Free Bo by Rie Warren Page A

with one wrist draped over the steering wheel.
    “What? No. Just checking the reservations and getting the directions.”
    “Babe, I trekked my way around Afghanistan and the T-man. I can navigate Charleston without Siri or GPS. Just tell me the address.”
    No shit I’d pretty much memorized the map of the tricounty area when I’d moved here. I liked knowing all my escape routes, and streets on a grid system were child’s play after the unending mountains and desert terrain I’d covered, no landmarks in sight.
    We ended up downtown, and I slipped the H1 into a tight spot between two luxury sedans that looked like Matchbox cars sandwiching my vehicle.
    Before Veronica had a chance to open her door, I was there. I helped her out, and rested my hand low on her back, my fingertips tingling with the contact on her bare silky skin.
    At the restaurant that fronted Queen Street with pavement to ceiling windows, I ushered her in in front of me.
    With the reservation confirmed, we were shown to a cozy corner table in the four star restaurant, and I held Veronica’s chair out for her before I found mine.
    “You’re quite the gentleman.” She lowered into the seat.
    “My momma raised me right. Doesn’t mean I can’t get rough.”
    “I’m not complaining. I’m just surprised and”—her voice took on a sultry tone—“it makes you even sexier, Bo.”
    I could live with that. Now the only problem would be keeping my hands to myself during our dinner.
    A feat that proved more and more difficult as our date progressed. For a change I didn’t scope out people, looking for threats, or conduct stealthy recce—which would be my MO even in an upscale restaurant. My attention centered solely on Veronica.
    The situation should’ve shaken me right out of my comfort zone, but V was my comfort zone as well as my want to fuck now fantasy.
    I tried to play nice over the appetizers when our waiter delivered two farm-to-table plates. “What made you decide to become a psychologist?”
    “Trying to dig into my head now?” Her sharp cheekbones slanted, and her cat’s eyes glimmered.
    “I think that’s only fair.” I took a bite of crispy fried pig’s ears while Veronica wrinkled her nose.
    “How can you eat that?”
    “It’s like bacon on overload.” I dipped another lightly fried triangle into the spicy sauce and held it out to her. “Try it.”
    She bit into the battered nugget. She closed her eyes. Then she moaned. “Oh my God!”
    I ate the rest watching her lick her lips. “Good, isn’t it?”
    “So good.” She forked one of the bright green beans from her bowl and pushed it at me. “Your turn.”
    “Vegetables. Yick.” I shuddered.
    “Bo. Really? Body conscious trainer like you?” She took the long green bean between her fingers and bit off the end.
    “I’m kidding.” I gobbled the rest from between her fingers. “I’m definitely on the health food circuit, but when I get a chance to gorge on meat, don’t get in my way, woman.”
    She laughed, holding up her hands. “Fine. Fine. You can have your carnivorous feast.”
    Squinting at her, I said, “Now answer my question.”
    “ Hmm ?”
    “What made you become a psychologist?”
    “I understand what it’s like to have a hard life. One you didn’t choose for yourself.” Her shiny eyes lifted. “I wouldn’t want anyone to go through what I did without help.” Her smile failed around the edges.
    “What aren’t you telling me?” Reaching over, I folded my hand around hers.
    “Nothing. Nothing.” Ducking her head, she pulled her fingers from mine.
    Nothing my ass, but I’d unravel that mystery later. Now I was all about making sure she felt at ease with me.
    The second course was served, and I moved my chair nearer to Veronica.
    She’d ordered fish. Me? A steak, as raw as they’d cook it.
    Her eyebrows lifted as I cut into the expensive Wagyu beef. Juice ran red onto my plate. Perfect.
    I chewed and swallowed, shutting my eyes. When I