“Listen to this,” Marks says and then presses play.
“What should I say?”
Laughter.
“The ABC’s I guess.”
“I didn’t know it recorded as well. That is pretty cool.”
“Yeah, all you really need to do is plug this into a mobile device. We use these frequently. They’re pretty fail-proof.”
He can demonstrate gadgets and feed me statistics all day long. I still don’t feel better about the plan.
“That’s great...but just so I’m clear, the two of you, and hopefully more agents, will be there if anything happens, right?”
“I’ll be there,” Mark says. “Spencer has a personal obligation. Backup will be available if needed. We’ve got Agents Everett and Jackson, and the two other agents that have been working behind the scenes since before Thanksgiving. I assure you, we’re covered.”
“Then let’s wait until Spencer can be there. You know, the more the merrier?”
“No,” Spencer says, shaking his head. “Vivian’s back tonight. We need to move on this tomorrow. We won’t get this chance again.”
This is complete and utter bullshit. I narrow my gaze on him and wonder what could be more important to him than this? Not that I’ve ever trusted him, but he’s now officially on my shit list.
“You don’t have to do this,” I say, turning to Drew.
“Babe. I’ll be fine. They’re not going to let anything happen to me.”
I’m not so sure about that.
“Let’s go through this one more time,” Drew suggests.
“Here, take this. I noticed you don’t wear one.” Mark hands Drew a watch. He then removes the gadget from the tablet, sets it on the table and puts another one in.
“Why’d you do that?” I ask.
“I have to plug in the one that’s paired with his watch.”
Corinne steps out of the room to make a phone call. The four men review the plan and show Drew how to turn the watch’s GPS and listening capabilities on and off. I’m grateful that no one needs my input or assistance because I’m drained. I actually feel kind of dizzy. My hearts fluttering and I have a really bad case of butterflies. This plan sucks. I don’t feel good about it at all. Pftt. I bet I could come up with a better plan on my own.
Actually…
Can I?
I wander over to the window, stopping briefly at the table holding all the trinkets. Making sure the coast is clear, I swipe the gadget Mark removed from the tablet that’s apparently linked to the bracelet I’m still wearing, and stuff it in my pocket. I’m not sure whether or not I’ll need this, but it sure as hell can’t hurt to be prepared.
“You ready,” Drew asks seconds later, startling me. “Are you ok?”
“Fine. Just hungry. I didn’t eating anything yet today.”
Concerned, he pulls me into a quick hug.
“Let’s get you some food then.”
He kisses my forehead and leads me to the door. I can feel Mark’s gaze burning through me the entire time. I might care about that if I wasn’t convinced that he’s asked Drew to do this because he doesn’t care whether or not he survives. That, and I’m feeling pretty guilty over the fact that I just lied to Drew.
Get used to it, I tell myself. The lies are just beginning.
“What the—” Drew groans.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, sitting up and flipping off my eye mask.
Waking up next to Drew is like a dream come true. Waking up to Drew with two sets of miniature feet in his face is downright hilarious. It’s almost possible to block out the events that are supposed to happen tonight.
“Don’t worry, they had baths last night,” I tell him, laughing and slinking back down into the covers.
“I’m ordering us a new bed,” he groans.
“California king should fit us all.”
“Not if they’re going to continue sleeping sideways.”
“You have to get up soon anyway. I’ll roll them off you if you need to get to practice.”
“Why don’t you get in the shower and I’ll get them breakfast so you can get ready before I leave.”
“You sure?”
Half an hour later I must have abused my allotted time, because the most spectacular looking man has just pulled the shower curtain open and is watching me with the utmost appreciation.
“Hey, I gotta get going in a few. You almost done?”
“I’ll be out in a few minutes.” I tilt my head back into the stream of steaming hot water to rinse the conditioner from my hair. Sensing that his eyes are still on me, I peek at him.
“Need help with anything?” he asks with a wink.
“I’m good,” I laugh and then just for fun I grab the liquid body wash and generously lather up my body, making sure that I pay special attention to cleansing his favorite assets.
“Baby, you are seriously overestimating my willpower.”
“I’d extend you an offer if you didn’t have to go,” I tease.
“You’ve been in here a long time. That’s a serious waste of natural resources. For the sake of our planet, I think it’d be wise if we showered together in the future.”
“Since when did you become a conservationist?”
“Since I thought it could get me laid.”
I open my eyes for the sole purpose of rolling them at him.
“You’re ridiculous.”
“At least give me a kiss.”
I step out of the spray and get pulled into Drew’s arms.
“You’re going to get wet,” I warn.
“As wet as I get you?”
“You’re so funn…oh…ahh,” I moan as Drew’s mouth darts south of my lips, latching onto my very sensitive nipple. His hand travels even farther. “Neither of those are m-my mouth.”
“All mine,” he replies. His husky voice is dripping with lust as he slowly trails kisses up my chest, neck and chin, finally landing on my lips.
“It’s ok with me if you’re late to practice.”
“Thanks for clearing that up for me.” He laughs, pulling away his hand and completely leaving me hanging. “To be continued.”
He kisses me again and backs up marginally. I can’t help but sigh.
“What’s wrong?” he asks.
His wry smile tells me he thinks my frustration is due to a denied orgasm. It’s not…well, maybe partially.
“This should be continued tonight, but what if…what if we don’t get that chance?”
“Hey, don’t. I am coming home tonight. You called Vivian last night and from what Mark said she’s taken the bait. It’s going to be fine. I’ll be back in a few hours. We can talk more about this when I get back from practice. Ok?”
Despite my best efforts, I can’t stop reflecting on all the things we’ve been through. Being the sole survivors of a diverted flight gone wrong; almost losing him to a snakebite; being tracked down by gunmen; watching Drew be beaten within an inch of his life; worst of all…breaking his heart. The emotional collateral has built up to catastrophic proportions. There’s no way I can withstand him being put at risk, especially when I’m certain that Mark will put more effort and resources into ensuring my safety. I swear I’m coming unglued.
Grabbing my face wash, I apply the cream generously before scrubbing like crazy, hoping that I look like I’m washing rather than hiding. He’s only trying to reassure me because he thinks he’s going to be the one in danger.
Little does he know I just might take his place.
“I am definitely the luckiest guy in the world. You know that right?” he asks.
“Trust me, I’m the lucky one.”
Drew leaves me to finish and I step out of the shower and dry myself off. I comb through my wet mane and quickly throw on my clothes when my phone rings. Picking it up, I growl with annoyance.
Geez, don’t they ever give up?
“Whatever you want, I’m not interested,” I curtly answer the phone.
I probably shou
ldn’t shout at a reporter but I need to take my mood out on somebody.
“Um…hello?” a timid voice asks. “Ms. Sullivan?”
“Who’s calling?” I bark.
“The office of Dr. Stevens.”
“Who?”
“Dr. Stevens. Is this Ms. Sullivan?”
“Yes.”
Dr. Stevens…
“I’m calling to let you know that the IUD we ordered came in. Would you like to schedule an appointment?”
“My what?” IUD? What is she talking about?
Then it hits me…this is my new gynecologist. I never went back.
I never went back.
I can’t believe I forgot. Then again, I’ve forgotten a lot of things lately. If my mind wasn’t so preoccupied by Mark’s return and everything else I wouldn’t be so distracted.
“We’ve been calling since before Christmas, but couldn’t leave a message as your voicemail has been full.”
“Has it really been that long?” I question.
“Yes. Nearly two months.”
“Oh…”
Two months of missed phone calls. That’s nearly two and a half months without protection. Wow, we’re so lucky.
Oh, my God.
Grabbing my hair and tossing it over one shoulder, I twist my fingers through the damp strands. I back into the wall, causing a resounding thud as my head connects with it.
Oh. My. God.
No…I can’t be.
Staring at my reflection, I contemplate my symptoms. Fine, I’ve been tired, emotional, forgetful and have sensitive nipples…so what? Oh, and at times I’m dizzy and lets not forget that I’ve thrown up.
Shit.
Just breathe…it could just as easily be the stress.
My lame attempt to reassure myself that everything’s ok does nothing but freak me out. I’ve been to this party several times. There’s no point in trying to pretend there isn’t a chance because the math is simple. Lots of sex without protection equals the possibility of an ‘oops’.
I conjure up images of a future that involves diapers and bottles, midnight feedings and crying…oh, the crying. The rational side of my brain tells me that going back to that would be insanity. The other side, the side that has me instinctively rubbing my belly, is doing backflips, pleading with me to have a mini Drew even if I don’t currently have one growing inside me already.
“Miss? Are you there?”
“Oh, sorry. Um…what were we talking about?”
“An appointment. Did you want me to book you one?”
“I’m not sure I’ll need that appointment. Can I call you back in an hour?”
Completely flustered, I drag myself downstairs and put on my best game face just in time to say goodbye to Drew. Thirty minutes later, the kids are either at school or daycare and I’m standing at the checkout line of a local pharmacy, embarrassed beyond belief to be buying a home pregnancy test.
“They had a two-for-one deal on that other brand,” Corinne offers.
“Not another word,” I snap as she pretends to be looking through trashy magazines.
This day just got unnecessarily more interesting.
“You’re awfully quiet,” Drew notices. “You ok?”
“Mmm hmm,” I hum.
“You’ve barely said two words since I—”
“They’re here.” I cut him off.
Saved by the bus.
Standing on the corner with Maddie in his arms, Colin and Aubrey skip down the steps of the bus just as Drew’s phone rings.
“Mom, how are you? Everything ok?” Drew asks.
Being that it’s freezing outside, we drove the two blocks between the bus stop and the house. As soon as we get in the car, Drew asks if he can put the phone on speaker.
“Go ahead,” I reply.
“Ok, Mom. You’re on speaker. Go ahead.”
“Noni!” Maddie exclaims when she figures out whom Drew’s been talking with.
“Hold on, son. Your dad wants to talk too.”
“Ace!” my Dad exclaims.
“Why’d he call you Ace?” Aubrey asks from the backseat.
“Because dear,” Drew’s dad replies. “The media is going wild over Drew’s return. Ace is a term used to describe a team’s star pitcher…their number one. For the Red Sox the ace is Drew.”
“Ace,” Aubrey quietly repeats, looking out the window. I glance at Aubrey in the rearview mirror just in time to catch the corners of her mouth pull up into a rare and beautiful smile.
“What’s the big news?” Drew asks.
“Your mom and I were going to surprise you.”
“We’re coming to see your first game during spring training!” his mother squeals.
I don’t know that I’ve seen Drew this happy, and I desperately want part of it. They’ve only been to one of his games before and he’s been with the Red Sox since he was twenty. I’m shocked that they’ve decided to go all the way to Florida for their first trip, but hopefully it’s the first of many. Perhaps they’ve realized how much they’ve missed out on by refusing to travel.
“Are you serious?” Drew asks enthusiastically.
“We bought a mobile home. We wondered if we left tomorrow if we could stay a few days with you before we drive down.”
“That’s awesome. It…it means a lot. I’ll get a couple of good seats and leave the tickets at will call.”
“Better make it six all together,” I say, and I swear he just might cry.
Thank God we’re at a red light because if not, Drew would have caused an accident with the hug he’s put me in. The kids meanwhile are about to jump out of their seats.
Please let us make it that far.
“Are you ok?” Drew asks for the fifth time as I open the closet to fetch his coat.
Grabbing it from the hanger, I carefully slip the GPS attachment that I took earlier into his pocket, and cross my fingers he doesn’t find it before he’s intended to.
“Yeah…no…I don’t know.” My eyes fall to his shoes.
Drew’s question is easy enough. The answer? I still haven’t figured that out.
Don’t look up or he might know you’re hiding something…or several things.
“Mark assured me there is a team of agents that will be trailing us. If anything goes wrong, they’ll swoop in.”
“I thought you said everything would be fine?” The words tumble out of my mouth sharper than intended. He must think I’m unstable the way my moods swing from one extreme to the next. I guess if there’s anything good about the insanity that’s become our norm, it’s that at any moment there are a plethora of things that could be causing me to be upset or distracted. I know it’s wrong to let him think I’m troubled because of Mark’s plan. I don’t want to lie. I’m not going to risk losing him, especially not now.
“It will be, knock on wood.”
Drew’s words click when his hand drops to his zipper area where he literally knocks his fist against his ‘package’.
“You’re so mature,” I mock, barely containing my amusement.
“Finally made you smile though.”
Drew leans in, giving me a no-holds-barred kiss that doesn’t last nearly as long as I want it to. He reluctantly pulls back and for a fleeting moment genuine worry fills his eyes. I must have visibly reacted because the concern is gone just as quickly as it appeared.
“I have to go. I love you.”
Unable to speak without choking on my emotions, I simply nod and place my hand over his heart.
Five minutes later, I walk back inside after seeing him out to the car. I change into a pair of jeans and a black long sleeve thermal shirt. I slip on my knitted black Uggs and make sure I’m wearing the silver bracelet from Spencer’s apartment that I conveniently forgot to return.
Why do I feel like I’m forgetting something?
Glancing around the room I spot my camera. I change the setting to ‘timer’ and get in position to take the shot I want. Then I remove the SD card a
nd stuff it in my pants pocket.
The kids are all fast asleep, but I can’t resist giving them a kiss on my way downstairs. When I enter the kitchen I do my best not to make eye contact with Corinne, who I’m convinced is a human polygraph. I walk to the storage closet that has a few leftover boxes and garbage bags, and for effect grab the sound doc.
“Is this what nesting looks like?” she asks.
“Yes, and it’s not pretty,” I grumble. “I’m going to go in the basement and purge some more things.”
“Shouldn’t you be resting?”
“You think I could sit still right now? No way. I’m fine; I just need something to do. Busy is better,” I insist and make my way to the basement door.
“Did you tell Drew?”
“No. He’s got enough on his mind now. I’ll talk to him about it later.”
“Need help?” she offers.
“No thanks. Could you listen for the kids though and let me know if they wake up? I’ll be jamming out.”
“You got it.” Corinne goes back to reading her magazine and I prepare for phase two of my plan.
Stepping into the basement, I locate an outlet and plug in the sound doc and select a song from my playlist. For effect, I throw a box on the ground and push a few storage containers around to make my story plausible. Then, I grab my phone and head into the farthest corner, right next to the oil tank. Taking my phone, I call the last person on Earth I want to speak with.
Vivian.
By the third ring I’m getting nervous this will all backfire and Drew will end up going through with the intended strategy. When she answers on the fourth ring, I’m relieved.
“Breanne. Two calls within twenty-four hours. To what do I owe this pleasure?”
“Can you talk?”
“Now’s not the best time. I’m on my way to meet someone. Could we catch up tomorrow?”
Crap, she must already be on her way to the bar to meet Drew.
“Actually, it can’t wait. I really need you.”
“You don’t sound like yourself. What’s wrong?”
“Remember what I told you at the gala? That there was evidence linking Drew’s sister Alexis to Mark’s death?”
Rundown (Curveball Book 2) Page 22
