“More EMOP.”
“Jeez, how many emergency operation plans do y’all have?”
“Only a few. This is the same situation from last week.”
The hair on the back of my neck starts to prickle, and I push up to face him. “Can you talk about it?”
“A little. That was James and Robbie. We’re helping an old friend of James’.
“Helping him how?”
“Does the name DeSantis ring a bell?”
“The Governor of Louisiana?”
“Same man. He’s making a run for Senate, and he’s conservative to the core. Some people aren’t too happy, and he’s being pro-active about protecting his family.”
“Pro-active? Is he being threatened?”
“Not directly. He’s had a few leaks and some gut feelings, but nothing concrete.”
“Why not call the police?”
“Babe,” he raises an eyebrow and sighs, “you’re new to this, and I’ll try to explain without scaring you. But if you had the expertise of James Hayes, you’d ask him for help a thousand times over the local authorities. He’s a legend, and he’s sly. His knowledge supersedes most top officials in the world.”
“Wow, that’s both intimidating and incredible.”
“Yeah, he’s pretty cool. I’m lucky to be learning from the best.”
“Are you in danger?”
“Not now.”
His answer doesn’t sit well, and my body stiffens.
“Hey,” he says, threading his hands through my hair, forcing me to look at him. “I’m good at what I do, and I’ve got a team of professionals at my back. Right now, there is no real threat.”
I nod and try to appear calm, even with the uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach.
“Presley, stick with me here. Don’t shut down. Trust me to do the right thing and stay safe.”
I nod again and lean into his hand.
We’re both quiet as he massages my scalp and searches my face for any sign of panic. But I force myself to do as he asks and trust he knows what he’s doing.
“I believe you,” I finally admit, truthfully.
“Presley, you’ve given me so many things today. I want you to know this has been the best day of my life so far. And not because of the sex, but because of you.”
My heart skips a beat at his raw sincerity. This is a relationship changing moment that will forever stay in my head.
“I feel the same way.”
“How about we order some dinner and then go back to bed? I believe I made a vow you’d think about me every time you move tomorrow.”
“I already will,” I say quietly, squeezing my thighs.
He stands quickly, lifting me with him. I give a small squeak when he moves his hands to grip my ass and turns toward my room.