Hot SEAL, Heartbreaker - Cat Johnson Page 0,14
this. You’re gonna do great.”
She knocked herself out of the trance she’d fallen into. “I know. I’m exceptional at everything I do.”
It wasn’t bragging. It was just the truth. From as far back as when she was top of her class in high school.
“I have no doubt.” His lips curved again. “And, for what it’s worth, so am I.”
“So are you, what?” she asked, not following.
Brian cocked up one dark brow. “Exceptional at everything I do.”
“Oh.”
What was he referring to? Being a SEAL? Or that other S-word—sex? Her cheeks grew hot again.
He chuckled and shook his head.
“What?” she asked.
“Nothing. You just, amuse me.”
Deciding if that was an insult or a compliment she decided on the latter. “Thank you.”
He might be amused, but she wasn’t. She needed this night to go smoothly. This ruse needed to be convincing.
Alicia liked sure things. And things that were in her power. Brian was an unknown factor in her plan. A loose cannon. Something she couldn’t control. She hated that.
But he sure was nice to look at.
Maybe his good looks would be enough of a distraction for Jen that she’d miss any issues with their performance—for lack of a better word.
They’d somehow reached the exit for her sister’s when she hadn’t been paying attention.
She spun to face him. “Oh. Sorry. It’s a right turn up here.”
“I know.”
“How do you know?” she asked.
“You gave me her address. Remember? At the bar. After I convinced you I wasn’t a serial killer but when you were still insisting we meet there because you didn’t want me to have your home address.” Again he looked amused at her expense.
“Yes, but . . .” She glanced at the dashboard. The GPS wasn’t turned on. There wasn’t even a piece of paper with the address or directions in sight.
“I looked up the address and memorized the directions,” he answered the question she hadn’t asked.
“Oh.” Maybe he wasn’t such a loose cannon after all.
In spite of her doubts, she was impressed at his preparedness. Perhaps a SEAL was the perfect man for this mission. She would never date one for real. But for this, his skills were proving handy.
She couldn’t help but wonder what other skills he had—of the more personal, physical nature . . .
“Come on. Admit it.” His question once again caught her unaware as her naughty thoughts got the better of her.
“Admit what?” she asked.
“I impressed you.”
The bastard could apparently read minds too. Or at least expressions and body language. Just as she’d been trained to do.
“Yes. You did. But directions are easy. Just make sure you don’t screw it up once we’re inside among people. And the house is right up here.”
“I know.” He proved he did know as he flipped on the directional signal and pulled along the curb of her sister and brother-in-law’s home.
Cutting the engine, he palmed the keys and twisted in his seat to look at her. “Ready?”
No. Alicia nodded anyway.
“Then let’s go, honey buns.” He grinned.
She paused with her hand on the door handle. “Honey buns?”
“You didn’t say anything at the bar about no terms of endearment.”
Appalled, she said, “Then I’m saying it now. No.”
He shook his head. “All right, but I think you’re making a mistake.”
Oh, she’d made a mistake all right. Thinking this plan would work.
That was proven when Jenny pulled open the door and leveled a stare on Brian, before turning it to Alicia.
Jenny’s smile seemed forced as she said, “Alicia. You didn’t say you were bringing a guest.”
“Hi. I’m Brian,” he said, thrusting a bottle of champagne she hadn’t noticed in his hand toward Jenny.
Where the hell had he gotten that?
It must have been under his seat or something, and she hadn’t noticed because she’d been too busy trying to get down from the high Jeep with its oversized tires while not flashing the whole neighborhood her underwear.
She shouldn’t have chosen to wear a skirt. Too late now.
“Thanks.” Jenny took the bottle, a pricey brand, and turned a narrow-eyed stare back to Alicia.
Alicia forced a smile of her own. “What’s on the menu, sis? I’m starved.”
Jenny finally moved back from the doorway and made room for Alicia and Brian to step inside.
“Nice house,” he said, looking around.
“Thank you.” Jenny grabbed Alicia’s arm with her free hand. “I need your help in the kitchen. Brian, the bar is set up in the living room. Make yourself at home.”
“Don’t mind if I do.” He grinned, looking like he was having a good old time for himself.
Meanwhile, Alicia was being dragged into