’m trying to take things slowly.”

Glacially.

Travis couldn’t remember the last time he’d waited as long to make love to a woman as he had with Aubrey but she was more than worth it. If she wanted to wait another month or two, or longer, he’d do it.

With blue balls.

“If she’s the one then you have the rest of your lives together. No sense rushing things,” Martin agreed, accepting a new whiskey from the waitress. “She seems like a lovely girl. How did you meet?”

Travis smiled grimly at the memory. “I saved her life. She was being held captive by her sister’s stalker. Luckily we got to both of them in time. Gigi, her sister, persuaded Aubrey to move to Montana so they could be close to one another. I hired her as my assistant six months ago. She’s damn good at her job.”

Quirking an eyebrow, Martin sipped at his drink. “You’re dating your assistant? What if this doesn’t work? Have you thought about that?”

Only every day.

Aubrey was running him around in circles, leading him by the nose.

It was actually funny when Travis thought about it. Older, wiser, more sophisticated women had tried to land him but one look at Aubrey and he’d fallen like a ton of bricks. She preferred blue jeans over silk, and beer to champagne. She liked riding horses instead of limousines, and baking cookies with his mother instead of tea with society friends. She could talk about country music, Beethoven, fine literature, and Monty Python.


They were perfect for each other.

She was more than just beautiful although by any standard she was gorgeous. With her long dark hair, golden skin, and generous curves she made Travis’s mouth water whenever they were together. But it was her kind heart and generous nature that had truly captured him. Unlike so many women of his acquaintance she cared about others as much as she did about herself.

“It took a couple of months just to get her to go out with me. I made a deal with her that if the relationship didn’t work out then I would find her a job at any of our offices all over the world. I assured her she wouldn’t lose out.”

“Smart. So she’s giving you a run for your money, huh? Well, don’t be too discouraged. All the best ones do. I could tell you a tale or two about when I was courting Donna.”

Travis had already heard a few stories. Martin had chased her until she finally let him catch her. They’d been together happily for decades until her death three years ago. Martin was now married to Alana, a woman in her late forties, who enjoyed the finer things in life.

“I just hope she has a good time this weekend.” Travis drained his whiskey and slapped the glass back onto the table. “We’ve been burning the candle at both ends on the new mine contracts so we both need a few days off to relax.”

“You’ll get it here.”

Out of the corner of Travis’s eye, he could see a smiling man making his way through the bar and to their table. Martin stood and grinned, slapping the newcomer on the back.

“Tom! When did you get in?”

Travis had met Tom Lovell several times and had always found the man friendly and easy to be around. He came from old money but now did mostly real estate and stock deals.

“Just a few minutes ago. I haven’t even checked in yet but I saw you two sitting here and had to come by and say hello. Happy birthday, Martin.”

“Another year older. Why don’t you join us for a drink?”

“Wish I could but I need to check in with the office. Travis, I haven’t seen you in months. How’s the family? I heard your brothers are getting married.”

“That’s true,” Travis chuckled. “Jason and West have been saddled. How about you, my friend?”

Tom smiled and rebuttoned his suit jacket, smoothing down the lapel. “Let’s just say I’m keeping my options open. I like my freedom. Just like you, Travis.”

“Are you sure you won’t join us?” Martin asked.

“I really can’t but I’ll see you at the party tonight. Tell Caroline to save a dance or two for me.”

“Will do.”

Tom exited the bar leaving Martin and Travis alone again. Martin settled back into his chair with a relaxed sigh.

“That’s the best part of the weekend. Spending time with friends I haven’t seen in too long.” Martin raised his glass. “To old friends.”

Travis lifted his whiskey in salute. “To old friends. I’m glad I could be here for the party and for your birthday.”