Flashpoint: Reed Series

by M. C. Cerny

  “Oh yeah, it’s one of the first things I bought when I came to the city. Spent my first real paycheck on it and never regretted the month of Ramen noodles I had to eat the next month to make up for it, either,” Katie said.

  “I like it. It’s very you.” Jacob replied and continued his legitimate perusal of her apartment. A large antique mirror covered one wall, and black-and-white photos of her family were framed on another wall. He’d never seen them before because they weren’t visible from his window perch on the nights he had come to watch over her. His favorite was one of a young Katie, about five or six, blowing out birthday candles, her hair in pigtails. She looked joyous and worry-free. Another was on a farm where a three-year-old Katie was wearing a western hat and boots, and riding a miniature pony.

  “You were cute as a little girl, too.” Jacob sipped his coffee and studied the wall of photos. He loosely put his arm around her, pulling her closer. Jacob kissed the top of her head.

  “Come on, you. Finish that coffee so I can kick your butt.” Katie looked up at him and playfully elbowed him in the ribs.

  “Alright, I’m game. What does Miss Wilson have in mind for us today?”

  “I was thinking we could take in a run around the park.”

  “Testing out my stamina, sweetheart? I could prove myself in other ways, you know.” Katie threw a pillow, hitting him in the chest. He made an oof sound and caught it, chasing her to the kitchen and laughing. Hauk looked up and barked once before laying his head back down, wagging his tail. Both Jacob and Katie laughed easily.

  They decided to let Hauk stay at the apartment. He didn’t seem eager to follow them out; instead, he sat at attention near Katie’s apartment door. Jacob explained that Hauk was used to doing guard dog duties and, sometimes, the older dog just made his own decisions. Katie put a water bowl and a few treats out for him.

  They finished their coffee and made their way to Prospect Park. Jacob kept up with Katie, who maintained a swift pace of a seven minute mile. Both were slightly winded after the six-mile run. Jacob could see how Katie maintained her trim figure, as well as caught up to her mugger. They chatted during the run and when Katie sped up to push the pace, Jacob kept up.

  Suddenly, Jacob pulled her off the path and into the shade of the trees.

  “Now, Katie, I’m not waiting.” He let go of her hand and gently pushed her back up to a tree. Katie felt the bark rub her back, until Jacob put his arm around her and protected her from the tree’s roughness. He tipped her head back slightly, and Katie looked into his eyes. She felt safe with him and let him have his way.

  He sensed that the photographer was out there. It was almost impossible to miss his tail this morning on his way to Katie’s apartment. Only an idiot would get that close in his beat up red Honda so Jacob could make out his face. He figured that, if the bastard was out there, he might as well make him work for the photo. It was only a matter of time before they tracked Katie to Brooklyn. He regretted having to leave her later today. He hoped that, by staying at his place, she’d be a little safer…along with the bodyguard detail that he would casually not mention.

  Jacob kept Katie distracted. Even he was able to block out his suspicions. He figured that Sunday’s paper would feature another set of photos. Reed Software’s stock prices actually jumped, as did Katie’s news station network shares, because of the newly garnered public interest. However, he didn’t give a rat’s ass about his portfolio. He finally had the woman he’d been waiting for in his arms…awake, no less. Jacob figured that if the paparazzi were going to hound them then they might as well use the publicity to their advantage and try to throw that CIA prick off their tail.

  Katie clutched his grey, sweaty shirt in her hands, her nails grazing his shoulders. Her low moan had Jacob cradling her closer. Her stomach was flipping with excitement and from the run. Between breaths, she mumbled to Jacob, “Race you back to the apartment.”

  Katie turned and ran, Jacob following right on her heals. He’d chase the little minx to hell and back, if necessary. When they reached her stoop, she had trouble unlocking the door so Jacob took her keys and opened it for her. They pushed their way in, grabbing and kissing. Hauk ignored his human companions and made himself cozy in the living room instead. The day had started to warm-up and both were sweaty. Katie pulled Jacob into her bedroom and pulled his shirt over his head. His fingers danced down the middle of her back, sending a shiver of excitement as she arched into him. He pulled her hips to his, and she could feel his erection straining to penetrate the thin fabric of her running skirt.

  “Please, Jacob.” Katie pulled at the waistband of his shorts. Jacob slid his hand under her skirt and grabbed her ass, pulling her closer. His hand reached between her legs to feel her damp heat radiating through the skirt’s panty-like liner. He slid his finger along the seam and then pulled it to the side, rubbing gently. Jacob knew this was a bad idea, but couldn’t stop himself from having just a taste of her.

  “Easy, Katie.” Jacob needed to slow things down a bit. She was gasping between breaths; he could see her pupils were slightly dilated in the cool darkness of her bedroom.

  “I don’t want to take it easy. I…want…you…now.” Katie’s panting increased as Jacob toyed with her, hovering just at the opening. He could feel her juices; hot, wet, and so ready. He needed to get his head on straight. He’d taken advantage of this beautiful woman’s memories of a very traumatic event in her life. He owed her everything.

  “Please. I’m begging, Jacob.”

  Katie could feel the desire build, flashes behind her closed eyelids mimicking a pulse. She felt overheated and was clinging to Jacob. He held her up and laid her down on the bed. He sat between her legs, which he spread wide, and pushed one smooth leg up over his shoulder. Bending over her, he kissed her stomach and, without removing her skirt, slipped two fingers inside her to give her the release that she wanted so badly. Pushing his fingers in and out, his knuckles rubbing her tight flesh that was slick with need, he was surprised at how easily his fingers slid inside her despite her tightness this second time. His dick hurt with wanting her so bad. She cried out and her womb clenched, milking his fingers. Still shaking, Katie pulled Jacob on top of her and held him close until her heart slowed down.

  “Into to the shower next.” Jacob pulled Katie up on wobbly legs and into her small bathroom. Katie, still dumbstruck from the orgasm, just stood there. Jacob got the shower going in her clawfoot tub and adjusted the temperature.

  “Come on, sweetheart. Off with those clothes.” Jacob striped down, then helped Katie by kneeling down in front of her, taking her sneakers and socks off. He pulled her sports bra off, then her skirt. He got into the shower with her and held her as the water sprayed over them. The water cleared Katie’s head, but not her emotions.

  “Jacob are we going to have sex?” Katie had no idea how to define their relationship. It wasn’t like the one she had in college. This was way more intense and serious.

  “Of course we are, sweetheart, but not today. I got a little carried away before.” Jacob began to wash her hair and massaged soap down her shoulders and breasts, eliciting whimpers from her.

  Katie felt a little confused at Jacob’s desire to wait and also at her desire to tumble forward so quickly. She felt like she had known Jacob much longer than the past few days and she would have happily invited him into her bed today, but he seemed determined to wait. They finished the shower, and Jacob wrapped her up in a towel and took another one for himself. He wrapped it around his lean hips and tucked the end in securely. Holding hands, they walked into the kitchen.

  “Katie, there’s no pressure for us to rush things. I want this to be right, not because we’re heavy into the moment.” He winced. When did he become eighty-years-old?

  Katie snorted. “Jacob, I may be from Missouri, but don’t pull any lines with me, okay? I’m a big girl.” She eyed him.

  “It’s tempting to do this right here and now, but I consider you more than just a wo
man I met on Monday afternoon. After the rollercoaster of emotions from the mugging, I think we should wait.”

  “I’m not emotionally unstable, Jacob. I realize that sex doesn’t equate a relationship for everyone.” Katie crossed her arms over her chest defensively. These were things that Dr. Lane alluded to, and Katie was feeling pissed off. Jacob went to hug her, his head resting on top of hers. Her body was stiff, but slowly eased into his hold.

  “Easy, Katie. I don’t think you are emotionally unstable, but let’s take this in steps. I’m probably going to sound nerdy, but I only have sex with people I’m in a relationship with. Everything has happened so quickly and unexpectedly. A lot of women I’ve met in the past wanted me for other things besides who I really am so I’m careful about my privacy.” Jacob was worried that Katie felt rejected, and he would probably be able to better explain his motivations to her if his brain and dick weren’t in a power struggle

  “I’m sorry. I’m frustrated because we keep getting interrupted. I didn’t think waiting would be so agonizing because I haven’t felt this way about someone in an incredibly long time. Now I just seem desperate and crazy.” Katie pulled at a loose string on her towel, sullen and pouting. Jacob chuckled. She looked up and gave him a dirty look.

  Jacob put his hands up in surrender. “Wait. Before I’m beheaded for being male, let me just say that I was thinking this was becoming a more serious relationship and I was hoping we could maybe spend next weekend together. Alone. I know it’s all really quick and you don’t have to, but I have a farm in the Adirondacks near Lake George. No distractions, no photographers, and no phone calls. It would be just us and maybe a few of my discreet housekeeping staff.” Jacob followed Katie into her living room and sat on the sofa next to her. Hauk came up, wagging his tail, and Katie absently stroked between his ears.

  “Ok.” Katie put her hand on his towel-covered thigh. She was feeling a little raw, but knowing that Jacob wasn’t really rejecting her put the brakes on any negative thoughts that she had. Jacob thought this was almost too easy and guilt gnawed at his stomach. Eli warned him that trying to keep up the charade of two lives could blow up in his face. Thankfully, Hauk jumped up on the love seat and stretched out over their laps, dampening the mood considerably. He was a big dog and while Jacob normally wasn’t overly fond of being mauled by the hundred pounds of love, Katie was much more forgiving. She laughed and Jacob put his arms around her. That sat like that for a little while longer before Jacob pushed Hauk off.

  “So I’ll drop you off at my place and get you and Hauk all settled before I head to the airport.”

  “You’ll call me when you land?” Katie hated how needy she sounded, but things seemed like they really were moving at warp speed and maybe Jacob was right…waiting and having a few days of distance would be good for them.

  “When I land.” Jacob kissed Katie’s wet hair and they both got up to get changed. Katie packed a few items that she would need for the weekend and possibly for work, in case Jacob’s flight was delayed. They moved in comfortable silence. Katie locked up her apartment, and Jacob drove them across the bridge. In his rearview mirror, he spotted the idiot photographer who was trying to remain hidden. He veered off once they got to the parking garage of Jacob’s building. Mentally sighing, Jacob knew he was going to have to eventually confront the idiot and send him on his way.

  Jacob parked the car and nodded to the SUV parked in the garage. He could see Lulu, Eli, and Nick waiting for him. Noticing them, Hauk wagged his tail and barked. Jacob realized that he should have left Hauk at home if he was going to blow his cover with Katie and the team. Jacob called to Hauk to quit barking at the “neighbors”. The rest of the team would be en route already, but those waiting were sure to rib him on the ride to the airport. Jacob took out Katie’s bag and opened her door for her, putting his arm around her. He looked back to see his teammates making faces at him. He shook his head at them while he guided Katie forward. They walked to the elevator and rode up to the loft. Jacob put Katie’s bag in his bedroom. She remembered the room from when she met Jacob after the mugging. The masculine room was large, as were the furnishings, but simple. The colors were neutral and calming; his decorator obviously had a very Zen influence. Katie liked that Jacob was bringing her things to his room and not a guest room, even if it was assuming things. She kind of liked his assumptions at the moment. Suddenly feeling shy, she left the room and stood in the foyer.

  “Okay, so show me how to do that thing with the elevator.” Katie looked around the spacious loft and took in the quiet wealth that the simplicity of the space echoed.

  “Aww, maybe I just want to keep you stuck up here.” Jacob walked over to her.

  “Not even remotely funny.” Playfully, Katie poked Jacob in his chest and he kissed her finger.

  “Darn, Hauk. My girlfriend is no fun at all.” Hauk barked and wagged his tail. He jumped up a few times and then sat down in front of them. He seemed to be saying “That’s okay. I get to keep her all weekend”.

  “Okay, I’ll even take notes. I’m not good with security stuff and I don’t want to set anything off.”

  “It’s fairly easy. This is the panel that controls most everything in the apartment. There are remotes for the lights, TV, music, and window shades in each room, along with the corresponding panels. However, this is the master panel.”

  “Okay.” Katie avidly paid attention.

  “So the code is 080778. You just punch it in, then hit ‘call elevator’ or ‘lock elevator’.”

  “Wait. I think I can remember that. That’s an interesting number,” she remarked.

  “Good. It’s my birthday.”

  “Are you serious? Who uses their birthday as a security code?” Katie looked honestly shocked and Jacob laughed.

  “I do.” Jacob looked serious, but he was smiling at the same time.

  “You’re a security tech person. Don’t you warn people against using identifying information as codes and key accesses?” Katie was shaking her head in disbelief.

  “Normally, yes, but since you need to swipe a magnetic key pass over the panel, in addition to punching the numbers in, it’s just part of the key code.” Jacob handed Katie a black metallic key card.

  “Oh. Okay. I was sort of expecting a retinal scan or some kind of digital fingerprinting. You know, like the CSI kind of stuff on TV.” Jacob laughed at Katie’s remark. He decided that he’d wait to tell her that the key card reads fingerprints. He’d reveal that down the road… way down the road, well after she forgave him for everything else in between. Jacob’s phone constantly buzzed with text messages, which he ignored. He could see that it was Lulu screwing with him, and her messages were probably inappropriate.

  “So what happens if I forget and set it off?”

  “The building self-destructs,” he said jokingly.

  “I’m serious, Jacob.” Katie pouted and Jacob rubbed his thumb over her bottom lip.

  “Well, you can call me, but I did let security know that you’re an accessed guest. You won’t have any issues, I promise.”

  “Phew, alright.”

  “That’s pretty much everything security-wise. Hauk has his food and water bowls here in the kitchen. His food is in the pantry in the big stainless steel bin. Um, I guess for anything else just call me, though I’ll be in and out of meetings,”…and stakeouts in non-descript vans in dirty London alleys, he mused.

  “Great. How much time until your plane leaves?” Katie had a mischievous look in her eyes and she hugged him, running her hands up behind his neck.

  “Definitely not enough time for whatever you’re thinking, Katie.” Jacob hugged her and stepped back.

  “A girl has to try.” Katie shyly smiled.

  “Next weekend…next weekend I’m going to chase you around my house and you’re going to regret saying that,” Jacob growled, hugging her.

  “How do you know I won’t be naked and waiting when you come home?” Katie giggled.

  “I’m goi
ng to go before I miss my plane and my meeting. Hauk keep her in line.” Hauk barked and Jacob kissed her, leaving the apartment. He was worried that his karma was seriously suffering to have such an amazing woman, and he was about to blow it all away because of one lie. A lie he blamed his brother for making him perpetuate this far.

  Jacob went down the elevator and got in the team’s SUV. Nick drove and Eli sat up front. Jacob stowed his laptop in the back and sat next to Lulu, who jabbed him in the ribs. “Owww. A bit uncalled for, Firecracker.” Jacob rubbed his side, feigning injury.

  “That’s for not answering my text messages.”

  “I don’t think asking me if I tied Katie up naked in the bedroom before I left was very appropriate.” Jacob could not wait for this mission to be over.

  Nick chuckled under his breath, then Eli interrupted them. “Katie hasn’t been remembering anything recently, has she?”

  “Not to my knowledge.”

  “She might if you tied her up.” Lulu sat with her arms crossed, sulking.

  “Lulu!” All three men chided her comment and ignored her mutterings about dominant, pigheaded males.

  “Any nightmares?” Eli asked his brother and continued to be as controlling as ever by navigating through the city traffic. “Nick, make a left up here. It’s quicker to get to the exit.”

  “Pretty sure I’ve gotten us to the airstrip before,” Nick replied.

  “Just make the left. I’m telling you, it’s quicker.” Eli sighed in frustration. Shaking his head, Nick made the left and got stuck behind a dump truck. He looked at Eli and rolled his eyes.

  This elicited an “Ooohhh” sound from Lulu.

  Jacob glared at her. “We don’t have sleepover parties yet so I can’t confirm what happens between those hours. Why the fuck is this anyone’s business?” Jacob, who was usually laid back, became agitated.