Gunning for the Groom by Debra Webb

we have three divisions offering cyber security, property security and personal protection solutions.”
    â€œA desk,” Frankie replied, avoiding her mother’s gaze.
    Aidan saw the tension fall from Sophia’s shoulders. It was such a typical, caring, maternal reaction. If he’d suffered Frankie’s injuries, his mother would do the same thing. He’d reviewed the bulk of what Frankie labeled as evidence against her mother and he didn’t have enough to verify the documentation as real. Still, he wasn’t seeing any of the cold animosity Frankie insisted lurked under Sophia’s reserved and polished surface.
    â€œBased on your record with the navy and the Savannah Police Department, we can add you as an analyst.”
    Aidan listened as intently as Frankie while Paul outlined the details of the position.
    â€œYou’d be working closely with me, as well,” Sophia added.
    Aidan was sure that was a mistake, but Frankie managed a smile. “Sounds good.”
    â€œMy only concern,” Paul continued, holding up a hand, “is your status at the Savannah PD. Your supervisor isn’t aware you’re job hunting. He believes you’re out here on extended leave.”
    If she was going to falter and blow their cover, this would be the moment. “I told him I needed some personal time,” Frankie said. “And I agreed to continue consulting on cases as needed.” She looked hard at Sophia. “I wasn’t sure how things would go here.”
    â€œThat’s perfectly understandable,” her mother said.
    â€œIs it?” Paul countered. “We’re in the midst of a major client pitch. I’d like to know the team is focused on that primary goal.”
    Frankie scooted to the edge of her chair. “I’ll call in and give my notice on Monday. I’ll do it now if you’d prefer.”
    Aidan watched as a wealth of information passed, unspoken, between the older couple. “Frankie and I don’t mean to put you in a tough position,” he said. “We have other options in the area and we can always just call this a vacation.”
    â€œThis is home .” Sophia pressed her lips together. “At least I want it to be.” Her tender, pleading gaze moved to Frankie. “Give us six months. Please.”
    Frankie looked to Paul. “Will that work for you?”
    He agreed with a nod. “Now, Aidan.” His salt-and-pepper eyebrows dipped low. “We have a vacancy in the training division for our personal security team. You’d be overseeing everything from hand-to-hand combat to weapons proficiency.”
    â€œSounds good.”
    â€œYou’re not afraid of paperwork, are you?”
    â€œNot at all.”
    â€œAre you willing to venture into the field occasionally to help with planning and assessment?”
    â€œOf course.”
    Paul stood and extended his hand. “Then welcome to Leo Solutions. We’ll get the paperwork sorted on Monday.”
    The older man was friendly enough, appearing open and content with the new arrivals. Aidan had yet to pinpoint what bothered him about Sophia’s business partner. Polite, not quite slick, Paul seemed to be hiding a cold, hard center. The man ran a security company; suspicions went with the job. Maybe he had painted himself as the protector here, of Sophia and the firm. Considering how and when the business had launched, it made some sense. It would’ve made more sense if Sophia exhibited any sign of weakness.
    Like mother, like daughter, Aidan thought, knowing he’d never dare say so in front of Frankie.
    Paul turned toward Sophia. “In the meantime, I’m sure you have plenty of catching up in mind.”
    â€œI do.” She was as delighted as any adoring mother to have her child home, within arm’s reach. “We’ll start with a company tour, and then I’ll take them over to the apartment,” she said,