“Oh, hi. I was wondering where you had gone.”
He laughed without turning around. “Kait wanted me to stay until you guys leave. He seemed to think I may need to fix your makeup. You’re not planning on ruining it, are you?”
“No, I wasn’t planning on it, but I can be klutzy, so you never know.”
He pulled out a tray of lunchmeat and put it on the counter. I stared at it. Why in the hell did we have a tray of lunchmeat here? Like we are going to have a party. Brad looked at me, then at the tray.
“What? What’s the matter? Don’t you like lunchmeat?”
“Huh? No, that’s not it. I was just wondering why we have it. It’s not like we have a lot of visitors here.”
“Oh, I think he went out and got it while we were busy.”
“Okay.” I shook my head as I made myself a sandwich, making sure not to use to many condiments, so it didn’t drip. I ate delicately, leaning forward to minimize the crumbs on my dress. All in all, it was an awkward meal. When I was done, I looked at Brad and asked, “How’s the makeup?”
He glanced at me and said, “Flawless.”
I smiled. The nerves were getting to me, and I started regretted eating. My stomach was doing backflips, and I didn’t know if the sandwich was going to stay where it belonged. Brad came over, and put a finger under my chin, bringing my eyes up to his.
“Sweetie, let me tell you. Kait is one of the most competent men I know. If he is planning this shindig tonight, you don’t have to worry. Everything will be fine, and the party will be a blast!”
I stared at Brad. He had no idea what was going on. He thought all of this was for some big party. Which I understood, but still. His words just caused the dread to settle further into me. I took a deep breath while I forced a smile.
“Thanks, Brad. I appreciate it.” I looked down as I said it, since I wasn’t a great actress. If Kait didn’t trust him to tell him what was going on, why did he trust him with the safe houses location?
When I looked back up, Brad was watching me with a sly look, that was quickly brushed away by his normal slightly arrogant one. I narrowed my eyes at him. “I’ll be right back.”
I carefully stood up, making sure my dress was falling properly, and wasn’t under my heels. When I was comfortable, I strode down the hall to the room Kait and the guys were in. I burst in without knocking.
They were in the middle of the room, their heads together, whispering. Again. Their heads swiveled to me as one. It was kinda creepy, really. I put my hands on my hips, ignoring that my boobs felt like they were going to fall out of the dress in this pose.
“What are you plotting now? And what the hell is up with Brad? Does he know what tonight is? If he doesn’t, why did you bring him here?” My voice was a fierce whisper. If there was something weird about Brad, I didn’t want him to hear me.
“I was going over the boys roles one last time, nothing is up with Brad, that I know of, and he knows most of what tonight is. Why?”
“He said something that made it sound like he thinks tonight is just a party, that you’ve planned. Were you going to go over my role again?” I barely stopped myself from bitching about him excluding me. From the way his eyes narrowed, though, he knew I had thought it.
“Yes, I was going to come discuss it with you when you were done. It is common practice not to include everyone on every part of the plan. If you do, it leaves you vulnerable, since the more people who know are the more people who can tell. Brad has a weird sense of humor. I’m sure that’s all it was.”
I looked at them suspiciously. “Uh huh.”
Kait looked at David and Travis. “It’s time to go get ready, boys.” They both nodded and kissed me lightly on the cheek before leaving the room. I looked at Kait.
“Don’t you need to get ready?”
“I’m not a guest, I’m not going to wear a tux. I have a servant’s uniform, and I don’t have to pretty myself up. It won’t take me as long.” He came over and rubbed my bare shoulders. “I understand the nerves, but please, for the love of all things holy, stop thinking the worst of me! I know I excluded you at first, but I’m not now, and I won’t do it again. You need to let it go.”
I sighed. Maybe I was being unfair. “I’m sorry. Forgive me?”
He kissed my forehead. “Always, Princess.”
“Is there anything else I need to know about tonight? “
“No, just keep your wits about you and your eyes open. I’m sure they aren’t going to know what hit them, but you need to keep on your toes.”
I laughed. “With these shoes, I definitely will be.”
“Har-har-har. Very funny. Now, I may not have to look pretty, but I do need to change.”
“Alright, I will wait for you all in the kitchen, with Brad.”
His eyes softened, and he reached for me. I allowed him to tug me in closer, leaning my body against him as he tilted my head up kiss me tenderly. His arms tightened around me, carefully pulling me in even more.
He leaned back just enough to look into my eyes. I could see his love for me shining in his eyes. “Try not to ruin the dress at the party, Princess. I’d really like the chance to ruin it at home tonight. Now, go.” He smacked me on the butt.
Heat flashed through me at his words and I stumbled a little as I turned away. His hand shot out to support my elbow so
