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“Oh my. Thisisa small world.“ Connie practically purred her delight. “What exactly is it you do, Ryder?”
For the first time, Nathalie caught a hint of discomfort in Ryder’s eyes. He gave Connie a practiced smile. “I run the executive protection division of Dìleas Security Agency. Perhaps you’ve heard of it?”
“I’ve not had the pleasure, but if I need protecting, I know who to call.” The appreciation in Connie’s tone was unmistakable, as was the sultry smile she gave Ryder.
She turned to Nathalie with a conspiratorial air. “The article that came out about the AI-enhanced platform you’re developing for the NGAD bid caused quite a stir. I hear the Chinese have stepped up their efforts to acquire—both legally and otherwise—advanced technologies using artificial intelligence.” Connie’s gaze swung back to Ryder. “Perhaps Nathalie needs a bodyguard?”
“If she does, I’m sure I can make a recommendation.” Ryder wore his usual poker face and, for once, Nathalie was grateful for it. If Connie was hoping for more information, she wouldn’t get it from him.
Nathalie took a gulp of her wine. If only she could be as good at hiding her thoughts. “I’m taking appropriate precautions, Connie, as I’m sure you are, to keep my proprietary information safe.”
Ryder reached for her elbow. “Are you ready to go? We’ll be late for our dinner reservation.”
Dinner reservation?She let him pluck the wineglass from her stiff fingers and place it on the table next to them. “Yes, I guess we’d better be going.”
Ryder kissed Grace on the cheek. “I’ll see you on Sunday.”
“I’ll text you the details,” Grace said. She extended her hand to Nathalie. “It was lovely to meet you.” Beneath Grace’s polite smile, Nathalie picked up a note of tension.
Maybe Philip Montague would get his way, after all.
Nathalie wanted to hate her. Not because she was jealous. Because Grace was a painful reminder that she had never fit into Ryder’s world.
His old world, at least. It’s funny how their worlds seemed more similar now.
Although, if Ryder had a date with Grace, it meant he’d kept a foot in his upper-class world, even if he didn’t work for his father.
Nathalie’s stomach flip-flopped, any appetite she had vanishing.
Okay, maybe shewasjealous. She could see why Grace wanted Ryder. He’d not only grown out of his painful shyness to develop a smooth, confident charm, but he had a hyper-masculine, alpha quality about him now that called to the most feminine parts of her.
They wound their way out of the restaurant in silence.
“I’m sorry.” Ryder’s jaw looked carved from granite as he backed out of the Suburban’s parking space.
“For what?” Having a life when she didn’t? Moving on when she hadn’t?
“The role of an executive protection agent is to blend into the background, not become the center of attention. I didn’t know Grace would be there.”
Jealousy, anger, and long-buried grief simmered in Nathalie’s voice. “A woman like Grace Winfield is perfect for you. I’m sure your family would be thrilled.”
“Grace is a childhood friend. I already told you I don’t give a damn about my family’s approval.”
She stared out the passenger window. “You would have. Eventually.”
The SUV made a sudden swerve into the Whole Foods parking lot. Nathalie grabbed at the passenger door handle, her heart racing. “What the heck?” Her head whipped around to glance out the back window before facing Ryder. “Was someone following us?”
“Is that why you left?” His voice was a low whip of anger.
She tensed. “Does it matter?”
“I was planning to ask you to marry me that day.”
I know. “I’m sorry.” Tears blurred her vision.So sorry. “I thought you’d move on. Forget about me. Find someone else more suited to your life.”
“I did move on.”
She couldn’t stop her sharp, indrawn breath. His words poured salt into a wound that had never quite healed. It was what she’d wanted. For him to get over her. Find someone else. Be happy.