by Bella Juarez
“Yes, sir,” Jack responded.
“No bullshit, boy. I mean it. You call me directly. I want you to have whatever you need. We need this group to be a success. I understand we’re well on our way.”
“Yes, sir, our training ops have been very successful here. This area is well suited to our needs.”
The chairman smiled. Training ops was code for real missions.
“Glad to hear it, Jack. I’ll be expecting something from you within the next few months,” the admiral said.
Jack read quickly between the lines. Expecting something meant quit screwing around and get this cleaned up. My ass is on the line here.
“Understood, sir,” Jack said.
Jack turned away and glanced at the door. His heart skipped a beat. Holy shit!
At the door was a vision that made Jack’s jaw drop. It was a very statuesque woman wearing a red dress with a sheer red scarf that wrapped around her bare shoulders. The dress fit her perfectly, hugging every delicious curve. He could feel his mouth start to water. She looked familiar, but at the moment, he was having a hard time placing her. Every man in the room seemed to be staring.
She sure as hell knows how to make an entrance! Jack watched as the woman looked around the room, finally locking on to someone she’d been looking for. He watched her gracefully gait across the room to her host. She seemed to almost float.
Who is she with? Mac! What the… Liz was seated at the table where Mac led the woman. Liz smiled in recognition as Mac introduced them and seated the woman next to his wife. He tore away from the sight when he heard someone speak.
“Wonder who that is?” a husky voice asked next to him.
Jack turned and looked at the voice. It was the woman he’d seen with Colonel Spivey earlier.
“She seems to be with one of your men, Captain,” she said.
Jack reached for his glass of water.
“I don’t know who she is,” Jack said dismissively.
“She’s not dressed for this occasion. Black or white. No one else is in red. She obviously doesn’t understand protocol,” the woman stated.
Jack thought that woman was definitely the most beautiful and graceful creature he’d ever seen. And that red dress was just the trick. Fuck protocol! This woman in the red dress slammed it! He smiled at the woman seated next to him and turned to the podium where General Kerney was speaking. He sat patiently, looking at the woman in red as often as he could. Jack was trying desperately to place her.
Dinner was being served as the speeches seemed to go on forever. Thankfully Jack was the last to speak and he really didn’t have that much to add. After dinner, there was entertainment and time to mingle . He made a beeline for Mac as soon as he could get free. The woman in red and Liz were engaged in conversation. Liz seemed to genuinely like the woman. As he approached, Mac stopped him.
“Well done, Skipper. Short and sweet, believe me when I say that everyone appreciated that,” Mac said.
“Yeah, thanks, Mac.” Jack said, glancing at the woman in red.
Mac smiled and looked down. His blue eyes danced. As they were speaking, Rafe walked over and greeted the woman.
“Anna? Wow! You look beautiful!” Rafe exclaimed
“Thank you, Commander,” Anna said.
Suddenly it was clear. That’s why she looked so familiar. It was Anna! Jack had never expected to see her looking this elegant and sophisticated, not to mention stunning. He recalled their little interaction at the airport while they waited for their return flight. She really was full of surprise moves. Game on!
“You didn’t recognize her, did you? She cleans up good, doesn’t she?” Mac asked.
Mac was thoroughly enjoying Jack’s reaction to Anna’s new look. Jack watched as all of his single men surrounded Anna. Liz was playing the part of protective chaperone, shooing away the undesirables and allowing the good guys a chance. Jack wanted to laugh because no one knew the real Anna. She sure as hell didn’t need Liz’s help with any man. He took a seat next to Liz and studied a master at work.
“Mrs. McGuire,” he said formally.
“Captain O’Malley,” Liz returned just as formally.
Anna looked at Jack and he felt a shock run through him when their eyes met. She wasn’t wearing her glasses and her big brown eyes seemed to sparkle in the light. He took in every inch of her, the detail on her dress, the delicate silver-and-pearl necklace that seemed to float against her skin, the bracelet that hung on her wrist. She’d even done her nails, and her light olive skin seemed to glow in the dim light. She was wearing heels, so when she stood she seemed much taller than she actually was. Anna was captivating.
“Captain, sir,” Anna said, acknowledging his presence.
“Anna,” Jack said, simply nodding.
Jack really wasn’t sure he could say much else. Liz was very much attuned to his attraction.
“I understand you’re seeing someone, Jack. Is she here? I’d love to meet her,” Liz said rather loudly.
Anna glanced at Liz.
Damn her! “No one in particular, Liz, and I’m here alone,” Jack said.
“Oh? That’s not what I heard. What’s wrong, she couldn’t make it tonight? Was she working?” Liz asked a little louder than Jack thought was necessary.
Fucking Mac! He needs to learn to keep his mouth shut! “She’s not here because she doesn’t exist, Liz,” Jack said.
“Forget it. She’s too good for you, and I mean good,” Liz dropping her voice.
“Liz—” Jack started.
“She’s not your type,” Liz said, cutting him off.
Jack winced slightly at the jab. How many times had he said that very same thing about Anna?
“I was alone with her in San Diego. Didn’t Mac tell you? We just got back and we had a hell of a weekend,” Jack said in a low, mischievous voice.
“Obviously she has good sense. Or else you wouldn’t be sniffing around here,” Liz quipped.
“Don’t be so sure. Don’t you think a man can change?” Jack asked, turning on the charm.
“When they’re twenty. You’re way past that,” Liz said.
“You know, there’s no other woman for me but you,” Jack said, turning up the charm another notch. Liz rolled her eyes. “I guess I’ll just have to settle,” he said, nodding over at Anna. “I won’t give up that easy anymore. If I want it, I’ll just take it this time.”
“In this case, you’d better not even try,” Liz responded.
Jack chuckled. He’d fallen in love with Liz the day they’d met. He loved her like a favorite sister because he could always confide in her. Liz had to turn away to someone who had just approached. She was shooing Rafe away again. Jack observed Anna as she dealt with the men who were stepping over themselves to be within arm’s reach of her. He recalled their little chess game conversation. Anna didn’t need Liz’s help. In fact, Mac would be in some real trouble if Liz ever went to Anna for advice. He watched how she played the men that were attracted to her. It was like putting an instrument in the hands of a master musician. Jack took advantage of Liz’s momentary distraction and moved next to Anna.
“I didn’t know you were coming,” Jack said.
“Mac told me this was an all-hands event and I had to come.”
Jack disregarded the daggers Liz was staring his way as she was engaged with Rafe.
“You didn’t have to come. It was optional for civilians,” Jack said.
“Well, then I guess since I’m the only civilian, it would have really stood out if I hadn’t attended,” Anna said as Dixie approached Jack.
“Rock, I need to get going,” Dixie said. He paused momentarily and sized up Anna. “Anna, you look stunning. Have you thought about that job offer?”
“Yes, Admiral. I have a phone interview next week,” Anna said.
Dixie was hanging on a little longer than Jack liked. He watched his boss run his eyes up and down Anna.
“You’re taking it?” Dixie asked.
; “Yes, sir,” Anna said.
“Good! I’m looking forward to working with you. So, are you willing to move to Coronado?” Dixie asked.
In Jack’s opinion, Dixie was getting a little more enthusiastic than was necessary. He knew his boss and by the way he was looking at Anna, she would be working at Coronado so fast it would make her head spin. Dixie would find every formal occasion he could, just to see her back in that red dress.
“Too bad you have to leave, Dixie,” Jack interrupted.
Dixie smiled at Anna and winked. “I could almost be talked into staying.”
“Tell Mrs. Campbell I said hello,” Jack replied.
“I’ll do that, Rock, good night,” Dixie said with a smile.
“I probably should get going, too,” Anna said.
“I’ll walk you out,” Jack said.
“No need for that. I’m sure Billy would be glad to walk Anna out,” Liz interceded.
“I insist. Besides, why interrupt, him? He’s talking with Admiral Gunter,” Jack said.
“Clearly somewhere you should be.” Liz snorted.
“Nah, we talked enough at dinner,” Jack shot back. “Come on, Anna.” Jack extended his arm to her.
Jack decided he’d had enough of watching his poor men being played. It was embarrassing. To the protest of the men Anna was holding court with, she allowed him to steer her from the room. As they walked, they made polite small talk. Jack was about to say something that he knew would get another fight going between the two of them when he felt it. Suddenly the hair on Jack’s neck stood up. He stopped in midsentence and started to scan the parking lot. Something was wrong. Very wrong.
“Captain? Is something wrong?” Anna asked.
Jack redirected his attention to Anna.
“No, I thought I heard something,” he said, distracted.
Jack hadn’t heard anything. He’d felt something. Someone was watching. Something was very out of sorts as Jack’s sharp battle-honed senses kicked into hyper vigilance. He didn’t know why but he suddenly became very concerned for Anna’s safety.
“Anna, do you have Liz’s phone number?” Jack asked as he started walking faster.
“No, I don’t,” Anna replied, having to start to run to keep up.
“Give me your cell phone,” Jack demanded.
Jack left no room for question as they reached Anna’s car. She fished into the small evening bag that she’d brought and handed him her BlackBerry. He quickly programmed his number and handed it back to her.
“Call me when you get inside your house and let me know that you’re okay,” Jack ordered.
“Sir, I don’t think—” Anna started to protest.
The feeling of danger slammed Jack once more. If he’d been out on the battlefield he would have taken cover. He grabbed Anna’s arm and steered her to the passenger’s side of her vehicle. He cut her off because he knew they were unsafe at the moment.
“Open the door and get inside!” Jack harshly commanded.
Anna took her remote attached to her keys and unlocked the door. Jack grabbed her keys and got in the driver’s seat. He started the vehicle and drove off.
“You need to tell me where I’m going,” Jack said.
“What’s going on?” Anna demanded.
“I don’t know, Anna. Just tell me where the hell I’m taking you.” Jack drove toward the front gate.
“Take a left at the light. It’s about six miles down on FM 78.”
Jack pulled out his phone and called Mac. “Check the parking lot at the O Club. See if there is anyone around that shouldn’t be there. Call me back.” Jack ended the call.
Jack adjusted the seat as they waited at the light. Anna was almost a foot shorter and he was starting to get a little cramped. He looked in the rearview mirror and made a mental note of the cars behind him.
Chapter 21
1498 Arnold Palmer Drive
Golf Villa Town Homes
San Antonio, Texas
August 16, 2008/0317 Zulu
Jack watched Anna as the garage door shut behind them. He’d told her not to open the car door until the garage door had completely closed. He knew he’d frightened her and for the first time since they’d left the base. He glanced at Anna again before shoving open the car door. He got out first and went to her side, opening the door for her. Anna stepped out and gave him a long look before walking past him and opening the door that led into the house. Jack followed her inside, closing the door behind him. Anna stood staring at him, waiting.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you, but something was very wrong out there and I wanted to make sure you were safe,” Jack said.
Anna walked further into the kitchen. She put her small evening bag on the island that stood in the middle of the kitchen and looked at him. He could tell she was choosing her next words carefully.
“Captain, I know there are a lot of things you’re not telling me about what I’m doing with you and your group. I get that. But if I’m in danger for some reason would you please tell me now?” Anna asked.
Without thinking, Jack walked to her and stood directly in front of her. She looked down avoiding the intensity of his gaze as he stared at her. Anna looked so vulnerable, but he knew down deep inside she was probably stronger than he was. He lifted her chin. When he touched her, he felt a slight tremor run through him. Jack had never known a woman he was so in tune with. He usually kept himself emotionally unavailable and found every excuse he could to keep his heart at a distance. Anna was different. He’d known that the day he laid eyes on her. This was the first woman he wanted to be intimate with, not just fuck, but be able to open up and share himself with her. She tried to hide just as much as he did but their kindred spirits were drawn to one another and there was no stopping the pull. He almost leaned forward and kissed her wanting to reassure her. He almost leaned forward and kissed her again, wanting to reassure her. Anna backed away, knowing exactly what he was about to do. Jack smiled slightly. She knew him so well in such a short time.
“I don’t know. You could be,” Jack said.
“From what? Who’s out there?”
“Go get comfortable, Anna. I’ll be here a while so go change, and when you come back, we’ll talk.”
“The den is in the next room. Make yourself at home.” Anna left him alone in the kitchen.
When Anna returned, Jack had made himself more comfortable as well. His dress jacket was lying on the back of a chair in the living room. He’d taken off his tie and had unbuttoned the top button of his shirt. He’d also rolled up his long sleeves. His back was to the stairs she came down and he was looking at a painting hanging on the wall.
“Would you like something to drink?” Anna asked.
“I’m fine. Come sit and let’s talk,” Jack said as he walked to the couch and sat down.
Anna looked freshly scrubbed. She’d taken all of her makeup off. She was wearing pajama bottoms and one of those T-shirts that hugged her perfectly. She was still just as sexy as she’d been in her red dress. Jack almost sighed aloud. Anna had become the object of every free thought. He was finally alone with her, something he’d wanted since they’d returned from San Diego. Jack had to be truthful with Anna, as best he could.
“Anna…there are some really bad people at the bottom of all this…stuff…that’s happening. You know about the new CYBERCOMM going in at Lackland?”
Anna nodded.
“That’s why I’m here. This war is not just being fought in Afghanistan and Iraq. It’s being fought in cyberspace with computers and cell phones. They’re terrorists, Anna. They’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done.”
“Is that who you think was there tonight?”
“I don’t know who it was and I can’t explain it. I just know something was wrong,” Jack answered honestly.
Anna shifted nervously in her seat.
“I want you to be very careful, Anna. I would never forgive myself if something happened to you because of the work
you’re doing with me,” Jack said.
There was a tangible heaviness between them because of the events tonight. Jack knew he’d scared her but he justified it to himself because she could be so careless at times. Suddenly Anna’s stomach growled loudly. It brought a light humor into the room as they both started laughing. She looked down and blushed slightly.
“I’m hungry. The food was awful,” Anna said.
“Yeah me, too. I didn’t eat much, either. I’ll pay for pizza,” Jack offered.
Anna looked away, still smiling. “I don’t eat out that much.”
“Why?” Jack asked with a frown.
“I’m a chef, remember?”
“Well, get in the kitchen and start chefing. I’m hungry, woman!”
Anna stood and walked into the kitchen. Jack followed closely behind and watched as she started pulling food out of the refrigerator.
“What do you like?” Anna asked.
“Whatever.”
Anna bent over as she dug through the refrigerator and he could hear the snake in his head start to hiss so he forced himself to look away. Jack found a stool at the end of the island and sat down.
“Do you want pizza?” Anna asked.
“Sure, I like Domino’s.”
Anna frowned. “I can make pizza, if that’s what you want.”
I want you…giving me one hell of a lap dance, baby. The snake in his head hissed. Pushing his demon aside, Jack narrowed his eyes.
“Are you sure? I’m from the pizza capital of the world,” Jack said.
“Oh? I can tell you’re not from Texas. Where are you from?” Anna asked as she moved through her kitchen.
“Really? You can’t tell?” Jack asked sarcastically.
“I don’t know, somewhere out east, I guess. New England?”
“New York City. I was raised in the Bronx.”
“Ah, that’s where that accent is from…” Anna took out some pans and placed them on the stove.
“I don’t have an accent. Everyone else does.”
They made small talk as she prepared the pizza. As the sauce was cooking she walked back to the refrigerator.
“Do you want something to drink?” she asked again.
