ideas?”
“Were you serious about taking me shopping for something to wear tonight?”
He nodded. Didn’t she know he’d do anything for her?
“Let me check with Emma to see if she can stay longer. If she can, drive me to Maria’s Boutique on Main.”
“How will that help?”
“Maria is the biggest romance fan in town and the biggest gossip. If I make a big deal about the special occasion, the news will be all over Archer in a matter of minutes.”
Satisfaction filled Owen. “Where do you want to go for dinner?”
“Caputo’s. It’s my favorite restaurant.”
“Excellent choice.” He loved Italian food. “My brothers and Jackson will be in place long before we arrive at the restaurant.”
“We better get started. I need to check with Emma, then we’ll go to Maria’s shop. We have single men and women to warn off and a tracker to plant. I hope the plan doesn’t have glitches.”
Owen didn’t have the heart to tell her that no op went according to plan. He threaded his fingers through hers.
Inside the kitchen, Jackson swiveled on the barstool to face them. “Everything on track for tonight?”
“We’re set.”
Levi leaned against the kitchen counter, eyebrow raised. “Need help?”
“I want M team close by. More than two kidnappers might be in the area. None of us saw Kilgore on the video feed.”
“You have a plan?”
“I’m taking Gigi to Maria’s Boutique on Main, then take her to Caputo’s for dinner tonight.”
Levi frowned. “Gigi’s a target. Why don’t you order takeout?”
“I have to plant a GPS tracker on one of the kidnappers.” He explained the plan.
His brother whistled. “Risky.”
“That’s what I said,” Gigi said. “Do you mind helping us tonight, Levi?”
“Of course not. Want me to alert the others, Owen?”
“I’d appreciate it. I need to feed the gossip mill.”
“The kidnappers might not hear the news.”
“They’ll follow us. Wagner wants the flash drive. He probably has a buyer for the program.”
Levi scowled. “You’re really going to hand them the key to Ellis’s program?”
“Not exactly. Zane and Caleb created their own version, one that doesn’t work.”
He groaned. “You’re banking on locating Toni and her boyfriend before Wagner discovers the key is flawed and makes Ellis fix it?”
“You have a better plan?”
“Nope. I just Fortress is ready. You’ll be racing the kidnappers to the airport.”
“Don’t remind me,” Owen muttered. He didn’t like the plan, but what choice did he have? Toni and Ellis were running out of time.
Twenty minutes later, Owen parked in front of the boutique. He opened Gigi’s door, conscious of several pairs of eyes watching them. Might as well give them something to talk about. Owen cupped Gigi’s nape and kissed her.
Although he meant the kiss to be for show, the taste of Gigi’s mouth went straight to his head. The kiss spun out for several heartbeats, his blood heating. By the time he eased away, Owen’s pulse pounded. With their explosive chemistry, Gigi’s kisses sent him straight into orbit. “That should prime the gossip mill,” he murmured. “Do you mind?”
“I’m so upset. Can’t you tell?”
Owen chuckled.
“You might have to steady me when we walk inside the boutique. My knees are weak.”
He nuzzled her temple. “No problem.”
The shop owner met them just inside the door with a broad smile and sparkling eyes. “Welcome to the boutique.” Her gaze took in Owen’s arm wrapped around Gigi’s waist before she turned to Gigi. “What can I help you with, Gigi?”
“I need a beautiful, romantic dress for tonight.”
Maria’s face brightened further. “A special occasion?”
“Our first official date,” Owen said. “The dress is my gift to her.”
“You don’t have to do that.” Gigi’s hand rested over his heart.
“Let me, baby. You gave me the greatest gift.”
“What gift?” Maria asked.
“She was willing to wait until I separated from the military and finished my law enforcement training before we started dating. I don’t know what I did to deserve Gigi, but I’ll always be thankful for her.” He didn’t like spilling personal details, but every word was true.
The shop owner sighed. “Oh, how wonderful. I’m so happy for you both. Everybody knows you’re crazy about each other. Owen, I have comfortable chairs near the changing rooms. You’re welcome to fix yourself a cup of coffee while you wait. Gigi, come with me, dear. Let’s find some outfits that will make Owen’s jaw drop.” She winked at Owen. “I know you’ll like them.”
“She makes every outfit look good.”
Maria’s hand pressed against her heart. “You’re a lucky woman, Gigi Warren. Owen Montgomery is a keeper.”
“Believe me, I know.”
While Gigi’s words were for Maria, her gaze remained