Mantis (K19 Security Solutions 4)

“Would it make a difference?”

When Mantis approached the table with his father and sat next to her, his knee brushed against hers, sending a jolt of electricity coursing through her body.

She moved her chair but giggled when he did too. “You’re incorrigible.”

“I am that.”

“He takes after his father,” said Minnie, winking.

When Kip put his arm around Minnie’s shoulders and leaned in to kiss her cheek, Alegria was reminded how she and Mantis used to have the same easy affection. Dutch tried, but it just wasn’t the same. Her eyes met Mantis’, and he winked like his mother had.

She closed her lids momentarily, wishing she could wipe the memory of how they used to be together from her brain.

When he rested his palm on her knee, she thought about brushing it away, but the comfort of having it there felt too good. Instead, she put her hand on top of his. Too soon, the warmth of his touch was gone, and in its place, a chill spread throughout her body.

Willing him to put his hand back wasn’t going to work any better than sitting there, wishing he’d tell her he’d made a terrible mistake or beg her to forgive him.

He wouldn’t do any of those things in front of his parents, except maybe put his hand back on her leg, but he didn’t do that either.

“Did I hear you say you’re flying tomorrow?” Kip asked.

“That’s the plan.”

He pointed toward the window. “Better check flight conditions before you head to the airfield. It doesn’t look good.”

Alegria followed Kip’s gaze and saw it looked like a blizzard had started since they’d come inside.

“Maybe we should get our order to go,” suggested Minnie.

Judging by how quickly the snow was falling, Alegria agreed. Looking around the restaurant, many of the other diners had the same idea.

“I don’t remember seeing this weather in the forecast,” said Kip.

If she were cleared to fly, Alegria w

ould have been keeping track of changes in weather every fifteen minutes, but since she’d been grounded, she got out of the habit of checking.

What othe Whatever you think is r skills had she let lapse in the time since she’d been shot? When she finally got medical clearance, she’d be weeks behind where she’d been, rusty, and out of tune, like a guitar. Was it even worth trying, or was it time she gave up flying altogether?

“What do you think of that idea, Alegria?” she heard Minnie ask. She’d been lost in thought and hadn’t realized anyone was talking to her.

“I’m sorry. What was the question?” She looked first at Minnie, then at Kip, and finally at Mantis.

“My mother asked if you’d like to leave now or wait for the food,” he murmured. He had his elbow on the table and was running his finger back and forth over his lips while he waited for her answer.

“Whatever you think is best.” She tried not to look at Mantis any more than she had to. It was like he was reading her mind and didn’t like what he saw in it.

“Mrs. Cassman, Chef will have your food ready in about five minutes,” said the waiter. “Sir,” he said, addressing Kip, “you might want to bring the car to the door.”

“I’ll handle it,” answered Mantis, holding out his hand for his father’s keys.

“I’ll come with you,” offered Alegria.

Mantis put his hand on her shoulder when she went to stand, and leaned down. “I can’t risk you getting hurt, Flygirl,” he whispered.

She felt the heat spread from somewhere in her torso, up her neck, and to her cheeks as she nodded in agreement. If this was the way she felt after being with Mantis less than twenty-four hours, how would she feel after they’d spend days together?

Mantis pulled the car up, but moved to the back seat so his father could drive them home.