To Love and Protect

“I have my ways.”

She liked his ways. “Enough about me. What do you do?”

Before he could answer, the waiter returned to take their orders. Liz chose a club sandwich, knowing she could take at least half of it home for dinner, and added on a cup of soup. David picked the burger.

“So typically guy,” she said. “A burger and fries.”

“I have to get my fix while I can.”

She picked up her water glass. “Because you’ll soon be forbidden to eat red meat?”

“Because I’m heading to Europe in about—” He checked his watch. “Eleven hours.”

“You’re what?”

He lowered his voice. “I’m a spy and the government is sending me to Russia.”

“Oh, please.”

He grinned. “It’s half true. I really am going to Moscow, but not as a spy. I work for the State Department.”

“Like I’m buying that. How old are you?”

“Twenty-five. I was recruited out of college.” He held up both hands in a gesture of surrender. “I’m a low-level flunky. Trust me, they hire guys my age. Someone has to do the grunt work.”

“An overseas assignment is hardly grunt work.” She thought about her nana. “But to see Moscow…” Someday, she promised herself. Because she wanted to and because she’d told Nana she would.

“Have you been?” he asked.

“No. We talked about going, but Nana’s health was never great. Not that there was tons of money.”

“She must be very proud of you.”

“She was.” Liz reached for the bread. “She died three years ago.”

“I’m sorry.”

David’s words were a simple, expected courtesy, yet he spoke them as if he meant them. As if he understood loss.

“Thanks.” She looked at him. “So what exactly is grunt work for the State Department? I don’t guess you carry packages across the border or anything?”

“Sorry, no. But I can probably get you a decoder ring.”

She laughed. “I’d like that. Oh, and maybe some disappearing ink.”

“I’ll check the supply cabinet when I get there.”

“How long are you posted overseas?” she asked.

“It can be years. I’ll be in Moscow at least three.”

Liz felt a twinge of something low in her stomach. Regret? Maybe. She liked David more than she’d liked anyone in a long time.

“What does your family say about that?” she asked.

“I’m one of five kids, so they’re used to their children having lives. Besides, my folks are great. They want me to be happy.”

Nana would have wanted that for her, too, Liz thought fondly. Happiness and lots of babies. To her grandmother, they were forever linked. Unfortunately, Nana had only had one son and that son had only produced one child.

The waiter appeared with their meals. When he was gone, Liz picked up her soup spoon and glanced at David. “Logan, huh? As in ‘the Logans’? The rich computer company family who contribute millions to Children’s Connection?”

David sighed. “I believe it’s very important to give back.” He grinned. “At least I will when I make my fortune. For now, my folks are the generous ones.”

More than generous, she thought. She’d heard great things about the family. Based on how terrific David was, she would guess they were true.

“I assume there’s no Mrs. Logan accompanying you to Russia?” she asked.

He regarded her seriously. “Nope. Mom’s going to stay home, although she did sew my name into the collars of all my dress shirts.”

She grinned. “You know what I mean.”

“I’m not married, Liz. If I was, I wouldn’t be having lunch with you like this.”

“Good. I’m not married, either. Although there are two large ex-football players waiting for me back at the apartment.”

His mouth dropped open. “You’re kidding.”

“No, but don’t sweat it. They’re just roommates.”

“Why do I know that’s a line?”

“I have no idea. I’m telling the truth. They only have eyes for each other.”

After a lengthy lunch they tussled over the bill.

“It’s on me,” Liz said as she reached for the slip of paper David held. “It’s in exchange for you modeling for me. I’m putting it on my expense account, I swear.”

David shook his head. “It’s my treat. I don’t have lunch with a beautiful woman all that often.”

He was so lying, she thought humorously.

“I’m on to you,” she said as he handed the waiter his credit card. “You act all gentle and charming, but the truth is you’re a serious player in the man-woman game. You know all the moves and I doubt you ever spend a night home alone, except by choice.”

He winced. “That’s unfair.”

“But is it wrong?”

He looked at her and smiled. “What about you, Red?” He fingered the fringe on the brown suede jacket she’d just put on. “You play the starving artist, but with really great accessories. I’m going to guess that guys fall all over themselves to stare into those big green eyes of yours.” He lowered his voice. “Tell me that you’ve never done a quick sketch just to impress a potential conquest.”