“Thanks.” Gunner murmurs once we’re outside. “Normally I’m better with comebacks, but … I’m off.”
“I know.” I pat his arm. “Why do you think your wife called in back up?”
“She’s a damn wonderful wife, that’s why.” He laughs. “Knows I need some taking care of at events like this or I’d run in circles, just like you said.” He pauses a moment. “You really think that I’m going to be able to be a good husbandanda good dad?”
“Absolutely,” I assure him. “Parenthood is all about learning and you have a whole team to tackle it! With Sophie, just … keeping being the Gunner she gets all shy and blushy to talk about. The one who reads romance with her and drives her wild and there won’t be any issues at all.”
“You’re not supposed to know about that,” He hisses.
“Best friends talk. Get some sleep, as much as you can before your flight.”
Thanking me again, he gets in the car and heads out. Before I can make my way to my car, Ifeelsomeone close. The hair on the back of my neck stands up and goosebumps break out across my skin. I’m being watched.
My hand inches into my purse, ready to mace whoever is stupid enough to approach, but when I glance over my shoulder, I see Lief. I don’t know how he appears like he’s always existed everywhere at once, but I’m dying for that superpower.
“Yes?”
“I’d like to ask a favor.”
I lean my head to the side. “Only if I can call you a Viking without you walking way.”
The corner of his mouth twitches again. “Is it okay if I were to contact you if I have questions about potential business clients? If I feel something might be off?”
“You realize I don’t have my Ph.D. and I’m not licensed to consult, right?”
“I do. It would be … informal.”
“Is this how you ask to go on a date?”
“No!” He trips over the simple word, then clears his throat. “Strictly professional.”
“What a shame, Viking. I’m much more cooperative with food in front of me.” I shrug and head towards my car.
“Valerie.” He keeps my pace easily. “At least … may I give you my card?”
“Sure.” I put out my hand.
He puts it there but keeps walking with me, at ease, glancing around. Security, right. Probably doesn’t trust our surroundings enough to let me walk alone in the dark. I tighten my coat around me.
“What kind of perve would be out in winter?”
“Pardon?”
“That’s why you’re walking me to my car, right? To protect me or something. You know I have pepper spray in my purse. I have sharp nails and sharp teeth too.” I’ve never needed protecting and I’m not interested in some silent bodyguard who won’t make a move.
Lief’s hand brushes mine, just the softest skin-on-skin contact, then he takes off his coat and puts it around me. I blink in surprise, nearly trip over the curb, and end up in his arms. His eyes widen as he gently picks me up and sets me on the sidewalk.
“You need protection from your own feet.”
“And you must be freezing without your coat,” I whisper, not letting go of his arms.
“I grew up in cold. This is nothing. Spring weather.”
“Tell me more.”
“Europe.”
I roll my eyes. “We need to work on the quality of your answers if we’re going to be working together, Lief. One word doesn’t tell me much about anything.”