Something turned in my gut. It took a second for me to recognize it as jealousy. It bothered me that she thought Jake was cute. What the hell was wrong with me?
“I think Jake’s seeing someone,” I lied, “but I certainly understand why you are interested. He’s a great guy.” Maybe it was pathetic, but I didn’t want my fake potential boyfriend dating anyone else.
Never said I wasn’t a head case.
Since it would be a few hours before Bells opened, I went in search of Jake but couldn’t find him in any of the normal places. Finally I gave in and looked him up on the computer in the control room, after making sure that none of the guys could see what I was doing. According to his time log, the one we used for salaried employees, he’d signed out about fifteen minutes earlier. But his badge hadn’t shown up as clearing the facility, which meant he was still around somewhere.
After checking the three employee lounges, I bit my bottom lip, worried that maybe something had happened to him. Security was tight here, but over the last few weeks I’d seen crazier stuff happen.
One of our most trusted employees had set a nasty virus loose in our computer system, basically shutting us down for a couple of days. We were still trying to recover from that.
Stop jumping to conclusions. It’s Jake. Except for my sisters and Bailey, there wasn’t anyone I trusted more.
I decided to check and see if his car was still there. As I entered the downstairs garage, something caused a slight tingle down my spine. The only way in was through a heavily guarded underground tunnel. There was no way anyone could get in without a thorough check. Or could they?
The last few days are getting to me. Paranoid, anyone?
Scoping out the immediate area, I didn’t see anything. I tuned into my senses, and the feeling of someone near was still there. It was late afternoon, which meant we had a minimum amount of people on duty. There were only thirty or so cars spread out, with room for at least sixty more.
I walked down the center of one of the lanes, keeping my spidey sense, as Bailey likes to call it, on high alert. I was midway down the aisle when I saw him.
Jake was leaning back in the seat of his truck. He looked . . . dead.
I ran for the truck and tried to open the door, but it was locked. Don’t panic. Tapping on the window, I called to him. “Jake, are you okay?”
He didn’t move. I looked down at his chest to see if it moved, but I couldn’t tell. This time I banged on the door, hoping the sound of metal would wake him.
Just as I was about to put my fist through the window to unlock the door, he sat straight up and stared at me. He was disoriented, and it took him a minute to turn the key so the buttons for the windows would work. “What’s wrong?” His voice was groggy.
“Nothing. I was just worried about you. Why are you sleeping in your truck?” I realized I was breathing really fast, and I made myself slow down. The idea that he might have been hurt affected me a lot more than I would have expected.
He shrugged.
For the first time, I noticed dark circles under his eyes. “Jake, when was the last time you went home to rest or took any kind of break?”
“I just rested”—he held up his watch—“for forty-five minutes.”
“Yeah. So when was the last time you slept in a bed for more than an hour?”
He pursed his lips. “Hmmm. Maybe Monday? It’s not a big deal.” Yawning, he leaned forward to turn down the radio, which was playing some old-school Alan Jackson. “Did you need something?”
“It’s friggin’ Thursday, and you haven’t slept since Monday? That’s insane. Even I get a couple of hours a night. Why the hell are you working so much?”
“I don’t know, Alex. Probably has something to do with evil trying to take over the universe, and Guardians doing their best to get themselves killed.” He was being sarcastic, but I noticed he called me Alex.
“I’m going to let that last comment go, because you’re tired. Listen, if you pass out or die from exhaustion, then you aren’t really going to be able to help us much. I know, you’re a big, tough marine, but we need you in top form.” I pointed at him. “Ever heard of delegating? You have an incredibly talented team at your disposal. Use them.”
He rolled his head around, and I could hear his neck crack as he did it. “Are you saying I don’t know how to manage my team?”
“Oh my God. Do not even go there, of course not. Jake, my family relies on you, and if you get sick—All I’m saying is you need to take better care of yourself so you can take care of us. Pure selfishness on my part, I assure you. You need to take some regular breaks, or your body will make you do it.” Your incredibly hot body. His shirt was unbuttoned, and I had this horrible urge to put my hand in that small open space.
“Says she who gets ripped apart by dragons on a regular basis.” He gave me a smug look.
I realized what he said and tore my eyes from his chest. “Hey, buddy, that’s my job.”
His eyebrow rose. “It’s my job to look after you and your sisters. Sometimes you make it tough. So yes, I lose a little sleep now and then, but if it means keeping you alive for another day, it’s worth it.”
“Has anyone ever said you’re stubborn?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He leaned back in the seat.
We stared at each other in silence, but I couldn’t stay mad. Eventually I caved and smiled. “You’re a retard.”
“And you’re so mature.” He mimicked Bailey. “And the term is ‘mentally challenged’ now.”
I snorted. “You’re definitely that. Get out of the truck.”
“I still get another hour for lunch, and you told me to rest. In fact, you said it over and over again.” He gave me a lazy grin that turned my insides into pudding. Why had I never noticed how truly handsome this man was?
“You’re not taking a lunch. You’re going home.” I reached through the window and unlocked the door. “And I’m driving you.”
“I don’t think so. I’ve seen how you drive.” He chuckled. “I really love my truck.” He patted the door.
“I’d kick your ass, but it wouldn’t be a fair fight. Have you seen the dark circles and bags under your eyes? By the way, Mira can get you a cream for that.” I yanked him out of the truck and slid into the driver’s seat. He stood there for a moment, but then made his way around to the other side.
After sitting down, he adjusted his seat belt. “For the record, you could not kick my butt even if I were dead,” he mumbled.
“Whatever it takes to get you through the night, big guy.” I put the truck in reverse. Just for grins I burned a little rubber as I took off down the tunnel.
“Hey!” He grabbed the dashboard, and I couldn’t keep from grinning.
“Settle down, old man, just having a little fun.” I waved at security as we passed through the gate. The guard did a double take when he saw who was in the truck with me.
Jake shook his head. “I give it five minutes before everyone in the complex knows you’re driving my truck.”
“We’re dating.” I did quote marks with my hands. “So who cares? Are you worried I might sully your spit-and-polish reputation with my sordid past?”
He grunted. “You can try, but my past isn’t so perfect.”
“Riiight.” I chanced a glance at him.
“Keep your eyes on the road,” he chastised. “Take Thirty-five south, and I’ll tell you when to exit.” He finally let go of the dash once we were on the highway.
Jake had piqued my curiosity, and I couldn’t keep from asking, “So tell me about this past of yours?” The truth was, except for knowing he was a marine and that he had worked for the FBI and CIA, I didn’t know anything else about him. “Do you come from a big family?”
“Nah. It’s just me, my brother, Dane, and my niece, Sherah. She’s three and hell on wheels,” I could hear the pride in his voice when he talked about her.
I noticed that he didn’t mention a sister-in-law, an
d I wondered about the story there. “Do they live here?”
“Right now they’re in Virginia. My brother’s a profiler with the FBI, and he’s working a big case. But they spend a lot of time here when he’s not working.”
“Is he the one who got you into the FBI?”
Jake pointed to the right. “Exit here.” I did as he asked.
“Why all the questions?” I could feel him looking at me.
“I don’t know anything about you, and I feel like you know everything about me and my sisters. I mean, you literally know my every move.”
“Except when you go off the grid,” he said under his breath.
“I heard that. I guess I’m just curious about you.”
“Why now?”
That question took me aback. “Maybe it’s the fact that we’re fake dating.” Or that I think you’re hot. I forced myself to concentrate on the road. “I just feel like I should know a little something about you, since you know so much about me.”
He stared out the window. “Yes, it was Dane who pulled me into the bureau. I worked there for five years before I was recruited by the CIA.”
I wanted to ask about that, but I had a feeling he wouldn’t tell me much. “So in between working for the FBI and CIA, you were a wild and crazy guy?”
He laughed at that. “I had my moments. I was no saint, that’s for sure.” The way he said it made me even more curious. “We have visitors.”
I didn’t follow his train of thought. “What?”
“Black SUV, two cars back.”
A tail. “I was so busy interrogating you, I missed it. I’m usually so careful.” I bit my lip.
“Don’t worry about it. Do you want to run, or do you want to give them something to write about?”
I looked over, and he grinned. “It’s cold outside, but I could always use a Slurpee. There’s a 7-Eleven at the next exit; why don’t you stop there.” He motioned to the right as he spoke.
“But they’ll see you, and if you’re with me . . .” I couldn’t believe he’d do this for me.
“Exactly. We might as well get this fake dating thing going.”
I laughed. “I like the way you think. But if I stop, we won’t be able to lose them.”
“I’ve got that covered, too. You just distract them with that awesome skull T-shirt and those jeans, and I’ll take care of the rest.”
I’d gone a little Ed Hardy crazy tonight with the clothes. Every once in a while a girl likes to feel sort of biker chic.
I exited the highway and pulled into the convenience store parking lot. The SUV followed. I could see it was just one guy, but he already had his camera in the hand that wasn’t on the wheel.
“I’ll be right back, honey.” I said as loud as I could. At the door, I turned to face the truck. “Was that cherry cola?” I asked sweetly. Giving the photog just enough time to click the shutter.
“Yea, baby.” Jake stuck his head out the window, and I saw the cameraman scramble out of the truck so he could get a shot.
Poor Jake had no idea what he was getting into. It had been almost a year since I’d seriously dated anyone, and it wouldn’t be long before he had paparazzi camped out on his doorstep.
I watched out of the corner of my eye as the guy snapped a few pics of Jake, and then I headed into the store. To give Jake time to do whatever it was he was going to, I took a long time deciding on snacks. In the end I picked up two Slurpees and three packages of Hostess Sno Balls cupcakes. I hadn’t eaten those since—God, I couldn’t remember when—but they looked so darn festive.
I paid for my snacks and then climbed back behind the wheel.
I eased the truck into reverse and then sped away.
The cameraman ran out of the store and hopped in his SUV. He started to pull out on the street and then stopped. In the rearview I saw him jump out and wave his hand. Then he shot the finger at us.
Jake and I both laughed out loud.
“Did you slash his tires?”
“I never destroy property unless absolutely necessary. But he’ll have a heck of a time going anywhere until he changes that low tire. The cold can really do a number on air pressure.”
I started giggling. It felt good. “I’m sorry you were caught up in that. It’s kind of a game for me and my sisters, and I sometimes forget it’s not an everyday occurrence for most people.”
Jake shrugged. “It felt very covert, and it added some fun to the evening.”
I laughed at that. Back on the freeway I asked for directions.
“Exit is two miles up. Turn right at the light. About three miles down, you’ll need to slow your speed, and I’ll tell you where to turn off.”
We were about halfway between Austin and San Marcos, and there was nothing much but ranch land around there. “You know, before, when we were talking about your past, I don’t think you can make a comment about how you were no saint and then not back it up with at least one story.”
He crossed his arms against his chest. “I’m not the kind of guy who kisses and tells. The women I’ve dated, fake or otherwise, kind of liked that.”
I smiled. “Have you ever fake dated before me?” I meant it as a joke, but it suddenly dawned on me that I wished I hadn’t had to use the word “fake.” I liked him, really liked him. Even this few minutes in the truck with him had been enjoyable.
“Slow down.” He interrupted my thoughts. “See that mailbox on the right? Turn on that road.”
I did what he asked, and we ended up on a very bumpy dirt road. It took all my concentration to keep the truck from sliding off to the right or left. “This is quite a ride,” I said as we hit a particularly rough spot that nearly rammed both our heads into the roof of the truck.
“Yeah, I keep meaning to get it paved. It’s on my list.”
I was about to tell him he needed to move it to the top of his priorities when we came into a clearing, and I saw Jake’s house for the first time.
Holy crap.
CHAPTER 11
I’m not sure what kind of place I expected Jake to live in, maybe a bachelor apartment with the requisite black leather couch, empty fridge, and big screen television.
I never imagined his home would be a two-story colonial in the middle of forty acres. “Wow,” I said as we pulled up in the circular driveway. Large white columns supported the front entry, and a wraparound porch circled the house. “This is beautiful. And looks turn of the century. Is it your family home?”
It dawned on me that I knew close to nothing about this man’s personal life. I mean, I knew that if I had to go into battle, I’d want him on my side, and that he took great care of us, but nothing much more than that.
“No. It was my wife’s home.” He opened the door and jumped out.
His wife’s?
I followed him up the path to the front entry. “I didn’t know you were married.”
He pushed some buttons on the door lock and let himself in. “Yep. College sweetheart. She died four years ago. Cancer.”
Now I felt like a jerk. “I’m sorry.”
“It happened fast. I was on assignment in the Middle East.” That must have been when he worked for the CIA. “Her mother called the agency and left a message. By the time I got home, she only had a week left. Brain cancer. Three weeks from diagnosis to death. Damn disease.” Taking his keys from my hands, he put them on a round entryway table.
“I must be tired. I never talk about that. She loved this place and was restoring it while I was away. I promised her I’d finish it someday, but I haven’t gotten around to it.”
I decided to move to a new, hopefully less painful subject. “Probably cuz ya work a hundred hours straight.” I patted his back. “I’m going to make you a quick meal. Why don’t you take a shower?”
“Do I smell?” He sniffed his underarm.
Such a man thing to do, and it made me laugh. “No. I just thought it might help you relax.”
“You don’t have to do this. I know you have to be t
ired, too. You’re the reason I’ve been working so much.”
I rolled my eyes. “I know. Don’t make me feel guiltier than I already do. Point me to the kitchen.”
We were at the base of a split staircase. “Take the hallway to the left, and it’s the last door. I’ll be down in a minute.”
I peeked in the various rooms as I walked down the hall. What had been the parlor had been turned into a beautiful family room in earth tones, a peaceful retreat for a busy couple. The dining room was attached, but the renovations hadn’t been completed there. There were paint patches on the wall as if someone couldn’t figure out the color, and there wasn’t a stick of furniture.
I stared at the colors on the wall for a minute and decided the iced mocha would be the best choice to go with in the family room. My instincts were confirmed when I walked into the kitchen.
His wife must have gutted the room and rebuilt it from top to bottom, though she kept the charm of the place with whitewashed floors and wood countertops. The walls were a soft, creamy yellow, and the stainless steel appliances looked brand-new. The whole back wall was lined with windows that led to a glassed-in sunporch. It was comfortable and homey.
I opened the fridge and was surprised to find the man liked mustard. There had to be at least five different kinds. I pulled out a variety of meats and cheeses and found some rye bread in the pantry. Since I didn’t know what foods he liked, I decided to keep it simple. Sandwiches were easy, and if he didn’t like them, no big.
After I had the food prepared, I found an old pitcher of tea in the fridge. I dumped it out and made him a fresh pot. I also cleaned out his vegetable drawer and dumped the sour milk. Other than that, everything was spotless and well kept. For a bachelor, he lived a tidy life, which probably had something to do with his military background.
I suddenly wished I knew more about him. Where he grew up, what kind of kid he’d been, why he’d left the FBI to join the CIA, that sort of thing.
I sat down at the kitchen bar and drank a glass of tea and ate a sandwich while I waited—and waited. “Jeez, he takes longer showers than Gilly.” After another ten minutes, I decided I better check on him. He was so tired he might have drowned.
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