Page 28 of The Right Garza

A good-looking black man climbs out of the first SUV and holds his hands out. “Michael.”

I shake his hand. “Lexi.”

He flashes me a blinding-white grin. “I know.” He moves to the trunk and pops it open. “Where do you want these?”

Frowning, I ask, “Where do I want what?”

His muscles flex as he lifts out two big bags of groceries. “These.”

“That controlling jerkhole,” I grumble through clenched teeth. Begrudgingly, I gesture in the direction of the condo. “Follow this path here to the side. You’ll see a patio. Just leave them there. I’ll bring them inside.”

I’d discovered two additional paths to the condo while I was roaming—a convenient side entrance with a small patio that leads directly into the kitchen, and a small, green gate hidden in some overgrown shrubs at the front, which leads to a set of stairs that go up to the second floor.

Michael unloads around six bags of groceries before handing me the keys to the SUV. “It’s got a full tank.” He then slides me a business card. “Boss said if they’re any emergencies and he’s unavailable, you call me.”

I raise a brow. “OrI can call the police.”

Michael grins cockily. “We’ll get here faster.”

“Whatever,” I mumble, glancing at the card.

Red Cage Commando Security & Investigation Services

Michael Spencer

“Anything else I can do for you, Lexi?” he asks, a twinkle in his hazel eyes. What the hell does he find so damn amusing about me? Ugh. I don’t even want know.Trent’s his boss, so…enough said.

“Um, no. That’s it. Thanks.”

He jerks his chin and jumps into the second SUV, and off it goes.

I get out my phone.

Me:You controlling asshat! I told you I could get my own damn groceries.

Trent:How long have you known me, Hellcat?

Me:Cockroach!

Trent:Just dying to get me on my back, aren’t you?

Me:You’re SO lucky I’m indebted to you, I swear.

Trent:You have no idea :)

Chapter ELEVEN

“Lucky Mage”

Lexi

Sipping java from Trent’stravel mug, I stand on the front steps outside the guesthouse and watch Maggie’s fire-red Mini Cooper zip up the driveway.

Magnolia Glades.

We went to Redlands East Valley High together and she lived three streets away from me.

Shortly after Torin and I started dating, so did she and Trent. A couple of months later, her family just up and moved to Bakersfield.