Cambion Lord (Dark Warrior Alliance #23) - Brenda Trim Page 0,67
to Millie. “I’m Hayden, nice to meet you, Millie.”
“You as well, Hayden. So, are you in town for business then?” Millie was watching him almost as closely as he was her.
“Kinda. I hate focusing only on work, but I’m no good at balancing it with fun. My responsibilities are too demanding.” Hayden thanked Marcia when she delivered their drinks.
Millie chuckled at that. “I understand that. I’m always working myself. My mother insists it’s why I’m still single.”
“You’re young. There’s time to find someone.” Hayden wanted to tell Millie she’d found exactly who she’d been looking for but didn’t. She was human and they weren’t in a bar at the moment. It would be odd to pick her up in a diner.
“That’s exactly what I tell her, only she insists there’s more to life than my career.” Millie scrunched up her nose and pursed her lips. Her features hint of a Hispanic descent. He wondered if she could cook arroz con grandules. It was an odd thing to think about. As if he’d be seeing her again.
“Here’s your lunch. Let me know if I can get either of you anything else,” Marcia said as she placed the bowl in front of him.
The dish looked delicious. “Thanks, Marcia.” He grabbed the pepper and added some to his food while he addressed Millie. “What do you do? You mentioned military.” Perhaps this gorgeous female would be his ticket inside the base.
Millie swallowed the bite she’d been chewing and started coughing. Her face turned red as she turned away. “Sorry,” she gasped. “I, uh, am in research and recruitment. I’m not a soldier.”
Hayden hummed low after he took his first taste of his meal. His mouth watered and his taste buds exploded. “So, are you like a scientist? I have a couple friends that are doctors and can’t imagine spending so much time in classrooms and reading books.”
Millie sat forward and waved her hands through the air. “There’s so much to be learned in a lab. As for books, I’ve spent most of my life between the pages and can’t imagine what it would be like not to read, whether it’s for pleasure or work. So, what are these responsibilities that tie up so much of your time?”
Hayden ate a couple bites while he considered how to respond. “Most days I feel like a babysitter. In reality I run several, uh divisions. I keep everyone in line and make sure nothing goes awry.”
Millie set her glass down and taped her fingers on the counter. “So, you’re in charge. What company do you work for?”
“I’m in charge, yes. I own my own company, Jesaray International. We’re in animal preservation.”
Millie’s mouth dropped open, but she snapped it closed just as fast. “Your aversion to labs and science makes sense.”
Hayden laid a hand on her arm. Electricity sizzled between them. Millie yelped and he drew his hand back. “I have no problem with science or labs. I don’t condone animal testing and never will, but science has furthered everything in life from medicine to makeup. Besides, I find intelligent, driven women irresistible.”
Millie’s eyes darkened for a second before she looked down and ate more of her shredded pork. She sighed heavily. “I’d better go then. I can’t afford another stalker. Half of the police force are already assigned to watch guys that are infatuated with me.”
Hayden barked out a laugh. “Yep. There’s nothing like a sexy, intelligent woman. Before you leave, can you tell me anywhere I can take some friends tonight? We all need a change of pace and they have no idea what’s near here.”
Millie grabbed her purse and got some cash from inside then placed it on the counter. “There’s a bar, the Fox Hole, over on Sixth Street downtown. Great music and drinks.”
“It’s not country music is it?”
Millie laughed and shook her head. “No, it’s not. That’s why I like it. It’s pop rock.”
The corners of Hayden’s mouth lifted. “Perfect. I’ll be sure to visit.”
Millie got to her feet but paused before leaving. “If you’re lucky you’ll see me later.”
Hayden chuckled and watched the sway of Millie’s ass as she walked out the door. “Right now, I feel like the luckiest sonovabitch alive.”
“Are you sure this is wise?’ Jason asked as Hayden parked in the Fox Hole’s lot.
“We all need a break every now and then. We’re here to have fun and let loose.” Hayden slapped his shoulder. “Relax. You might even find a female to fuck.”