SEAL's RESOLVE - Rebecca Deel Page 0,82
Jon.” Kristi looked at Jill. “Call Deidre. I want to interview her as soon as possible.”
“I’ll take care of it.”
Kristi walked to the living room to greet the client and usher her to the consultation room.
Ten minutes before the work day ended, Deidre arrived. Although Kristi was glad to see her, meeting her father on time would be difficult because of the interview. Alan Stewart was a businessman, though. He’d understand she was late because of work. He’d been late often enough coming home to her when she was in high school.
She mustered up a smile for the seamstress. “Deidre, thank you for coming to talk to us on short notice.”
“Are you kidding? I’m thrilled with the possibility of working for Kristi’s Bridal.” She handed Kristi a portfolio. “I stopped by my house to pick up a portfolio of my designs. I realize you need a seamstress, but I thought you might want to see this side of my work, too.”
“That’s great,” she said, curious about Deidre’s designs. “Come to the consultation room, and show me your portfolio.” An hour later, she held out her hand to Deidre. “If you want the job, it’s yours.”
“Really?” Deidre grinned. “Thank you, Kristi. I’ll do a good job for you. You won’t be sorry you hired me. I can’t wait to get started.”
“That’s great to hear because we need you as fast as possible. When can you start?”
“Will Monday be soon enough?”
Relief flooded Kristi. “That’s perfect. Welcome to Kristi’s Bridal.”
After walking Deidre to the door and seeing Jill off, Kristi shut the door and pressed her back against the flat surface.
“Kristi.”
She opened her eyes and smiled at Rafe.
“You okay?”
“Tired, but good. Deidre starts work on Monday.”
“Excellent news.” He held out his hand. “Ready for dinner?”
“I’m starving.”
“Good. I have your plate ready.” He escorted her to the kitchen and seated her at the breakfast bar.
“Where is everyone?”
“Eli and Cal are napping. They have the watch overnight. Jackson went to the grocery store under protest and should return soon. Jon is on watch in the security room.
“What about you?”
“I’ve been conducting perimeter checks. As soon as Jackson returns, he’ll take my place while I accompany you to see your father.”
Rafe set a plate in front of her. On it were two rolled tortillas along with chicken strips, onions, and green peppers. He set two small bowls beside her plate, one with shredded cheese and one with sour cream along with a spoon for each.
“You made fajitas.”
“It sounded good to me. Wolf Pack didn’t complain about the taste.”
“The food looks and smells amazing.”
He nudged the plate closer. “Eat. I’ll get your drink.” A moment later, Rafe set a glass of water by her hand.
When she finished the meal, Kristi sat back. “I don’t think I’ll order this in a restaurant again. I’ve never tasted better fajitas than yours.”
“Good to know.” Rafe cleared her dishes and utensils before pulling two bottles of water from the refrigerator. “We should go.”
She slid from the stool. “I’ll grab my identification in case we’re stopped by a guard.”
Soon, Rafe escorted Kristi to his SUV. Once they were buckled in, he drove away from her home. Although exhausted, she was anxious to discover what was going on with her father.
“Where are we going?” Rafe asked.
She gave him directions to the warehouse district where Stewart Group owned several buildings. Twenty minutes later, he turned into the industrial complex and drove toward the back of the property.
“Which warehouse?”
“Building 244. It’s in the corner.”
Rafe turned off the SUV’s lights and drove toward the designated meeting place. He scanned the area. “Doesn’t appear to be anyone around,” he murmured.
“The building has three offices inside. Dad’s probably in one of them.”
Rafe stopped three warehouses away from Building 244. He backed into the alley between two warehouses and turned off the engine.
“Why did we park here?”
“In case of trouble. The SUV is black and will be hard to see in the alley.”
“You’re worried?”
“Aren’t you? I don’t want our ride compromised.”
Kristi’s stomach knotted. “I should have refused to meet. What if I put us in danger, Rafe?” Even considering that was bizarre. Her father was angry, but he’d never hurt her.
Rafe squeezed her hand. “We’ll be fine.”
“We should leave. I’ll text Dad and tell him I can’t make it tonight, that I’m too tired.” Not a lie, either. If not for the adrenaline pouring into her veins, she could fall asleep right now.
“We’re already here.” Another hand squeeze. “I can check the warehouse without you.”
“Not a chance. Let’s go.