Page 43 of Falling for the Grumpiest Protector

Emma looks between us.

"She's thinking about volunteering."

This time Javier doesn't hide his surprise quite as quickly.

"You are?"

I soften my answer because, for once, he isn't teasing.

"Maybe. I'd like to see where Lily spent so much time. And I wouldn't mind being useful while I'm here."

Something in his face changes again. Quieter this time.

"I think you'd like it."

No joke. No Your Highness. Just sincerity. It catches me off guard.

"I think I might too."

Our eyes hold. For one second. Two. Then Betty sets a coffee carrier on the counter. Javier looks away first.

"That's four," she says.

He takes the carrier. Emma points at him.

"And don't feed Atlas before I get there."

"I know."

"I'm saying it anyway."

Javier glances at me.

"See what I deal with?"

"I'm reserving judgment until I hear her side."

"Smart."

Betty sets down the second carrier. Javier takes it.

"See you tomorrow, Emma."

Then he looks at me.

"Hart."

"Martinez."

He turns and heads for the door. Just before he reaches it, I see the smallest hint of a smile. Then he's gone. The bell settles behind him.

I look down at my coffee. Betty doesn't say anything. Neither does Emma. Thank goodness. When I glance up again, Betty is still watching the door. Then she catches me looking and calmly reaches for her cloth.

Interesting.

I'm not asking. A few minutes later, I say goodbye to Betty and Emma and step outside, still smiling.

I call Julian from the car. He answers on the second ring.