Page 74 of Blake

“Absolutely not.”

“Worth a shot,” he chuckled.

“So, what’s the plan?”

“Lunch.”

“Here, like the other day?”

“Nope.” He shook his head. “I know a place.”

Devon’s gaze narrowed with playful suspicion. “Should I be nervous?”

“Only about how much food you’re going to eat. Come on.” He offered his hand. “If we leave now, we might beat the afternoon rush.”

She slipped her hand into his.

They stopped by the conference room to let Emmett know they were heading out. His team leader glanced up from his laptop, listened to their plans, and reminded Blake to keep his phone handy.

“Always do.”

Emmett nodded. “Boone’s supposed to call with an update.”

“Text me when he does.”

His team leader’s dark gaze slid to Devon. “How’d training go?”

“Really well, actually.” She smiled. “Better than I expected, anyway.”

“Glad to hear it. Janie will be, too.”

“I hate how much she worries about me.”

“Janie worries because she loves you.”

“I know.” Devon’s expression softened. “I love her, too.”

After a few more minutes of friendly conversation, Blake guided her toward the office entrance.

“Taking off?” Claire asked from her place behind the reception desk.

“Lunch break,” Blake answered.

“Enjoy.”

“Thanks.” Devon sent the other woman a smile and a wave.

One elevator ride later, and they were inside the building’s secured parking garage. The hum of traffic moving steadily on the nearby street echoed softly in the underground space as they headed toward Blake’s SUV.

When he opened the passenger door for her, she stared up at him with an amused look.

“What?” He frowned.

“Nothing.” Devon climbed inside and settled in. “I’m just not used to being so spoiled.”

“Well, get used to it.” Blake closed her door with a wink, rounded the vehicle, and slid behind the wheel.

They exited the garage and joined a line of D.C. traffic. Five miles, three red lights, and fifteen minutes later, he turned onto a quieter street in one of Washington’s nicer neighborhoods. The restaurant he’d chosen occupied the ground floor of a renovated brick building around the corner, with large front windows and a handful of outdoor tables.