Love & Deception (Agents in Love - Book 1)

by Chantel Rhondeau

  “Yes, it has been.” Carlie was unable to stop the smile that spread across her face.

  “Which means,” Shelley said, flashing a return grin, “I get paid on time this week, right?”

  She nodded. “We’re in the black as of today. I don’t even have much food left to donate to the soup kitchen.”

  “Which is a plus, if you ask me,” Shelley replied. “You’re never going to make any money if you keep giving your profits away.”

  Carlie shrugged. “I like helping others. Besides, it’s tax deductible.” She stepped from behind the counter and walked to the short hallway leading to the kitchen. “I have five bowls left, so I’ll grab that food for your table.”

  Without waiting for her friend to reply, Carlie crossed the black and white checkered tiles and made her way to the back. The little shop might not be much, but it was what she’d always wanted. Constantly moving around the country to lose her pursuers had put Carlie’s dreams on hold. It had been six years since her husband’s murder, and it was time to put down some roots.

  Even if Ryan’s enemies still searched for her, they’d never expect her to be back in Washington, only a short drive from Seattle. After suspecting someone found her in Florida seven months ago, Carlie changed identities once again and decided her best bet was to hide in plain sight.

  After re-warming three bread bowls in the microwave, Carlie set them on plates and filled them with hot soup.

  Shelley’s head poked around the corner of the doorway. “Everything okay? They said they’re hungry.”

  “Everything’s fine.” Carlie grabbed a serving tray from the stack beneath the counter and shifted the plates to it. “It’s ready.”

  “Great. Those guys smell like money, and I see a big tip coming my way. Well, maybe.” She laughed and her eyes sparkled with mischief. “If I flirt enough, that is. They’re from out of town and looking for a little fun.”

  “In Sayle?” Carlie wrinkled her nose. “Not much excitement here.”

  “They’re on their way to Canada, but decided to stop for dinner. Luckily, they found us.”

  Because Shelley was the type of woman guys took notice of, Carlie always let her wait on tables with only men. Blue-eyed, black-haired, buxom Shelley kept them happier than blond-haired, hazel-eyed, altogether boring Carlie.

  On second thought, being overlooked wasn’t a bad thing. Boring kept her hidden. She needed that.

  She smiled at Shelley. “That is lucky for them to find our great restaurant.” She grabbed a clean rag to wipe up some soup that dripped onto the counter. “And I’m lucky I found you. Thanks for sticking with me through this start up. I know it’s been a rough couple of months.”

  Shelley grinned and picked up the tray. “I’m glad I answered your ad for a waitress. Not only did I get a great boss, but a good friend, too.”

  The warmth of those words struck Carlie as Shelley sashayed from the kitchen, and she blinked back happy tears. Avoiding her husband’s enemies since his death had made it hard to find friends. It was nice to have one again. Carlie was tired of running, tired of not having a life. If they found her in Sayle, she wouldn’t run any more. She’d fight.

  After stirring the soup one last time and turning off the unit to allow it to cool, Carlie returned to the dining area. She glanced around the small space, pride filling her as it always did when she thought about how she’d finally accomplished her dreams.

  Six booths with red benches and black tabletops surrounded the outer perimeter of the shop and three more tables sat in the center of the floor. Not a huge place, but big enough to satisfy her lifelong dream of running a restaurant.

  Several times today, all the tables were full. People actually waited for a seat or ordered something to go. Word about her shop and the quality of food was getting around. She even received an order for thirty cupcakes for a birthday party next week.

  Although her busiest time was during lunch when customers wanted sandwiches made on fresh bread or homemade soup in a warm bread bowl, Carlie knew cupcakes were the latest rage. She hoped they would tip the balance in her favor of having a successful business versus just an ordinary sandwich shop, indistinguishable from the others.

  Since Shelley spent extra time with the men headed to Canada, Carlie made the rounds to the remaining customers, refilling drinks and making sure everyone was happy. When the buzzer on the door heralded a new arrival, Carlie didn’t turn around right away, busy refilling an elderly couple’s water glasses.

  Shelley crossed the room and stood next to her. “Did you invite him?”

  “Who?” Carlie set the second water back on the table.

  “Nick.” Shelley let out a low whistle. “That is one fine-looking man.”

  The ice rattled around the water pitcher in her hand, but Carlie directed her attention to the diners at the table. “Do you need anything else?”

  “Edith says I shouldn’t, but I’d love a cupcake.” The gentleman’s wide smile deepened the wrinkles around his eyes and he patted his round belly.

  Across the table, Edith scowled, but Carlie smiled back at him. “I only have chocolate left. Is that okay?”

  At his nod, Shelley patted her arm. “I’ll get the cupcake. You see what super hunk wants.”

  Carlie turned to the doorway and the air suddenly became too thin as Nick’s eyes locked onto hers. He wore a dark blue dress shirt and black slacks. Dark hair feathered away from his forehead. Forcing herself to breathe again, Carlie started across the room. She prayed the smile on her face didn’t look as strained as it felt.

  After he rescued her from Stephen last night, there hadn’t been a lot of time left to spar. Once class ended, Carlie had changed her clothes and hurried from the dojo, a little embarrassed by the whole situation. She must look foolish to him, letting Stephen treat her that way...she certainly felt foolish.

  “Nick. It’s nice to see you.” She stopped in front of him, still displaying a smile that felt too wide for her face. “Did you come for dinner?”

  “No.”

  One word was all it took to provoke a tremor of nerves in her stomach. His eyes were so brown, they almost seemed black, and it was hard to look away.

  “I came for you, Carlie.”

  She rather felt like a mouse staring into the face of a hungry hawk with the way his piercing gaze never wavered. Forcing a laugh, she broke eye contact and looked at her hands, only then realizing she wrung them together. “For me? Why?”

  “I waited for you last night after class, but you must have finished dressing faster than me. A few people told me where to find you.”

  Her heart fluttered excitedly, but Carlie reminded herself what Nick had said. Lots of girls offered him dates for Saturday night. He wanted a training partner. He wasn’t interested in her, not as a woman. Even though the way he stared at her—as though she was the only person in the room—seemed to say otherwise, she couldn’t let herself think that.

  She cleared her throat and shoved her hands into the pockets of her apron, staring at Nick’s chest so his eyes couldn’t trap hers again. “I’m sorry I left without saying goodbye. I had an early start to my day here and needed to get home.”

  “It’s fine.” He shrugged. “I’m just glad to see that ass... Excuse me, I meant jerk. Glad to see that jerk didn’t bother you again. I planned on walking you to your car.”

  Despite herself, she glanced back up. “That’s very thoughtful of you, but don’t worry about Stephen. He’s a pain, but harmless.”

  Nick’s lip curled on one side. “Don’t be so sure of that. I’ve seen his type.” He shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. I’ll have you doing the best defenses in no time. He won’t touch you again.”

  Old instincts died hard. Carlie had learned to be suspicious of anyone who expressed an interest in her. “Why do you care so much?”

  “Because...” Now it was his turn to look away, and Carlie thought he wouldn’t answer. He pressed his lips together before speaking again, “
Because I’ve wanted to talk to you since I first saw you.”

  “Right. Because you need a dedicated training partner.”

  He shook his head. “Because I’ve been hoping you’d let me take you to dinner.”

  “Me?” She sucked in a shocked breath. “But what about Shelley or—”

  “Excuse us. You’re blocking the door,” a cranky voice said.

  Carlie turned to see the elderly couple standing behind her. The man had a scowl on his face. “Is everything okay? Was something wrong with your cupcake?”

  “Yes,” he huffed. “Edith ate most of it and the waitress said they were all gone and couldn’t get me another one.”

  Edith grinned and took his hand in hers. “Don’t worry, Henry. I told you we’d come back next week.”

  Struggling not to laugh and frustrate Henry further, Carlie stepped out of their way so they could leave the shop. “I’m so happy you’ll be back. We’re closed tomorrow, but I’ll have more cupcakes Monday.”

  “We’ll be early so I get one,” Henry promised. “This woman thinks if she eats off my plate, the calories don’t count against her diet.”

  “Well then,” Carlie said, unable to contain her laugh, “Monday you’ll have to order two.”

  Nick opened the door for the pair and they ambled out of the shop hand in hand, seeming happy to be together. Carlie had imagined her life that way with Ryan; they’d grow old together, irritating each other while being deliriously happy. Instead, he’d died after only three years of marriage.

  It seemed something always triggered memories of her old life, and Carlie wondered if a day would ever go by where she didn’t think about Ryan. Things might not have been perfect, but they’d been working on it. She rubbed her eyes, suddenly feeling tired.

  “Something wrong?”

  Looking at Nick, she sighed. It would have been nice, but dates with handsome strangers weren’t for her. “I appreciate the offer for dinner, but I really think you’d have a better time with someone else. Shelley told me earlier she didn’t have a date tonight. You should ask her.”

  His brow furrowed. “You don’t want to go? Shelley said you weren’t seeing anyone, and I hoped you’d give me a chance.” He gave her his piercing stare again. “You seem different than the normal run of women I date. I want to know you better.”

  Handsome strangers are dangerous to your health, woman. Don’t be swayed by those eyes.

  “I don’t know what makes you think I’m different than anyone else. I’m just a regular person.”

  “Who’s fighting hard to get her black belt in karate and runs her own business.” He took a step closer to her and the subtle scent of his musky cologne wafted through the air. “You’re intriguing, Carlie Hollis. Have dinner with me. If we don’t have anything to talk about or don’t get along, we can just be sparring partners with no harm done. I promise. There’s no pressure for anything more. You have to eat anyway, right?”

  Before she could answer, the buzzer sounded at the door again as it opened and a man entered. He saw Carlie and flashed teeth that seemed extra white in contrast with his dusky skin. Brushing his black hair from his eyes, he nodded her direction. “Anything for me to pick up today?”

  Not sure whether she welcomed his interruption, Carlie nodded and waved him over. “First, come meet my new friend from karate class. Nick Kendall, meet Muhammad Khan.” The men shook hands. “Muhammad runs a soup kitchen down on thirty-second street, Compassion For All.”

  “That’s admirable,” Nick said. “I’ll have to come check it out some time.”

  “We can always use extra help handing out food,” Muhammad told him. “And any amount of money is welcome, if you have it to spare.”

  Carlie was always surprised the way Muhammad had no problems asking for what he needed. Then again, he’d built Compassion For All mostly on charitable contributions. He was used to asking.

  Nick nodded, seeming unfazed by Muhammad’s forwardness. “I’m more of a contributor than a hand’s on guy. If Carlie thinks what you’re doing is worthwhile, I’ll think strongly about writing a check.”

  “Every little bit helps.” Muhammad put his arm around Carlie’s shoulder and squeezed her to his side. “Things have been a lot easier since this wonderful lady moved to town. She donates a lot of food and even bakes for us sometimes.”

  Nick’s mouth firmed into a thin line and some of the warmth melted from him. “So you guys are close, huh?” Although he directed the words at Muhammad, he glanced at the space between Muhammad’s and her body—or rather, lack of space.

  Suddenly uncomfortable with Nick’s scrutiny, Carlie ducked from under Muhammad’s arm. “Why don’t we grab the food? I don’t have much bread left, but there’s a pot of soup that needs to be eaten by Monday.”

  Without waiting for a reply, Carlie started toward the kitchen. She didn’t know what to make of Nick’s reaction. He seemed almost jealous of Muhammad touching her, but that was crazy. She had to be reading him wrong. Why would Nick care? They’d barely met each other, and she hadn’t even agreed to go out with him.

  Though if Muhammad hadn’t walked in, she was sure she would have. It was a nice dream, for a few seconds. By the time she finished packing the food, she was sure Nick would have come to his senses and asked Shelley out. He must even now be wondering what possessed him to ask her.

  Muhammad followed her into the kitchen. “I don’t think your new boyfriend likes me.”

  “He’s not my boyfriend.” She grabbed a plastic tub from the cupboard above the sink and set it on the countertop. “I think the soup is cool enough to pour in, but I’ll let you do it. It’s pretty heavy.”

  While Muhammad busied himself with the soup pot, Carlie bagged the small amount of leftover bread. Even though Shelley didn’t understand the need Carlie had to help Muhammad, it made her happy to know she was making a difference in other’s lives.

  “One of my favorite trips was when I traveled with my parents to Africa.” She twisted the bag closed and secured it with a plastic clip. “It was their mission to distribute mosquito nets to fight malaria and I played with the children there.”

  “And where are your parents now?”

  Carlie jumped, startled. She couldn’t believe she’d just told some of her past to Muhammad. It wouldn’t do for anyone around here to learn enough information to lead to her real identity. Not that she expected Muhammad to betray her to anyone, but he might talk to someone without realizing it could hurt her.

  “Forget I said anything.” She shook her head. “I sometimes feel the need to justify why I enjoy helping your charity. Certain people don’t understand.”

  Muhammad rummaged in the bottom drawer to the right of the sink, long familiar with where Carlie kept things after so many months working together. He pulled out the lid for the tub of soup and snapped it into place. “You do realize Shelley’s an employee, right? She has no say in what you do with the leftovers.”

  “She’s my friend.” Carlie shrugged. “But you’re right, she doesn’t understand.”

  “I’m glad you don’t let that stop you. A lot of people are benefiting from your kindness.” Muhammad picked up the soup and headed for the doorway, and Carlie followed behind with the bread.

  They stepped into the dining room. Although she expected Nick to be gone, he sat in the booth nearest the exit, watching her. Shelley stood in the corner, flirting with her adventure guys, and the rest of the customers had cleared out. Nick jumped up to open the door, but didn’t follow them out.

  After they put the food in Muhammad’s truck, he gave her a quick hug. “You’re a good person, Carlie. I appreciate everything you do to help me.” He chuckled and stepped away from her, nodding toward the door of Carlie’s Creations. “But your boyfriend just saw that hug, and he’s really going to hate me now.”

  “He’s not my—”

  “Then he wants to be.” He hopped into the driver’s seat and started the engine, winking before he drove away.


  Carlie turned to the shop. Nick stared at her through the glass doorway. She hurried back to the building, shivering as the wind cut through her cotton t-shirt, and Nick held the door again.

  “Shelley said you need about an hour to close up shop,” he said without preamble. “I’ll be back to pick you up then. Do you like Chinese food? There’s a new place over on Mill Plain I want to try.”

  But I didn’t say yes.

  That was a weak excuse. She wanted to say yes, even though she knew better.

  Shelley picked that moment to approach them. “I couldn’t help but overhear, Nick. Better give her an hour and a half.” Her friend bumped Carlie’s hip with her own and leaned to whisper in her ear, “I’ll help you get ready. You’re going to wow him!”

  “Okay, fine.” Carlie was obviously outnumbered. “I'd love to have dinner. See you at seven-thirty.”

  ***

  Nick didn’t bother to hide his victorious grin while leaving Carlie’s Creations. He’d been in Sayle, Washington a month, and from the second he stepped foot in town, his objective was to get Carlie on a date. As much as Shelley irritated him yesterday, she’d certainly changed her tune and become helpful tonight.

  What he’d observed about Carlie still rang true. She didn’t trust very easily. For a minute there, he was sure she wanted to refuse dinner. With Shelley backing him up, Carlie hadn’t stood a chance. Her support definitely gave him an advantage.

  He hopped into his red Porsche, started it up, and pulled onto the road. Although disappointing, he wouldn’t be able to impress Carlie by driving around with the top down. He pictured how she’d look with her hair blowing back, a smile on her face, as they cruised around. However, it was November and cold. No way he could take her out for a spin like that. Carlie didn’t strike him as the kind of woman impressed with fancy cars anyway.

  He wished he knew what did impress her. Hopefully dinner was a good start.

  Turning left at the light, Nick headed for his hotel. If he ended up staying here very long, he’d have to think about renting an apartment. Unless, of course, he found himself staying at a certain blonde’s house.