Under the Boardwalk

by Carly Phillips

Ariana swallowed hard. “It looks like a nice house. Is she with a good family?” She pivoted back to look at Quinn, holding her breath.

  His brows furrowed over and he shook his head. “I thought so.”

  “But?”

  “The wife’s pregnant and they aren’t sure they want to keep a troubled kid around now.”

  Ariana thought back on her initial exchange with the young girl. Who are you? Ariana had asked. Nobody important. Ariana winced. “That’s… that’s…” she sputtered, unable to come up with an appropriate comment to something so unspeakably sad.

  “Exactly.” Quinn shut the car down. “I knew this family. I handpicked them. I introduced them to Sam and I fought to get her placed there.” He slammed his fist on the steering wheel in obvious frustration.

  She covered his hand with hers, offering comfort the only way she could. “What’s your relationship to Sam? To the family?”

  He met her gaze and slowly started to reveal more. “Sam’s a kid I met at the rec center downtown. Felice and Aaron are a couple I met over at Ocean Isle Medical,” he said, naming the town’s main hospital. “They couldn’t have kids and Sam needed a stable family before her petty stealing and antics for attention ended with her in a juvenile detention center. I thought it was a good mix.”

  Damon’s right-hand man, hanging out at the youth center? Ariana desperately wanted insight into this man, but the more he revealed, the less she seemed to understand. She couldn’t connect the dots. “What were you doing at the rec center?” she asked.

  “Trying to give something to kids who feel like the whole world’s against them.” He spoke as if he knew the feeling.

  And then she recalled his comment about his foster mothers and home cooking. Ariana’s heart filled as she realized just why Quinn cared so much. He’d once been the scared, lonely child Sam was now.

  A lock of hair had fallen over his forehead. She wanted to touch yet was afraid to destroy the moment. “Nobody can fault you for trying, Quinn.”

  “No, but I sure as hell can fault myself for screwing up at Sam’s expense.” He jerked his hand out of her grasp. “Let’s go.” He withdrew not just his hand but the fragile connection they’d started to share.

  • • •

  Quinn rushed through the back entrance to the casino with Ari on his heels. The faster he put her in Connor’s hands, the faster he could get back to his undercover reality. A reality that was jeopardized by the woman with the big green eyes, who looked at him with compassion and understanding, not pity.

  One simple touch and she had him spilling his guts. If he slept with her, he’d probably admit he was a cop and give her directions to Zoe. She lowered his defenses that much. Damn.

  “It’s a good thing I changed into sneakers,” she said, running up behind him. “Where’s the fire?”

  “You’re the one who was worried about getting to your job.” But as they reached the bar, he slowed his step because there was safety in a crowd. With Connor behind the bar, Maria and a few other waitresses serving customers, and the beginnings of the dinner crowd filling the chairs, Quinn didn’t have to worry about being alone with Ari and revealing secrets he didn’t want her to know.

  “Looking mighty fine tonight, Ariana.” Connor’s gaze raked over Ari in a way much too possessive for Quinn’s liking.

  She glanced nervously over her shoulder to where Maria was waiting on a table, before turning back to Connor with a smile. “Thanks.” She reached for an apron behind the bar and tied the knot behind her back.

  Obviously she’d figured out there was something between Connor and Maria-or at least that Connor wanted there to be. Or maybe she was just having problems with the other waitress. It didn’t matter and it wasn’t Quinn’s problem. Better she get frustrated and quit, he told himself.

  Now that he had Ari settled, it was time to go. He leaned close to Connor. “She’s all yours, buddy.”

  His friend raised an eyebrow. “If you say so.”

  “I have business to take care of, so I’m outta here.” Quinn turned and bumped into Ari.

  She’d placed herself there deliberately, he’d bet, and they now stood chest to chest, their faces inches apart. She wasn’t moving out of his way, almost daring him to face her or duck around.

  “What are you doing?” he asked.

  She shook her hair out behind her, the act bringing a whiff of fragrance to the air and a gut-clenching tightening in his belly.

  “Just thanking you properly for the ride.” She reached out and wrapped her arms around his waist, fingers laced at his back, which had the effect of rocking her hips against him.

  “Ari,” he said in warning.

  “Quinn,” she mimicked in reply, a calculating, mischievous look in her eyes as she rose onto her tiptoes. If she was nervous, she hid it better than the other night, and before he could object, she sealed her mouth over his.

  His body recognized hers, molding perfectly. He fit into the cradle of her hips while she kissed him and he responded, their mouths in a moist, heated, synchronized rhythm. As if they’d done this many times before. Many, many times before. And damn but she was good. He cupped his hand around her neck, angled his head and thrust his tongue deeper into her mouth until she moaned from deep in her chest.

  The rumbling reverberated inside him and desire flooded through his overheated body. But the sudden sound of clapping penetrated his need-fogged brain and reminded him that they had an audience-something Ari knew when she’d started kissing him. The woman had an agenda. She had the ability to play him, while he’d gotten lost in anything she offered.

  Damn. He had to get himself back under control and fast. They stepped apart at the same time, with Quinn completely conscious of the stares of those around him-of the employees who answered to Quinn, and of Connor, who’d never let him live this down.

  “Don’t work too hard,” Ari said, flicking a speck of lint off his shirt. “I’ll see you when I’m off the clock.” With a sassy wave of her hand, she turned, picked a drink tray off the bar, and walked over to the nearest table. The college professor was nowhere in sight.

  “I didn’t know they were an item,” Quinn heard Maria say to Connor.

  “You learn something new every day.”

  Quinn didn’t have to turn to see the killer grin Connor was probably flashing the waitresses’ way. Instead he watched Ari smile and flirt with a table of businessmen, then turn the same charm on the guys in T-shirts and grungy jeans. Once she set her mind on something, Ari had an ease about her and an ability to handle anything. She impressed him. A lot.

  “Seems like you owe me an apology, sweetstuff,” Quinn heard Connor say to Maria. “All I was doing was trying to relax the new employee, not pick her up. Though why you care now when you refused any date I ever suggested is beyond me.”

  “You’re an arrogant male who thinks he’s God’s gift to women. That I can live without.”

  Connor chuckled. “Go ahead and try.”

  Quinn left the bickering duo behind. He had work to do. And Ari with the wandering hands and powerful kiss would be here when he was done.

  • • •

  Quinn leaned back in a plush leather chair in Damon’s inner office and watched the bank of screens monitoring tables in the casino. He forcibly kept his gaze from the monitor covering the bar where Ari worked. He felt her presence anyway. Real or imagined, her scent clung to his clothing and hours later he still tasted her on his lips. But slowly the night crept by and soon he’d be driving her home.

  By meeting her both before and after her shift, he minimized her ability to walk around and talk to people, asking questions about her missing sister. He didn’t know how long she’d put up with his presence, but once Quinn got his first look at the books this weekend, the entire operation might actually be over. Thank God. He ran a hand through his hair and shut his eyes, when a door slamming told him he had company.

  “Slacking off on the job, Quinn?” Damon asked, his chuckle low
and deep.

  Quinn shook his head. “I’m just resting up before the long weekend.”

  “That’s what I wanted to discuss with you.” Damon slung his jacket over the desk and began a methodic unbuttoning and rolling up of his sleeves. His gold Rolex gleamed under the fluorescent lighting. “I’ve had to rearrange my plans.”

  Quinn’s gut warned him he wasn’t going to like the change. “I’m flexible,” he said. He rocked back and forth in the chair as if years of planning weren’t on the line.

  “Roxanne can’t get away, so we’ll hit Palm Springs next weekend instead.” Damon took a seat on the corner of the desk, unconcerned. “I’ll just spend this weekend here.” His arm made a sweeping motion in the direction of the monitors, which flickered behind him, showing his domain in all its full-Technicolored glory.

  “Whatever works for you, boss. You know that.”

  Damon reached for the remote control and pulled the bar up onto the main television screen. “How’s our newest employee?” he asked, bringing Ari into full view.

  “She’s settling in.”

  “And you’re keeping an eye on her. I think that’s a good idea, considering.” Damon tapped his fingers on the desk, watching Ari as she worked. “She doesn’t suspect you in her sister’s disappearance?”

  Quinn raised an eyebrow. “Hell no. I’m a charming guy and she likes me.”

  “From the videos I’ve seen, I’d say she likes you a lot.” Damon tipped his head back and laughed aloud.

  He’d obviously seen the kiss. Probably both of them, Quinn thought, and his skin crawled at the notion of Ari being watched.

  “I don’t want to find her going through my books. Her sister came too damn close. I don’t intend a repeat performance.” Damon’s voice sobered. “Keep her busy,” he ordered.

  “Sure thing. It’s not like being with her is a hardship,” Quinn joked.

  Damon inclined his head. “Good. Do whatever you have to. Even at the expense of being in the hotel. If I know she’s occupied and in your capable hands, I have no problem covering for you here.”

  Quinn forced a nod. “You got it, boss.” He didn’t ask what these new orders meant for Damon’s trip next weekend. Whether Quinn would still be in charge.

  Seven days from now was a long way off. He had another seven days to live out of a hotel, on edge, and undercover. He had seven more days of keeping Ariana as close as his shadow.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Ready to face a new day, Ariana walked into the kitchen. She had a full agenda, including filling her parents in on her plans to stay here for awhile, though as soon as her sister came home safe, Ari would be on her way. In the meantime, she was adapting to living with her family again. The carafe in the coffeemaker was full, but having learned her lesson, she sniffed before pouring herself a steaming hot cup.

  She sat down at the table and immediately saw a note propped on the centerpiece. Her aunt and uncle had gone out for the day, her father was at the diner, and her mother, the note said, was outside gardening. Without warning, memories assaulted her. Of the hectic breakfasts before the rush to school, when Ari would choose yogurt and Zoe would pick Froot Loops. Their differences were apparent even in such a trivial decision, she thought, smiling at the memory.

  The peace and quiet she felt now was an unusual phenomenon, one that emphasized Zoe’s absence. But this being her parents’ home, of course it didn’t last. Before Ariana could settle in, she heard the sound of voices and the subsequent slam of the front door.

  “Ari?” her mother called out.

  “In the kitchen.” Ariana cupped her hands around her coffee mug and waited.

  “You have company,” Elena’s voice came closer. “But you were in the shower so I had your friend wait with me.” She walked into the room, holding hands with Spank on one side and, to Ariana’s shock, the young girl she’d met yesterday on the other.

  Ariana jumped up from her seat. “What are you doing here?” She started toward the girl. “Better yet, how did you know where to find me?”

  Her mother prodded Sam into one of the kitchen chairs. “Relax, Ari. Let her have a drink first.” As Elena got busy pouring Sam a glass of juice, she continued to speak. “She’s wonderful company-”

  “Sam, you need to tell me what’s going on.”

  Elena placed the glass in Sam’s hands, then gestured toward Ariana. “Go on,” she prodded the girl. “Tell her the truth.” Apparently her mother had formed a fast bond with Sam if she’d already uncovered answers.

  The teen met Ariana’s gaze briefly, guilt etching her features as her eyes darted away. “I got your address from here.” She pulled Ariana’s day planner from the plastic bag she was carrying.

  “You took this?” Ariana grabbed the leather-bound planner, which also acted as her wallet, out of Sam’s hands.

  Sam nodded. “Yesterday, when you were arguing with Quinn. I bumped into you and snagged it.”

  “See? That wasn’t so hard.” Elena praised Sam’s truth-telling. “But stealing from people is wrong, young lady.” Elena stroked the girl’s long blonde hair at the same time she reprimanded her.

  The con artist chiding the little thief. Ariana shook her head and wondered if her mother realized what a contradiction she presented. She bit down on the inside of her cheek and wondered what to do with the runaway teen.

  While Sam stared at her hands, Elena walked over to Ariana and whispered in her ear. “Her technique must be good if you didn’t notice your wallet was missing,” Elena said in awe.

  Oh, she’d noticed earlier this morning. She’d just assumed the planner had fallen out on the floor of the car, as often happened back home.

  “But still, she’s too young to be doing such a thing,” Elena said softly.

  Ariana agreed. She glanced at Sam. “You took my wallet but you came to return it. What gives?”

  Sam shrugged. “I took it ’cause I liked you,” she said, mumbling, her voice filled with embarrassment.

  A headache had begun to develop and Ariana pressed her fingers against her temples. “You wanted a reason to see me?” she guessed.

  Sam nodded and once again the lump of emotion inside Ariana grew. Though she had problems with her relatives, at least she had a family of her own. “I bet people are looking for you.”

  “They think I’m at school.”

  “And won’t school call home when you don’t show up?”

  Sam kicked at the kitchen tile with her sneakered feet. “It doesn’t matter.”

  “Unfortunately it does. I’m going to have to call Quinn.” Ariana glanced at Sam. “Unless you want to call your foster parents yourself and let them know you’re okay?”

  Sam shook her head. “I don’t want to talk to them. But Quinn’s gonna kill me.”

  “Nothing that drastic, I’m sure.” Ariana stood and reached for the portable phone. Leaving her mother alone with the runaway, Ariana dialed Damon’s and asked to be connected with Quinn.

  Half an hour later, the doorbell rang. “I’ll get it.” Ariana left Sam and her mother in the kitchen and opened the door for Quinn.

  As if she hadn’t even seen him last night, she devoured him with her gaze, surprised at how good it was to see him. He hadn’t shaved yet today and a darkened shadow covered his cheeks. His eyes were glassy and he looked tired. Like her, he probably hadn’t completely recovered from his late night. If this was how he looked in the morning, she definitely wouldn’t mind waking up beside him. Her body tingled at the seductive, heady thought.

  And when he spoke, his severe tone sent shivers of another kind through her. “Where is she?”

  “In the kitchen. But before you see her, I think you need to take a deep breath first.”

  “Easy for you to say. Her foster parents called me two hours ago. I’ve been making phone calls and driving around looking for her. I’d finally given up and gone back to the hotel. Then you called.”

  She placed a hand on his arm to calm him. “I’m sor
ry. I called you as soon as I knew she was here. Unfortunately I don’t know how long she was outside with my mother. They bonded,” Ariana said wryly.

  “At least she’s safe.” He glanced at Ariana, a flicker of warmth and appreciation in his gaze.

  Ariana smiled. “Now that you’ve collected yourself, let’s go talk to her and see why she pulled a disappearing act.”

  “I know why. She’d been led to believe if things worked out with Aaron and Felice, they’d consider adoption. The way things were going, there was no reason to think anything would mess with that. I mean, they couldn’t have kids, and Felice wanted a girl. Despite the few times the little pickpocket tested them, Aaron and Felice understood. Hell, I thought they’d adopt her.” He ran a hand through his hair, his frustration evident.

  “And then Felice got pregnant,” Ariana said. He’d told her as much yesterday.

  “Yeah. It shouldn’t make a difference to them. But it does. And I’ve seen it time and again. I should know better than to hope. Damn, I should have known better than to let Sam hope.”

  Ariana’s heart twisted with emotion, for Sam and for Quinn. The fact that he’d given her insight into his feelings was shocking. So too was the depth of his caring. For as much as Ariana didn’t know about him, she liked everything she’d already learned. He had a good heart despite his secrets. “You’re doing your best for Sam.”

  “Yeah, and I hate it that my best isn’t enough. I was so sure that this perfect looking couple with their perfect little house would make room in their hearts and home for a beautiful young girl.”

  She was shocked by how much she wanted to help him, not just with Sam, but with his feelings and his pain.

  Without warning, Quinn pulled away from her touch as if realizing how much he’d revealed. “I need to talk to Sam.”

  Ariana nodded. “Just remember she’s hurting, too.”

  She led him toward the kitchen, and as they entered the room, Quinn bellowed, “Samantha!”

  “So much for taking my advice,” Ariana muttered.

  Sam winced at his yell, and Spank the monkey, who’d been sitting at the table letting Sam paint her nails, dove underneath the table and covered her head with her hands.