Page 20

“Sure.” I dug into my pocket for my keys and led her outside, locking up behind me.
I glanced once more in the direction of the kitchen where Jaxson had stashed himself.
I led Harper out to my truck. Beside it this morning, Ariella’s sedan had been parked and abandoned.
“Whose vehicle is that?” Harper asked. She climbed into the front seat and glanced around.
Was she worried that it was more paparazzi out looking for her?
“Just one of the guys helping me fix up the restaurant.” It wasn’t a complete lie. Jaxson had mentioned how he wouldn’t mind doing some renovations on the inside.
Why the hell had he taken Ariella’s car?
I put the truck into reverse and headed back on the road we came in on last night.
Harper sat quietly, staring out the window. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.” I had a feeling she was going to either way.
“What happened to your restaurant? Those bullet holes aren’t for décor.”
I snorted under my breath. “That’s a new one. And no, they are one hundred percent real.”
That story would take some time, and maybe it would buy me the opportunity to see her later tonight when I was working and keeping an eye on her.
“It’s a long story. How about I tell you about it tonight over dinner?”
“I have to work, but I’ll text you when I leave. It might be a little late,” Harper said.
“That’s fine.” I contemplated digging out my cell phone and handing it to her to punch in her number, but I thought better of it. What if she read the texts about the studio security job that had been lined up with Eagle Tactical?
“Pull out your phone. I’ll give you my number.” I waited for her to retrieve her cell phone, and I recanted my digits so that she’d be able to get ahold of me later.
A few minutes later, we were pulling up out front of the motel. The parking lot nearly empty, unlike last night.
In the distance I recognized Aiden’s truck.
He staked out the motel parking lot. At least Harper would be safe.
I needed to head home and shower. As long as I didn’t have to be onset, then she’d never know I worked for Eagle Tactical.