Page 3 of Kiss Kiss Bang
“Don’t do it, darlin’. He’ll screw it up,” Joey said.
“No offense, but this is a place that fixes computers and you are . . .” She looked down at the card. “A security guy.”
“We do all kinds of security. That includes cybersecurity and some other . . . more intricate kinds of computing, but it means that I know more about computers than most. I’m also a retired and highly regarded major from the Marines. That sounded arrogant.” He shook his head in distaste. “I just want you to feel safe. It’s the only reason I said that.”
“Intricate?” Her eyebrows furrowed.
“Did some off-the-books stuff while in the service. Point is, I know my way around a computer. I can have you in a brand-new laptop, with all your files safely inside, in an hour. Or . . . you can go with option B.” He nodded at the acne-faced kid.
She narrowed her eyes. “You’re cocky.”
But he just continued to smile, knowing she was desperate enough to take him up on his ridiculous offer. “Nah, just know what I’m talkin’ about, darlin’. We’ll go to my office, you can go in your own car. There’s probably still staff there, so you’ll be completely safe.”
As she assessed the man in front of her, with his black polo shirt and loose-fitting jeans and completely shaved head, a woman in a blue shirt and khaki pants came walking toward them. Her badge said, “Joanne.”
“Joanne, please meet Ms. Russo. Ms. Russo, please meet Joanne, the general manager.”
“Pleasure to meet you,” Joanne said.
“Joanne here will vouch not only that my work is exceptional but that I’m not a crazy sociopath.”
The woman laughed, clearly smitten with his big wide smile. “Joey’s been working for us for about two years now, right, Joey?”
“Just about.”
“He set up all the protocols nationwide. Never a single complaint from any employee. I think you’re safe with him, Ms. Russo. He’s fun at the company parties, too.” She smiled up at him.
“Thank you, Joanne.” He shook her hand and she left.
“Eighty-one!” the kid hollered.
She groaned. “Why? Why would you want to help me?”
He smiled a big toothy grin. Her heart rate spiked and her belly fluttered, and she knew immediately that she was going to agree to whatever he was going to propose. “I’m a sucker for a woman in distress, Livie.” Then he reached forward and pushed her glasses up.
Livie . . . the way it rolled off his tongue . . .
“I’ll go. But don’t get any ideas that I’m on the prowl for Prince Charming.”
“Darlin’, my intentions are far too dirty for a prince.”
Well, at least he was honest, she thought, as she followed him out of the store.
