Page 33 of Storm Warning
Kate giggled, eyes flashing with mirth. “If my assistant is around, she brings me food and water to keep me fueled. If she’s not, I have to set an alarm, or I’d starve to death!”
Nick nodded—some days his thoughts bounced around, while on others he fell into a focused zone, the world fading away. “That makes sense. Have you gone out for a meal yet?”
“Oh, I went over to Tiki Beach today. What a fabulous place! I loved the comfy sofas and all the teak and rattan furniture. I sat at the bar first for lunch and then lounged on a sofa for a while. I particularly enjoyed the show.” Kate’s sultry tone wrapped around him.
Nick smirked. “Since we don’t offer shows there, I assume this is your news? Is there anything the other guys should hear? Shall I call them?”
Kate paused, brow furrowing. “Maybe Zach. He’s security, right? A couple of his guards got called in, so he might be interested. Although I’m sure there must be some kind of incident reporting.”
“Yes,” he replied, “but those are never as complete as a first-hand account. Let me call Zach.” He pulled his phone from his pocket, hitting Zach’s speed dial.
Zach picked up on the first ring. “What’s up?”
“Kate has a story about an incident at Tiki Beach. Some of your security guys got involved, so I thought you’d want it firsthand.”
“Incoming.”
Nick ended the call, and Kate’s empty water bottle caught his eye. “May I get you a refill? Or something else to drink?”
He rose, stretching. “I’m going to grab a beer. We’ve got everything—wine, cocktails, whatever you prefer.”
“A glass of white wine sounds perfect.”
He nodded and selected a crisp Riesling he thought she’d enjoy. As he poured, he acknowledged a flicker of something unfamiliar—an easy contentment he hadn’t experienced in a long time, if ever. He snagged two IPAs from the fridge as Zach stepped onto the patio, handing one off.
He let himself just appreciate her as he sank back into his chair—the way sunlight highlighted the gold in her hair, the way her eyes brightened when she met his gaze.
It surprised him, how natural this felt: as if sitting here with her was where he should be.
Kate set her glass aside, straightening as Zach pulled up a chair. She looked almost eager, curiosity sparking in her eyes. He liked that about her—she wasn’t intimidated by them. If anything, she seemed energized by their attention.
“I heard the amazing Kate had an interesting day,” Zach teased, stretching out and propping his feet on Nick’s lounge chair.
Nick relaxed back, relishing the banter. “Oh? Here I thought you only cared about security news!” Kate’s gaze flicked between them, mirth dancing in her gold-flecked eyes.
“Guess I’m just doing my part to keep up. But really, I’m interested in what Kate may have found.” Unmistakable sincerity laced Zach’s voice. “You’ve got our attention now. Spill the details. And take your time. I need a break, and it’s beautiful out here.”
Kate’s laughter bubbled up, infecting the air. “So, you’d like the long version? I am a storyteller. Be warned!”
“The long version sounds good to me!” Nick shifted closer,anticipation prickling in his chest. More time with Kate meant more time to study her lithe body.
“Well, in that case, I’ll start with lunch. My salmon and avocado salad was to die for. Your chefs are sensational,” she teased, sincerity radiating.
Nick leaned back, pride surging through him. “Glad to hear it!”
Kate launched into the story, gestures animated, every expression filled with life. Her words, the vibrancy in her voice, the way she lost herself in the storytelling—it was captivating. She was captivating.
When she got to the part about the guest and the peanut allergy, his attention sharpened. “So, I’m assuming the officers will give you some kind of report? I’m curious—Walter said to take them to the MOD. What’s that, and what would have happened there?”
“Manager on Duty. From what you described, they are either thieves or con artists. Neither is tolerated, but given recent events, we’ll add some additional investigating.” Zach answered. “The MOD would question them about their plans—trying to scam a free meal by complaining, or if it was a distraction from something else. The video is interesting. Not sure what they thought they would get. Excuse me for a second.”
Zach moved away, pulling out his phone. Kate’s eyes shot to Nick, wide with curiosity.
“He’s probably calling the security manager on duty right now for the rest of the information. Regardless, I’m sure he’ll run deep checks on those guests.” Nick answered her silent question. “You are a remarkable storyteller. That was an extremely detailed recount. Everything else was fine?”
“Yes, Walter is marvelous, and I thought that before he handled the annoying guest. Now, I think he is beyond amazing.Lisa was also superb. You have some outstanding employees here.”
Nick smiled and sank back, surprised by how much he was smiling. Genuine smiles, not the fake ones he wore so often. Something about her brought it out.