“This isn’t a date, so I’d feel better if I paid.” Ashley slapped the Visa card down on top of the bill folder.
Smokey took it and slid it over to her. “This was a business meeting, and according to my accountant, I need more expenses. I got this.” He motioned for the waiter to come over.
“Do you need change?” the server asked as he opened the folder and glanced at the bills.
“No.” Smokey pushed his chair back.
“Thank you, sir. Have a wonderful evening.” The waiter turned away.
Smokey walked around to Ashley and pulled out her chair, then escorted her out of the steakhouse.
Stepping outside, Ashley pulled up the collar of her coat. “That wind is damn cold,” she said.
“Yeah, but it’s supposed to get warmer next week.”
“I hope so. I’m tired of snow.” She glanced over at him. “Nothing was really accomplished tonight except for eating a delicious meal, so thanks for that.”
“You’re welcome.” Smokey shoved his hands into the pockets of his leather jacket.
“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow at some point,” she said, half-turning away.
“I’ll walk you to your car and follow you home.” The person who stood by her car, then ran off still gnawed at his gut.
“What? I’m capable of driving myself home. I’ve been doing it for quite a few years now without any trouble.”
“It’s what I do, and I don’t have time to argue with you.” He jerked his head toward her car. “Let’s get a move on.”
“You’re so bossy! I don’t like people deciding things for me.”
“Take it up with HR,” he said as they walked toward the Buick.
Glaring at him, she said, “You don’t care at all what I think. You’re the most arrogant man I’ve ever met.”
He shrugged. “If you say so.” He threw her one of his annoyingly smug smiles just to rile her up.
Ashley rolled her eyes, and her mouth set in an irritated line.
“This is your car,” he said, satisfaction at her displeasure coursing through him.
“I know that,” she snapped before pressing the fob, then slipping inside.
“I’m not parked too far away. Just wait until I pull next to you before you take off.” Smokey closed the door and walked toward his SUV. When he heard the squeal of the tires as she took off, he laughed. “I wouldn’t have expected anything less from you, woman,” he muttered under his breath.
Even though Ashley had a head start, Smokey easily caught up with her. He already knew where she was staying from the address she’d given in the file. Over the last few years, he’d been to the house many times when Zach had been in town. But it seemed important for Ashley to think that she had the upper hand, so he let her think she’d lost him. Taking a shortcut, he pulled in front of the house and waited until he saw the Buick’s headlights in the rear view mirror. Smokey jumped out of the car and walked toward the driveway.
“Very funny,” she said when she got out of the car. “I suppose you expect me to ask you in?”
“I’ll check your place, then I gotta go.”
Ashley laughed dryly. “I’ve never heard that one before from a guy. I’m tired and I don’t want company.”
“I’m not going in for that. I want to make sure everything’s safe.”
“You bought me dinner—you don’t have to play knight in shining armor,” she said as she opened the door.
“The business bought dinner, and I don’t play shit—I do.” He brushed past her and plodded through the house, checking windows, doors, and closets.
“What are you looking for?” she asked while following close behind him.
“Just making sure you’re safe. Is there an alarm system in here?”
“No.”
“Zach’s a cheap bastard,” he muttered under his breath. “Gimme your phone.”
“Why?”
“Because I asked you.”
“You didn’t really ask—you demanded,” she replied as she handed him her phone.
“In my world, it’s the same damn thing.” He punched in his phone number. “If you need anything, call me. If something doesn’t feel right, call me.”
“Okay … now you’re beginning to scare me. Do you know something I don’t?” She clutched the phone.
“I gotta go. I’ll see you at work.”
Smokey walked through the garage and waited until she closed the door, then he went over to his car and scanned the area. Nothing seemed out of sorts. Maybe the dude thought I was gonna mess with him and that’s why he took off. But his