"Is the food to your liking?" Miranda asked, her tone overly sweet.
"Yes, it is," I said, returning her smile even though I took small, deliberate bites to suggest otherwise.
She leaned closer, lowering her voice, and subtly pointed toward Chuck standing a few steps behind us. "Is that… scary man your bodyguard?" she whispered.
I laughed lightly, as if genuinely amused. "Yes, Chuck is my bodyguard," I said. "But do not be fooled by his face. He is actually a sweetheart."
Her reaction was immediate. A flicker of disbelief crossed her expression before she smoothed it away. It was easy to read the thought written all over her face. How could a man like that possibly be gentle?
"Well," I continued pleasantly, "thank you for inviting me to lunch, Miranda. I was surprised you asked."
"Oh." She blushed, pressing a hand to her chest. "It was nothing at all. Priscilla mentioned that you lost your mother, and I thought it would be nice to show you some maternal warmth."
