Free Cat Got Your Tongue? by Rae Rivers

moment of tension had passed. “To be honest, I’ve yet to meet a man who has the balls to have a showdown in a relationship with me.”
    She looked out of the window. “You need to remember that I’m here tonight on a business capacity and not as a real date.”
    “I haven’t forgotten.”
    She glanced back at him. “What I mean is that although I’ll be attending as your date, I’ll still be working the room.”
    “Working the room? That sounds like something a prostitute would say.”
    “For your security,” she said, feigning impatience. “Even though I’m wearing heels tonight, I still have to do my job so if a situation arises then just back off and let me, okay?”
    He fell silent, settled back in his seat, and fixed an unnerving gaze on her.
    “Fair enough,” he replied a moment later. “Did you settle in okay this afternoon at the house?”
    “Yes. Charles and Warren were great.”
    “Good.” Cole glanced out the window. “We’re almost there.”
    “Who’s our host for this dinner party?”
    “Mike Willis.”
    “The real estate guru?”
    “Yes. Do you know him?”
    “He was once a client. One of my partners worked with him.”
    Before Cole could reply, the limo came to a stop outside the hotel entrance and he scowled as several reporters scurried around them.
    “Wow,” Alex said softly, staring at the mob of people outside.
    “Want to back out?”
    “Never.”
    He smiled and made a move to exit the limo, but she grabbed his arm to stop him. “Cole. Let me do my job.”
    With a frown, he nodded and they both exited the limo to a mob of excited reporters.
    “Mr. Anderson, are there any new leads regarding the attempted robbery at your house this week?” a reporter from The New York Post shouted.
    A second reporter pushed ahead, following the couple as they moved to the front door. “Mr. Anderson, when did you and Miss Foxley start dating?”
    A flurry of questions followed and as they reached the steps, Alex turned to face them. When she spoke, her voice was clear and professional.
    “I’m here as a representative from Body Armor and not as Mr. Anderson’s date. Due to the robbery at his house earlier in the week, we felt Mr. Anderson’s security was at risk. Body Armor is assisting with his personal protection as well as with the upgrade of his home and office security.” She nodded and dashed inside, ignoring their onset of questions.
    “What was that for?” Cole grumbled, taking her arm.
    “Don’t be so cranky.”
    “I quite liked the fact they thought you were my date.” Lowering his head, he whispered in her ear, “You make a hot date.”
    “And you’re so looking for trouble,” she repeated, tilting her head toward him and smiling against his face. “I was sending a message.”
    “Saying what? That Cole Anderson can’t get a date?”
    She rolled her eyes. “Everyone knows that Cole Anderson can get a date. No one doubts your masculine mojo. Once word gets out, every professional art thief in New York will know we’re in the process of upgrading your security.”
    “Ah, clever.”
    “And also,” she said, flashing him a bright smile, “I was letting them know that I’m here as your bodyguard so if anything happens and I have to do my job to keep you safe they won’t think that Cole Anderson stands back and allows his date to kick ass for him.”
    “You’re so cool,” he breathed and slipped an arm around her waist.
    ****
    Alex stood in the doorway, her skilled gaze sweeping across the room in search of her target, her sole purpose for being here tonight.
    Cole.
    Everyone was dressed to impress. Diamonds glittered, business cards swapped hands, and everyone stood with a glass in their hand, chatting and laughing. Elegant chandeliers and hundreds of candles lit the room, providing a romantic and warm atmosphere. The band played in the background while several waiters walked around, dressed in black suits. They would’ve blended in well with the other