Dixie Under Siege (A Warrior's Passion #2) - Natasza Waters Page 0,74
our boss on a date.”
Chandler blinked and his shoulders sagged a little. Dixie was impressed in a completely creeped-out way how he used everything and anyone to manipulate the situation. And he did it effortlessly.
“Thanks, Sheila,” he said.
“We’ll just be over there.” Kayla slid her phone from her pocket. “Minding our own business.”
Dixie figured whichever SEAL was closest would charge through the front door as soon as they could get here.
“Coffee? Cold drink?” she asked.
“How about a hug for an old boss.”
Her heart hammered like the pistons on a tramp steamer. “Hold that thought for one second.”
She nodded, pretending the guy off in the far corner of the shop had given her a sign for a second cup. Dixie tamped the expresso into the portafilter and twisted it into the unit, pressing the start button.
“So, what did you want to ask me?”
Dixie froze when Chandler strolled around the counter and walked right up to her.
“Your employee must have ESP. My goal isn’t your fine coffee. I want to invite you to dinner.”
“Well, if I wasn’t seeing someone, I would probably say yes.” She chuckled and put her attention on the dark brew pouring from the spout.
Chandler placed his palm on her shoulder. His touch triggered a fierce adrenaline spike.
“Dixie, I should have asked a long time ago. Believe me, I wanted to.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” she said and swallowed thickly.
Dix tapped out the wet grains from the filter, then shifted to the sink and held it under the water. When she turned, Chandler had moved closer.
“I just want to point out that if things aren’t serious between you two, I think we’d enjoy each other’s company. And, if nothing else, it would be great to just have dinner and talk. It beats being cooped up in a hotel room, staring at a TV while I’m here in town.”
Holy shit, could this guy lie. “Chandler, I don’t think I knew of a single woman at Ardon Corporation that wouldn’t have given her left foot to hear you say those words. I’m sure you don’t have a problem finding company for dinner.”
An unsettling flicker of displeasure flashed through his dark eyes, or maybe it was the subtle tightening of his lips. “Well, maybe something not as intimate as dinner. How about I pick you up after you close the shop and we get a drink.” He leaned forward in a way that used to make girls shiver at her office. “I’m sure your boyfriend won’t mind that. Totally innocent.” He raised his hands, palms up, in the air.
The front door opened. A second later, she knew exactly who Kayla had called. The expression on the admiral’s face could have sheered the Empire State building from its foundation. The second he reached the counter, it shifted so radically, Dixie blinked.
“Sorry to interrupt,” the admiral said in a booming voice. “I’m in a hurry. Can I get a twenty-four ounce to go?”
Chandler calmly turned and stared at the admiral. “Her blend is smooth on the tongue. Once you’ve had it, you’ll always want more.”
Dixie’s eyes slammed shut for a second and images of a night long ago rampaged through her mind, freed for an instant from the dark place she kept them hidden. When she opened her eyes, the admiral’s piercing blue glare at Chandler was nothing less than lethal.
“I’ll take your word for it, buddy. Now, can I get my coffee?”
Chandler leaned over her shoulder as she filled the cardboard cup. In her ear he whispered, “Dixie, you’re special to me. You know that. Let me show you how much.”
Goosebumps rippled across her skin when his warm breath caressed her neck. She leaned away, the scent of his aftershave distinct. A trigger. He’d done this on purpose. “Mr. Kallis, would you like a coffee to go?”
He smiled briefly. “No, thanks. I just wanted to look in your eyes and see the truth.” The smile disintegrated. “Now that you know.”
Her throat closed and her breath stuttered. The front door crashed open and although she couldn’t see over the expresso machine, she knew who had entered the store.
The admiral shifted his position to behind Chandler, blocking the work area behind the counter. His voice held a timbre so deadly, it made Dixie shake. “Strongly suggest you leave the premises, Kallis.”
Chandler didn’t even flinch. Josh roared up behind the admiral, his eyes filled with fire. The admiral shifted backward a step, acting as a barrier.