by Nikki Rose
“There. Was that so hard?”
“Not at all.” He dropped the sunscreen in my lap as he stood and walked back inside leaving me frustrated and wanting to scream. I stayed out on the patio for another half hour trying to figure out what the hell happened and what I should do about it but I had no clue.
The next day I was extra careful to be nothing but professional. I had no idea what had gotten into Caroline or why she ran straight back to that jerk. All I knew was that I had to keep my cool and do my job.
Caroline peeked into the study where I was keeping busy working on my laptop. “Derek is picking me up at eight. You can follow us to the club since I know I can’t go anywhere without my shadow.” Oh hell no. She wanted to ride with him? That was not going to float.
“You’ll ride with me. He can meet us there.”
“I’m going on a date. Maybe you haven’t been on a proper date in awhile but that usually means he picks me up and takes me out. You were hired to watch me. You can do that from one car back.” She didn’t give me time to respond before turning her back on me and sauntering out. I ground my teeth and took a deep breath to keep myself from running after her and showing her just how much I’d had it with her little attitude.
This was it. It wasn’t going to last. Outside when she was tanning proved I couldn’t keep my cool when it came to Caroline then again in the study. I didn’t want to resign from my mission but I didn’t know what else to do. I thought I’d combust when she came downstairs in that tiny red and black halter dress and heels that made her legs look irresistible.
The pulsing lights and pounding music mimicked the blood pumping angrily through my veins as I stood there, forced to witness her grinding on that bastard, prick, Derek. The name was like bile in my mouth. Standing in the dark corner of the club, I fought the urge to push through the crowd and rip her from his arms then I’d tear him apart, throw her over my shoulder and haul her ass home where it belonged.
But, I couldn’t do that. I couldn’t do anything but stand there like a helpless jackass and watch as she practically dry humped him on the dance floor. If she thought I hadn’t noticed the little glances my direction, letting me know this little show was for me, she was sadly mistaken. Knowing she was doing it to gode me made it easier to fight my urges though. The last thing I would do is let her know she was getting to me. I’d do my job and be done with it all. Simple as that.
The prick had the nerve to reach around and squeeze her ass with both hands, pulling her tight against him and grinding into her. One day, somehow, I’d get that guy. I wasn’t sure how or when, but I’d find a way. I was actually glad for the loud music when she pressed her body to his and opened her mouth for him to shove his tongue inside causing a growl to rumble in my chest.
Do your job, Chris. Stick to the mission then be done with it.
“Now, what’s a good looking guy like you doing over here in the corner all by yourself?” I glanced over. A curvy little blonde in a tight black miniskirt leaned her hip against the wall facing me but I kept my gaze on Caroline..
“Sorry, not tonight.”
“Are you stuck in the corner because you’re a bad boy?” She pressed her chest against my arm and I moved a step away from her, trying my best to be polite.
“Look, lady. I’m not interested.”
“Fine, whatever you say.”
I glanced over again as she walked away to a group of her friends and heard her mutter to them. “He’s gay.”
Like I cared what she thought. I shook my head and turned back to where Caroline had been dancing the whole night but no one was there. Not Caroline, and not Derek. Shit.
If something happened to her I’d never forgive myself. As much as I was angry with her, I never wanted anything bad to happen to her, even if she didn’t want to be with me beyond that one night. I pushed my way through the crowd, trying to see if they might had drifted off mark but there was no sign of either of them.
“Caroline?” Caroline.” I called again and again.
I finally spotted her dark chocolate curls and a glimpse of that slinky red dress near the bar. I pushed my way through, not even risking to glance away from her again.
“Caroline, geeze. Tell me before you —.” I grabbed her shoulder and turned her around to face me but was met with the shocked expression of a stranger. I released her arm like it was on fire and backed away. “Damn it. I’m sorry.”
That still didn’t help me to know where Caroline went. I weaved my way through the club which seemed overly crowded that night and headed for the bathrooms. I didn’t even hesitate, charging into the women’s bathroom, calling her name and checking every stall but there was no sign of her anywhere.
I’d kill whoever touched her. I ran to the bartender and showed him her picture on my phone but he was no help, neither were the bouncers up front but then to them, you’ve seen one leggy brunette, you’ve seen them all.
I ran out onto the sidewalk and scanned the street for any sign of her and finally, caught a glimpse of a couple making out against the brick wall of the building. I took a second look and confirmed it was Derek and Caroline. With the fear for her safety extinguished, anger filled its place. How could she have been so stupid and careless as to take off onto the streets by herself?
“Caroline. Damn it.” I yanked Derek off of her and her blue eyes were as big as saucers. “What the hell were you thinking taking off without even letting me know? Who knows what could have happened to you?”
“Derek and I were ready to go home. You seemed preoccupied with your little blonde friend so I didn’t want to interrupt.”
“You are a petty, childish, spoiled brat and one day you’re little escapades are going to get someone hurt. Come on.” I grabbed her arm and led her toward my car.
“Chris, what the hell? Let me go. I’m riding with Derek.” I spun around and got right up in her face. “Really? And where is your little boyfriend now? Some big bad guy comes up and pulls him off of you and pulls you off to his car and he does what? Runs away? That’s some fucking catch you’ve got there, Caroline.”
I pulled her to the car and had to physically sit her down in the seat before climbing in to the driver’s side. I was so mad, I knew better than to open my mouth again. God only knows what I might have said with the adrenaline coursing through my body.
Chapter 18
It had been a week since the altercation on the back patio and since then, we’d barely spoke other than to put on an act for the Director. At least she wasn’t blowing the whistle on me to her dad but it would almost be a relief to have him know and get it over with. Maybe he wouldn’t fire me. Maybe he’d just reassign me. A thought that should make me feel relieved to not have to put up with Caroline’s spoiled brat routine but instead left me feeling panicked at the thought of not seeing her.
Caroline barely spoke to me at breakfast. The tension was so strong, it was palpable from across the table and even Ms. James could tell something was off when she served us our omelettes. She didn’t linger, just offered a timid, uncomfortable smile before making herself scarce. We were lucky the Director had been called away early to work.
The way Caroline acted had me questioning what I’d even seen in her but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t forget those moments when her walls would come down and I could see the real her underneath.
I was still pissed but in a way, her acting out helped me. It showed me that there were even more reasons that things between the two of us would never work. She was too impulsive and irrational for me. But getting over her wouldn’t be easy. I couldn’t stop thinking about her but Hunter’s words echoed in my mind, reminding me what’s at stake. Things between us would never work. Her father was my boss and there was no way he’d be okay with me being with his daughter. It would be career suicide — a career I’d dedicated my life to.
I’d returned to my room after breakfast to check in on a conference call with the Director and our team. Unfortunately, there
had been no new developments in the hacker case. I needed to get out of the house and away from Caroline before the pull between us grew any more and I did anymore damage.
As if on cue, my phone blared it's loud tone, interrupting my silent thoughts.
“Chris.”
“Hey Chris, it’s Hunter.”
“Hey, man. What’s up?”
“I got an issue at the office I could really use your help for. Is there any way you could get out for a couple hours to give me a hand?”
“You know I’m in the middle of this security gig. I can’t exactly just take off.”
“I know, I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t really need your help. It’s about the Jackson case we handled a few months back. Interrogators found some interesting information and need our accounts to make sure it's legit. I promise it won’t take long.”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
“Thanks, man. I owe you.”
“Yeah, I’ll put it on your tab.”
Hunter chuckled and we hung up but I had one more call to make. I scrolled through my contacts, selected the number and hit send.
“Hey, Chris. My man, what’s up?”
“Hey, Mason. I got a favor to ask of you.”
“Of course. Just name it. You know I’ve always got your back.”
“Can you come keep an eye on Caroline for a little while. Hunter needs me at headquarters about a past case and I can’t leave her alone. It would just be at the Director’s house so security shouldn’t be much of an issue.”
“Yeah. No problem. I’ll be right over.”
“Thanks. See you soon.”
I pocketed my phone and walked downstairs, following the sound of clanging to the kitchen. Caroline stood at the counter. Eggshells and spilt flour littered the dark marble countertop. Her back was to me, her long brown hair pulled back in a ponytail swayed with every move. She was stirring something in a large bowl.
I walked closer, curious to see this new, domestic side to the woman who clearly had more layers than I’d given her credit for. Once I was only a couple feet away, I cleared my throat, startling her. She jumped and spun around on me, holding up a wooden mixing spoon as if it were a sword.
“Shit, you scared the hell out of me.”
I raised a brow and studied her dirty apron and wooden spoon dripping with batter. “You think I was an intruder? And you were going to — what — Spoon me to death?”
“Asshole.” She rolled her eyes and turned back to her bowl on the counter.
“What’re you making?”
“Cupcakes.” She was being short with me. Her tone was as sharp as a knife.
“What’s the special occasion?”
“There isn’t one. I like to bake.” She didn’t look back, her body tense, her words tight.
“I wouldn’t have taken you for a baker.” I stepped forward and looked over her shoulder but the close proximity drew me in. She was like the sun and I was far too close — caught in to her gravitational pull. I smelled the sweet floral scent of her hair and she shivered as I exhaled against her skin.
Her body softened, muscles relaxing as she let out a soft mewling sound.
“That’s because you haven’t taken time to really get to know me.” Her words came out breathy and soft but they reminded me of why I couldn’t get to know this intriguing woman farther.
Stepping back from her took every last bit of will power I had in me. I took a deep breath to clear my head and cleared my throat. “I need you to stay here for a couple hours while I run an errand.”
“That’s fine. Whatever.” She sounded like a spoiled child again. This side would make it much easier to stay away from her even if it was all just an act on her part. I was beginning to learn that when she sounded like a spoiled brat, it was actually her walls being built back up. The thought pained me but it was better that way.
“Mason’s coming over to sit with you and there’s security all around the house so as long as you stay put, you’ll be safe. I’ll only be gone a couple hours.”
“I said okay. I’m just going to be here baking.”
“Okay.” I’d half expected an argument about how she was stuck in the house and needed her freedom to come and go as she pleased. I guess she was as flustered by our moment as I was.
“I’ll have my cell on me if you need me.”
“Yeah, okay.” She busied herself again with her baking so I turned away and headed for the door.
I waited outside for Mason to arrive in hopes that the fresh air and distance from Caroline helped me think. It didn’t. All I could think about was her and the shift I’d seen between spoiled brat and deep, caring woman. I rubbed my hand roughly over my face and heard the sound of Mason’s truck tires on the drive.
I stood on the porch waiting as Mason parked beside my car and hopped out. While Hunter was my best friend, Mason and I had a lot in common and became fast friends after he joined the team a little over a year ago. Mason was a lot like me — carefree and the life of the party. Except when we were on the job which we both took very seriously. If Hunter couldn’t be the one to watch Caroline, Mason was my next choice.
“Hey man. Damn, you look rough.” I hadn’t realized the toll this trouble with Caroline had taken on me until Mason said something. He didn’t know about the situation in full and even he could see what it was doing to me.
“It’s been a rough week.”
“I can see that. Anything I can help with?” He came up to the porch and we embraced briefly with a firm slap to the shoulders.
“You got a time machine?”
“Huh?”
“It’s nothing. I’ve got it under control.”
“If you say so man.”
“I better get going. Hunter’s waiting.”
“No prob. I got things covered here.”
Mason opened the front door but I called out to him just before he closed the door behind him. “Hey, Mason.”
“Yeah?”
“Whatever you do, don’t trust her to be alone.”
His brow furrowed with confusion but he nodded. He hadn’t heard about the first day when she’d snuck out of the house. Only Hunter knew about that embarrassment.
As I drove to the office, thoughts of Caroline flooded my mind. I could still feel her soft body in my arms, yielding to me, melding to me. We fit together like we were puzzle pieces made for each other. I could still hear her soft moans and the cries of pleasure as we both reached our climax. She was so beautiful, glistening with sweat as her back arched and pushed her perfect breasts into my hands.
What was wrong with me? I had to get this girl out of my mind. We couldn’t be together. There could never be a repeat of that night together no matter how much I craved to feel her writhing under me, to taste her sweetness again, to hear her screams. I needed to finish this job and get the hell away from her before those thoughts destroyed me and everything I’d worked for.
I turned into the parking lot of the old abandoned warehouse and pulled around back. The office didn’t look like much but that was the whole point. No one would suspect the large, disheveled warehouse would be headquarters for secret government agents.
I hurried inside to find Hunter. As much as I needed time away from Caroline, the truth was, she was still in danger and I hated leaving her alone for any amount of time until the threats had been neutralized.
I walked passed the well lit area of the main office and down a dimmed corridor to the occupied interrogation room. I tapped on the one way mirror where I could see Hunter, another agent, and who I assumed was Jackson with his back turned toward me. Hunter stood and walked out to meet me.
“Hey man, thanks for coming on such short notice. You get the girl secured?”
“Yeah, she’s at home under guard.”
“Good. Okay, so here’s the deal. Apparently, they were about to take Jackson to be locked up in some hole for the rest of his miserable life when he conveniently hinted at possible info on another
attack.”
“Another attack? Shit. His last one took out nearly ten men from team 8.”
“See why I needed you here? We were the closest agents to the case that made it out alive and no one can beat us when it comes to interrogation which is why we were called in.”
“Does the Director know about this?”
“Not yet. He’s in blacked out meetings all day.”
“Okay. Has he let anything slip so far?”
“Nothing other than wanting a deal.”
“A deal? After all the lives he’s cost us?”
“We will have to come up with another way to persuade him or he could cost us many more.”
“Well, let's not waste anymore time. Let's get this done.”
It’s not an easy thing to break a man who feels he has nothing to lose. Especially since Hunter and I refused to use the same tactics that some of the other agents employ. It took us three hours, but in the end, we got the information we needed to stop the future attack. In return, Jackson will be living out his days in a ultra secure facility knowing his family will be taken care of.
The drive back to Caroline drug on. I was anxious to see that she was okay even though I’d been in contact with her guards every half hour I’d been away. With the Director gone, it was just Caroline and myself when the employees weren’t around and it was painfully clear she wanted nothing to do with me. She’d been baking in the kitchen all afternoon and had barely acknowledged me when I came back from my errand. Sitting in the Director’s study off the main living room I pretended to be busy on my computer when she walked in.
“I’m going to go give a cupcake to the guard at the front gate.”
“Okay. Just make sure to come right back.”
“I will.” She reached into the plastic tupperware container and pulled out a cupcake with chocolate icing. “I brought one for you, too.”