“That’s good.” Zeke studied him as if he were checking for lies or inconsistencies. That made Mia a little defensive for her friend. He was an incredible soldier and had come highly recommended by the Royal Air Force. That was probably why Blaine didn’t like him. Blaine thought the Royal Navy topped every force in the world. Looking over Zeke, she was certain the Royal Navy couldn’t top this man’s Navy. Was that unpatriotic of her?
“Anything else?” Zeke asked.
Charlie pursed his lips. “I don’t agree with the theories that this is a copycat or an old boyfriend. I think thisisthe Sneaky Stalker.”
Zeke countered, “But two of her former boyfriends disappeared, have no connection to any of the previous cases, and haven’t been seen since the note was left in her room. Joseph showed me her security cameras and the pictures reveal a man that could definitely be Alden Wilson. The tall, lean build and dark, thick hair. Thomas Pederson had a similar build but blond hair. He could’ve worn a wig though.” He looked Charlie over, and Mia did not like that look in his eyes.
Yes, Charlie, Thomas, and Alden were all close to the same height, but Alden and Thomas were thinner and Charlie’s hair was reddish-blond, spiky, and not thick at all. She supposed everyone was a suspect in Zeke’s eyes.
Charlie nodded. “I’ll give you that, but what if the Sneaky Stalker disposed of them to point the finger elsewhere?” He arched his eyebrows.
“Not a bad idea,” Zeke agreed.
“The gormless git is brilliant. Give him at least that. We can’t underestimate him.”
“I agree.” Zeke rubbed at his neck. She really liked when he did that. It seemed like he was thinking deeply or bothered by something, but she appreciated how it made him seem not as perfectly in control, and it also made his arm muscles flex. She needed to stop worrying about his generous muscles and start appreciating how thorough and qualified he was to protect her and maybe to find clues even the bobbies had missed.
“It was nice to meet you,” Zeke said. “We’re going to get settled in.”
The thought of settling in made her stomach pitch happily and her arms tingle. Did that mean settle in and chat, cuddled up in front of a fire? Oh, dang, she’d forgotten Zeke was focused on her security and he didn’t like to be touched. She was forgetting both details far too easily. He’d had a hard time shaking her hand and putting his hand in hers for prayer, but he hadn’t seemed repulsed by her touch. In her mind he hadn’t, but he was in such strict control of himself, maybe he simply hadn’t let himself react.
“Did you get some dinner?” Zeke asked Charlie. That was thoughtful of him.
“Thank you for asking, and yes, I got ruddy spoiled by Thor and Shelly tonight. Ribs, au gratin potatoes, roasted veggies, homemade bread and jam, and apple pie with ice cream.”
Zeke’s eyebrows lifted. “That sounds even better than what Holly fed us, and our dinner was delicious.”
“These Deltas can cook. And they’re super friendly. Plus we get to be around Lady Mia.” He winked at her. “Brilliant assignment. The best.”
Zeke nodded his agreement, though his gaze swiveled between the two of them as if she’d done something wrong. He obviously thought highly of the Deltas and it was adorable to see how sweet he was with Holly, even though it made him visibly uncomfortable. She was chuffed that Zeke and Charlie liked the Delta family. They were her pick of blindingly wonderful people, and it meant a lot that Zeke agreed. She was decidedly less blinded by how Zeke seemed to think she and Charlie were going at it on the side.
Zeke gestured for her to leave the room first. She nodded to him. “Cheers,” she said to Charlie.
He lifted a hand, his smile bright, but his blue eyes searched hers. Could he tell how drawn she was to Zeke, and would it make him accelerate his own pursuit of her? She hoped not. She wanted to stay friendly and happy with Charlie. She had far too many men to date to risk dating another one of her dad’s security detail. The experience with Blaine had taught her that and then some. She’d actually assumed it had taught her to stay away from military men, but Rambo here was changing her mind.
Walking up the stairs, she headed through the foyer and back into Papa Delta’s large living area. It was hard to be here without Papa’s welcome smile. She hadn’t known Papa as well as she knew Joseph and Holly, but he’d always made her feel like she was one of his grandchildren, valued and incredible in his eyes. He’d been top-notch in her book.
Zeke picked up his duffel bag and her coat, which he’d obviously dropped like it wasn’t a six-hundred-dollar Mia Forever creation.
Papa Delta’s house was not all decked out for Christmas as Joseph and Holly’s had been. Would they be here through Christmas? Maybe she could pull the decorations out? Would that be all right with the Delta family, or would it make them sad? They were so generous to host all of them here.
“You and Charlie?” he asked as soon as they entered the main room.
“No.” She spun to face him. “He’s a fun chap, but not my type.”
“But he wants you,” he stated simply, his gaze traveling over her as if looking for reasons Charlie would want her. That stung.
“Let’s get one thing straight right now, Rambo.”
“Rambo?” He actually smiled.
“Sorry. It kind of fits.”
“How do you know Rambo?” His eyes were a truer blue right now and warm on her face.
“My friends and I had an American military movie obsession and found it on Netflix.” She shrugged.
“How old were you?”