Page 72 of Her Ruthless Protector

“Can’t tell you, but it wasn’t one of my finer moments. It happens, A.J..”

She looked up at him and saw that little dimple by the side of his mouth while he gave her a wry smile. It made her feel better.

Kane’s head swiveled and she turned to see what he was looking at. It was yet another hottie, with a hard body and graying hair. Kane took a step toward him, but the man gave a tiny shake of his head, so Kane turned back to talk to her.

“Who was that?”

“Nobody,” Kane said.

“You want to try that again?” A.J. suggested.

“Let’s put it this way, it’s nobody who wants to socialize tonight. It’s my lieutenant commander, and before you ask, that’s higher than a lieutenant. His name is Liam McAllister and he’s about as good as they come.”

She took another look at him from underneath her lashes. She’d sure like to know his story.

“So, day after tomorrow is your first big night, huh?” Kane asked.

“Yep, then four more days to Saturday and finally home. Or maybe Switzerland. I don’t know yet. I haven’t decided. There’s a hell of a lot of bonus money to spend.”

“I would have thought a girl like you would have a plan.”

“Yeah, you would have, wouldn’t you?”

“Chances are high I’ll be going home to Virginia for a while. Ever been?” Kane asked.

A.J. gave him a considering glance. “No.”

“It’s April. It’s a beautiful time of year. I could take you hiking, maybe paddle boarding, there might be some boating involved, or camping?”

“Camping’s out, unless you’re talking someplace that has room service and a flush toilet, then I’m in. Or maybe glamping. Have you heard of glamping?”

“I’m afraid to ask,” Kane said warily. “What is glamping?”

“It’s luxurious, glamorous camping. They bring couches and chandeliers and have a chef.”

Kane put a hand over her mouth.

“Got it. A hotel. Never mention glamping again, and I’ll make sure that when I find out your real name, I’ll never tell anyone in Hollywood what it is. Do we have a deal?”

“What makes you think you’ll find out what my real name is?”

He just raised his eyebrow.

A.J. sighed.

“I shall never say that word again. Except maybe to suggest it to Cullen’s woman when he gets one.”

“I approve of that idea,” Kane said with a wicked grin.