In all honesty, she never minded performing the mundane tasks that went along with keeping the business afloat. Someone had to do them and there wasn't enough money in the budget to hire a secretary. So she took on data entry in addition to her flight schedule. Once her daily chores were complete she had free rein to work on chopper designs or computer software, anything she desired. Rogue handled the administrative end, setting up and finalizing contracts, advertising, and signing the paychecks. Every other week she received a nice salary for truthfully very little work. For that, she could take out the trash and sweep. Sure, she could fit in at NASA, but the idea of changing jobs left her cold. Besides, the federal government had no more budget money than anyone else, thus a hiring freeze. She knew since she'd checked a month ago. That was fine. Her job provided health insurance, enough money to pay her bills and have a little extra to play with, security, and an occasional flare of excitement. Like today.
Tempest thought about the men and one woman she'd delivered to a drug factory in the middle of nowhere. All tough, seasoned, and true heroes in her book. Willing to put their lives on the line in order to make a dent in the exploding drug trade.
Seeing Lark with the group surprised her. Not that she thought women didn't belong in the armed forces, quite the contrary. The rough and tumble bunch didn't seem the kind to take a backseat to anyone, yet the petite blonde held her own, even put them in their place when needed, including her brother.
Ryan. His short blond hair, bright blue eyes, and smiling face appeared in her mind. More easygoing than the others, he eased the tension in the helicopter between her and her boss on the flight home after she launched a missile without Rogue's permission. Ryan handled his gun with familiarity, dressed the part, and possessed the build and strength to back up his claim of a special ops background. Handsome. Charming. Capable. He came across as happy-go-lucky and at ease with his lot in life. Something about him caught her attention and demanded she learn more.
She glanced to the back office, looking through the ceiling to floor glass panes, catching sight of Rogue in his leather office chair, poring over papers. As she watched, he palmed his quietly ringing cell phone and answered the call.
Talk about polar opposites. Rogue stood perhaps an inch taller than Ryan, sporting black hair and brown eyes, a stark contrast to Ryan's lighter hues. Their frames both carried thick muscles that shouted stamina, conditioning, and sheer power. However, from her short exposure to Ryan, she noted the differences went beyond physical. Ryan teased, smiled, and flirted, a man accustomed to winding women around his finger. On the other hand, Rogue conducted himself like a drill sergeant. Direct. To the point. Even gruff at times. He kissed up to no one and had no problem going toe to toe with anyone that didn't fall into line. An alpha male lion to Ryan's sly fox.
Both snared her attention and set her imagination into overdrive. Ryan walked away today without a hint at wanting to see her again while Rogue hadn't noticed her as more than an employee in the two years she worked for him, leaving her to pine away with little hope of a romantic union. For some unknown reason, when she really wanted a man to notice her, he went on about life, ignoring her as if she were mist. Now if she didn't care for the guy, he would be all over her with flowers, candy, and marriage proposals. Short of wearing a thong bikini to work or tracking down Ryan and throwing herself in front of his truck, she came up empty-handed in the idea department of how to attract their attention.
The spark she felt for Rogue at their first meeting still blazed, albeit small and contained. After months of trying to capture his attention, leaving subtle hints, and wishing, she'd finally given up, deciding he didn't return her interest in the least despite giving off mixed signals now and again. Determined to move on, she pushed dreams with her boss to the back recesses of her mind and focused on finding a man who wanted her, would treat her right, and had no problem committing to a lifetime full of the ups and downs of marriage.
Could Ryan be that man? Mentally shrugging, she puffed out a breath.
Talk about putting the cart before the horse. She had to be hard up to already be considering years together with a man she'd just met and spent perhaps an hour total with. Either she needed to find a playmate soon or stop by a toy store for some personal care devices. Besides, both guys probably had a dozen women who would only be too happy to spend a few hours with a hunky, successful man.
Movement in the back office drew her gaze once more. Rogue walked around his desk to stop in front of the back window, staring out as if pondering the meaning of life.
Rogue. His real name was Matt, but no one ever called him that, with the possible exception of his sister, Lori. Tempest had met her a couple of times and couldn't help but smile at the obvious love and constant bantering she witnessed between the siblings. It was Lori who had explained Rogue's overbearing attitude and radiating dominance to Tempest at last year's Fourth of July cookout.
"Our mother was only sixteen when she had Matt. Eighteen when she delivered me. With little home support, no job, she basically bounced between boyfriends exchanging sex for a roof over our heads." Lori glanced away, finding Rogue with her gaze. "One day she chose the wrong one. She left to run errands, leaving us with an abusive man who started with the beatings almost as soon as she stepped off the front porch." She paused for a long moment as if reliving the experience in her mind. "He started on me first, hitting, yelling, and twisting my arm until it broke. Matt stepped in, but couldn't do much as a five-year-old against a grown man. He tried. So hard. Earned a few punches, a black eye, bloody nose, and a concussion for his troubles."
"That's horrible. What did your mother do?" Tempest asked, angered and shocked at the other woman's story.
"When she came home and saw us, she picked us up, drove directly to the emergency room, and sent the cops after the guy."
"Did things change?"
For the first time a ghost of smile appeared on Lori's face. "Yes. She realized she couldn't adequately care for two small children with her life in shambles. So, she talked to counselors and the Division of Family Services, finally deciding to leave Matt and me in foster care for a short time, until she could get back on her feet and make a life for all of us."
"How long until she returned for you?"
"Never."
Tempest gaped at Rogue's sister. "She never returned for you?"
Lori shook her head sadly. "Come to find out, she signed us over as dependents to the state."
"That's terrible." Her heart went out to the two small children who suffered so much, betrayal by their mother, beatings from her boyfriend.
"Not really." Lori shrugged. "Our foster parents were a dream. Understanding, supportive. They showed us a different world and what being a family meant. It's because of them that Matt and I turned out like we did." She met Tempest's gaze. "Long story short, Matt's never forgotten the one time he couldn't protect me. Carries the guilt like an old war wound that never heals. I'm afraid it carries over to any other woman he cares about."
"Wow. I can understand why now." Tempest swiveled her head, staring at her boss as he chatted with a couple of middle-aged businessmen.
As if feeling her interest, he turned, met her gaze, and arched an eyebrow.
Shooting him a small smile, Tempest returned her attention to Lori.
"Don't disregard him for his caveman ways. He's got a heart of gold." Lori sipped her water.
"Oh, definitely a caveman. Give him a club, animal skin clothes, and a bone to put in his hair and he'll fit the part perfectly."
Lori tittered. "Just be careful lest he decide to drag you back to his lair for some down and dirty sex."
Tempest snorted. "You have the wrong woman. Rogue hardly knows I exist except to do the books and fly tourists around."
"You might be surprised."
Shaking her head, Tempest pushed the memory back into storage.
Who was she kidding? A relationship with Rogue would only exist in her daydreams. She ne
eded to wake up to reality and move on before her hopes were destroyed once again.
Maybe Ryan? As quickly as she considered him, she threw the thought out the window. No sense holding her breath on a man who probably had half a dozen women at his beck and call, a confirmed playboy with no interest in settling down or of spending time with someone less than beauty pageant gorgeous.
Both men were out of her league and would always be.
Taking another sip of her soda, she plucked the next document from the pile and started typing.
Chapter 8
Reclining in his chair, Ryan propped his boots on his desk, and rotated his shoulders in an attempt to ease the strain of riding a desk all day long. After hours of non-stop paperwork and a late delivery lunch, he finally managed to mostly clear his docket. A couple more phone calls and he'd be finished. Thankfully. He enjoyed the challenge of his job, the travel, even the hint of danger. Paperwork landed on the flip side. A necessary evil he reluctantly performed, but gnashed his teeth the entire time.
The department secretary walked by, waved, and continued on her way. Pretty lady, but not in the same class as Tempest.
He pictured the brunette pilot in his mind, her saucy grin, the way her flight suit stretched snug over her chest and rear when she bent and moved. Damn fine. Her fighting spirit showed when she tagged along into battle as did her inner fortitude in standing up to her critical boss. Add in a decidedly high intelligence and she made a perfect female package.
If only she were his.
Somehow he had to maneuver around Rogue, her overprotective and surly employer, in order to ask her out. Let her decide for herself who she wanted to spend time with. If the pair was a couple, he didn't see any indication. No rings. Rogue didn't hold her hand or wrap an arm around her as they walked back to the terminal at the small airport. Tempest even introduced him only as her boss. All the facts said she remained single, or at least not in a relationship with Rogue.
Rogue. The man had changed little in the years since they were in the Army together. Physically, he appeared about the same. Big and strong. The attitude certainly hadn't changed. Taciturn and in-your-face described his former comrade's disposition to a T. Good thing he could back up his words or he would have his ass kicked on a daily basis both back then and now.
His cell rang, interrupting his thoughts. Glancing at the caller ID, he quickly answered. "What's up, sis?"
"You're still awake?"
"Well, yeah. Why wouldn't I be?"
"'Cause you're old?"
Rolling his eyes, he snorted into the phone. "I still have a job to do despite some extracurricular activities overnight."
"Speaking of extracurricular activities, have you asked Tempest out yet?"
"No, nosey pants, I haven't."
"Why not?"
He rubbed his forehead. Leave it to his baby sister to have a one-track mind. Either saddle him with biological clock-ticking women or push him into seeing a woman he just met a few hours earlier. What's worse, Lark held their mother's ear and she used the power to encourage their mother's near obsession for having grandchildren from him.
"Can't you find another hobby besides harassing me? Hell, there are three other brothers you can bother. All of them are single. Go march one of them to the altar."
She chuckled. "Oh, someone is testy."
"I don't need a matchmaker. Been finding my own women for a few years now."
"How did that work for you?"
Ryan growled and muttered under his breath. Lark knew how to dig at him, like an angry hornet intent upon inflicting stings until you moved along.
"You like her. She's feisty and pretty. Ask her out already."
Done with the personal conversation, he quickly changed topics. "Did you find the person responsible for the ambush yet?"
She sighed. "No, not yet. We're working on it. And, don't get your panties in a wad. I just want to see my favorite brother happy."
A tiny pinch of guilt settled on his shoulders. Lark rattled his cage more often than not, but she held his best interests at heart. Bryce made her sparkle with contentment, so she decided that Ryan needed to find his other half, thus he would share in the joy. He really couldn't blame her for needling him about dating.
"Okay. Okay. I'll ask Tempest out."
"GREAT!" She whooped.
He shook his head and smiled at her exuberance. "You're turning into Mom."
She gasped. "No way, bro. While I might want to see everyone in a long-term relationship, I'm not clamoring for babies. Nope."
"We'll see." He shook his head. Bryce had his hands full with Lark. "If you're done pressing my buttons, I have work to do."
"Yeah, yeah. When are you going to talk to Tempest?"
"One-track mind, I swear," he grumbled. "Tomorrow."
"Good. I'll catch you later then."
"Hey, Lark?"
"Hmm?"
"Be careful."
"No worries. Consider me armed and dangerous." With a kissy sound, she clicked off.
No time like the present. Besides, if he didn't follow through, Lark would be on him like white on rice tomorrow evening. Hell, he wouldn't put it past her to step in and call Tempest herself, explain the situation, and line him up for an evening out.
Digging out a phone book, he paused for a second, recalling the words written on the modified Huey. Chopper Views. Thumbing through the pages, he quickly found the listing, jotted down the phone number and address, then stuffed the scrap of paper in his pocket. Tomorrow he would visit the business, see Tempest, and ask her out to dinner.
Chapter 9
The next morning, Tempest plopped down at her desk with a cup of steaming hot coffee. Normally, she mixed in cream and sugar, but not today. After little sleep two nights ago with the overnight flight to rescue the pseudo-military team and that morning's pre-dawn flight with a cute older couple who wanted to watch the sunrise over the city from the air, she needed every jolt and trick to stay awake in the empty office and for the rest of the work day.
Not that she minded the early flight. On the contrary, they were her favorite. There was something peaceful watching the bright colors illuminate the sky in preparation for the new day. Seeing nature's beautiful display from her pilot's seat as they flew over both rural and populated areas didn't lessen the surreal experience in her book.
The chime over the door rang cheerfully.
Spinning around, she glanced up at the visitor, her spirits lifting when she recognized the light blond hair, bright blue eyes, and charming smile. "Hey, Ryan. What brings you by?"
A smile appeared on his face as he met her gaze before raking her body with a slow, wicked look.
Remembering her manners, she quickly held out her mug. "Would you like some coffee? It's fresh."
He shook his head. "No thanks. I've had my limit already this morning."
Her heart fluttered. Beating down the excitement of his arrival, she held to her rational wits with long practiced skill. But he sure looked damn good that morning. Denim painted his lower body, outlining strong thighs while a light blue shirt, a shade darker than his eyes, draped over a sculpted chest, the short sleeves revealing toned and bulging arms. Powerful and graceful. Dare I drool?
"I wanted to see you again."
"Really?" She arched an eyebrow.
He walked over, stopping just in front of her desk, before plopping down in the empty chair provided for potential clients. Adjusting for comfort, he stretched his long legs out before him. "Yep. I wanted to ask you something."
Setting her mug on the desk, she cocked her head. "Okay. Shoot."
"Will you go out with me?"
Blinking, Tempest replayed his words, surprised and afraid to believe they actually came from his mouth instead of her mind. "I'm sorry. Can you repeat that?"
The corner of his mouth tilted up. "Will you go out with me? You know. Date."
Happy butterflies took flight in her stomach. She slowly grinned. "I would like th
at."
Ryan smiled widely. "Great. How about tonight?"
Without hesitation, she nodded. "That'll work. I get off here at five."
"I'll pick you up at six."
He dug his wallet from a back pocket, opened it, and pulled out a business card. "Here. It's got my phone number in case you need it."
She took the offered paper. Ryan Blake, FBI. Another puzzle piece clicked into place while piquing her interest all the more.
"I need your address to pick you up." Ryan leaned in and whispered.
"Oh, I forgot." A bit flustered, she grabbed a sticky note and jotted it down. "Here you go. It's in the suburbs, a little drive. If you would prefer, I can meet you somewhere…"
"No way." He waved his hand dismissively. "All part of a date with me. Curbside service and an evening of entertainment." A dimple popped out in his cheek.
She chuckled. "Sounds like fun."
He waggled his eyebrows. "I guarantee it." Absently checking his watch, he released a sigh and stood. "Got to get to work before I'm late."
Tempest followed suit, taking to her feet. Ryan strode around the desk and paused long enough to place a chaste kiss to her cheek. "Until later." With a quick salute, he ambled to the front door, holding it open for Rogue to enter, a cardboard box in his arms.
She watched while Ryan climbed in his black truck then quickly drove away.
"What's he doing here?" Rogue's skeptical tone caught her attention.
"Nothing that pertains to you or the business." Long ago, she'd learned to stand up to Rogue or risk getting run over by his battering ram attitude.
His deep chocolate eyes stared at her for a long moment before he puffed out a breath. "He's trouble."
She shrugged, not about to let her pleasant morning be ruined by a grumpy boss.
With a roll of his eyes, he marched past her into his office, shutting the door behind him.
Her heart went out to him, instinctively wanting to replace his scowl with a teasing smile. No. She lifted her chin and hardened her empathetic thoughts. Rogue never indicated he was remotely interested in her in the two years she'd worked there. She could either spend more time pining away for him or move on, living her life, and maybe finding something special with Ryan.
Blue Blood's Trifecta Page 4
