Only Her Undercover Spy

by Cami Checketts

  The time passed too quickly as her mind raced, and before she knew it, he was catching the dock and then tying them off. Chris stepped out of the boat and reached out to her. She put her hand in his, and he tugged her onto the dock and straight against his chest. Iris’s hands went inadvertently to the muscular shoulders encased in his shirt. She reveled in the firm flesh under her fingertips and especially in the warmth of Chris’s intense blue gaze.

  He gently wrapped both arms around her lower back and enveloped her in his embrace. His head lowered and breathing became difficult, but he didn’t claim her mouth like she was hoping for. “Iris,” he whispered huskily against her lips.

  Iris was certain nobody had ever said her name more beautifully.

  “I wish I could tell you everything,” he continued. “In my business, trust is elusive, slippery, and often dangerous.”

  She drew in a breath and nodded that she understood, though she hated it.

  “But I want to trust you.” His words carried across her lips and vibrated through her. She appreciated those words. He wanted to trust her, but could he?

  He ran his hands up her back and across her neck, framing her face with his palms. Iris managed a tremulous smile, but her knees were knocking together from the intense, passionate look in his eyes and the incredible sensation of being touched by him. He lowered his head, and their lips gently brushed. Iris’s entire body trembled from the sheer joy of that simple kiss.

  He paused and whispered, “My name is Devon.”

  Iris’s heart threatened to pound out of her chest.

  “Can you say it, please?” he asked softly.

  “Devon,” she murmured, and time stood still as the significance of this moment passed between them. He’d trusted her enough to tell her his name, and he’d been waiting to hear it from her lips.

  “Thank you.” He traced his thumbs along her cheeks. “I love my name on your lips.”

  She wanted a whole lot more on her lips. “Devon,” she said again. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  He grinned, and then he captured her mouth with his own. He drank her in, and she felt like he poured his hopes, dreams, and true self into their connection. The kiss was as pure as any she’d experienced, and it was more meaningful to her than any man’s touch had ever been. Devon didn’t just want her for today; he wanted her for always. She knew that as surely as she knew his lips lit up her mouth and expanded and enriched the small bubble of her world. She’d never need to travel to exotic locations. She had everything she needed right here in her valley, included Devon.

  Devon. She loved that name, and she loved even more that he’d confided in her. It should’ve been unsettling that he was some clandestine agent and could be lying to her, but she knew he wasn’t. He trusted her, and she trusted him.

  Devon slowed down the kisses and stared at her. She was unable to slow down her breathing. “I never tell anyone my name,” he said again, almost in wonder.

  “Well, I’m a lot more special than ‘anyone,’” she sassed.

  He chuckled and wrapped her up tight. “That you are, Iris.” Then he was kissing her again. It was only a short kiss, though, before he pulled back and said, “I’ve been fantasizing about something.”

  “Have you now?” She hoped she was part of that fantasy.

  He pulled out his phone and wallet and then the gun from the back of his pants. It gave her a shiver of delight to know this man was tough and threatening to some, but not to her. He tugged her cell phone out of the pocket of her skirt, and she stared at him as he set everything on the dock.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I’m hoping you would help me recreate my fantasy.”

  “Well … maybe.”

  He grinned, wrapped his arms around her waist, lifted her off her feet, and jumped off the dock with her in his arms.

  The chilly water wrapped around her as surely as his arms. When they came up out of the water, she was spluttering. “What are you doing?”

  He chuckled. “I’ve gone in the water twice for you, and each time I wanted to hold you close while I kissed you. Can you help me with that fantasy?”

  She laughed and shook her head, snaking her arms around his neck. “If I must.”

  Tenderly, he wiped water from her face with the pad of his thumb, trailing it along her lips. She quivered from the sensation. “Can you make it even better by saying my name again?” His smile was almost shy, so different from the confident smirk he usually displayed.

  “Devon,” she said in a husky voice she hardly recognized. She pulled him in tighter and whispered it again. “Devon.”

  She could feel his warm body tremble against hers, and then he bent and replaced his thumb with his lips, holding her close to him as he gave her a beautiful, longing kiss. As far as fantasies went, Iris agreed that this one was definitely worth creating.

  Chapter Ten

  Devon woke early the next morning, feeling like he could take on the world, despite the fact that he’d only slept a few hours. His targets were of course sleeping off their drugs-and-porn fest from the night before, so he hit the resort’s gym and then the running trails, his mind on constant repeat of being with Iris last night. Had he told her too much? He should be concerned about his lapse in judgment, but he was amazed to find he didn’t care. Iris was worth bending his self-made rules a bit. It wasn’t like spies had some code of ethics. It was all about getting the information and getting the job done. He could ad-lib a little bit for Iris, as long as he brought down Antonio.

  He heard a runner coming the other direction. Glancing up, he spotted Iris, and his chest swelled with a happiness he’d only felt previously around his own family. This happiness was combined with an attraction and connection he knew could never be equaled.

  “D—” Her voice stuttered, and her face flashed an attractive pink. “Chris! How are you?”

  Devon ran up to her and swept her off her feet, spinning her around. She giggled and held on to his neck. As he set her down, he took her lips in a soft, fulfilling kiss. He trailed kisses to her ear, liking the salty taste of her soft skin, and whispered, “I can’t tell you anything, can I? You almost yelled my name.”

  She squeezed him tight around the neck and muttered, “I am so, so sorry. I’m not very good at this super spy stuff.”

  He chuckled. “It’s okay. I can teach you.”

  She stared into his eyes, her aquamarine gaze mesmerizing him. “What can you teach me?” she asked breathlessly.

  “This.” Then he was kissing her again, and they didn’t stop for a good, long time. Finally, he released her and took her hand. “You want to run or walk together for a bit?”

  She nodded. “Walk.”

  He cocked an eyebrow at her. “You don’t want to be out of breath so we can talk?”

  “You make me out of breath enough,” she laughed. “If I added running to that, I’d be panting for air.”

  He smirked. “I don’t mind.” Squeezing her hand, he headed deeper into the forest.

  “Can I ask you more questions today?”

  “I think it’s my turn, actually.” He smiled down at her. She was so beautiful with her blond curls swept into a ponytail, her face fresh and clean, and those bluish-green eyes sparkling at him. Yet it was her personality and depth that sucked him in—the way he’d watched her over the past six days as she interacted with children, elderly people, her employees, and her own cousin. She was kind, thoughtful, and witty. He wanted to know so much about her.

  “I’m pretty boring. I don’t know that you’d have many questions for me.” She ducked her head.

  “Boring?” Devon released her hand and wrapped his hand around her trim waist. “Sweetheart, I’ve traveled the world and been around many interesting people. You, beautiful Iris, are the most fascinating and intriguing person I’ve ever met.”

  She gave him a tremulous smile and cuddled into his side. “That was pretty sweet. I’ll let you ask some questions now.”


  He laughed. “Okay.” Taking her hand again, he walked happily by her side as his mind raced with questions for her. Couldn’t she just tell him every detail from childhood on up? He was more excited to learn about her than when he’d been a newbie straight out of the Army and could hardly anticipate his first solo cases. “Tell me about your family.”

  Her body stiffened, and she said nothing.

  Despite a dart of apprehension at her response, or lack of response, he pressed on. “I know Grams, Uncle Jay, and Cat. Do you have any siblings? Where are your parents?”

  As she kept silently walking, horror crept over him. He started imaging all kinds of scenarios. He could’ve sworn she’d mentioned her parents earlier, at least her dad, but now he wondered if he was remembering right. Maybe her parents were dead, or they were in prison, or they’d been kidnapped by the mafia. The last one might be a little far-fetched to someone who hadn’t seen it all. He should’ve been smart enough to leave it alone and ask about something different, but he was a spy, not an interrogator.

  “Yeah, Grams, Uncle Jay, and Cat are great,” she finally said. “Did Cat tell you she has a brother?”

  “Yes.” At least she was talking now, but he grew even more concerned about her parents. “Cruz, right? Pro wakeboarder and snow-skier?”

  “That’s right. You should Google him sometime. Insanely cool videos.”

  “I’ll bet.” He paused, and when she still didn’t offer anything, he asked hesitantly, “Do you have any siblings?”

  “Oh … yes!” She laughed. “I have four brothers. All older.”

  “I could’ve guessed you were the baby.”

  “Ha ha. You’re the baby too.” She jabbed at his side and smiled up at him as they wound up a gradual incline.

  He started to relax. Maybe she just wasn’t used to talking about herself. She spent her days seeing to the needs of others, and she was probably an expert at drawing everyone else out while keeping her true self hidden. He wanted to be the one privy to that true self. “Where are your brothers now? None of them wanted to be part of Mystical Lake Resort?”

  Iris shook her head jerkily, like it pained her that her brothers weren’t around. She spoke quickly. “Aster is the oldest. He owns a large construction company in Jackson, Wyoming. Super successful. Cedar is the second. He’s a stuntman, and he’s been in some big films. Right now, he’s making crazy good money in the new Crusaders series.”

  “Wow, that’s great. I saw the first one and loved it.”

  “Allison Bradford was amazing, wasn’t she?”

  “For sure. Tough chick.”

  Iris smiled. “Then Quill is the third. He plays hockey for the Colorado Avalanche.”

  “Oh? That’s sweet. I know Beckett Tanner—well, I met him through a friend once, and Beckett gave us front-row tickets to a game. He’s a great guy.”

  “Quill thinks Beck is amazing. Then Ren is fourth. He’s my closest in age and I see him the most. He’s a smokejumper so whenever they’re stationed close or if they have a rare break, he comes to stay.” She paused and said, “So that’s it. Four awesome brothers. I don’t see them as much as I’d like, but they come visit as often as they can.” She smiled, but it was definitely forced and she wouldn’t meet his gaze. “We’re all too busy conquering our own corners of the world.”

  He wanted to ask her if she’d ever leave this corner, even for a short time, but it didn’t seem likely. “And your parents?” he asked gently.

  “My parents.” Her brow furrowed.

  “Did they pass?” Devon asked.

  She stared up at him, her mouth drooping. “My mom did. Cancer when I was sixteen.”

  “I’m so sorry.”

  “Thank you.” She looked away. “My dad’s still alive. He just kind of broke after my mom died. So he left and … never came back home.”

  “When was the last time you saw him?”

  “When I was sixteen,” she said quietly.

  Devon stopped walking, feeling his own jaw drop. “Sixteen? Where is he?”

  She looked down at the needle-strewn path. Swallowing, she managed, “Last I heard, he was in St. Thomas.”

  “But he comes to visit?”

  She shook her head shortly.

  “You go visit him?” he asked hopefully.

  There was another quick shake of her head.

  “Why?” He couldn’t resist asking.

  She looked up at him, and those aqua-colored eyes were really bright in the predawn morning light. Was she going to cry? Ah, crap. His experience with women crying was almost as lacking as his interrogation experience. His sisters were both older than he was, and he hadn’t seen them or his mom cry often. On those occasions, he’d been putty in their hands.

  “My dad says he’s done with the cold … that’s why he doesn’t come home. Sometimes he texts me.” She shrugged. “I think my mom’s death broke him and there are too many memories of her in this valley.”

  He looked over her beautiful face, saddened by the anguish written there. He missed his family and wished he could go home more often, but he knew without a doubt that if his parents knew where he was and that they wouldn’t jeopardize a mission, they would travel anywhere in the world to see him, talk to him, and give him a hug. His parents and sisters, especially his mom, adored him. How could Iris’s dad not feel the same? She was extraordinary, sweet, fun, smart, and hard-working. He should be proud of her and want to see the woman she’d become.

  Devon asked in a controlled voice, “And you’ve never been offered the opportunity to visit him?”

  She let out a heavy sigh. “I have some … issues.”

  Should he leave this alone or delve deeper? He’d shared a lot with her last night, more than he’d ever thought he’d share with anyone outside his family, and felt he’d exhibited a lot of trust. Could she trust him too? “With?” he asked, searching her eyes.

  “Doc Penrose diagnosed it as abandonment issues and panic attacks.”

  Devon nodded his understanding and then waited, hoping she’d share more.

  She gathered herself, took a long breath, and then started speaking in a small voice, making him lean closer to hear. “The day my dad left, I was ticked at him for leaving. I’d always been his girl, and I couldn’t believe he’d desert me the day of my mom’s funeral. And he wasn’t just leaving me. He was leaving Grams, his sons, his brother, his niece and nephew, this beautiful valley—everything and everyone who loved him and could help him through my mom’s loss.”

  She studied her hands. “I could understand he was broken—my brothers and I felt the same—but how could leaving help?” She paused but didn’t seem to be expecting an answer so he simply waited. “I hid in an empty suite of the lodge so he couldn’t find me to say goodbye. Then I watched from the windows as he hugged everyone goodbye and left. I couldn’t believe he’d really left without telling me goodbye.” She shook her head and angrily brushed at some tears that trailed past her lashes. “I ran out of the lodge the back way along the patio to try to catch him but avoid seeing the rest of the family. As I made it around to the east edge of the parking lot, a guy was gunning through on his motorcycle.”

  She looked down now, and Devon’s gut clenched as he feared the worst.

  “He stopped as soon as he saw me,” she continued in a quiet voice. “Asked me if I needed a ride.” Her body shuddered, and Devon hoped he wouldn’t be sick. “I jumped on, asked him to help me find my dad who was leaving the valley. He said sure and took off. We were ripping through the valley, and then we headed up the mountain pass. I was scared, but something in me just had to get to my dad, tell him I loved him before he left me.” She paused, and he nodded his understanding, concerned by where this story was going.

  “We were almost to the summit of the canyon road,” she continued, “when the guy grabbed my leg, leaned back, and said, ‘Good choice, pretty girl. We’ll find somewhere private, and I’ll make a woman out of you.’”

  Devon�
��s stomach tried to claw its way out of his throat. He was going to be sick. He’d seen a lot of horrible things in his profession and thought he had a thick skin, but he couldn’t stand the thought of Iris being hurt. He didn’t know if he should interject something or keep silent.

  She made his decision for him when she kept talking. “I may have only been sixteen and rarely left this valley, but I understood exactly what he was planning to do to me.” She took a breath and said in a shaky voice, “He spun off onto a side road that wound up the mountain. We were climbing; the road hugged the mountainside, and the opposite side was a crazy steep decline and then a drop-off. I was terrified, but I knew I had to get away. He spun out on the shale. The bike stalled, and I jumped off and went off the edge of the road.”

  Devon’s eyes widened. “You got away?”

  She nodded slowly, and his stomach settled a little bit. “I slid so fast down that mountainside. Then I saw the drop-off coming. It was a couple hundred feet I was going to free-fall. I could hear the guy yelling at me from above and knew I’d rather fall off that cliff than let him touch me.” Her eyes were terrified, even though her words were brave. “I smacked into a tree maybe ten feet before the edge. I wrapped my arms around that trunk and held on tight.”

  “For how long?” His own voice felt tight.

  “I don’t know. It must’ve been hours. The guy yelled at me for a while, but he must not have dared come after me. Finally, I heard his motorcycle leave. I prayed for my dad to come, but of course he didn’t even know I was in danger. The sun disappeared before I started hearing helicopters, truck engines, and finally people calling my name.” She smiled faintly. “Sheriff Greenwood and search and rescue saved me; then my brothers, Grams, Cat, Cruz, Uncle Jay, and half the town were there.”