“Drills like those I run with my guys on the property. It gives Titus’s employees a chance to experience the equipment and me an opportunity to show Titus the kind of data I collect and suggest areas for improvement.”
“Sounds fun.”
He laughed. “I don’t know another woman who would think so.”
“I’ve always been a little different.”
No joke. He was beginning to think that difference was making her irresistible. He was also beginning to see how Decker’s assessment of her unusual instincts might be right.
When her gaze drifted out the window again, he said, “You’ve seemed distracted since I told you about the trip.”
“Have I?” She shook her head. “I think travel just stirs memories.”
“Good memories? Bad memories?”
“Both.”
When she didn’t go on, Austin had the odd sensation of distance growing between them. In fact, she’d seemed more than distracted since he’d told her about the trip, she’d been distant, too. Like she’d flipped a switch and shut him out. He hadn’t realized how intimate their relationship had become until he felt like she was holding him at arm’s length.
“How dressy is this dinner tonight? Unless Bella and I can wear sundresses and flip-flops, I’ll have to go shopping.”
He smiled. “You’ll have to go shopping.”
“Oh, damn,” she said with an exaggerated shake of her head. “Bella’s going to hate that. You know how she avoids everything pretty or sparkly. I’ll never get her to try on anything.”
“You mean you’ll never get her out of the dressing room.”
She met his gaze with a grin. “And I’ll need your credit card.”
He broke into laughter, making Everly laugh too. It went a long way toward closing the distance he’d sensed growing for two days. “I’ll make sure Decker brings a couple of them.”
“Decker’s taking us shopping? I’m sure he’ll love that. I’ll have to brush up on my ice-picking skills, see if I can work a smile out of him.”
“You don’t think he likes you?”
“I know he doesn’t. Which is fine,” she was quick to add. “Whether someone likes me or not is way down on my list of important things in life.”
“Then you’ll be surprised to know he’s your biggest advocate. In fact, he’s the reason I hired you.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“Very serious,” he said. “And I quote ‘She’s sweet, strong, smart, and she’s got spunk.’”
She laughed. “No way.”
“Oh,” he said, smiling, “And ‘She’d be a great role model for Bella.’”
“Nuh-uh.”
Austin grinned. “Yep.”
“Never would have guessed.”
“Of course, that was before you made him in the market, so…”
She rolled her eyes before closing them. “Men’s egos. I swear you guys can be so fragile.”
That made Austin laugh. Bella stirred at her side, and Everly looked down. She shifted Bella’s weight and pulled at the fabric of her T-shirt clinging to her body.