by Laura Acton
Loki plopped onto his chair. “Both. Neither. Aw heck, I’m not sure. I think I harmed him, but I was trying to prevent him from getting shot again, but it turns out the rifle wasn’t even loaded. So I took him down for no reason.”
Shoving the bags in the fridge, Ray pulled out an orange soda and sat at his kitchen table. “You done?”
“Yeah, maybe, I don’t know.” Loki nervously toyed with his action figure.
“Did you run your bath yet like you were planning?”
“No.”
“Okay, so go start the water. You’re tightly wound and need to relax, buddy.” Hearing water running, Ray continued. “So let me address some of your concerns. First and foremost, you did your job. At the time you had no way of knowing the weapon was empty. None of us did.
“It’s true Dan’s had a rough couple of days, but he’s okay. You saw him laughing as he left. Yeah, he might be a little sore from your awesome takedown, but he wouldn’t be mad at you for doing your job. And if his shower was longer, he was probably doing what you’re planning to do. Relaxing his muscles.” With light teasing humor in his tone, Ray said, “Now, add your bubble gum bubble bath and grab your action figures.”
Loki finally smiled. “You sure he’s not mad?”
“I have one question for you that is also my answer. If you were in Dan’s place and he in yours, would you be angry with him for tackling you?”
With a sigh, letting his worry recede, Loki said, “No.”
Ray smiled hearing the sigh. “Enjoy your soak. See you tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Ray.” Loki squeezed in double the bubble solution.
“Anytime. Night.” Ray leaned back and smiled, happy he could help Loki.
Scent of Jasmine and Suspicions
19
December 17
Dan’s Apartment – 4:00 a.m.
Beep, beep, beep, invaded Dan’s mind. Drawn out of a dream of cuddling with Lexa in a warm bed on a cold night, Dan began to roll over to slap the snooze button. His sleep foggy brain wondered what held him down—there was a weight across his torso which shouldn’t be there. Initial thoughts flew to his chest injury and that his muscles had seized, but as he woke and cracked open his eyes, relief and happiness filled him.
Sprawled across him … Lexa … a beautiful sight. He extended his arm, trying not to move too much, and hit the off button on the alarm. His hand then lightly landed on her back and caressed her soft skin. He didn’t recall falling asleep, but by the looks of things, it occurred while she massaged his front—never did turn over for the back massage.
He knew Lexa hadn’t planned on staying the night. She must have been tired enough to doze off. He inhaled deeply, taking in a heavy scent of jasmine. His other hand moved to brush her mussed up silky hair from her face, wanting to see her eyes as she awoke.
“Lexa, time to rise.” Dan gently increased the pressure on her back and touched her cheek.
Blinking her eyes open … a blond stubbled jaw came into focus. Disoriented for the space of three seconds, Lexa realized she had fallen asleep on Dan’s bed. Shifting her eyes up, she corrected—she laid across Dan’s chest … she slept on Dan.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to nod off. I should be going home now.” Lexa started to lift off him and stopped when he chuckled.
Humor in his voice Dan said, “More like going to work. It’s a little after four.”
Lexa’s eyes shot wide open as she turned to the clock.
“Morning, beautiful. Enjoyed waking with a bed partner.” Dan grinned as Lexa’s mouth dropped open.
Closing her mouth, she sat up. Lexa slept more soundly than ever last night. When did I fall asleep? Rewinding her memory, Lexa remembered the desire to be close to Dan won out, and she laid her head over his heart to listen. Drawn by the slow regular cadence of his heartbeats which settled her turbulent mind. She last recalled tracing his jawline with the tips of her fingers, reveling in the electric current the touch created in her.
Dan lifted to his forearms. “You want to shower before we go?”
Lexa shook her head sitting on the edge of the bed. “No, don’t want to arrive smelling like a guy. If I recall you only have that woody smelling shampoo and body wash.”
Considering Lexa’s words, Dan chuckled. “I better shower. I can imagine the ribbing the guys will give me if I smell like jasmine.”
Lexa chuckled, and her eyes twinkled. “They’ll imagine you had a hot date and will be jealous. How about I make us some coffee?”
“Sounds good. Coffee’s in the first cabinet on the right. I won’t be long.” Dan rose and trailed the towel after him, allowing Lexa full view of his naked body. Waking with her next to him made him feel so alive and relaxed. Fate granted his deepest wish and gifted him an excellent start to his day.
Lexa ogled Dan as he sauntered to the bathroom. God, he’s hot. He’s got the whole package. Kind, gentle, strong, protective, and sexy. Too damned bad we are both on Alpha Team. Another chunk of her fortress tumbled down, making it look more like a ruin than a stronghold to keep her heart safe from hurt.
She stood, pulled on yesterday’s clothes, and hoped none of the team would recognize she wore the same items for two days. Well, I can hide the shirt under my jacket, and I do wear jeans often. Lexa left the bedroom in search of much-needed coffee. She didn’t recall seeing a coffee pot, but Dan’s likely the type to put the machine away after each use rather than leaving it on the counter.
Dan scrubbed his entire body for the second time with his soap and then sniffed. He still detected the scent of jasmine. I’m going to need to invest in some lotion that isn’t girly, or the guys are gonna rag on me. He began a third sudsing working up a lather as he washed his body and hair.
After showering, Dan dried off, shaved, brushed his teeth, then towel dried his hair. Returning to his room, he made his bed, threw the dirty towels in the hamper, dressed, and packed his go bag. With a glance at the medicine vial, he considered taking them. Deciding no, because he didn’t want to eat before workout, Dan tossed them in the bag in case he needed them later.
Lexa stayed the night, and we only talked and slept. Could she be ready for something more than only sex? The thought elated him. With a huge grin, Dan hoisted his bag and sauntered out to his common area with a light heart.
Leaning on the island, Lexa glumly stared at the jar of instant coffee. She glanced up when Dan exited his bedroom. “Is this what you consider coffee? I could’ve sworn with your addiction to the stuff you would’ve had some fancy coffee machine and expensive brand of beans with a grinder. But all I found is this instant crap.”
Dan chuckled at the incensed expression on Lexa’s face. “Hey, as long as it isn’t decaf I’m happy. That crap, as you call it, is a hundred times better than what I had in the field.”
Tossing the jar into the trash, Lexa declared, “I’m not staying another night over here until you get a coffeemaker and some decent coffee.”
Dan’s eyebrows raised. Lexa wants to spend more nights here. Hot damn!
Cringing as the words tumbled out of her mouth, Lexa realized she needed coffee to think straight in the morning. She accused Dan of an addiction she had herself. Though even as she said them, her heart settled and sighed at the thought of spending nights … all night, with Dan. Can we be more than friends with benefits? The devil on her shoulder said, “Aren’t you already?”
Be cool, don’t blow it, Broderick. Don’t scare her away. “No idea what kind to get. Want to help me pick one out?” Dan finally said breaking the silence created by Lexa’s declaration.
“Yeah, sure. Let’s stop at Timmy’s on the way.” Lexa grabbed her purse and headed for his door. She glanced back at Dan and noted that the bright smile on his face lit his eyes. She answered her devil. Yeah, I do believe we have more than only a sexual relationship, though it still scares the hell out of me.
TRF HQ – Dispatch Desk – 4:50 a.m.
Nick toyed with his coffee cup as he waite
d at the dispatcher’s desk. He had lain awake until the wee hours of the morning deliberating with himself how to approach what he witnessed. Though this team is my family and Lexa the daughter of my heart, as team sergeant I can’t turn a blind eye.
Many of his thoughts revolved around the fact he had not heard their entire conversation and should give them the benefit of the doubt. He ascribed to the notion that to assume often ended in making an ass out of you and me. A practical and tolerant man, or so he liked to believe, he needed to handle this sensitive and potentially team changing issue with all due care.
Having a discussion with Dan regarding this touchy topic might destroy the budding connection he cultivated with him. Nick decided to broach the subject with Lexa first. A conversation of this nature with her wouldn’t damage their relationship. As Lexa and Dan strode in together with coffee from Timmy’s, Nick’s heart dropped. Don’t assume, he reminded himself. He put on a smile and said, “Lexa, a moment please, before we begin workout.”
TRF HQ – Conference Room 3 – 5:00 a.m.
A bit confused and wary, Lexa followed the boss. Whatever he wanted to discuss with her must be significant or confidential if he chose the soundproof room. Over the years they spoke in here regarding personal, sensitive, or emotional matters.
The initial talk in this room came after her first lethal when he ensured her frame of mind remained healthy. Another time occurred when she made a rookie mistake, losing her cool with a subject and nearly causing the situation to blow up in their faces. The team debriefed in this room the night a young girl who had been raped committed suicide. That night she cried on the boss’ shoulder due to her inability to save the girl.
Her mind ran through recent calls searching for a reason when the proverbial light bulb came on. A private discussion concerning Dan’s negotiation failure and ways to help him improve his techniques. He blew it calling attention to the girls. Dan required mentoring because learning to negotiate isn’t easy. Unlike pointing and shooting, it could be somewhat unpredictable, and often difficult to find a mutual ground for dialog.
Nick took a seat motioning for Lexa to take one too. After a long moment assessing Lexa, he sensed she seemed confused and a little apprehensive, but not overly so. Softly, he said, “I’ll come right out and state my concern, Lexa. Sunday appeared to be a challenging assignment for Dan and you. At some points, it really did look like the two of you were … well … a couple. I pushed that thought away because you are both professionals and were focused on the task assigned. However, my apprehension reemerged last evening.
“I returned to grab some paperwork. On my way out, I watched you two leave together, and now you come in together. We are friends, but I’m asking you as your sergeant. Did you and Dan cross the line last night into a forbidden relationship?”
All Lexa’s defensive walls slammed into place. Lexa considered what Boss said as she responded in a calm manner, “We’re friends, nothing more. What is it that you think shows we are more than that?”
Breathing in deep through his nose and exhaling through his mouth Nick answered, “I overheard as you told Dan you were taking him home and to bed. Plus, you held hands outside the ice rink after the call. Added together it looks damaging. Though, I’m not making any accusations. I must …”
Lexa put up a hand. Fear so deep of being rejected and discarded by the man she trusted, her surrogate father, made her want to lie. “Don’t say anything else. What you observed was no more than being a good friend and teammate. Although I shouldn’t have to, I will explain what you saw yesterday and why. But you have to promise me you’ll keep it to yourself.”
“If I can, I will. But if what you say puts the team in jeopardy, I’ll have to take appropriate action,” Nick replied truthfully.
“Fair,” Lexa said. Her mind worked rapidly and realized she could be honest if she focused solely on yesterday, which is what prompted this conversation. In truth, she and Dan had not crossed the line last night. This somewhat assuaged her guilt at not telling the full truth.
Lexa took a cleansing breath and said, “We all know Dan uses shields to hide things from us. He is also skilled at using deflection and says he is okay when he isn’t.”
Nick nodded. “Yes, I’m well aware of his tendencies. I haven’t figured out how to read him sufficiently to detect when he is hiding something from us he shouldn’t. What does this have to do with what I witnessed?”
A half-smile showed on Lexa’s face as she said, “Dan finally lowered a shield with me. On Tuesday, Dan requested pain meds from me while we wrapped up the call. He strained his chest muscles holding the net and pulling Jon up. Not enough to impair his ability to work but enough that he needed relief from the pain. I believe that’s why he accepted Jon’s ride home. Dan hurt but didn’t want Jon to be aware. Dan contacted Jim after he got home. Jim came over to examine him.”
Nick’s eyes narrowed in concentration. “How do you know that?”
“I’m getting to that. Anyway, Jim checked him out and said he overstressed his pectoral muscles and should take precautions as they healed. Jim contacted Dr. Fraser to prescribe stronger painkillers which wouldn’t impair Dan while working. Jim also slipped him a sleeping pill which made Dan run late yesterday. In his rush to arrive on time, Dan forgot his meds. You will recall he skipped upper body workout. He also avoided target practice with Jon and me. Dan adhered to Jim’s advice to rest his muscles without telling us.
“After Loki tackled him, Dan’s chest hurt again. He winced when those girls mobbed him with hugs. After talking with Dan last night, I found out a few things. Dan didn’t want anyone, especially Loki finding out the tackle and Loki landing on top of him caused him more pain. He hid it from us for the same reason he kept his pain from Jon the day before. Dan wanted to prevent them from carrying any guilt for things beyond their control.”
Nick’s brows lifted. “Interesting. Makes perfect sense though. Dan’s quite protective of the entire team. Loki would suffer anxiety over causing Dan any unnecessary pain. Yes, I can understand Dan’s reasoning since the gun turned out to be unloaded.”
Lexa smiled. “Precisely. Dan protected both of them in his own way. As for the holding hands, I tried to hand Dan some painkillers covertly.” Lexa blushed faintly. “And what you overheard me say at the bike rack, an appalling choice of words, which I’m guessing is the reason for this heart-to-heart.”
Her grin broadened. “So I assume you only overheard my first comment and not the following discussion when Dan’s shock made me realize how my words might be misinterpreted. Being fully aware Dan hurt and riding home would further aggravate his muscles, I waited at the rack until he returned from getting whatever he went back to retrieve from his locker.
“I’m reasonably certain if Dan called for a cab Jon would’ve pestered him to explain why. Plus, the guys would likely tease him about getting a vehicle again. With our pay scale, I don’t think Dan can afford one after splurging on his Ducati, which is why he hasn’t bought one. I believe to avoid both scenarios Dan decided to do the stoic soldier routine and ride his bicycle home.
“I offered him a ride home just as you, Jon, and Loki did. I also gave him an ultimatum. Eat, shower, and go to bed or I’d tell you and Jon he ached, and he’d be on light duty today. After stopping for some Chinese take-out, we enjoyed a long conversation while we ate dinner in his apartment.
“The other part of the deal was I would pick him up on my way in today, so he didn’t waste money on a taxi. Only reasonable, since I basically hi-jacked him with my threat.” Lexa left out sleeping at Dan’s giving the impression she left after dinner and returned this morning to give him a lift.
Gazing directly at Boss, Lexa stated honestly, “What I did last night is nothing more or less than I or any of the team would do for any friend or teammate. Taking him home and ensuring he ate and rested is no more than I have done for Loki many times. I’m looking out for Dan because he is letting me. I’m aware it took a lot
for him to allow someone in. I’m honored he feels like he can confide in me.”
Nick nodded, and relief surged through him. “Thank you for sharing with me. I’m pleased Dan can open up to you when he needs help. Sorry, I read the situation wrong.”
Lexa’s internal thoughts warred at being not entirely truthful with the boss. He read her correctly. She recognized this morning, Dan meant more to her than only a colleague and he always would, regardless of where their fledgling relationship might take them.
Seeing Dan’s little Christmas tree and silly picture of them as two turtle doves as the star made that so very clear to her. His tree was beautiful and allowed her a view of the real man underneath all his masks. His heart was on display—he is a kind man who cares more for people than he does things.
Lexa stopped her musing, realizing she had been silent a while. “I’m glad Dan trusts me too. It has been a long time coming. We all did a number on him when he joined. I think that made it more difficult for him to let us see his vulnerability. He will continue to put others first as he did in hiding his pain so Loki and Jon wouldn’t feel any guilt. Though, I believe Dan will eventually confide in us all if we continue to accept him as he is.”
With a firm tone, Lexa said, “Along those lines, Dan can’t know I shared this with you. For his sake, we never had this conversation.”
“What conversation?” Nick said with a poker face. Teams and secrets, typically a dangerous combination. But this secret is in Dan’s best interest. Having someone Dan can turn to when he hurt, is better for the entire team. Lexa is a superior choice. Her nurturing nature, which she tries to hide from the world, will without doubt help Dan just like it helps Loki.
“So the topic of our chat?” Lexa asked as she tried to come up with something plausible.
“Not sure.” Nick racked his brain, coming up empty.