On and off throughout the day, he’d wondered whether she’d be returning home with him that evening. He assumed she’d move in with Kimberly or Colton. Though he wanted to insist she stay with him, seeing her float around his penthouse in his old gym shorts would give him a perpetual hard on.
He found Alexandra staring out his window with her phone jammed against her ear. Her brown corduroys hugged her ass, the stark white camisole shone through her sheer black blouse.
“I can help you tomorrow afternoon, Stacy.” While listening, she twisted a chunk of dark hair. “The President’s recent trip to Russia is more topical than what the First Lady read to the elementary school class.” After listening, she added, “No, I didn’t say tropical. I said topical.”
“I’m sorry—who?”
“Yes, your new friend Tex is right. I did win an Emmy. No, I won’t give you his number. Gotta run.”
After hanging up, she sighed. “Something has got to give. I’m babysitting a bubblehead. I need a story I can sink my teeth into.”
“Hey,” he said.
As she pivoted, he eyed her long legs and lean torso. He couldn’t resist a leggy woman, but no one did it for him like Alex. No one. Her rosy cheeks gave her a girl-next-door look. “Hi.”
Her phone call had revealed plenty. Not only had she held her ground with that twit, but she desperately needed a meaty story. Though he detested publicity, he’d help her out. She deserved a break. Plus, her skills weren’t being utilized. DC’s Brightest Tech Star would provide her with the right stage to showcase her talent. But he’d wait until the right moment to tell her. Maybe even earn himself some extra points. “How was Arlington Hill?”
As she recounted her interviews, her left eyebrow arched when she emphasized certain words and her smile favored one side. He’d forgotten how much he loved those endearing imperfections.
“And we finished our day with a story about two brothers,” she said. “The younger has special needs and the older designed a sled so he can play in the snow.” Her eyes softened. “It was touching.”
Her sweet smile made him want to kiss her breathless. Instead, he focused on the reason for her visit. Help her track down some Incognito employee named Sage, then flush out her rejuvenation hunch. “Let’s continue where we left off this morning,” he said. “Ready to see my lab?”
Her face lit up. “That would be great.” Her phone rang and she glanced at the screen. “Finally. It’s Colton. Do you mind if I take this?”
“Go ahead.”
She answered. “Hey, did you get my message?”
As she listened, her shoulders sagged. “Oh, okay. I understand.” More silence. “When will you be back in town?”
She turned toward Crockett. “I’m with him now. Hold on.” She held out her phone.
“Hey, man,” Crockett said. “How’s the rollout going?”
“A few snags, but overall, great,” said Colton. “You two joined at the hip?”
Crockett flipped his gaze to Alex. “Alexandra wants to do a story on Wilde Innovations.”
“She’s got an uphill battle. You don’t grant interviews.”
“No, I don’t. What’s goin’ on?”
“I need a favor,” Colton said. “I understand Alexandra can’t move back into her house. Brigit and I are redesigning the guesthouse at the mansion. It’s a gutted mess. Could you put her up?”
“What about Kimberly?”
“That won’t work. She doesn’t want Alexandra to know how sick she is.”
“No worries. I’ve got this.”
“Thanks. We’ll be home in a few days.”
The call ended. Crockett stood transfixed. Even in her anxious state, Alexandra’s beauty captured his heart.
She rubbed the back of her neck with slow, deep strokes. Heat infused his chest. He imagined those long fingers raking down his back while he was rooted deep inside her. He blinked away the fantasy to focus on her needs.
He hated that she was stressing over where to live, especially when he had plenty of room. But moving in with him spelled trouble and complications. How was he supposed to keep a safe distance if she lived under his roof and paraded around in his shorts? Having her there would be pure temptation. Even he only had so much willpower.
And what about his feelings? He couldn’t risk getting emotionally attached, only to lose her again. Hadn’t he learned his lesson the first time around?
His buzzing phone interrupted his angst. “All set,” texted Decker.
“Let’s head to my lab.”
As Alexandra drew close, he wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her until they both succumbed to the need. Instead, they walked side-by-side toward his lab. He heaved open the heavy glass door and she crossed the threshold.
Six of the seven workstations were cloaked with black cloths.
“Welcome to Wilde lab,” said Decker.
“Thanks for prepping the room,” Crockett said.
“Time for a combo caffeine-sugar hit from Mimi’s. I’ll grab you two something.” Decker left them alone.
She surveyed the spacious room. “Why bring me here if I can’t see anything?” Then, the V between her brows disappeared and she hitched her hands on her hips. “Why don’t you show me what’s lurking beneath the sheets?”
His body tensed while the air grew thick with anticipation. She was tempting fate with that question. He palmed the small of her back and guided her toward the table where the Spy Flies waited. Her body heat seeped through her silky blouse and his need surged.
“The primary scope of our projects is top secret surveillance for military and law enforcement,” Crockett explained.
“I understand.”
“You confided in me and I want to help you,” he said, stopping beside the uncovered table.
Her simple smile made him smile. “Thank you.”
As they stared into each other’s eyes, he fought the urge to kiss her. “These are our latest surveillance creations,” he said.
“Wow, I’m impressed.” Damn if her sultry voice didn’t make his balls ache.
His Spy Flies—Horse, Black, and Moth—were lined up, ready to fly.
“Have a seat.” Once she eased down, he sat next to her and picked up Black. “These are the eyes and ears when agents and law enforcement can’t gain access to a facility or other POI—point of interest.”
He had her hold out her hand and he set the insect on her palm. After studying it, she examined its underside. “This is phenomenal.”
“Thank you.” Pride filled his heart. For years, he’d measured his life in terms of Sophia. Despite all the innovations, all the success, and all the wealth, he still felt like he’d failed. Because his sister was still missing. For a fleeting second, Alexandra filled the gaping whole in his heart.
Over the next several minutes, Crockett demonstrated the Flies’ abilities using a tablet to control the bugs.
“Who currently uses these?”
“I’m not at liberty to say, but we have a contract with one federal agency and several law enforcement organizations on the state level.” He slid over the tablet. “Give it a try.”
Alexandra did her best to maneuver Black but crash-landed the insect belly up.
“Good job,” he said. “It takes practice.”
Decker returned with a cardboard tray of coffees and a bag. “We can always count on Mimi. She heated the croissants.” Then, he cast a serious eye on Alexandra and the atmosphere grew chilly. “This project must be closely guarded from the public.”
Normally easygoing, Decker had turned into a pit bull. “She understands,” Crockett said, coming to her defense.
“I wouldn’t betray Crockett or do anything to jeopardize his business,” she said.
Decker and Crockett exchanged glances. Let it go.
After another look around the room, disappointment tinged her eyes. “Given the secrecy of your work, there’s no point in my interviewing you or your team.”
“
She has a point,” Decker said.
Wanting to assure her, Crockett laid a steady hand on her shoulder and gave a quick squeeze. “We have other innovations I’m prepared to discuss if I agree to the interview.”
She shot him a relieved smile. “I hope so. I would love the opportunity.”
If she was using her charm to change his mind, it was working.
“Geez, you two, get a room.” Decker grabbed a coffee out of the tray and pulled a pastry from the bag. “I’ve got work to do.” He trotted out.
A pink hue blossomed on her cheeks. “Tell me about your plan.”
So pretty. He rose, collected the bag and cardboard tray. “Let’s talk in private.”
Together they entered his Tank and he shut the door. “We’re not ready to erase the white board. Can I trust you not to run a story about this?”
Without hesitation, she extended her hand. “Again, you have my word. For the record, I don’t understand any of that. Chemistry and I were not best buds.”
He shook it. “Thank you.” Unable to control himself, he blanketed her hand with his other one.
A seemingly innocent gesture rekindled his desire. Being alone with her heightened his senses. Her beautiful scent filled his nostrils. Her breath hitched, then, fell in line with his. The longer he stared at her angelic face, the more he wanted to haul her into his arms and kiss the hell out of her.
The air crackled between them. Her light brown eyes bled black. Her lips parted. The slightest pull and she’d come crashing against his chest. He’d strip her bare and take her on the hard Formica tabletop. Get a damn grip.
As if she could read his thoughts, she tugged her hand away and eased into one of the chairs at the conference table.
In those seconds, he’d begun to harden. Their blazing connection, their dangerously close proximity, and her inability to conceal her need drove him wild. He sat at the head of the table and crossed his legs.
He needed to focus his efforts on his mounting problem at work, not help her sleuth around the club. Make time, goddammit. After clearing his throat, he said, “I’m proposing we return to Incognito to track down this woman and get to the bottom of rejuvenation.”
“Using your flying insects?”
“Yes.”
Twenty minutes later, with the pastries eaten and their coffee long gone, Crockett believed their plan could work. Only one thing remained unclear.
“How far are we willing to go to ensure no one at the club catches on to what we’re doing?” he asked.
Her provocative gaze sent another surge of energy through him. “All. The. Way.”
“We’ll have to pretend like we’re there to play, especially if Jase has surveillance throughout the club. Can you pull this off, Alex?”
“Huntah.” Electra’s sexy southern lilt caught him by surprise. “I wasn’t planning on faking a thing.”
15
The Gut-Wrenching Truth
Alexandra’s senses had been thrust into overdrive by Crockett’s scrumptious baseline scent and wicked-hot gaze. His commanding presence had her quivering in her seat. Damn him for making her panties wet. If she didn’t bolt from that cozy room, she’d rip off his clothing and have her way with him.
On. The. Spot.
Her new partner in crime would help her get to the bottom of whatever was going on at Incognito. Maybe put an end to her string of nightmares, too, if she could find the elusive Sage. But, by agreeing to help her sleuth around the club, he’d tied himself to her. Night after night. Even sex-crazed, emotionally unavailable Electra would have to work hard at not falling in love with him all over again.
The idea of being with him was too provocative, too exciting. She had to put distance between them. Jumping up, she flung open the door. But his undeniable pull kept her feet firmly in place. She turned back. The intensity of his bright eyes sent a zing of energy through her.
Like a heroin addict desperate for a fix, she wanted him in the absolute worst way. But their connections would be part of a contrived plot to fly under management’s radar. Lusty sex to blend in. That’s all.
“Thank you for agreeing to help me.” Chicken. Tell him how you really feel. “I need to call my mom.” And beg her to let me live with her.
Crockett pushed out of his chair. “Let’s stop by and check on her.”
Her heart warmed. She loved that he cared.
As they walked through the quiet lab, the dark windows reflected their images. Some couples looked like they belonged together. Are we one of them?
In heavy rush hour traffic, Alexandra called her mom.
“Hello, sweetheart!” Kimberly sounded perkier than she had in days.
“Hi, Mom. How are you doing?”
“Perfect timing. My new chef made a pot roast and I’ll barely put a dent in it. Can you join me?”
“Sure. I’m bringing someone.” Silence. “What’s the matter?” Alexandra asked.
“I’m thrilled you’re making friends, but I’m not up for entertaining.”
“It’s Crockett.”
“Our Crockett?” Kimberly’s smile burst through the receiver. Could her mom be any happier?
Grateful she hadn’t put the call on speaker, she peeked at him. “Um, yeah.”
“Tell him the chef’s a delight.”
“Why?”
“Crockett hired him to cook dinner for me three times a week.”
Wow. “Do you need anything from the store?”
“I’m good, thanks. When can I expect you?”
“Hold on.” Turning to Crockett, she asked, “How far away are we?”
“Ten to fifteen.”
“Te—”
“I heard him. See you shortly.” Her mom hung up. Alexandra wanted to scream. Was the universe conspiring against her? Why did all roads continue to lead to this one man?
“All set?” He rolled to a stop at a yellow light on King Street.
“Thanks to you, Kimberly has dinner waiting for hungry mouths.” She gulped. That didn’t even make sense, but it sounded deliciously dirty. Downright naughty. And dripping with possibility.
In the darkened vehicle their eyes met, the swirling energy dizzying. Her breathing roared in her ears. Or was that his?
Her body palpitated with desire. She wanted to rake her teeth over his scruffy jawline or press her mouth to his. Desperate to kiss him, she leaned over.
The car behind them laid on the horn. Startled, she flung herself against the seat as Crockett powered through the green light. Mortified, she turned away and stared out the passenger window. Have some self-control.
“I’ll drive you around until the plows dig us out.” His calm voice carried none of the inner turmoil she wrestled with.
Her eyebrows flew up. Was he trying to kill her with kindness? “I don’t want to inconvenience—”
“Enough, Alex. I’m helping out so Kimberly doesn’t stress over you.” His firm tone clarified his motive.
I’m a charity case for Mom’s sake.
“Speaking of Kimberly, are you going to filter what you tell her about your living situation?” he asked.
Chewing her options, she clamped down on her lower lip. Never before had she censored conversations with her mom, but he brought up a good point. “I can’t tell her my roommate’s boyfriend is a nut job. She’ll worry or worse, call the police.”
“Let’s not poke the Ben bear. And, for the record, she’s your former roommate.”
“I still need a place to live.”
“According to Colton, you’re living with me.”
After a breathy sigh, she said, “Well, he’s not the boss of me.”
“Don’t tell him that. He thinks he’s the boss of everyone.”
She laughed. He knows my family so well. “I can’t tell her my car was hit, either. She’d freak out.” She’d reached one solid conclusion. Keep mum with Mom.
They found Kimberly in high spirits, her energetic mood uplifting. Were the chemo and radiation killing
the cancer? Could her mom be turning a corner?
After Crockett carved the beef, they served themselves at the kitchen island and sat at the small oak dinner table. Alexandra’s knee brushed Crockett’s. Their eyes met. He flashed a smile. Her cheeks warmed. Kimberly peered over her glasses and smiled like she’d won the effin’ lottery.
Crockett raised his wine glass. “Kimberly, here’s to your health.”
So thoughtful.
As they dug in, Kimberly asked a question that made Alexandra’s eyes grow moist. “So, Alexandra, tell me what made this day special?”
Bittersweet childhood memories tore at her heartstrings. “You haven’t asked that in a long time, Mom.”
Kimberly’s eyes softened. “Some things are worth reliving.”
“I was reunited with Gavin Aviato. He’s a cameraman I teamed with in California. He’s the best of the best.”
Kimberly tilted her head toward Crockett and waggled her eyebrows. Subtlety wasn’t her mom’s strong point. She wanted Alexandra to mention something about Crockett. So, she added, “And Crockett offered to drive me around since I’m not comfortable navigating the icy roads.”
Her reward? A beaming Mitus grin. “That’s a relief. Thank you, Crockett.”
“Kimberly, I’m hoping you can help me with something,” he said. “A reporter wants to interview me for a story.”
As Kimberly hitched a brow, she asked, “On what?”
“Me.”
With precise movements, she set down her silverware, then tapped her fingernails on the table, one at a time. “You never grant interviews.”
“I thought I’d make an exception.”
“Why?” Kimberly asked.
“The journalist is your award-winning daughter.”
Kimberly’s eyes slid from one to the other, then her face burst with happiness. “That’s wonderful! What a fantastic surprise.”
“Crockett won DC’s Brightest Tech Star,” Alexandra said.
“When will it be on? I’d love to see it,” said Kimberly.
“I’ve been told late spring. I’ll let you know.”
Though subtle, a shadow fell over Kimberly’s eyes. “If you interview him right away, will it air sooner?”
THE WILDE TOUCH: Book Two of The Touch Series Page 15
