“In twenty-four hours?” His partner was way off base, though Rhett had the uncomfortable feeling this job wasn’t going to follow his usual patterns.
“Well, it could happen,” Chris said.
“In what universe?” The ribbing had the familiar comfort of a worn pair of jeans, calming Rhett’s concerns.
“Stefan was really worried. He said you sounded funny on the phone,” Chris said. “I figured lust must have hit hard and quick.”
“I’m impervious.” At least, he hoped so.
“That’s what they all say.”
Picking up the cue, Rhett and Chris said in unison, “But for us it’s the truth.”
“Seriously, Rhett,” Chris said, his tone finally turning serious, “what’s the problem?”
Rhett was silent for a moment, unsure how much to get into. In addition to the trio standing nearby, several board members still lingered across the anteroom near the impressive arched window. “Nothing I can’t handle. Last night was weird but I’m over it.”
“That was quick.”
Oh, the odd premonitions he’d had about Trinity were still there, but Rhett refused to cave into his feelings. “I’ve got it under control.”
“You sure?” Chris asked.
“Yeah. I have no doubt I’m gonna find something here. It’s just a matter of digging deep enough.” It always was.
“Just be careful you don’t enjoy it too much.”
Though the warning came with the territory, Rhett felt it on a much deeper level than usual. “I know better than to get involved.”
“Hey, we all need a reminder sometimes. We were made to be cynical. Sometimes we just listen to our man parts more than our common sense.”
Rhett knew better than to protest. That would just make him sound defensive.
Apparently, silence made him sound guilty, too, because Chris kept up his lecture.
“If it was just one time, life would be different. You and I both would be different,” Chris said. “But we were exposed to the truth too many times. Never forget your dad and Veronica…or Mickey and Tracy…or even Lily and—”
“Uncle Joe,” they said together. They’d had this discussion many times before. Both of them had families littered with betrayal. Every couple Chris mentioned was an example. It had been a training ground for the work Rhett now did.
“Dude,” Chris went on. “Anastasia taught you well.”
The mention of his former fiancée was just another reminder for Rhett to harden his resolve. He was fully aware of how dangerous lust could be to a man. Especially when he was staring at the incredible silhouette of Trinity from behind. Her height might be an inch or two below average, but her curves were fully present and accounted for…
And he was accounting for each and every one. He needed to take Chris’s words to heart and get his head in the game. “Roger that,” he said before signing off.
Now Rhett could move on to the next stage in his plan to insinuate himself into Trinity’s life.
He approached the little group just in time to hear Richard say, “At least you’re being sensible. It won’t do any of us any good if you ruin everything before we take over.”
“If you take over,” Bill countered with a stern glance.
Richard smirked. “It’s only a matter of time.”
Trinity held still, not reacting to the men’s conversation, though her gaze remained on Richard’s face long enough for the man to actually fidget in his designer leather shoes. Impressive.
“A little snag,” Rhett said, raising his phone to indicate the call.
“Anything we can do to help?” Bill asked with a lawyer’s version of a polite smile.
Rhett hoped so. “Can you recommend a place to stay? My secretary said the hotel wasn’t able to extend my reservation because of a convention or something.”
Bill frowned in concentration, but Richard didn’t think for a moment. “You don’t need a hotel.”
To Rhett’s fascination, Trinity showed her first touch of annoyance by pressing her full lips firmly together. Was she holding back a protest for what she could see coming? How would she feel if she knew he and Richard had arranged this ahead of time?
Doesn’t matter, numbskull.
“You can stay right here,” Richard replied gleefully. “Hyatt House has plenty of guest rooms. Right, Trinity?”
When Trinity replied, she spoke with a little too much control. “Of course. There’s plenty of space here.”
“And it will save you a few dollars, too,” Richard added.
“I’m a little more concerned with how others might view Mr. Brannon living here with me, since I’m so recent a widow—”
“Please, call me Rhett.”
“You don’t have a reputation to protect, anyway.” Richard just had to step in one more time. Did the man have no tact?
Once again Trinity’s face went completely still at Richard Hyatt’s insult.
“Richard,” Bill rumbled in warning.
But Rhett ignored his secret employer and focused entirely on Trinity. He clasped her fragile hand in his and raised it to his lips in an old-fashioned gesture. This gave him the opportunity to watch her guarded expression crack just enough, her eyes widening as his lips met her skin. He allowed only the briefest of touches before he pulled back and said, “Don’t you worry. I understand my job here, and my expertise is completely at your disposal.”
Confusion mingled with caution in her expression. Not letting his satisfaction show as she puzzled over the double meaning of his words, he went on, “You have my word that my behavior will be completely professional. The gossips would find me completely boring.”
For once, Rhett wasn’t sure that was a promise he could keep.
Why did walking down the hall, Rhett at her back, make Trinity so uncomfortable?
Not in the sense of being scared. It was more of an awareness that he was watching her, moving with her, that sifted through her skin into her very consciousness. It was craziness. She didn’t know this man at all. Keeping her distance was the best option, especially considering she’d be working with him starting today.
She couldn’t get away.
She knew for a fact that there was only one room ready at a moment’s notice inside Hyatt House, and it was directly across the hall from her bedroom.
So much for keeping her distance.
Rhett’s voice interrupted her obsessive thoughts. “I appreciate you letting me stay here on such short notice,” he said.
So polite. Why was he being this nice to her? He had to be working with the enemy. That thought stopped her in her tracks, and she whirled around to face him.
“Did Richard know why you were here before I did?” she demanded.
She caught an expression of surprise he probably didn’t want her to see, considering how quickly it disappeared.
“I saw you speaking with him at the event last night.”
Rhett was quiet