She leaned over and whispered, “I’ll kiss it better.”
There was something starting to hurt on me right now, but there was nothing we could do about it with our babysitters in the front. I had no idea how long we would all be together and I knew that once the SUV stopped, my chance would be over. I bent over closer to her and kissed her. The windows were tinted so there was no need to be concerned that anyone outside could see us.
She smiled up at me and moved into the middle seat beside me. I put my arm around her and she snuggled in close, resting her head against me. Much better.
“I should’ve told you about inviting Zoey,” she whispered.
“It’s okay. I understand,” I said.
She asked, “Are you sure?”
“Let’s just say I am beginning to understand. Being the president of Tabiq is not like being the president of Ireland.”
Reesa sighed. “No, it’s not.”
I kissed the top of her head and said, “But I hear you’re doing an amazing job.”
“Who told you that? The Hendersons?” she asked.
“Actually, it was some of the people who work at the hospital. They said that you have made it so that people have access to healthcare at all times and not just in cases of emergency or serious illness. It takes time for those changes to really show positive results, but they will come.”
“It’s hard to get people to trust me, to trust in the systems that I’m putting in place. I’m glad to hear that they are starting to work. When I ask, they always tell me what they think I want to know. What I really want is the truth. It’s the only way I know how to move forward. Does that make sense?” she asked.
“Yes, it does. And if you ever want anyone to bounce ideas off of, I’m willing to listen.”
“I’d really like that. Maybe we can do that when you accept the job offer,” she said, batting those long lashes at me.
When she looked at me like that, I could promise her anything. But the truth was, I hadn’t made up my mind. It wasn’t fair to her, but I needed to think beyond us.
“I believe I have a few more days before I need to provide you with that answer,” I said.
“Three days. That’s all,” she said.
Three days for Bennett to figure out if he can keep her safe.
Was leaving really an option for me if Bennett didn’t have the answers he needed? I would feel so damn guilty if I went back home and something happened to her. I might not be the one providing security, but I am another set of eyes.
I couldn’t tell her I might extend my stay, but I wasn’t about to tell her I was leaving, either. “Let’s not talk about that. Right now, I just want to enjoy our time out, if that’s okay with you.”
Nodding, she said, “I’ve been looking forward to it all morning.”
The vehicle stopped and Bennett said, “We’re here. Would you like me to go in and get us a table?”
I knew what he meant. He wanted one where he could keep an eye on the door.
Reesa said, “Look. There’s one outside. It’s such a beautiful day. Why don’t we sit there?”
Bennett surveyed the street quickly, frowning at the dozens of pedestrians, the noise, the general busy-ness of the place. Being out in the open like that would make his job a lot harder. I fully expected him to come up with some excuse as to why inside would be better, but he didn’t.
“Sounds good.”
We got out of the SUV and sat at the open table. I tried to spot anyone who looked like they worked for Bennett. If they were there, they blended in with all the locals.
After the server brought water for the table, Zoey asked, “Tell me, Finn, what brings you to Tabiq, besides Reesa here? Not that she isn’t a good enough reason.”
“Your brother, Logan. He is a legend.” Once again, I hadn’t lied.
“I don’t know what Tabiq would do without him. This hospital relies on him bringing in other physicians and nurses. Is that why you’re here? Is he trying to recruit you to work for him, too?” Zoey asked.