Covert Affairs

by Rhonda Laurel

  Grandma Reed insisted on making him something to eat, even though it was getting pretty late. She always said it was bad manners to have company and nothing to feed them. So she ignored his request to take it easy and found everything she could heat up and put together for his unexpected homecoming. If he’d arrived when she was home alone, he would have made her a cup of tea and snacked on the homemade chocolate chips cookies she had in the cookie jar.

  Alexis was talking up a storm, telling him about her day at the Yarn Barn with her mom and great-grandmother. Apparently she became very interested in a big silk sunflower she’d seen in the store. Which explained why there were bags full of the flowers that Charisma had laid on the dining room table when she’d arrived. He kept up with his niece, all while keeping a watchful eye on Theresa. Right now she was sitting on the couch, talking to Trina and Autumn.

  “No more junk food for you, missy. Great-Grandma talked me into letting you have your way all day.” Charisma took a big bite on the chip in Alexis’s hand. “Uncle Trevor’s going to get a crash course on what you’re not allowed to eat. But I’m glad he’s home.” She looked at him. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming to town?”

  “It was spur of the moment, and I thought it would be a nice surprise.” He kissed his sister’s cheek. “I wanted to see two of my favorite girls. I can’t believe how much she’s grown.”

  “See.” Charisma nudged him gently. “This doesn’t hold a candle to videoconferencing. You should come home more often.”

  “I plan to make that a priority.”

  “And I’m so happy to see you I won’t even ask what’s going on with the bird’s nest on top of your head and your hobo beard.”

  “I could have sworn you just did,” he mused. “Where’s Derek?”

  “He’s attending another grand opening of the Slap Shot in the Blake Hotels. He’ll be back on Sunday. So how long are you sticking around this time?”

  “It’s undetermined at this time.”

  Jared entered the kitchen and retrieved a cookie from the cookie jar. “Does this mean you’ll finally be home for a Thanksgiving meal?”

  “I don’t know. That’s weeks away.”

  “We would love to have you here for the holidays,” Charisma chimed in. “If you’re going to be in town for a while, you can use one of our cars. Derek doesn’t drive the sports car as much; he’s a SUV dad these days when we’re not having a date night.”

  “Thanks. I like that car. It has been a while since I’ve stayed more than a week.” He looked in the living room. “I can’t believe Harper is so big now and such a handsome little devil. He has those classic Reed man features.” Trevor shook his head.

  “Then you’ll be in shock when you see Morgan and Isabelle’s kids. Jake’s in middle school.”

  “Yikes.” He laughed.

  “We should get together to chew the fat before I head back to Texas on Monday. The Reed men haven’t had a good old-fashioned sit-down in ages.”

  Charisma raised an eyebrow. “You mean where you drink beers and argue over who’s Grandma’s favorite?”

  “Yep.” Jared laughed. “Who knows when I’ll see you again?”

  “I promise that you, Robert, and I will carve out some time before you head back,” he said. “But it’s still too early for a firm answer on the holiday plans.”

  “We won’t dwell on the future just yet.” Grandma Reed came over with a plate of food. “As luck would have it, we’re having a family get together tomorrow.”

  “She’s right. With Jared, Autumn, and Harper coming to town for the weekend, we’d planned to have a family day.”

  “Thanks, Grandma.” He knew she understood his erratic comings and goings. “Do you mind if I stay in my old room?”

  “Of course not.” She beamed. “I don’t know how long it’s been since most of my babies have been home.”

  “Where’s Uncle Curtis and Aunt Sydney?” he asked.

  “They’re in Maui with Mom and Dad.”

  “Excuse me?” He couldn’t believe his ears.

  “Derek and I gifted them with the vacation after all they’ve helped this summer. We had packed schedules with the Slap Shot openings at the Blake Hotels, and they were consummate babysitters for Alexis and Harper.”

  “And they went together?”

  “I’d like to think we’ve all been growing as a group.”

  “It’s a good thing?”

  “They spoil Alexis rotten, but in a good way. Mom doesn’t do any stage grand-mothering and dad is more engaged now with the family.”

  “That doesn’t sound like our parents.”

  “No, it doesn’t. Isn’t it great?” Charisma’s gaze shifted in the direction of the laughter coming from the living room. “So, good thing Theresa was here to help Trina in your hour of need.”

  “She was very helpful.”

  In the other room, Theresa was playing with Harper, who seemed to love the attention he was getting.

  “Don’t look now, but Harper’s putting the moves on your girl.” Charisma took Alexis out of his arms.

  “It’s the curse of the Reed men, being so darn adorable,” Jared said, mindful that Alexis was in earshot. “I’d get in there if I were you.”

  “She said she lives close by,” Trevor said.

  Charisma bit back a smile. “You should go ask her about it.”

  Trevor could take the not-so-subtle hint from his sister and cousin. He’d asked Theresa to stay, but at the same time he was trying to wrap his mind around her being in his grandmother’s house again. It was unbelievable but not impossible. She did grow up in the neighborhood after all, and they had been high school sweethearts. Also, she handled a lot of the family’s travel needs, and she’d said she lived nearby. OK, it was looking more like it was natural that she’d be here. Charisma was right, a lot had changed.

  He wandered into the living room to be closer to her.

  “Trevor,” Theresa said when she saw him. She stood. “I was just telling Trina and Autumn I have an early day tomorrow. I’d better be going.”

  “Can I at least escort you home?”

  “Sure.” She turned to Trina. “Rain check on the bottle of wine and the gossip?”

  “You know it.” Trina gave her a thumbs-up.

  Trevor retrieved his jacket from the coat rack and draped it around Theresa’s shoulders. He’d done that many times before, and a sense of familiarity came over him. He held the door open as she picked up her bat and let her lead the way. He didn’t know where she lived, and he felt like an idiot. He usually took pride in the dutiful way he kept tabs on the people who mattered to him.

  She started down the front path and he followed. “You and Trina were going to split a bottle of wine?”

  “Trina and I have become good friends the last couple of years. We had dinner with Dana, then thought we’d have a night cap and gab about our whacky social lives.”

  “You have a social life?”

  She shot a warning look at him. “I’m not a troll. I do date.”

  “Of course. You’re gorgeous. I’m sure you have no problems dating.”

  “I wouldn’t pour it on that thick either.”

  “OK. What would you say?”

  “I’d say that although I am devastatingly beautiful, I still haven’t found someone who hits all the checks on the list I have.”

  “There’s a list now?”

  She frowned. “I didn’t have it when we dated. But when someone you care for decides to move on and never look back, you feel like you need to create a guideline to follow so it doesn’t happen again.”

  He didn’t know what to say. Her words stung, but he knew they were true. “I’m sorry to have created unnecessary paperwork for you.”

  “I learned from it.”

  He looked into her eyes and saw indifference. That hurt far worse than the wound in his side. “Thanks again for taking such good care of me.”

  “No problem. I didn’t want your g
randma to get upset seeing you that way.” She made a left when they got on the sidewalk.

  “I’ll be staying in town for a while,” he blurted out.

  She nodded. “I think it would be great for you see how much you’re needed in this family.”

  “What?”

  “I don’t know.” She shrugged. “When you were younger, you always seemed to feel like you weren’t an integral part of this family. I know you went through a lot with your parents and that did make things difficult for you. I think it’s why you bolted as soon as you had the chance.”

  Pondering the past was not one of his favorite things to do, except when it came to her. Thinking about their time together had been a solace for him on hell-filled days in the spy world.

  “I did a lot of reactive things back then.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Listen, Theresa. Since I’m going to be in town for a while—”

  “This is me,” she interrupted as she stopped in front of the house right next to his grandmother’s.

  He looked up to find they’d only walked a few feet. The Smith family had moved. Why had it felt like they’d been walking for hours? “You live next door.” He let out a dry laugh.

  “Yes.” She smirked. “I moved in two months ago.”

  “I didn’t see that coming.” He followed her up the porch steps.

  “Good. Now I have you on your toes.” She shook off the jacket and handed it to him.

  “Like I said, I’m going to be in town a little while. I’d love to catch up.”

  “I’ll be at the get-together tomorrow. Your grandma invited me.”

  “I’m glad you’re coming, but that’s not what I meant. I was thinking dinner, just the two of us. A night on the town.”

  “I’ll have to think about it.”

  At least she hadn’t said no. “OK. Thanks again for changing my bandage.”

  “You’re welcome.” She stepped inside. “Goodnight, Trevor.”

  “Goodnight, Reese.”

  He stayed until he heard her put the locks on and activate her alarm. Theresa lived right next door to his family homestead. What could be better than that? Getting a kiss goodnight would have been awesome, but he knew leaning in for a smooch was more dangerous than evading those thugs in that club. He had to find a way to get her to trust him again.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Theresa hustled around the kitchen while peering out the window, keeping a watchful eye on the workers outside. She’d had a busy morning, and the day wasn’t letting up. Greg, the contractor, and his crew had arrived bright and early to work on the roof. He’d also brought her a cup of coffee and complimented her on the blouse she wore. Greg was a nice guy, handsome if you were into rugged good looks, but she didn’t think it was a good idea to flirt with someone she’d hired to work on her home.

  She’d done some cleaning and checked a few emails while preparing her signature dish, arroz con pollo, so she’d be ready for the Reed family’s party this afternoon. She’d been around the family a hundred times without a problem, but now that Trevor was home, she had a case of the jitters. She’d been shocked to find him lying on his grandmother’s couch. He’d looked exhausted, and when she inspected his body and saw the bandage she’d tried not to panic for Trina’s sake.

  It was also typical Trevor not to give an answer about how he’d been hurt. A normal person would explain why he looked like he’d faced mortal combat, but not Trevor. He’d been vague and charming, and it almost worked until reality set in. Sure he was in town, but for how long? She shook her head, thinking of the brain cells she’d wasted on him over the years, especially last night. After he’d walked her home, she’d had a couple of glasses of wine to stave off the rush of feelings that came bubbling to the surface.

  She could do this. She could go have a quick bite with the Reeds and then come back and get ready for her date. But just in case she ran late, she went up to her bedroom, made sure the shades were drawn so no one could look into the windows, and changed into a pair of jeans, a turquoise peasant blouse, and a pair of black lace-up boots. Once she’d brushed her hair and added a few curls with the curling iron, she gave herself a onceover in the mirror. It was a nice third-date outfit. Lawrence said he was taking her somewhere fun, so she—oh, who was she kidding? If she looked fabulous and Trevor happened to see it, well a stylish outfit was a more understated revenge than sticking her tongue out at him.

  She went back downstairs to pack up the food for the short walk. The contractor said he’d knock off around four, and it was almost that time. She peeked out the kitchen window again. The contractor was talking to Trevor. What on earth were they talking about? She put the lids on her dishes and went outside, but by the time she got out there, Trevor was gone.

  “Hey, Greg.”

  “Theresa, I was just about to knock on the door.” He took his hat off and wiped his brow. “We’re finishing up now and should be out of your hair in fifteen minutes or so.”

  “Wow.” Her eyes widened. “What time can you come next weekend to finish the job?”

  “We’re done.”

  “I thought—”

  “We got a better look when we got started. There aren’t nearly as many loose shingles as we thought. Here’s a revised estimate for the work.” He handed her a piece of paper. “We can do the walkway by the side of the house next weekend.”

  She scanned the piece of paper. “This is a nice surprise.” She could shift some of the money she’d budgeted for the exterior to have one of the spare bedrooms converted into an office with the fancy shelving Charisma had shown her last month. “What’s the reason for the change?”

  “Your neighbor came by this morning, and we got to talking. He pointed out a few things which led to me realizing I’d made a few errors.”

  “My neighbor?”

  “The big, serious-looking guy next door with the scruffy beard who doesn’t blink?”

  Trevor. She balled her hands into fists. Oh he’d “pointed out some things,” had he? She should’ve been happy that she’d just saved some money, but she was pissed that he’d interfered. When was he going to stop drifting into her life and shaking things up? “Thanks for the revision.”

  “And just so you know, I vet all of my employees. There was someone who I had to let go because he had a record. But I keep high standards with my staff.”

  “OK.” She headed for the door. Greg was spilling his guts like he was in a confessional.

  “Like I said, we’ll be out of here in a few minutes. I know you have a function to attend.”

  “How did you know that?”

  “Your neighbor also mentioned they were having a party, and you’d be attending. So I thought you’d have one less thing to worry about.”

  “Of course.” She went back into the house, conflicted. She was sure Trevor had said a good deal more to Greg. The contractor had just knocked forty percent off the bill. Only Trevor Reed could make her upset about not getting fleeced by her contractor. Trevor had a way about him, and she was pretty sure the performance he’d given Greg was part of his scare tactics. It was often effective. She suspected he’d once scared the wits out of Charisma’s ex-boyfriend Lamont. But still, it was none of his business. She finished packing up her dishes and looked for a cozy sweater to wear. She’d be giving Trevor a piece of her mind.

  * * *

  Trevor watched from the back door as the contractor and his crew packed up for the day. He was glad to see the guy had taken their earlier conversation to heart. In addition to flirting with Theresa, the guy was overcharging her to boot.

  Now he was looking forward to seeing Theresa again. So far, he’d been enjoying himself here more than he’d expected. Last night had wound down at a decent time since everyone was returning the next day. Once Alexis and Grandma were sound asleep, he and Charisma sacked out on the couch to catch up. He was amazed at how much his sister glowed these days. She had a wonderful husband who adored her and an adorable little girl. She had a succes
sful partnership with Jared at Reed Designs and Interiors. She finally had all the things she once thought would elude her forever.

  They’d gabbed past midnight, but he knew they’d have a full day with family in the house, and he was exhausted. As he’d readied for bed, he checked the new bandage Theresa had applied to his wound and it was holding up well. Normally he got a great night’s sleep in his old bed but he’d tossed and turned thinking about Theresa. She looked great and he couldn’t believe she was living next door to his grandmother and had become closer to the family. Funny how Charisma had told him everything else during their sporadic chats except that his ex-girlfriend had moved a stone’s throw away from his childhood sanctuary.

  “Trevor, baby, what are you doing?”

  “Nothing, Grandma. Just making sure the contractors working on Theresa’s house didn’t leave any of their tools lying around.” Or provide Greg with a reason to come back for something. He’d also spied Greg handing her the coffee this morning.

  “I’m sure they’ll do a good job. They’ve worked on houses in the neighborhood before.”

  “I don’t like the looks of that Greg guy.”

  “I see.” Grandma Reed laughed as she retrieved a baking dish from the cupboard. “That means he made conversation a little too long for your liking.”

  “Let me get that.” He rushed over and retrieved the dish. “He brought her coffee. What contractor brings the homeowner coffee?”

  “The kind who is trying to score extra points,” Charisma said as she entered the kitchen with Alexis.

  “Exactly. So I went over and had a talk with him. Turns out he was overcharging her. I got him to adjust the estimate.”

  “You didn’t!” Grandma Reed took the cover off her stand mixer.

  “I was being a friend.” He scooped Alexis into his arms. “Hey, Lex. You and I have a date with the toy store tomorrow.”