Rascal

by Lea Hart

“You don’t even know what I was going to say.”

  “Did it involve something to do with upgrading the security for our facilities?”

  “No, it involved a drive to Sedona and dinner on the patio of the Mariposa with a view of Red Rock.”

  Looking around, she shook her head. “We can’t mix business and pleasure.”

  “Then I’ll take your pleasure and forget about the business.” Stepping in closer, he let his hand trail over her shoulder and rested it on her neck. “Something about you rocks my world, and I’m not going to rest until I figure out what it is.”

  Her eyes fluttered, and Zach let his fingers play over the soft delicate skin of her neck. “You’ve woven a spell over me, and I don’t think I’ll have any sanity until I do the same to you. So, take McCallan Security out of the running if it’s going to stop us from getting to know one another.” He watched her trembling hand push his chest, and he took a small step back. “Nothing else matters, Cecily.”

  “The COO was really impressed with you and your brothers, and the last thing I’m going to do is give her some lame excuse as to why we shouldn’t consider McCallan Security.”

  “So what do we do?”

  “Nothing.”

  “I hate that answer.”

  “It’s the only one you’re getting for now.”

  “I’m going to change your mind, you know.”

  She stepped back, picked up her briefcase and gave him a smile. “We’ll see.”

  Zach watched her walk out of the conference room and made sure he didn’t do the idiotic thing he really wanted to and run after her. Firming his patience, he let out a long breath and told himself to calm the hell down.

  Goals were not achieved by running at them without a plan, and it was time he put one together.

  One careful step at a time.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Zach sat in seat 1B on a Southwest flight to Tucson and glanced over at Cecily, trying to determine how high her level of irritation was. It seemed to be hovering around a seven, and he knew his next move had to get it down to a three if they were going to have any sort of day at all.

  Maybe being quiet for a while would be his best option.

  Leaning his head back, he closed his eyes and started working on one of the many relaxation exercises he’d learned over the last couple of years and became aware of his breath.

  As fucking annoying as it was, it helped, and he would do just about anything to move his life in a healthy direction. And now that he had a woman he wanted to hold on to, it was double important.

  “Are you afraid of flying?”

  Opening his eyes, he glanced over. “No, I used to do HALO jumps at twenty-five thousand feet when I was part of FORCE RECON.”

  “That sounds very dangerous and exciting. What’s FORCE RECON?”

  “It’s a special operations group and being part of it was a hell of a lot of fun.”

  “Did you love being a Marine?”

  “Still am. Once a Marine, always one.”

  “Tell me something about it.”

  “I left for boot camp on my eighteenth birthday and figured I’d come home in a box since The War on Terror was in full swing. Cole had joined up two years before me and had seen a ton of combat and had several near-death experiences.”

  “My gosh, Zach, I had no idea.”

  “McCallan boys love to test their metal, and all three of us had our chance because we each were in for ten years.”

  “That’s a lot to be proud of and…”

  Taking her hand, he turned his head and grinned. “What?”

  “Thank you.”

  “For doing my job?”

  “Yes, because it takes an exceptional human being to serve and put their life on the line.”

  “I wish I could pretend my original intent was altruistic, but I just wanted to avoid jail.”

  “Is that what all the rumors were about back in high school?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I guess I do want to hear the story.”

  “Now?”

  “No, but eventually.”

  “Anytime, Cecily.”

  “I respect the hell out of you for staying ten years. And the fact you served in a special operations unit is a lot to be proud of.”

  Hearing the announcement for takeoff, Zach nodded. “If I tell you a bunch of war stories will you fall for me?”

  “Don’t know, but I guess it can’t hurt.”

  “Considering you were ten kinds of irritated when we got on the plane, I’ll take it.”

  “I was irritated because…”

  “What, Cecily? What got your panties so twisted?”

  Sliding her hand away, she looked out the window. “Give me a minute so I can come up with a reason that won’t be embarrassing.”

  Leaning over, he put his mouth against her ear. “Just tell me the truth.”

  She pushed him away and let out a breath. “Why do you have to be so charming to every woman you encounter?”

  Snorting, he sat back. “Projection.”

  “What?”

  “You’re projecting your crap on me.”

  “I am not!”

  “You flirt with anyone who comes within six inches of you.”

  “I do no such thing.”

  “You sure as hell do. Would you like a list?”

  “No.”

  “Okay, I’ll give you one.”

  Cecily sat up and fussed with her necklace. “I’m polite and friendly, which in no way can be confused with flirting.”

  “On a bullshit meter, you just hit a hundred.” Seeing her face turn red, he let out a laugh. “You smile, touch and weave your magic spell on any man, woman or child you encounter.”

  “That’s so…”

  “True.”

  “No it’s not.”

  “Yeah, it sure as hell is, and you have no idea how enticing, enthralling and tempting you are. You’ve got an old picture stuck in your head that has nothing to do with the present. You are five feet nine inches of alluring woman with a heart so warm, no man can resist.”

  “Plenty have.”

  “After you shot every hope and dream full of bullet holes.”

  Snorting, she covered her mouth and looked out the window. “I like the way you see me.”

  He lifted the armrest that separated them and dropped his arm over her shoulders, drawing her close. “Baby, you’re a dream I never knew I had.”

  She dropped her head and let out a breath. “Why do you say things like that?”

  Moving his head close, he again put his mouth against her ear. “’Cause it’s true.”

  “Can’t believe you charmed the COO like you did. Zelda is immune to almost everyone and yet she melted liked butter the moment you started your presentation.”

  “She sure did, and it had nothing to do with my impressive oratory skills, but the fact her son is a Marine.”

  “That sure didn’t hurt, but she was smitten the moment you walked in the room.”

  “Are you jealous that I can charm a woman twice my age?”

  “No.”

  “For the record, I’m jealous that the sixteen-year-old kid at Starbucks was ready to pledge his undying fidelity to you after no more than a minute of conversation.”

  Smiling, she twisted her rings around. “We bonded over our shared love of caramel.”

  “Bullshit. He fell into your warm smile and cleavage and had no desire to ever crawl out.”

  “That’s rude.”

  “That’s the truth.”

  She waved her hand and crossed her legs. “I don’t—”

  “Know how fucking irresistible you are.” When she shook her head and continued to look out the window, he knew it wasn’t a truth she was comfortable with. Which might not be a bad thing because when, and if, she ever discovered her power, he was going to have to glue himself to her side just to keep the competition at bay. “What’s our first stop in Tucson?”

  Clearing her thr
oat, she turned. “We’re going to start with the oldest facility we own, then move on to the newest one so you can have enough information for your final proposal.”

  “Are you mad that everyone was so impressed with the initial one that I put together?”

  “No, because it makes me look like a genius for finding you.”

  “You gonna keep me?”

  “For what?”

  “You know.”

  “Friendship is where we’re starting, and it’s too early to say if more is possible.”

  “It’s not only possible but probable. And I know that I need to prove you can trust me with not only your body but that soft heart you’ve never shown anyone. My hands will always hold you when words can’t make it right, and my shoulder will be the safest place for your head.”

  Cecily cleared her throat and then looked up. “Now who’s bringing in the heavy artillery?”

  “Going to have to, because the walls you’ve got erected are damn impressive.”

  “I’ve never had a reason to let the drawbridge down.”

  “Get ready, baby, ‘cause I’m going to give you one before too long.”

  “I know.”

  “You ready?”

  “Not even a little.”

  “Neither am I.”

  She turned and let out a breath. “That the best thing you’ve said so far.”

  “I’d like to pretend that I have an idea of what we’re about to get into, but we both know I don’t.”

  “I wonder what would happen if I stopped resisting you.”

  Turning, he tried to determine if it was possible. “Don’t tease if you don’t mean it.”

  “I think you’re about the chase, and once you’ve caught whatever it is you’re after, it’s no longer all that interesting.”

  “That’s not even a little true, but I don’t think my words are going to change your mind and only my actions will. So, run if you want to, or stand still. The result will be the same.” Zach waited for one of her snappy responses and was surprised when she said nothing and dropped her head to his shoulder, instead.

  Breathing in her warmth, he enjoyed her soft curves pressed against his side and couldn’t name the feelings flying around in his chest. Soft ones, hungry ones and some that were so voracious they stole his breath away.

  The woman was so enticing, so real and so far above his pay grade, he could hardly breathe.

  Taking her hand, he let a smile form as the sound of the engines filled the cabin and the plane began to taxi down the runway. “Going to make you mine,” he whispered. “One way or another.”

  ***

  Cecily studied the list of speakers for the upcoming lecture series and knew the new activities director deserved a compliment. Not only had she invited a local ornithologist to discuss an upcoming trip but a renowned bridge teacher to speak with the residents.

  The newest of the Affinity properties had attracted a savvy and sophisticated senior and the old bingo game and water aerobics class wouldn’t begin to satisfy them, so it was good to see they had the right people in place.

  Not that bingo night wasn’t filled to capacity weekly, because it was, and the fact that drinks were included only made the night more competitive and raucous. Checking the clock, she saw they had another hour on site before they needed to head to the airport for their flight.

  Walking out of the activity center, she stopped in at the card and billiards room and saw there were several card games going, and one man in particular had an impressive stack of chips. Every location had a card shark or two, and she figured the man in the Hawaiian shirt and fedora was going home with drinking money.

  An elegant woman in a Mumu walked up and folded her arms. “My Bernard has been a rascal from the moment I met him at eighteen. Now that he’s eighty he might be worse.”

  Cecily looked over and laughed. “You look like you’ve handled it well, since you’re smiling.”

  “It’s not been easy, but I wouldn’t change him for the world. He’s made my life interesting, and the adventures we’ve been on have been some of the best moments of my life.”

  “I’m Cecily by the way.”

  “Lovely to meet you, Cecily. I’m Bernadette. Are you visiting your parents or another relative?”

  “No, I’m the Director of Operations for Affinity, and I’m here for a site visit with a security consultant.”

  “It’s lovely to meet you, Cecily the Director. Do you enjoy your job?”

  “I do, as a matter of fact. I started working in retirement homes in high school and loved the population and do to this day.”

  Smoothing out her bouffant, Bernadette shook her head. “Why in the world would a girl who looks like you want to hang out with old people when there were probably a million more interesting things available?”

  Folding her hands together, Cecily smiled. “High school wasn’t all that fun, and I found the kindness and wisdom of the folks in the retirement home better company. My best friend, Inez, loved to sing show tunes and we used to put on little concerts on the weekends.”

  “High School can be brutal, and kudos to you for finding a place that fed your soul. Though I can’t imagine why you didn’t have to fight off the boys for attention.”

  “I wasn’t much to look at, and the caterpillar stage lasted an unusually long time, so it took me a while to accept who and what I am.”

  Bernadette let out a little snort. “Dear, it takes some people a lifetime and that’s not always enough.”

  “I consider myself lucky, because I was forced to figure a few things out early on. It gave me a chance to dig in and decide how I could live my best life. If the road had been easier then I might’ve not done it until much later in life.”

  “Excellent attitude, and I applaud you.”

  “Thank you. That’s very kind,” Cecily replied as she leaned against the wall. “What have been some of the best lessons you’ve learned along the way?”

  Bernadette raised a perfectly-penciled eyebrow. “Dear, that would require a proper martini and about an hour.”

  “That sounds lovely, but I have to leave in an hour and will miss the cocktail hour.”

  “Next time, then.”

  “Count me in.”

  Bernadette turned and put her hand on Cecily’s arm. “I will tell you that when you’re choosing a life partner, it’s important to think about who you want at your side for some of life’s most difficult and joyous moments. Love is divine, but it’s only the beginning. Pick someone who’d be a great parenting partner, because they will deeply influence your children. And choose a man who you’d like to eat with, because you’ll share around twenty thousand meals together. But most important, find a husband who you think you’ll want to hear how their day went eighteen thousand times, because that one will really get you.”

  “That may be the best advice I’ve ever been given, because it puts the whole partnership and marriage thing in perspective.”

  “Next time you’re back come and find me, because I’ve got a lot of gems like that.”

  “I will, Bernadette.”

  Nodding, she squeezed her arm. “I look forward to it.”

  Hearing her name over the intercom, she stepped back. “I should go.”

  “Till next time, sweet Cecily.”

  “Till next time, Bernadette.” Turning down the hallway, Cecily headed toward the office wing and let the words of wisdom roll around and marinate, since they were definitely worth holding on to.

  Cecily walked out of the facility and glanced over at Zach. “Did you get everything you needed?”

  “I sure did. The day was incredibly productive, and I should be able to put a final proposal together by next week.”

  “I’m glad it worked out then.”

  “Are you?” he asked. “Because you were giving me all kinds of reasons earlier to think otherwise.”

  “I did my research and know the company you and your brothers have is top notch, so if you’r
e chosen, it’s going to be the best thing for our residents. And that’s all I care about at the end of the day.”

  Zach dropped his hands to Cecily’s shoulders and turned her to the right. “Take a look at that, baby. Isn’t it spectacular?”

  Nodding, she let out a breath and watched the last of the sun filter through the grove of Aspen trees. “Magic.”

  “We’ve had a couple of magic moments since we met, and I’m going to add this one to the list.” Moving behind her, he wrapped his arms around her and dropped his head to her shoulder. “Not a bad way to end our day in Arizona.”

  She leaned against him, despite the fact it was a bad idea professionally, and soaked in the warm evening air and the small perfect moment. “I never would’ve stopped to appreciate this without you pointing it out.”

  “Then, I’ll keep doing it so when the tough moments come along we’ll have these.”

  “This isn’t us doing nothing, this very much feels like something.”

  “Because it is.”

  “I think it’s unprofessional to be in the arms of a man who’s bidding on a contract.”

  “Are you making the final decision?”

  “No, it will be the boards.”

  “Are you going to unduly influence any decision they make?”

  “No, the facts will speak for themselves.”

  “Then I think we’re okay. But if you have to make a choice, then pick me, because the contract with Affinity doesn’t mean shit if it costs me a chance with you.”

  She nodded, keeping her eyes on the trees. She knew she wasn’t quite ready for what Zach had in mind but wanted to be brave.

  Because the universe listened to bravery, and seeing what kind of response it might give her was something Cecily didn’t want to miss.