Wow. How pathetic did her voice sound right now? She cleared her throat and shook out some more candies.
“When did you start inventing things?” Sosimo smiled knowingly at her.
She grabbed on to the lifeline with relish. “When I was nine, I started testing things. I had a lot of gadgets fail miserably. Still do. The one you call Superman was the first thing worth making public, though my mom swears I should patent the clothes steamer I made for her.”
“What’s that?”
“It’s kind of like an extra-long garment bag that she puts her clothes in, pushes a button, and walks away. She says she likes how she can go put her face on and her clothes are wrinkle free when she’s done.”
He chuckled as he turned off the main park road. “Seems like something my mom would like. Can I special order one? You’ll make me son of the year. That’s difficult to do with six of us.”
She laughed. “From the sounds of it, you just show up and you’ll earn that spot on your own.” She shrugged as he drove through the tree-lined park, glad they’d decided on staying here rather than a campground off the highway. “I could whip her up one. I kind of owe it to you after all I’ve put you through.”
“You don’t owe me a thing. I’m glad I can help.” His voice had an insistence to it that made her believe he truly meant it.
He pulled the RV into an empty spot and threw the vehicle in park. He stretched out his neck as he unbuckled. Well, show and tell time ended.
She pressed her buckle free and lifted the armrest to escape the revealing conversation. She swung her legs between the seats to stand but stopped when he placed a hand on her shoulder. His thumb rubbed up and down her neck, short-circuiting her brain cells. He leaned close, his spicy scent intoxicating her. She tried to breathe it in deep, take it into her very essence, but her tight lungs constricted her airflow.
He stopped his approach a mere inch from her lips. Would he kiss her? She held her breath.
“Thanks for sharing with me.” He kissed her on the cheek, right on the corner of her lips.
Her heart shrank. “You’re welcome.” She squeezed the words out.
Thank goodness she hadn’t turned to meet his lips, though part of her wanted to grab his head and make him kiss her right. He opened the driver’s door and said something about claiming their spot.
At least she thought he said that.
His voice sounded muffled against the blood rushing in her ears.
The door snapped shut, causing her to jump. She’d better get up and move. It’d only emphasize her pathetic nature if she still sat in a daze when he returned.
She stood on shaky legs, clutching the front of her shirt that seemed tight. Ay, caray. She was in trouble.
Eight
“What are you doing?” Sosimo muttered as he took the campground ticket and clipped it to the site number. Why in the world had he almost kissed Reagan? He raked his hand through his hair. He knew why. Even a knucklehead like himself could sense the way they’d bonded.
He couldn’t deny that his thoughts about her had changed. She wasn’t just some rich socialite raising money for the poor soldiers. She’d been through it. He knew the stress of moving from base to base, especially when he had a hard time making friends to begin with. He’d been fortunate going from his enormous family to the family within his team. He couldn’t imagine what it would’ve been like to grow up so alone.
He peered around the campsite. With it being the middle of the week and autumn, they practically had the entire campground to themselves. He took a deep breath, cleansing his nose of her inviting scent with the musty smell of dry leaves.
Maybe they needed to get out of the RV. They had been traveling for over twelve hours. He just needed to wake up his brain so he could keep from doing something they’d both regret. Like having Cooper catch Sosimo kissing the daylights out of her.
He marched up to the side door and snapped it open. “I’m going for a walk. Want to come?”
Reagan, who was attempting to open a bag of chips, jumped, ripping the bag open. Chips flew to all corners of the RV. She stared wide-eyed at him for a second before her face turned red. He burst out laughing.
“You scared the daylights out of me.” She glanced around the RV at the chips now covering all the flat surfaces. Her eyes closed to slits as she turned her gaze back to him. She pointed a finger toward his face. “You’re helping me clean this up.”
“Okay, but we’re taking a walk first.” He stepped to the door and leaned in to holler to Cooper. “Coop, we’re going for a walk.”
“All right, give me a sec, and I’ll be ready,” Cooper’s groggy voice mumbled from the back.
“Don’t worry about it. Nothing here but the birds in the trees.” Sosimo stepped back and motioned for Reagan to follow.
She grabbed a handful of chips from the bag and set the torn thing on the table before she carefully stepped her way out of the RV. She looked adorable as she attempted to not crush the chips as she tiptoed out of the RV. When she got outside, she extended a chip toward him. Generosity was threaded through the very fabric of her being.
“Does Cooper normally sleep that much?” She popped a chip into her mouth.
Sosimo shrugged. “He’s taking the night shift tonight. He’s just getting as much sleep as he can so he doesn’t get tired later.”
“You and your night shifts, poor guy.” She smirked and turned in a circle. “Look how beautiful it is out here.”
Her expression held a sense of awe, like the night before at the Blue Swallow Motel. Did she always approach life with such wonder, or was she just so far out of her norm that she couldn’t help it? Whatever the case, what would it be like to be the one she experienced life with? If she was truly as shy as she said she was, there’d be a lot of life she hadn’t experienced yet. Warmth spread through his chest as he glanced over at her in the dimming evening light. He shook off the thought and marched through the grass toward the lake at a fast clip.
“I wish we would’ve gotten here earlier. We could’ve hiked around the lake.” Reagan brushed off her hands and shaded her eyes as she glanced up at the retreating sun. She brought her hand down, lifting her eyebrows at him in question. “Think we have time to trek down the way a little?”
“Sure.”
He’d been watching their tail all day. He didn’t doubt that the people after Reagan might eventually catch up to them. For now, they were still safe.
A bird twittered and swooped over the lake. Reagan pointed to it, but his attention stayed glued to her. The dimming evening sun made her hair a richer tone of red where it curled around her face and down her back. He liked her like this—relaxed, dressed in leggings and a long shirt. Not that he didn’t find her attractive in her formal wear. Then she’d been gorgeous. Now, she was awe-inspiring.
“So … what are you making us for dinner?” Reagan asked as she pulled a yellow leaf from a low-hanging branch.
Sosimo shook his head to focus. “What?”
“Well, you told me you spent countless hours helping your sweet mom. I figured you’d feed us.” Reagan tossed the leaf at him. “I’m not sure if you noticed, but my only contribution to the shopping cart of groceries was from the candy and chip aisle.”
He laughed. “Is that all you ever eat?”
“No. I’m also proficient at bowls of cereal and microwave meals.” She plucked another leaf down. “They’ve really improved the freezer section over the last several years.” She tossed the leaf at him again, and he cocked his eyebrow at her playfulness. “When I’m home, I use this great service that delivers premade home-cooked meals for me. All I have to do is warm them up.”
“I’ll whip us up something when we get back.”
“It better be good. I’m starving.”
“When are you not?”
“When I’m in the zone. Speaking of, we need to go by my house tomorrow when we drive through Tennessee. I need to pick up the prototype and some equipment t
o try to figure out my glitch before we get to Virginia.”
“I thought your homes were in Maryland and Texas?” They’d been the only residences they could find for her.
“The place in Maryland I keep for when I’m visiting my parents.” She kicked at the dried leaves on the grass. “I’m not real fond of staying with them. Quick visits are great. Long ones, not so much.”
“Hmm.”
“The house in Texas is where I stay when I’m setting up the inventions with my testing lab and manufacturing facility there.”
“Where do we have to go then?”
“It’s not far, only about three hours from here. It’s in a little town called Paris, Tennessee.” She grabbed a strip of her hair and twisted it in her hand. “I thought we could plan on staying there tomorrow. That would give me time to round everything up and maybe run another diagnostic through my computer in the lab.”
“Paris, huh?” He’d have to ask Rafe to look into her house.
“Yeah, they’ve even built a replica of the Eiffel Tower.” She shook her head. “It was less the name of the town and more the isolation of it that drew me. I’m still only two hours from the Memphis airport, but my nearest neighbor is a mile away through thick forest. I set up security to keep my stuff safe when I’m gone, but no one will look in backwoods Tennessee for me. It’s not a place where I spend a lot of time.”
“What isn’t?”
“The outdoors.” She motioned her arms around her. “Remember, I’m a geek who spends far too much time in her lab.”
“So why all the secrecy? Why not just live in Texas where your other lab is?” He studied her closely, wishing the fading light didn’t put so much of her face in shadows.
“Paranoia?” Her laugh sounded forced. She sighed and stopped, staring absently over the lake. “When I almost had the Superman done, I trusted the wrong person. We had been dating for about a year. He kept hinting at marriage. He … well, he tried to steal my invention and sell it as his own.”
He touched the back of her hand. “I’m sorry.”
“Yeah, well, story of my life. Guys are only ever interested when I can advance their career. I should’ve known better.” She had a hardness in her voice he didn’t like.
He definitely couldn’t care less what she could do for him. Something about her called to him. She continued along the lakeside, kicking a little more violently at the leaves than before. A rustling in the brushes pulled her up short, and Sosimo lengthened his strides to catch up to her. From the sound of it, it was most likely a small animal that had ventured to the water to drink, but he bet she didn’t know that.
“Is it a bear?” She reached out to him, fumbling with finding his arm since she wouldn’t take her eyes off the bushes.
“Maybe.” He couldn’t help the concerned whisper and leaning closer.
“We … we should go back.” Her voice was so low he almost didn’t hear it.
“Probably.” He stifled his laughter.
He stepped closer, thanking the little critter for creating the perfect opportunity to offer security without worry of being shot or blown up. Mid-step toward her, a raccoon sauntered out from under the bush. Reagan shrieked, stumbling backward and knocking into him. He backpedaled, tripping over a downed branch. Arms flapping, he barely registered Reagan’s mouth falling open before the frigid lake water slapped his back and wrapped his body completely.
When he surfaced, sputtering, Reagan stood on the edge of the lake, her hands covering her mouth. A quick scan proved the devious trash bandit had scurried away. Sosimo stood and slugged out of the lake, shaking the water off.
“I’m so sorry.” She touched his shoulder, yanking it back to her side. “I didn’t know you were so close.”
So much for offering her protection.
“I knew he was there, but he just popped out like he was after us.” Her hand shook as she lifted it to her chest.
The critter had done no such thing, but Sos let it slide. He thought of her face as he’d fallen and wondered what he must have looked like. The whole situation had laughter bubbling up his chest. His chuckle died in his throat as she stared at his shirt clinging to his body. He swallowed and cleared his throat.
She cringed. “You’re soaking wet.”
“Want a hug?” He held his dripping arms out.
She backed up laughing, her hands up in front of her to ward him off. “No, no, thank you. Maybe later.” Her eyes widened before she ducked her head and turned toward the RV. “Might as well head back. I have a mess to clean up, and you need to change so you can feed me.”
She jogged toward the campsite. He shivered. His cold clothes clung to his skin, erasing the heat that had spread through him with her slipped confession. He walked back, allowing time to gather his thoughts. When he got back, the door to the Winnebago sat open, the shower in the teeny bathroom ran, and Reagan kneeled, using her hands to sweep the chips into a pile.
“Wait, don’t come in. There’s no broom here, and your dripping clothes will just make a bigger mess.” She stood, pushing her hair out of her face. “Let me grab you some dry clothes.”
“What, you want me to strip out here?” Sosimo gaped at her.
She leaned out the door and scanned the area. “Who are you worried about seeing you? The raccoons?”
He glanced around, remembering that the only other campers had been on the other side of the campground. He could always tuck behind the camper if need be.
“Just grab whatever is on the top of my bag for me.”
He moved toward the picnic table, pulling off the soaking shirt. He tossed it onto the tabletop and stretched his muscles that ached from the hours on the road and the massive bruise he still sported from the attack in Aspen. A gasp whirled him around, and he almost knocked into Reagan.
“Your back.” She pushed on his shoulder, forcing him to face the table. “It looks horrible.”
Her fingers skimmed over the tender spot where the bullet had hit his body armor. He closed his eyes to the trail of fire that lit him like a sparkler, sparks flying this way and that. Her fingers shook as a trembling gulp sounded behind him. He turned, her fingers sliding around his side until he faced her. She dropped her hand, averting her gaze.
He grabbed her hand. “Reagan?”
The tears that shone in her eyes when she dragged her gaze back to him gripped his heart in a vice.
She bit her lip and ducked her head. “I’m sorry, Sosimo. It’s my fault you’re so hurt.”
“No.” The word rushed out, causing her to flinch.
“It is. If I would’ve taken the threat seriously—” She shook her head, her shoulders drawing up and her elbows tucking tight into her sides. “You could’ve died.”
He grabbed her arms. “But I didn’t.”
She covered her face with her hands. “Maybe I’m doing this all wrong. Maybe I’m just making things worse. I mean, if soldiers aren’t even getting the units I’m sending out there for them, what’s the point of all this?”
He pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her. “You’re helping, Reagan. Helping a lot. Not only the soldiers out in the field, but those that need help after. Without your invention, we would lose a lot more lives.”
She placed her forehead on his collarbone. “I just keep wondering where those extra units went? Now all of this fiasco over my invention makes me worried they’re all getting in the wrong hands somehow. Then Zeke and you get shot. The nanny’s car blows up.” She lifted her face, her gaze questioning. “What if it’s me? What if I’m so focused on making this work that I’m being an idiot?”
“Ay, cariña, it’s not you.” He wrapped his arms tighter around her, tucking his face into her hair. “We live in a world that’s full of evil—a darkness pushing against what’s light and good. We try to do our part to keep it at bay. That’s what you’re doing. Battling against the dark, equipping those who need help in the fight.”
She lifted her head and stared into his ey
es. The smell of fruity candies still lingered on her. She pressed her trembling hands against his chest and slowly rose on the balls of her feet. Her lips brushed against his, soft and fluttery like butterfly wings. She pulled back an inch before leaning forward and lightly kissing him again. She hugged him with a soft, “Thank you.”
She spun away and rushed to the RV. An icy breeze replaced the warmth of her, causing Sosimo to shiver. He’d been hesitant about this assignment, but not anymore. He rubbed the back of his fingers across his lips as he smiled. In fact, this may just end up the best assignment of his life.
Nine
June still couldn’t believe that she’d kissed Sosimo the night before. She’d tried to pretend like it hadn’t happened, that she hadn’t thrown all her inhibitions out the window and kissed the most amazing man she’d ever met—a man so unlike her father she wondered how she ever could’ve compared them. It didn’t work. The tension between them was thick as taffy. Her mind wanted to think of nothing but that brief kiss and his heartwarming words. It made it really hard to focus on what she’d brought them to her home to do.
She shifted from one foot to the other as she bent over her computers, pulling up data and analyzing it as quickly as she could. She had a program running to pull all her information from the hard drive and transfer it to the external memory she planned on taking with her. The recent attacks may have left her a little paranoid. She’d never wiped her computer clean in the past, but if whoever was after her found this place, she didn’t want to leave her inventions to chance.
“I love your home. Very chevere.” Sosimo strutted down the stairs, taking a large bite out of an apple. “Cooper’s upstairs keeping an eye on things. I wanted to see if you need anything. You’ve been holed up down here a long time.”
He wiped the juice off of his chin with his sleeve. Her stomach growled. She’d forgotten to eat lunch again. She glanced at the empty box of Hot Tamales she’d polished off a few minutes ago, knowing that didn’t count as a meal.
Capturing Sosimo Page 7
