Expert Witness: A Romantic Suspense Novel by Nicole Luckourt Page B

things a lot easier.” He shook his hand. “You still flying out in the morning?”  
    “Yeah. We’re good to go for tomorrow. I’ll see you around.” David walked over to a black sedan parked by the sidewalk of her house.
    “I guess I can see how you spend a lot of time coordinating all of this,” Jordan observed.
    “This wasn’t anything complicated. Dignitary motorcades, speaking events in front of a coliseum full of people, children of VIPs—those can cause gray hair,” he said, the corners of his lips turning up.  
    “Did you really just lump children in the same category as protecting someone speaking with thousands of people in an audience?” she asked with a grin.
    “No, I said children of VIPs,” he deadpanned. “Some of them would make the crowd screening of an entire coliseum look like the easier gig.”
    She shook her head. “I’ll bet you have some stories from those times.”
    “I do. Fortunately for them, my lips are sealed. Client confidentiality.” He smiled. “Something I know you can relate to. And, if I were to bet, I’d say you probably have some stories yourself.”  
    “True,” she agreed. “But like you, my lips are sealed,” she said with a wink. Then she looked back toward the house.  
    It was a single-story craftsman-style home. Not one of the common residential styles found in the area, but it blended in with the theme of the community.  
    She extended her hands out in front of her. “Well, this is home.” Then her cheeks reddened at the pronouncement.
    He knew what she’d meant, but she apparently didn’t like the way the words had sounded when they’d come out. He had to fight to suppress a smile. She was certainly cute when flustered.  
      “Well, home to me…” she stammered. “I mean, please make it yours while you’re here.”
    “Great. Thanks. Let me just grab my bags,” he said, stifling the urge to chuckle.
    Based on today’s interactions, helping her out of the awkward conversations she got them into might become a habit for him. On one hand, she was adorable during these foot-in-mouth episodes. But on the other hand, there was some part of him that wanted to alleviate her discomfort. She appeared to be putting forth one hell of an effort to cope with the difficult and scary situation she’d been served. It’d feel good to take something else off her plate.  
    He’d already quoted her a rate that was less than half of his regular fee for services. He’d wanted to tell her that there’d be no charge as a favor to Mike, but he knew that wouldn’t have been wise. Waiving his fee would make the detail personal––the kind of personal he didn’t do.
      §
    As Chase gathered a few suitcases out of his truck, Jordan tried to move past her embarrassment over the latest awkward comments that had flown out of her mouth. She was on a roll today. It must be this whole scenario.   It easily qualified as being one of the most uncomfortable situations she’d ever been in.  
    The worst part was, she wasn’t used to feeling this unsure of herself. Her entire life she’d been more of a leader than a follower, her sights fixed firmly on the goal she was after. Dealing with this level of uncertainty was an unfamiliar undertaking. So far, all she’d learned was that she wasn’t very good at it.  
    With a suitcase in one hand and a worn leather messenger bag in the other, Chase locked the SUV and headed toward her. “Once I get you settled, do you think you have enough room in the garage for mine also? I’d feel much better having it stored there and being able to come and go without being outside.”  
    “Sure. There should be plenty of room. Yard equipment is in a shed out back, so there isn’t much in the garage.” Trying to let go a little, Jordan decided the most obvious thing to do next was to invite him in. “Why don’t we head in so you can put those down?” She eyed the bags he held.  
    “Lead the way.” His casual tone