River was either oblivious to or didn’t care how many eyes drifted her way, including Easton’s own. Busy scrolling through her phone as she stood in line, River was halfway to the counter before she noticed Easton noticing her. River hopped out of line and met him at the table.

“Hey, I didn’t realize you’d be here.” The stunning redhead gave them both a warm greeting as she checked the smartwatch on her wrist. “I was going to grab something before we met up.”

Easton raised his own cup in salute. “Great minds think alike.”

“Or redundantly,” she countered playfully. Rolling her eyes, she added, “Did you see that article today in the local paper? Someone is getting a strongly worded letter. We haven’t even started to film yet, and apparently we’re the scourge of the town—”

“River.” Cutting her off midsentence, Easton looked toward his companion. “This is Tasha.”

“Oh, sorry.” River offered a hand to the other woman. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Tasha perked up immediately. “Come join us. I’d love to buy you a cup of coffee.”

Even as she scooted her chair over to make room, River’s blue eyes were narrowing. “Wait, what was your name again?”

“Be careful what you say around her,” Easton warned, only half playfully. “She’s a reporter.”

Tasha gave him a horrified look. “Tattle much?”

Easton rose and put a few dollars on the table. “You can handle yourself.” When he glanced at River, he saw her staring at Tasha with flat dislike. He hid his mirth behind his coffee cup. “You both can. A smart man leaves at this point.”

Heading for the door, Easton could hear his client’s voice, volume and tone flexing around her words as if they were living beings.

“You know what, Tasha? I’m actually really glad to run into you this morning. And yes, I’d love to chat. Number one, and this is absolutely on the record: Don’t you dare think for one second you can come after a member of my team and get away with it. Easton is officially on the payroll, so back off my people. Number two—”

As the door shut behind him, Easton couldn’t help a slight smile. One of her people, huh? He’d been called worse things.

Chapter 5

River wouldn’t lie. She’d enjoyed every second of letting the reporter have it.