“I guess it is.” He leaned down to kiss her.
She sank into the attention but pulled away first. “The faster we do this, the faster we can just be us.”
“Better give me that list, then. See if Harley’s plans have any merit.”
“You know that they do.”
“Really second-guessing that claim that I wanted you to talk to my friends.”
“So you said.”
Anderson shot her a smile and held out his hand. She was right. Harley’s plan would be solid, and the quicker they got through it, the quicker they could move on to all the stuff he hadn’t even known he’d needed until she fell into his arms.
Chapter 14
Anderson stuck his head out of the hotel-room door and peered up and down the hall. With the exception of a solitary woman in a pantsuit, the space was empty.
“All right,” Anderson said over his shoulder. “We’re clear.”
“I know,” Nadine replied. “Harley said we would be.”
“He’s not some all-seeing, all-knowing wizard.”
“That’s actually exactly what he said.”
“Are you trying to make me jealous, Ms. Stuart?”
“No.” She paused. “Are you jealous?”
He guided her out into the hall. “Of Harley? Never.”
“Why? He seems like a nice guy. Smart.”
“Yep. Far too smart to try and steal my girlfriend out from under me.”
He kept walking for a few more steps before he realized she hadn’t followed. He turned back.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Nothing. Say it again.”
“Say what again?”
“That I’m your girlfriend.”
“Didn’t we already establish this a few hours ago?”
She nodded. “Yes. But I just like the way it sounds when you say it.”
He chuckled. “Okay. You’re my girlfriend.”
“Good.”
“Can we go now?”
“Maybe just one more time.”
“You’re my girlfriend.”
“Perfect. Now we can go.”
He took her hand, and they made their way to the end of the corridor.
“Okay, Harley,” Anderson said as they turned the corner and pushed through the heavy fireproof doors. “Don’t let me down.”
According to Nadine, Anderson’s friend had looked over the blueprints of the building carefully and from those devised the best route to escape without being detected. So—silently and with hands clasped—they followed the instructions to the letter.
Though the first set of stairs went all the way to the underground parking lot, getting to the truck wasn’t on their to-do list. Instead, the notes Nadine had taken said only to use the stairs as far as the second floor. There, they would reroute in the interest of stealth.
They made short work of the two-story trip, pausing cautiously to survey the hall on the second floor before continuing. Once they were sure it was clear, they quickly moved to the opposite end of the corridor and switched to the other set of stairs. At the lobby level, there were two sets of doors at the bottom of the stairwell, just as Harley had said there would be. One led directly into the hotel, but the other was an un-alarmed emergency exit that would take them out to one side of the lodge.
Praying that their good luck would continue—but half expecting it not to—Anderson pushed the second door open. As he stepped out and scanned the area for trouble, a strong gust of mountain air whipped through suddenly, pulling the door from his grasp. Without thinking about it, he yanked Nadine out of the frame and out of harm’s way. The door slammed shut.
“Dammit,” he muttered, spinning to survey the row of cars for the one that Harley had sent as their final goal at the lodge.
His heart leaped to his throat, and his arm shot up to push Nadine flat against the brick building. At the end of the line of cars was a dark-colored sedan, which in and of itself might not have been worrisome. Dark-colored sedans weren’t exactly rare. The problem was the person sitting in the driver’s seat—the same, all-too-familiar, salt-and-pepper-haired man who’d been causing problems for them for the last twenty-four hours.
“We need a way out,” Anderson said, the words escaping in a low growl.
Nadine’s response came back with a quaver. “There’s nowhere to go.”
“There has to be. The second that thug looks up from his phone and into his rearview mirror, we’re as good as caught.”
“Harley said this would be the easy part.”
“Not an all-seeing wizard,” he reminded her.
“No kidding.”
Anderson scanned the edge of the building in search of a way to get by the sedan without being spotted. Aside from a few lampposts and the cars themselves, the parking lot was bare. And of course, there was another problem. Even if they managed to get to the car Harley had picked out for them via the lodge’s online service, there was no way they could drive it away undetected.
He searched for another option, quickly inventorying their position.
The lodge was a huge building, and the side where they stood was the only one free from crowds of guests and employees. It was assumable that Harley had chosen it for that reason. Right now, it wasn’t working in their favor.
They couldn’t move forward and head for the front of the building—that path would take them right past the car. Had that not been true, there was the added risk that a whole host of Garibaldi-employed hotel staff were currently on the lookout for them.
The rear of the hotel presented the same problem. Though the back faced the wooded mountains—and in fact had well-used paths leading in for hiking or biking—it also housed the outdoor pool, which was overlooked by the patio bar.
You’re going to have to pick one, he said to himself. The longer you stand here, the more likely it is that you’ll be spotted.
He surveyed the area once more. No answers leaped out at him. His mouth dropped open to let out a frustrated curse, but Nadine’s hand closed on his arm and gave it a gentle squeeze.
“I’ve got an idea,” she said.
“What is it?”
“Do you want to talk about it? Because I’m pretty sure now is the time for action rather than words.”
There was no point in arguing—she was right. “Okay.”
“C’mon,” she replied. “Follow me.”
She slunk along the edge of the building, and he stayed close behind her, his eyes on the man in the car. He had zero interest in a making a scene. Especially one caused by a gunfight. If it came to a choice between drawing attention to themselves and saving Nadine’s life, though, Anderson would err on the side of the biggest disruption in Whispering Woods history. Thankfully, they made it to the edge of the building without the need for him to pull his weapon. But there was still the issue of exposure. Before he could bring it up, though, Nadine squeezed his arm again, then pointed toward a row of stacked-up plastic chairs that sat just against a small outbuilding.
A quick glance around told him that the spot was sheltered just enough that no one would be able to see them once they were there. As far as actually making the move... He was sure that anyone who happened to be looking up and saw them sneaking off would assume something far sexier than what they were really up to.
“Ready?” Nadine asked.
“Probably not.”
“Funny.”
“On the count of three?” he suggested.
“One...” she replied.
“Two...” he added.
“Three!” they said together.
He grabbed Nadine’s hand and dragged her away from the cover of the building, and in less than ten seconds, they were tucked between the chairs and the outbuilding.
“Well,” Anderson prodded. “What now?”
“Yes.”
“Hand it over.”
Amused by her bossiness, his dug into his pocket for the slim device. “Here you go, Sergeant.”
She gave his entertained expression a narrow-eyed glare. “No need to mock me. I’m the one with the idea.”
He fought a laugh. “True enough.”
She grabbed the cell from him, swiped the screen and punched the digital keys a few times, then announced, “Speakerphone.”
It rang noisily on the other end three times before a very familiar voice issued a greeting. “Anderson. Everything all right?”
“Hi, Harley! It’s Nadine.” Her tone was sweeter than he’d heard it before.
“Oh, hey there,” said his friend. “Run into a problem?”
“Small one.”
“Small?” Anderson repeated.
Nadine made a face. “Shh.”
“Me?” said Harley.
“Not you,” replied Nadine. “Your friend.”
“Anderson’s never been too good at keeping quiet.”
“Good thing he’s cute.”
“Says you.”
Anderson snorted and raised his voice. “Better looking than you by a mile.”
“Cocky, isn’t he?” Harley responded.
“A little bit,” Nadine agreed. “But I like him too much to complain. You want to help us a bit more?”
“For you? Anything.”
It was Anderson’s turn to make a face. “Suck-up.”
Nadine bit her lip, looking an awful lot like she wanted to laugh. “The rental car didn’t pan out. One of our ‘friends’ decided the parking lot was a good place to lay low.”
“Damn,” Harley replied.
“Your mom would wash your mouth out with soap if she heard that,” Anderson stated.
“What she can’t hear won’t hurt her,” Harley said. “What do you guys need? Another car? ’Cause it wasn’t all that easy to hack into the Whispering Woods Lodge system in the first place.”
“Hack, Harley?” Anderson interjected. “Did you make us an accessory to grand theft auto? Because I kind of like my job.”
“Of course not.” His friend sounded appalled. “I paid for the rental. I just had to get creative on the booking because they require two pieces of government ID, a driver’s abstract and have a strong preference for forty-eight hours’ notice. Plus, they needed some extra convincing to leave the key in that magnetic box under the door. But if you just wanted to walk in and ask for the car...”
Anderson rolled his eyes. “Forget I even asked.”
“You make it hard to feel appreciated,” his partner stated.
Nadine let out a sigh. “Can we get back to the important stuff?”
“Like I said...anything for you,” repeated Harley.
Nadine smiled. “We’re still planning on using the car you booked. What we need is a phone call.”
“A phone call?” Harley sounded as puzzled as Anderson felt.
“Yes. To the front desk. Since we’re not sure who we can trust, I don’t think Anderson and I should do it ourselves. But if you do it, there won’t be any awkward questions.”
“What am I saying to them?”
“That you just came from the car rental parking lot, and you—or better yet, your daughter—saw a man loitering there. Trust me when I say that the lodge cares enough about its reputation that they’ll send security. Quickly. And our friend will clear out just as fast.”
“And if security’s in on it?” Anderson wondered aloud.
“He’ll still leave,” Nadine replied. “Because he’ll be worried about attracting attention.”
“All right.” Now Harley sounded kind of pleased. “I do like a chance to be creative. I’ll make the call, and request that they call me back when it’s done. Then I’ll shoot you a text. Sound good?”
“Right as rain, as my grandmother used to say,” Nadine said cheerfully.
“Bye, Harley.” Anderson took the phone from her and tapped the hang-up key emphatically before sticking it into his pocket. “I think you are trying to make me jealous.”
She fixed him with a too-innocent smile. “Who, me?”
“Do I have another girlfriend kicking around?”
“I hope not.”
“Would that make you jealous?” He stepped a little closer.
“Jealous, no.” She danced out of reach. “Vengeful, possibly.”
“Would you go after me? Or her?”
“Neither.”
“Neither?”
“Nope. I’d just have Harley take care of the whole thing.”
“I wouldn’t smirk quite so hard if I were you.”
“Oh, really?”
“No.”
“Are you going to stop me?”
“Definitely.” He brought both hands up to her shoulders, then backed her to the wall of the outbuilding. “It’s not like you can run away from me. In fact...I think you’re pretty much stuck.”
She pursed her lips like she was trying not to smile. “And I think you’re taking advantage of the situation.”
“I sure am.”
He dipped his head so he could press his lips to hers. He meant it to be a quick, firm kiss, but her fingers came up to the back of his neck and dug into his hair, and there was no way he was breaking contact. Especially not when she lifted her foot to the back of his calf and propelled him closer. He deepened the kiss, then grabbed ahold of her bent knee and lifted it up to his thigh. She moaned against his mouth, and for a very pleasant moment, the rest of the world slipped away.
No guest-filled hotel.
No Garibaldi.
No arrogant, ill-meaning man hovering on the periphery, waiting to swoop in and kill them both.
It was just Anderson, Nadine and the best damned kiss in the world.
* * *
For as long as Nadine could remember, she’d been after answers about her father’s death. But now she was literally in the arms of a man who could help her get them, and it was the furthest thing from her mind. In fact, her mind had given way to her heart. Instead of thinking, she was simply feeling. Because everything about Anderson was right. His kindness. His protectiveness. The way his body fit against hers. The firm, hot touch of his mouth. It made Nadine needy. And while she normally considered herself to be self-sufficient and decidedly independent, this was a kind of need she didn’t mind. One she was even sort of reveling in. Which was why, when Anderson’s phone chimed to life, she had a primal urge to grab it, throw it to the ground and stomp on it. Judging by the groan Anderson issued as he pulled away, he concurred with the idea.
“Damn you, Harley,” he growled.
“Is it wrong to ignore him?” Nadine breathed.
“Unfortunately.”
“Well. That sucks.”
His mouth turned up. “To put it mildly.”
“I guess he’s doing us a favor,” she conceded.
“Sure is.” He tugged his phone out of his pocket, then turned the screen so she could read it, too.
Coast is clear. Some REALLY chatty front desk girl was eager to help. She told me that security would sweep through every ten minutes for the next bit. Better hurry. And don’t forget to let me know you’re alive.
“I guess our break is over,” Anderson said, holding out his hand. “Ready to steal a car?”
Nadine threaded her fingers through his. “We’re not stealing it. Harley paid for it. I know you heard him.”
“Oh, now that we’re not ignoring him, we’re back to praising him?”
“He is saving our butts.”
“So you keep reminding me.” Anderson stepped ahead to peer around the outbuilding. “Count of three again?�
�
“Let’s count down instead of up, just to keep it interesting.”
“If you insist.”
“I do.”
“All right. Three...”
“Two...”
“One!”
They made the mad dash again, then slipped around the corner and pressed their backs to the edge of the lodge. As promised, the parking lot was now devoid of a certain nondescript sedan.
“I know you’re silently thanking him,” Anderson said.
“Don’t jump to conclusions,” Nadine scolded. “I won’t be silently thanking him until we’re driving away in the third car from the left.”
He chuckled, and she tugged his hand again, and they headed toward the vehicle in question. After another look around and a quick duck to grab the hidden key, he opened her door and ushered her into the passenger seat.
“Just so you know...” he said as he climbed in and started the engine. “When this is done, I’m definitely going to find him a girlfriend.”
“You think that’ll dull his impeccable expertise?”
“Couldn’t hurt. You know any nice local girls?”
“Sadly...no. Well, Reggie. But Brayden might have something to say about that. The only other eligible bachelorette I’ve met since coming back is that girl at the pie shop. How does he feel about kids?”
“Likes ’em, same as anyone with sense.”
She laughed. “But tell me what you really think.”
He glanced her way. “You don’t like kids?”
“Um...”
“What?”
“I’m an elementary schoolteacher.”
“Oh, right. Not normally a crime fighter.” His brow pinched into a frown.
“Spit it out, Detective,” Nadine ordered teasingly.
“You’re a teacher. So you like other people’s kids. But what about kids of your own?”
“I don’t have any.”
“Nadine...”
“It’s kind of a loaded question, Anderson.”
“It’s the kind of question most people think about.”
She studied her hands, feeling strangely shy. Though she’d spent two days straight with the man, been intimate with him and agreed to what she knew was going to blossom into a permanent relationship, this particular topic seemed to take things a step further.
Undercover Protector Page 16
