by Lisa Kessler
Her phone buzzed. She took it out and frowned. “That’s weird.”
He tensed. “Your mom?”
“No.” She met his eyes. “Callie wants everyone to meet at her place tomorrow morning. It’s important.”
“I haven’t met Callie yet.”
Tera sent a text back and lifted her head. “She’s in charge of our LLC for the theater. Maybe there’s something we all need to sign or something.” Her lips quirked like she was holding back a smile. “It’s still early. Want to see it?”
“The theater? I thought it was still under construction.”
“It is.” She dug into her bag and jangled a set of keys. “But you have a contact…and there’s a basketball hoop in the parking lot.”
He grinned, shaking his head. “How can I say no to that?”
Tera drove them in her car this time, and while watching the rearview mirror for anyone tailing them, he couldn’t help but watch her profile. She braided her hair before they left, and now it lay in front of her shoulder and across her chest. He averted his eyes before he got caught staring at her breasts. Again, he had to remind himself she was his client, not his girlfriend.
Tera pulled into the lot, and he sized up the construction site. The theater looked to be two or three stories high, though it was tough to tell for sure in the dark. It was also round, with columns along the outer wall.
“It’s going to be amazing when it’s finished.”
He glanced her way. “When’s the grand opening?”
“We don’t have a date yet.” She got out of the car and locked it. “We’re going as fast as we can, but we’ve only got one contractor, and the rest of us all pitch in when we can.”
He frowned. “Can’t afford a crew, or…?”
She rubbed her shoulder without making eye contact. “We could, but…it’s complicated.” She popped the trunk, and he grabbed his basketball. Tera smiled up at him. “You know, back in school, I never would have dreamed that the Gavin Thompson would ever teach me to sink a basketball.”
“Riiiight.” He chuckled, shocked at the heat traveling up his face. Did she just make him blush? Unbelievable. He was suddenly glad they were under the yellow, color-killing lights of the parking lot. “You didn’t give a crap about basketball.”
“Not true.” She crossed her arms, her hip jutting out to the side. “I wanted to learn to play basketball, softball, and soccer, but it was too risky. If I got injured, I would’ve missed out on auditions for leads and internships with the dance companies.”
He sobered, his voice softening as he tucked the ball under his arm. “Your mom kept you in Bubble Wrap unless you were inside the dance studio, huh?”
She nodded, walking toward the theater. “Pretty much.” When they got to the chain-link fence around the construction site, she fiddled with her keys and finally unlocked it. He was grateful to see quite a few security cameras.
He pointed to the one aimed at the front doors. “Who watches the feed?”
“Nate has us connected with an alarm company, and Callie has the remote setup at her house.”
“Good.” He nodded. “And I’ll meet her tomorrow?”
“That’s the plan.” She unlocked the front door and clicked on the light switch. Her grin stole his breath. “We finally have lights! You have no idea what a big deal this is.” Her voice softened. “Makes it seem like it’s a real building.”
He followed her inside and pulled open the door to the main theater. His eyes widened. It was gutted—no seats, and the floor was still black after being scorched from the fire. “Still plenty of work to do in here.”
“Yeah, but it shouldn’t be too bad. We’re waiting on the carpet to be installed, and the new seating is already on order.” She grabbed his hand, tugging him toward the stage. He was enjoying holding her hand much more than he should. She glanced back at him with that intoxicating smile. “Mason just finished the flooring on the stage. Come on.”
They hiked the steps to the stage while she pointed out where the stage lights would be positioned and where the orchestra pit would be. This was probably more than he’d ever heard her speak at once. Seeing her so animated, with joy lighting up her features, electrified the air.
“Let me show you something.” She pulled her phone from her pocket and clicked on her playlist before handing him the phone. “This is a dancer’s stage.”
She spun and jumped, and even in her tennis shoes, every move was graceful and controlled. He didn’t know the fancy French names for the moves, but she was breathtakingly beautiful. His pulse thrummed watching her. This wasn’t the woman hiding behind her sunglasses to avoid her abusive mother; this was the performer who danced at the Met in New York.
She finally came back over to retrieve her cell phone and silenced the music. “It’s going to be amazing.”
“You already are.” Shit. Had he said that out loud? What the fuck was wrong with him? He cleared his throat. “Sorry. I meant the dancing.”
Her eyes shone with a knowing spark. “Well, thank you either way.” She took his hand again, and this time, it didn’t surprise him. It felt surprisingly natural. “Come on. I want to show you the theater’s dance studio.”
She clicked the light on her cell on as they ventured into the shadows. “The electricity isn’t up over here yet.” She opened another door to an expansive room with hardwood floor and a wall of mirrors on one side and a ballet barre on the opposite. “The sound system is going in at that end.” She pointed to the ceiling, shining her light upward. Above them was a row of speakers. “And Mason’s got soundproofing foam on order, so if there’s someone using the main stage, the dancers can rehearse here without interrupting.”
He smiled down at her and squeezed her hand. “This theater is going to be fantastic. Why would someone want to burn it down?”
She started to pull back, her fingers slipping free of his. “Long story.”
He tracked her every move as she walked away. “When are you going to tell me what’s really going on here? I saw the guy in the gold mask. Nate said he’s in the same group as the arsonist who tried to burn this place down with you inside it. I know there’s more you’re not telling me. I can’t protect you if I don’t understand what we’re up against.”
“I know.” She turned toward him, but her phone was down, her face in the shadows. “But just for tonight, can we forget about the insanity?”
“That’s not my job.” He moved closer to her, wishing like hell he could give her what she wanted. “I’m here to keep you safe, not pretend like you already are.”
She looked at her shoes, defeat in her voice. “I know. Sorry.”
He caught her hand. “I didn’t say I didn’t want to, Tera.”
She stared up at him, searching his eyes. “Teach me to dunk a basketball, and I’ll tell you whatever you want to know.”
He had no business taking her out in that wide-open parking lot, but dammit, how could he refuse her? He couldn’t. He was crossing a line, and he barely hesitated.
“Deal.”
CHAPTER 7
Tera finished locking up the building and the gate, then turned around to see Gavin dribbling the basketball. Her heart thumped in her ears. She hadn’t been lying or stroking his ego earlier when she had admitted she never dreamed he’d be teaching her to play.
Gavin wasn’t tall and skinny like a lot of the pros on TV. He was more like a hulking brick wall—broad shoulders, thick strong legs and muscular arms. His big hands had no trouble controlling the ball, and suddenly, she pictured those hands sliding up her body.
Heat smoldered low in her belly as she jogged toward him. “Go easy on me. I’ve never held a basketball before.”
“Seriously?” He stopped dribbling, grabbing the ball in both hands. “Never?”
“Bubble Wrap except in the dance studio, remember?”
He shook his head and brought the ball over. He placed it in her hands and moved behind her. His body was warm pressing against her back as he
reached around to show her how to dribble.
His lips were near her ear as he coached her to keep her eye on the ball. “There’s a rhythm to basketball, too. Feel it? Now try bending your knees and walking the ball forward with you.”
Bending her knees wasn’t a problem. They were like Jell-O all of a sudden. She started to move, bouncing the ball along with her. Holy crap, she was doing it! Tera grinned, keeping her focus on the ball. “I’m actually dribbling a basketball!”
“Now pass it to me.”
She glanced his way, and the ball hit the toe of her shoe and then shot off in his direction. Her eyes widened. “Shoot! Sorry about that.”
Gavin caught it with a grin. “My fault. I didn’t show you what to do.” He gripped the ball in both hands. “This is a bounce pass. Ready?”
She nodded, and he launched the ball toward the pavement. It bounced between them, and right to her on the other side of the court. She caught it and bounced it back. He snatched it out of the air, spun around, and lobbed it up into the basket.
Tera laughed, clapping, but it died away when she noticed Gavin rubbing his stomach as he scanned the parking lot. She grabbed the ball and whispered, “Is something wrong?”
“I don’t know. Stay behind me.” He touched his side and cursed under his breath. “My gun’s in the damned car.”
She stayed close behind him. “I have my cell. I can call Nate.”
“Not yet.” He shook his head. “It’s just a hunch.”
But she knew better. His hand was still over his birthmark. All the Guardians talked about their marks burning when their muses were in danger.
Gavin deserved to know the truth. All of it. She should’ve already told him. It was selfish to lure him out with her tonight. Now his life was on the line, and he didn’t even understand why.
Something whistled past them, striking the pole of the basketball hoop, and almost instantaneously, they were behind her car, a football field away from the hoop. Her stomach lurched again, and she retched. Her vision blurred as she struggled to stay quiet. Gavin’s chest heaved, his eyes wide as he stared at her.
“I need the girl alive, but the boyfriend is worthless,” a man called from the shadows. Her front tire hissed, deflating. “Come out, Tera, and I’ll let your man live.”
“He’s shooting at us?” She whispered.
“He’s got a silencer.” Gavin replied without looking in her direction.
Her pulse raced as she looked over at Gavin. “He won’t hurt me. He needs me alive.”
Gavin’s jaw tightened as he shook his head and whispered, “Not a chance. I’m going for my gun. He’ll see the dome light and probably shoot, but you’re safe here. Don’t move.”
She nodded, clasping her cell phone in the pocket of her windbreaker. Gavin opened the door, and bullets peppered her car, piercing its metal body and shattering a window. She jerked her phone free and pressed Nate’s number.
“Tera?”
“Theater. Under fire.” She ended the call and pocketed her phone. Nate wouldn’t hesitate; he understood the threat from the Order. She and Gavin just had to live long enough for backup to get there.
Gavin slid out of the car, crouching beside her as he pulled back the slide on his gun. In one smooth movement, he rose up, turned toward the shooter, and fired three shots before taking cover. One more bullet struck her car, but the sound was apparently all Gavin needed. He returned fire in that direction, and a man screamed in the distance.
A siren blared, and Gavin met her eyes. “Nate?”
She nodded, unsure what to expect. Defying her mother had always led to regret.
Gavin patted her thigh. “Good thinking. Stay here.”
He peered over the front fender, and then he was gone.
He hit his target. This was a chance to catch this guy. Gun in hand, Gavin ran, sticking to the shadows of the parking lot, but a V8 roared on the street. Fuck. The black Camaro got away but not before Gavin confirmed the plate number. He jogged back to the theater parking lot, still lightheaded from the impossible burst of speed he’d just experienced. Nate and his partner got out of their unmarked sedan. The red light that spun around on the dash drenched them all in crimson.
Gavin struggled to catch his breath. “Same Camaro. He said he needed her alive.” He bent over and pulled more oxygen into his lungs. “Had a silencer.”
“We must’ve rattled him when we caught up with him today.” Nate looked over at Tera’s car. “I’ll call a tow. You okay?”
“Yeah.” He straightened a little, staring at Nate. They had been friends in the department, but they weren’t close enough for Gavin admit he was turning into the Flash. Hell, he still wasn’t sure that was the case. When he had gone running that morning, he’d been at his usual slow and steady pace with his bum knee.
Nate frowned. “Are you sure you’re all right?”
“I’m fine.” He rolled his tight shoulders back. “I better check on Tera.”
Nate didn’t look convinced, but he took out his cell anyway and called for a tow while his partner secured evidence in the parking lot. Gavin returned to find Tera sitting on the pavement with her knees pulled into her chest. She lifted her head when he came around the car, and in one fluid movement, she was on her feet and in his arms.
He held her tightly, closing his eyes and breathing her in. They were alive. She was safe. That was all that fucking mattered.
“Nate’s calling a tow for your car,” he told her.
She trembled against him. “I want to go home.” She looked up into his eyes and whispered, “This is all my fault.”
“No, it’s not. I never should have agreed to come out here in the open. I know better.” He brought a hand up to cup her cheek. Her skin was even softer than he had imagined. “Until that asshole started shooting, this was the best night I’ve had in years. And that’s because of you, Tera. The rest of this mess is on that misguided psycho.”
For a second, it looked as if she was about to say something, but instead, she tipped her head and brushed her lips against his. Every synapse in his brain fired at once, like he’d been lost in the desert and had finally found water. One hand slid up into her hair as he tightened his hold on her, deepening the kiss. She moaned, the vibration rolling through him, sending blood rushing to his groin. He couldn’t get enough of her.
Suddenly, Nate cleared his throat. Gavin stumbled back and blinked, struggling to clear his head. Damn. Never in his life had a woman intoxicated him like Tera did. Maybe it was just the rush of realizing they were still alive, but whatever it was, he was already aching for more.
Nate wiped his forehead, avoiding eye contact. “I called a black and white to take you back to Tera’s place.” He lifted his gaze to Gavin’s face. “Maybe you’re too close on this one. If the security systems are all upgraded, someone on your team can take over.”
Fuck no. Gavin’s shoulders tensed with the realization that he didn’t trust anyone else to keep her safe.
It was a sure sign that Nate was right. Gavin cared about Tera, and the job was getting personal. But the thought of not being with her, not keeping her safe, tied his gut in knots.
He shook his head. “I’m good. I’ve got this.”
Nate nodded, looking less than convinced. He walked past him and over to Tera. “Are you all right?”
“Scared, but I’m okay.” She glanced at Gavin and then back to Nate. “Can I talk to you for a second? Alone?”
Nate nodded, and as they walked away, Gavin went around the back of the car, cursing himself for crossing that line with his client. He stared up at the stars, replaying the moment. He would’ve sworn she had kissed him, not the other way around. He looked back over his shoulder to where she and Nate were talking. Was she asking him for another bodyguard?
He ground his teeth and faced forward. Why wouldn’t she? Kissing her was bush-league, unprofessional bullshit. Being with her seemed so natural; it was too easy to forget she was also his client.
But it had been her idea to shoot hoops. Had he misread everything?
He ran a hand through his hair. If she fired him, it was probably for the best anyway. He needed to get in and see the shrink. Human beings didn’t move as fast as he seemed to believe he could, not to mention his danger-sensing birthmark. He lifted his shirt. In the yellow light of the parking lot, he couldn’t tell if it was still red, but it didn’t sting anymore. The danger was gone.
I am losing my goddamn shit. He rubbed his hand down his face as Nate and Tera came back over to him. Gavin straightened up, steeling himself for being let go.
Nate clasped his shoulder. “See you at Callie’s tomorrow morning.” He glanced at Tera and back to Gavin. “Tera’s got plenty to explain tonight. And no matter how nuts it seems, trust me—” his gaze locked on Gavin’s “—it’s all true.”
A black-and-white pulled up as Nate looked over at his car. “We know where this guy lives. We’ll go pay him a visit. Sounds like you might have clipped him.”
Gavin slid his shoulder holster back in place and secured his Glock inside. Then he retrieved the basketball and grabbed Tera’s dance bag out of her car. When he turned around, she was already in the backseat of the police cruiser. Gavin got in beside her, but she didn’t say a word. Nate and his partner would wait for the tow with the evidence collection team.
“Did Nate give you the address?” he asked the officer.
“Yeah.” He peered into the rearview mirror. “Is she all right?”
Gavin nodded. “Just shaken up.” He leaned back against the seat, unsure what to do with his hands. Was she pissed at him for the kiss? Did he let her down her by leaving his gun in the car? And what the hell had Nate meant about Tera explaining things?
He had plenty of time to chew on his thoughts Tera stared out the window the entire drive. When they were almost back to her place, Gavin leaned toward her and whispered, “Next time we’ll work on shooting the basketball instead of psychos who worship ancient Greek gods.”
At first, he couldn’t tell if she heard him, but when she finally turned his way, a small smile curved her lips. “I’d like that.”
