by Lea Hart
“I’m not giving up on my acting dream.”
“And I’m not saying you should, but dreams change, and maybe a little time off will give you the chance to see if the one you’ve been chasing still makes sense.”
“That’s very wise, G.”
“I’m a wise person and not all about the glamour and giggles.”
“I know, friend; believe me…I know.”
“Miss you, T.”
“Miss you more.”
“So, stay in touch and don’t make me come out there and kick your tiny butt.”
“My butt isn’t tiny. In fact, it’s gotten bigger in the last week because Seth insists on bringing home all the fancy cheese I can eat.”
“He’s diabolical.”
“I know.”
“Do me a favor, T.”
“What’s that?”
“Enjoy yourself. Let that man be as much of a prince as he can and soak in every glorious moment.”
“I will, Garett. Thank you.”
“Love you.”
“Love you, too. I’ll call tomorrow.”
“Better!”
She ended the call and decided to take her best friend’s advice and enjoy whatever time she and Seth had together because worrying about what tomorrow held was pointless.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Seth sat in the conference room at McCallan Security and leaned back in his chair and let out a frustrated groan. “I hate this shit.”
“What shit is that?” Zach asked as he strolled in.
“Making sure we have the right guys assigned to the right clients. It’s like a Chinese puzzle and every time I make a change, it necessitates another change.”
“We should hire someone to do that job specifically because, with seventy-five operatives and a packed caseload, it’s a full-time job.”
“I could write a program that could do the initial planning, but we still need a human to put everything in place.” He rubbed his face and tipped his chair forward. “I bet Tessa would be great at this.”
“Why don’t you ask her, then?”
“Because we’ve had a great two weeks together and I don’t want to do anything to upset the apple cart.”
“Have you had any updates from Los Angeles?”
“Not a word, which means Daisy doesn’t have anything because I know she wouldn’t leave me hanging.”
“Are you getting any indication that Tessa is dying to get out of town?”
“Not really.”
“Cecily said she’s been volunteering at the Affinity facility on the other side of town and is a big hit with the residents.”
“She loves those retired performers and is filled with stories when she comes home. Seems they’ve taken her under their wing and have talked her into directing their semi-annual talent show.”
“The more stuff she’s involved with, the more connected she’s going to be, and that will help your case when you ask her to stay.”
“Hope so,” he replied quietly.
“Look who I found wandering the halls,” Cole called out.
Looking up, Seth let out a breath. “Anthony, what the hell are you doing here?”
“Thought I would stop in on my way to Los Angles.”
Zach stood and crossed his arms. “Hope you’re not here to talk him into another shit gig on the other side of the world.”
Seth leveled his brother with a glare and then stepped around him. “Good to see you, Anthony.” He put out his hand and shook his former commander’s hand. “You want some coffee or something?”
“No, I’m good.”
“Have a seat, then and let’s catch up.”
“Thanks,” Anthony replied as he nodded to Cole and Zach.
Seth took his own chair and noticed that Anthony looked like shit, and for the first time thought he looked every single one of his fifty-five years. Not that the man wasn’t still intimidating as hell and certainly in better shape than most men half his age. But there was a weariness in his eyes that hadn’t been there before. “Have you been out there mixing it up or stuck in the capital?”
“I’ve been in meetings at the Puzzle Palace for a week, and nothing kicks my ass like negotiating with the CIA.”
“Anything you can talk about?”
Anthony looked at each man and then folded his hands together. “Looks like the powers that be want to fold my group of operatives in with Tick Tock’s.”
“No shit,” Zach exclaimed. “You must’ve pissed off someone because making you work with your ex-wife on a daily basis is going to be…interesting.”
“Neither of us is very happy about it, but there isn’t much we can do.”
“How’d you end up with a spook anyway?” Cole asked.
“She was my college sweetheart before she became a spook.”
“And you became a Delta operator,” Seth added.
“Anyway, I’m headed to LA to get Tyler up to speed on the changes. Looks like things could evolve very quickly and I need an operative to be ready.” Anthony leaned forward. “You want a shot at this, Seth?”
He watched both his brothers tense and knew they were going to be surprised with his answer. Hell, there was a part of him that was surprised, but he knew it was the right one. “Thanks, man, but I’m out of the game.”
“You sure?” Anthony asked.
“Yeah, I’ve got someone who needs me.”
“Guessing it’s the civilian you worked with in LA.”
He nodded and then let his eyes bounce between Zach and Cole. Damn idiots were smiling like they’d just won big at the blackjack table. “Don’t want to give her any reason to dump my ass and I’m pretty sure running all over the world with guns blazing would do that.”
“Yeah, that does have a tendency to take you out of the running for boyfriend of the year.”
“Appreciate you thinking of me, but I’m going to pass.”
“I understand and hope like hell you make the most of the chance you’ve been given.”
“Plan on it,” Seth replied.
Anthony pushed his chair back and rapped his knuckles on the table. “Take care.”
Seth watched him walk out of the conference room and then heard Zach clear his throat. “Just say it before you fucking explode.”
“Proud of you, little brother.”
“For what?”
“Knowing what’s worth investing your heart and soul in.”
Cole stood and walked over to the bar cart and filled three glasses with bourbon and then handed them out. Lifting his glass, he nodded. “To the McCallan boys making it home, keeping their sanity, and finding a woman worth fighting for. May the good Lord help each and every one of us not screw it up.”
“I second that,” Zach said.
“Absolfuckinglutely,” Seth replied. Feeling calmer than he ever had in his life, he hoped that when it came down to a choice, Tessa would choose him over everything else.
***
Tessa decided there were no bigger divas than the ones she was currently dealing with. Who knew that the greats from the old Vegas shows could hold onto their flair for the dramatic with such an iron fist?
Sitting back in her chair, she decided to let Mitzie and Bernie work out their creative differences by themselves since the last time she intervened they’d both turned on her. Something she didn’t need to experience twice in her life.
Checking her phone, she saw that she had another hour before Seth was scheduled to pick her up and decided it might just be enough time for the two squabbling actors to answer the question of who was going to enter the stage first.
Though, based on how the octogenarians were throwing down, that might be wishful thinking. Hearing her name, she turned and saw Cecily walking her way. “Have you come to save me?”
“Please, tell me they haven’t gotten on your last nerve.”
“Not even close.” Standing, she gave Cecily a hug. “I find them mostly entertaining.”
Cecily shudd
ered. “I guess the rumors about your impending sainthood are not overblown then.”
“I was an executive assistant to a man compared to Satan for two years and taught a children’s theater workshop for five, so this,” she waved toward the stage, “is nothing. In fact, I find them very entertaining and the stories they’ve told me about their glory days are incredible.”
Cecily took her hand and squeezed it. “I’m so damn impressed and can’t tell you how much I appreciate you taking this on.”
“I actually really enjoy working with everyone here, and it’s so fun to hang out with people who’ve been in the business for decades. It’s given me an invaluable perspective and makes me think about my future in a whole new way.”
“And I want to hear about it over drinks.”
“Seth is going to pick me up in a bit, and we’re planning on grabbing some dinner on the way home.”
Cecily waved a hand. “Change of plans. Kelly and I haven’t had any girl time with you, and it’s happening tonight. I called Zach and told him about our plan, and he’s in charge of Seth, so don’t worry.”
“Really?”
“Yes, and since Zach will do just about anything to make me happy, he’s agreed to keep Seth entertained so we can have you all to ourselves.”
Tessa clapped her hands. “I’m so excited.”
“Good.” Turning toward the stage, she frowned. “Can we leave those two alone?’
“They haven’t harmed one another yet and seem to stop at five on the dot when the lounge opens up and cocktails are served.”
Cecily turned toward the door. “Then let’s get out of here and meet Kelly over at the Red Door.”
Tessa took her hand and strode toward the door. “Perfect.”
Leaning back, Tessa carefully sipped her drink and prepared herself for the next set of questions. Kelly and Cecily had been firing them off since they’d sat down, and nothing indicated they were even close to finishing.
“Have we completely overwhelmed you yet?” Kelly asked as she leaned forward.
Cecily signaled for another round of drinks and patted Tessa’s hand. “You can say yes, and we won’t be offended.”
“Well…”
“That means we have,” Kelly finished for her. “We’re just excited to get to know you.”
“That’s very sweet, but I’m not going to be around permanently since I’ll be off to New York when we get the go-ahead.”
“How was that spy game, by the way? Was is super exciting?” Cecily asked. “It seems like it would be.”
“Not at all since all I got to do was place a couple of audio devices. Quite frankly, it didn’t live up to any of my expectations, and I’ve scratched off CIA agent as a possible Plan B.”
“That’s a shame, but it might be for the best since getting shot at would almost be guaranteed,” Kelly added. “But meeting Seth was a highlight…right?”
Tessa noticed the concerned expression both women shared and realized they were worried she was about to stomp on Seth’s heart. “Definitely the high-point. I didn’t think men like him really existed and…”
“The timing isn’t right to see if something long-term is possible?” Cecily asked.
“Yes,” Tessa replied quietly. “And considering Seth hasn’t expressed any interest beyond what we have now, there’s no need for me to either.”
“McCallan men don’t always express themselves well with words,” Kelly said. “They’re more apt to show their feelings through action. It’s taken a while for Cole to feel comfortable sharing, but he has gotten better as each day passes.”
“Same thing with Zach,” Cecily added. “Seth has unpacked all your stuff, and I think it’s safe to say he wants you to stay.”
Tessa laughed and then picked up her drink. “That’s a fair point. He also had the pod filled with all my stuff sent from LA and thinks we should unload it this weekend.”
“Those are his words,” Kelly confirmed. “That’s his big: I love you; don’t ever think of leaving me speech wrapped up in one simple phrase.”
“I don’t think I’m ready for those kinds of words,” Tessa replied. “Because they are the kind that could make me rethink all the plans I’ve got, and I’m not ready to give up on my dream of acting.”
“Totally makes sense,” Kelly replied. “In the meantime, why don’t you see what’s available locally.”
“Might not be a bad idea since I have no idea how long the thing in LA is going to take.”
“Do you sing?” Cecily asked.
“I do, though I haven’t done much of it in the last couple of years.”
“You should talk to Gio’s wife and see if she needs anyone for her club.”
“He’s the owner of the Red Door right?”
“Yes, and Valentina is opening up a cabaret supper club next door and has been looking for performers,” Kelly said. “If it’s something you’d be interested in, just let me know, and I’ll set it up.”
“A cabaret act could be kind of fun.”
Cecily clapped her hands. “You have to do it.”
“All right,” Tessa replied. “I will.”
“I knew they couldn’t stay away,” Kelly said with a smile. “At least we got a couple of hours on our own.”
Tessa looked up and saw the McCallan brothers striding toward them and noticed that all the power-players in the club couldn’t hold a candle to the command and confidence they exuded. And the most captivating one of them all was giving her a thousand-watt smile that made her feel like anything was possible.
How big of an illusion that was…she had no idea.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
“Happy Birthday, Seth.”
Turning away from the window of the helicopter, he took in his woman’s happy smile and couldn’t believe she’d managed to kidnap him. “Best one on record,” he replied. “I’m stunned that you planned this extravagant birthday celebration.”
“You deserve a special day, and I’m just glad that I was able to pull it off.”
He took her hand and squeezed it. “Just so you know…you’re all the present I need.”
“Well, you’re getting a lot more this year, so I hope you enjoy it.”
“I enjoy your company, so I know I will.” Turning toward the window again, he took in the incredible view. The bird was currently flying along the West Rim of the Grand Canyon and was about to land on the canyon floor.
He’d never seen anything like it and never suspected that, when she’d asked him to get in the car this morning and not to ask a million questions, this is where they would end up.
Which proved once again that shit always worked in his favor when he did what his woman wanted. He just wished she wanted or needed a lot more from him.
He’d discovered over the last month that she was completely self-sufficient and, while that was cool and all, it didn’t give him much opportunity to take care of her. And that’s what he really wanted since becoming necessary was his only hope of wedging a permanent spot into her life.
But that’s not what he was going to focus on because, for right now, he had her in his world. And the four weeks they’d spent together had shown him she was the one for him and it wasn’t just because they had an explosive sex life. Not that he’d ever discount the power of how they connected when they were intimate.
But it was more.
Tessa was his person, and just knowing he was going to begin and end his day with her in his arms had killed more of his demons than anything else ever had. It had also settled the crazy energy he’d lived with most of his life.
And he hoped like hell that he was somehow giving her half of the happiness she was giving him. Feeling her move closer in the seat, he glanced over and watched her head drop to his shoulder, and she gripped his arm. “Thank you, honey.”
“It’s just the beginning of your birthday celebration, so get ready, Mr. McCallan, ‘cause I plan on spoiling you.”
“I have no idea what I did to
deserve you in my life, but I’m damn grateful.”
“You are one of the finest men in the whole world, Seth, and I feel pretty fortunate too.”
Emotion filled his chest, and he couldn’t find any words that would be sufficient to describe how amazing her words made him feel. He really didn’t need another thing ever again because if Tessa meant what she’d just said, then he could die a very happy man. He tilted her chin and meshed their mouths together, doing his best to communicate with the kiss that he loved her.
Irrevocably.
His whole world stood still when they were together, and he suspected time passing was only going to make it more so.
Holding Tessa’s hand, he enjoyed the view of the jagged oranges, reds, purples, and pinks of the canyon walls. The Colorado River curved below them through the canyon floor and he decided it was pretty fucking spectacular for a six-million-year-old gash in the high desert of northwest Arizona.
***
Tessa looked around the dining room of the El Tovar Hotel that sat directly on the rim of the canyon and loved Seth’s radiant smile. “Not a bad place to have your birthday dinner.”
“Damn, woman, you really are spoiling me.”
“Least I can do for the man who saved my life and has been housing me for the last month.” She picked up her prickly pear margarita and took a sip, enjoying the spicy flavor.
“Damn glad I got to bring home a beautiful woman and not another bullet hole.” He leaned over and kissed her briefly. “You’re no less life-threatening, but I’ve got to say a whole hell of a lot more enjoyable.”
Blushing, she looked away. “You think I’m a menace to your sanity or something?”
“Only if you leave me,” he replied, moving his chair closer. “If you stay by my side, then I should be able to survive.”
“Guess we’ll have to see what happens.”
“Guess so,” he repeated.
Feeling the usual churning in her gut when she thought about the dreams she’d put on hold, she let out a small breath. Now wasn’t the time to figure out the conundrum that her relationship with Seth presented, so she studied the beautiful room instead. The hotel’s décor of a cross between a Swiss chalet and Norwegian villa was carried out in the room and the fact the canyon was less than a hundred feet away made the views hard to beat.
