THE WILDE TOUCH: Book Two of The Touch Series

by Stoni Alexander

  Alexandra laughed. “I like to call it ‘efficient’.”

  “Great job,” Gavin said.

  Next up? Wilde Innovations’s Quality Assurance Director, Larry Berry. Larry flirted shamelessly while Millie applied his makeup and joked with Tom as he clipped the mic. He announced how excited his wife and kids were about seeing him on TV and how he’d become a mini-celebrity in his neighborhood. But when Gavin started rolling, Larry straightened up, cleared his smoker’s throat, and lost the animated gestures. After a brief introduction, Alexandra asked a few basic questions. Larry’s easygoing nature made him a natural in front of the camera.

  “What’s involved in leading Wilde’s QA team?” Alexandra inquired.

  “Nothing leaves this camp without my seal of approval.” Larry’s gritty timbre was a sharp contrast to his relaxed personality.

  “Can you expand on what’s required to earn that seal?”

  “Absolutely.” Larry caressed his moustache before launching into a high-level summary on the ins and outs of testing code following the software engineer’s stringent requirements. “If my team approves, products move to the beta stage. But if we find the slightest glitch, back it goes.”

  “What types of glitches would send a product back to the drawing board?”

  “I can’t discuss specifics. What I can say is that my team catches each and every problem before the products fly.”

  Off-camera Decker grunted. Alexandra flicked her gaze in his direction, acknowledging she’d heard him. Had Larry meant fly out the door or was he referring to the Spy Flies? Either way, his answer would have to be edited. Changing tactics, she asked, “How long have you run the Quality Assurance team?”

  “I got promoted last month and I’ve got giant shoes to fill. My predecessor, Ruth Lizzard, deserves all the credit. Her commitment and dedication ensured every single product worked as expected. And in mission-critical situations, there’s no room for failure.”

  Crockett hadn’t listed Lizzard as an available interviewee. She made a mental note to check with him. “What does the future hold for you, Larry?”

  He grinned. “This is the year to make things happen. The sky’s the limit.”

  “Got it,” Gavin said.

  “Great job, Larry.” Alexandra shook his hand.

  She loved crafting a well-rounded story. Ellen’s warm nature contrasted Natalie’s straightforward and polished persona. Decker rounded out the interview with his creative genius and steadfast loyalty. And Larry contributed an affability that made him instantly likable. Everyone brought value and perspective. And hopefully increased viewership.

  Out of the corner of her eye, Alexandra spied Wilde’s handsome CEO and her heart flipped. He’d been leaning against a cloaked table, looking fashion magazine ready. With a hand in his pocket, his relaxed stance contradicted the fierceness radiating from his eyes.

  She rose, the attraction tugging her toward him, but she folded her fingers around the edge of the table to anchor her in place.

  “Great interview, Alexandra.”

  Her heart swelled from his compliment. “Thank you.” For more reasons than she cared to admit, doing right by this man mattered.

  Though he smiled, his eyes did not. “I need to borrow Larry for a moment.”

  Ignoring his boss, Larry ambled toward Millie. “Hey, Mill, can you remove my makeup?”

  “Now,” Crockett said.

  Anger flashed in Larry’s eyes. “Sure thing.” He and Crockett stepped out of the lab.

  What’s that all about?

  “I caught Larry’s comment about products ‘flying’,” Alexandra whispered to Decker. “Even though he could have meant ‘out the door’, I’ll work with the editor to cut that. No worries.”

  “Thank you.” The tightness around his eyes faded. “I’m headed downstairs for coffee. Can I get you anything?”

  “No, thanks.” She tossed a nod toward the cloaked tables. “We won’t peek.”

  “I trust you,” Decker said.

  Maybe she’d cracked Decker’s guarded exterior. Millie and Tom joined Decker, leaving her and Gavin alone in the lab. With his full attention on Alexandra, Gavin chuckled.

  Up went her eyebrows. “What?”

  “You and Wilde have it baaaad for each other. And I mean bad.”

  She crossed her arms. “Oh, that’s ridiculous. I do not. He doesn’t, either. I’m a professional. We have a job to do. Why would you even say that? I’m insulted, Gavin. I mean, really!”

  He burst out laughing. “You dizzy from that speech? I’ve known you for a long time, Reed, and I have never—and I mean, never—seen you blush. I can’t wait to tell Bruce. It was the damn cutest thing.”

  She shoved her finger in his face. “I. Do. Not. Have. A. Thing. For. That. Man.”

  He raised his hands. “Whatever you say, doll.”

  Leaning against the table, she whispered, “That obvious?”

  Gavin cleared his throat and Alexandra flicked her gaze to the swinging door as Crockett powered into the room. I do have it bad for him.

  After makeup, Crockett took the hot seat. Since he’d returned from speaking with Larry Berry, something was off. Nothing he said, just a general feeling she had. Brushing it aside, Alexandra began with general questions about the business he’d built from the ground up.

  “All of our surveillance equipment is designed to enhance operations for our armed forces, law enforcement, and first responders,” he explained.

  Alexandra asked about the items on the lab table and Crockett lifted a helmet equipped with night vision goggles. “This is an example of a current challenge we’ve been tasked to improve. Military, law enforcement and first responders rely on night vision goggles or NVGs. The infrared light gives them a clear advantage in the dark, but the challenge centers on the weight the goggles add to the helmet.” He offered to place the helmet on Alexandra.

  Gavin panned the camera to Alexandra as Crockett lowered the helmet onto her head. “It’s heavy and the weight isn’t distributed evenly,” she said.

  “Within as little as an hour, neck muscles strain against the weight of the goggles.” Crockett took the helmet from her and set it back on the lab table, then lifted one of their two prototype designs so Gavin could get a close up. “We’ve been focused on reworking the goggles. These are much lighter, which means less neck strain. Right now, they’re cost prohibitive. The goal is maintaining integrity without scrimping on quality. All while staying within the client’s budget.”

  After Alexandra wrapped up her questions on the NVGs, Crockett rounded the table for a show-and-tell about mini-drones.

  “Wilde Innovations holds a patent for one of the first initial military-grade mini-drones,” he said. “But this little flyer took hundreds of iterations until we got it right.” He added, “In the beginning, we crashed more than we landed.”

  His pride for his team was evident and he credited others for his successes. He was driven, intelligent and direct. But he was humble and as motivated today as he had been when he first began. When she asked him a few questions about his career in the early years, he became more introspective.

  “Everyone on the team, especially those who’ve been with me since inception, put blood, sweat and tears into those early projects. I’ve grown along with my business and believe that work-life balance is key to our success. Though I rarely follow my own sound advice.”

  Despite the fact that she’d interviewed famous, wealthy celebrities and lots of successful business magnates in her career, this interview mattered the most. Not because of her personal feelings, but because of his.

  The driving force behind his organization centered on someone he loved. If the interview helped another family or somehow eased his pain, she would consider it a success.

  “Crockett, what was your primary motivation behind Wilde Innovations?”

  Pausing, he broke eye contact. She waited, her heart hammering in her chest. Make this story personal, Crockett. T
ell them.

  Several more seconds passed. Dammit. She’d have to cover with another question.

  He steeled his spine. A flicker of misery shadowed his normally bright eyes. “My sister, Sophia, was abducted when she was fourteen. Although she’s been missing for thirteen years—almost half her life—I remain optimistic she’ll come home to us one day. Everything we create at Wilde is with her in mind. It’s my goal that improvements to surveillance will help bring her, and others who’ve been abducted, home.”

  She breathed. He’d done it. Alexandra wrapped the interview. When Gavin stopped filming, she extended her hand. “That was fantastic, Crockett. You and your team did an outstanding job.”

  Instead of shaking her hand, he held it. Heat infused her body. Though she should have shook his hand and released, she gave him a little squeeze before letting go. Millie moved in and removed Crockett’s makeup.

  “Crockett, who can I speak with about shooting footage at your manufacturing plant?” Gavin asked.

  “We have stock you can use,” Crockett said.

  “Great.” Gavin handed Crockett his business card. “My cell is the best way to reach me. Congrats on a solid interview. Alexandra, we’re gonna take off.”

  “Did ya’ll drive together?” Crockett asked Alexandra.

  “I drove alone,” said Alexandra.

  “Can you stick around for a few?” Crockett asked.

  “Of course.” Out of the corner of her eye, she spied Gavin’s smirk.

  “I’ll escort you guys out,” Decker said to Gavin and crew.

  “Meet me in the Tank,” Crockett said to him.

  On a nod, Decker led Gavin, Millie and Tom out.

  “Let’s talk in private.” Crockett gestured toward the back of the lab.

  They walked into the isolated room. He shut the door, pinned her with a steely gaze. Suddenly, the air became electric. Her heart pitter-pattered, her body warmed.

  “You’re a natural, Alex,” he murmured, his deep voice rumbling through her. “Talking about Sophia is very difficult for me.”

  The need to touch him overpowered her and she caressed his muscular arm. “Thank you for pushing through. You did a great job. When it airs, I hope someone comes forward with information on Sophia.”

  “It’s a long shot.”

  “You sound like you’ve lost hope.”

  “I never give up on someone I love.” His gaze turned fiery. He gripped her shoulders. Fierce blue eyes pierced her. “Last night I came home to an empty bed.”

  His words rocketed through her. His touch ignited her need. “I crashed on your sofa.” Her words sounded hollow, pathetic. She leaned toward him, that familiar and powerful attraction taking hold.

  He said nothing. But their increased breathing, now in sync, filled her ears. Seconds passed. Though desperate for his mouth on hers, she didn’t move. The energy swirled; her lips tingled. Kiss me, Crockett. Her heart dipped when he released her.

  “After you left the club last night, I saw Jase escort Dracule and a male companion into that unmarked suite.” His jaw ticked. “And I’m pretty sure I caught a glimpse of Sage.”

  “What? Why didn’t you wake me?”

  He hitched a brow. “Because I wouldn’t have wanted to talk.”

  Warmth spread down her chest and she moaned, quietly, under her breath.

  “Did you have another nightmare?” he asked.

  She swallowed. “Yes, but knowing you were down the hall helped.”

  He shook his head. “I don’t need a roommate, Alexandra.”

  “Crockett, I…um…it’s not a good—”

  This time he stopped her with a tender kiss. “Don’t fight this,” he murmured.

  More. Her body hummed with need. And again, his mouth brushed against hers…

  Tap! Tap!

  Decker plowed in, almost crashing the door into them. Alexandra jerked back.

  “Whoa, okay.” Decker squeezed in, coffee cup in hand, and shut the door. “This is tight.”

  With a smile in his eyes, Crockett eased into the chair at the head of the table. “Sit.”

  Alexandra and Decker sat across from each other.

  “Other than Larry’s slip up, the interviews went well, don’t you think, Alexandra?” Decker sipped his drink.

  “What slip up?” Crockett asked.

  “Larry said his team catches each and every problem before the products fly,” Alexandra said. “He could have meant ‘fly out the door’, but I’ll make sure that’s cut.”

  “He also mentioned Ruth,” Decker said to Crockett. “More like gushed.”

  “Ah, crap,” Crockett replied.

  “Who is she?” Alexandra asked.

  “Someone I terminated,” Crockett replied. “I’m not concerned about his ‘fly’ comment, but don’t include Ruth.”

  “I’m glad you were there, Decker,” Alexandra said. “Anything else?”

  “No,” Decker said. “I was against this interview, but you did a good job.”

  Progress. “It was a pleasure interviewing you, Decker. I admire your loyalty.”

  “Decker, I need your help,” Crockett said. “I have an off-the-record task for you on the dark net.”

  This didn’t sound like a request. Decker waited.

  “There’s a members-only sex play club here in Crystal City called Incognito.” Crockett’s voice rumbled from the depths of his chest. “Some men ask for and receive something called ‘rejuvenation’. See if you can find out what that is.”

  “My mind is blown,” Decker said with a sly smile. “I would never have guessed you—”

  “This information does not leave this room,” Crockett said.

  Decker dropped his playful expression. “Of course not. Just to set expectations, this could take awhile. It’s not like there’s a Google in the dark web and a few clicks later, I’ve got an answer.”

  “Don’t use any of Wilde’s computers. Purchase one if you don’t want to use your own. I’ll reimburse you from my personal account.”

  “I’ve got one at home I can use.”

  “After I walk Alexandra out, let’s discuss your report on Maverick’s Eagle,” Crockett said.

  “It’ll have to wait. Charlie’s crafts arrived in Jessup.” Decker stood and opened the door. “I’m headed there now.”

  “Keep me posted,” Crockett said. “Good luck.”

  “We need a lot of that,” Decker said and left.

  “What did he mean?” she asked.

  A shadow fell over his eyes. “Nothing.”

  He’s not telling me something. Rather than force the point, she rose. “I should go. Thank you for—”

  He moved so fast, she was nestled in his arms before she could refuse him. But when he kissed her, refusing him was the last thing she wanted to do. Her nipples firmed, her insides tightened and she threaded her hands into his hair.

  Groaning into him, she pushed her tongue into his mouth, electricity pulsing through her. He squeezed her ass, holding her tightly against his thickening shaft. She ground against him, the need between her legs making her lightheaded. When he bit her lip, she whimpered.

  Knock, knock, knock.

  Crockett released her just as the door opened and Ellen popped her head in. Her eyes shifted from one to the other and her face turned puce. “Oh, goodness me. I thought you were with Decker.”

  Though Crockett said nothing, his eyes flashed with annoyance. What was he thinking? That he’d bend me over the table and take me here? A zing of energy hit her between her legs and she caught a moan before it escaped.

  “Ashton Hott is waiting in your office.” Still red-faced, Ellen hurried out.

  “We’ll address our unfinished business later,” Crockett said. “I’ll walk you out.”

  “I know the way.” She wanted to stroke his whiskered cheek or kiss him goodbye, but she couldn’t give in to her emotions. “Thank you for allowing me to interview you and your team.” Feeling like a ticking bomb, she spun on
her heels and left. How much longer could she keep him at arm’s length? She wanted to let herself fall, but she couldn’t handle the pain of losing him all over again when she left.

  Since the parking garages near Crockett’s office building had been full, she’d parked several blocks away. On the trek back to her car, gray clouds gave way to dark, stormy ones. Seconds later, heavy drops splattered the sidewalk, the wind whipped around her, and the rain pelted her. Drenched, she ducked into a nearby coffee shop.

  While waiting for her Chai tea, she spied Larry Berry and a woman, snuggled on a loveseat tucked in the corner. After paying, Alexandra headed toward the back of the cozy cafe to say hello. But Larry and the blonde had vanished. On the coffee table in front of the loveseat were their drinks, nearly full and still steaming.

  She glanced outside. Sheets of rain blew sideways and traffic had come to a standstill. He sure was in a rush to leave.

  20

  The Competition

  Alexandra smiled at the young child seated on the bleachers in front of her as she and Kimberly waited in the crowded high school gym. Her mom had been in good spirits all through lunch. And she seemed stronger, too. Though Alexandra knew the gut-wrenching truth, she clung to hope. Maybe the chemo and radiation treatments are working after all.

  “This is exciting,” Kimberly said as she unbuttoned her coat. “Where’s Crockett?”

  Alexandra leaned around the little girl who’d been standing in front of her. The child’s mom noticed. “Hannah, please sit down. The lady behind you would like to see, too.”

  “It’s okay,” said Alexandra. “She’s fine.”

  The child spun around. “My teacher is competing. Do you study karate?”

  “No, I don’t.” Alexandra smiled at the munchkin. “I’ve never been to a karate competition. What can we expect?”

  “Today is the first round of a national tournament,” Hannah’s mom explained.

  “It starts with this regional competition,” Hannah’s dad said. “Virginia, Maryland, DC.”

  “Pennsylvania and Delaware, too,” added Hannah’s mom. “The event lasts all weekend and is divided by belt rank and age group.”