Covert Affairs

by Rhonda Laurel

  “I wouldn’t know, being an only child.” She laughed. “I never had to share my mom.”

  “Charisma and I got along great. Actually, she treated me like one of her dolls.” Trevor chuckled. “When we got together as an extended family, the kids all blended together too. My grandfather didn’t tolerate disagreements and the like. If one of us got into trouble, we all did.”

  “Wow.” She whistled. “How did that blanket punishment work out?”

  “I like to think it made us more responsible for each other.”

  “The camaraderie was one of the things I liked about your family. When we were all teenagers, there wasn’t much fighting between you and the Reed boys.”

  “By the time I’d met you, we all had a system.” He stole a glance at her. “You ever think about having kids?”

  “If the right person ever came along and stuck around. I think it would be something worth considering. My mom was an awesome single parent, but I don’t want to do it alone. I want to share that journey with someone special.” She cleared her throat. “We’re getting closer.”

  “I agree. I think we’re getting closer too.” He reached over and squeezed her hand.

  “I meant the sign we just passed. It said ten miles ahead.”

  “Oh. Right.”

  She laced her fingers with his. “But we are getting closer in that way too.”

  “Reese.” He swallowed hard. It seemed like a good time to tell her about his plans for the future. “I’ve given it a lot of thought and I’m getting out. I think it’s time I came home for good.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes.” He searched her face. “How would you feel about that?”

  “I’d feel pretty darn good about it.” She squeezed his hand. “We have lots to talk about later.”

  “We do.”

  Once they arrived, they found a good parking spot and were off to the activities. Alexis got a kick of out running through the corn maze, feeding the animals at the petting zoo, and exploring the spooky barnyard. The hayride went along a scenic trail past horses that were grazing. He took a lot of photos and sent them to the family and was sure to include his mom. Her presence at Theresa’s house had been a surprise, but he was happy to see that she’d eased up her bull-in-the-china-shop approach to things.

  After the ride, Theresa and Alexis went to the craft table where Theresa made floral crowns for them, while he went to the car and retrieved the red wagon for pumpkin picking. Trevor watched in amusement as Reese and Alexis inspected yet another pumpkin. They’d been in the pumpkin patch for an hour and hadn’t made that much progress. Not that he minded. He got a kick out of watching her thump and feel the weight of each one.

  Trevor held up his cell phone for a picture. “You two look like models for a catalog ad.”

  “Thanks.” They stopped and posed for the photo. “Charisma finds such cute outfits for Alexis.”

  Alexis took off to inspect another pumpkin. His niece did look extra adorable today in an outfit similar to Theresa’s, right down the quilted vest.

  “What do you think, Lex? Is this a good one?” Theresa patted the top of a small pumpkin. “I think you could decorate this nicely with some paint or markers. Put that one in the wagon.”

  Alexis scurried over and put the petite pumpkin in the wagon.

  He pointed to the one next to her. “What’s wrong with that one?”

  “The symmetry is off.” She put her hands on her hips.

  “It looks OK to me. Why are we looking for perfection?”

  “Because your sister can get pretty anal about these things, and Trina will be drinking a glass of wine. If her carving goes off kilter, I can save it without doing emergency surgery. Alicia is a Picasso with a knife. I hope she comes over in time to give us a tutorial before we begin.”

  “So when will you be getting together to work your collective creative genius?”

  “Tomorrow after church. We’re getting together at my place. You’re going to have a beer with Derek and Robert.” She stooped down and inspected another pumpkin.

  “I am?”

  “Yes. You are.” She smiled up at him. “When you’re finished hanging out with your family, I might even leave the door open for you when you get back.”

  “What about tonight?”

  “I was thinking…” She sashayed over to him. “We’d have a quiet dinner at my place after we drop Alexis off to her parents. Then we can make sure your grandma doesn’t need anything before we begin our fun evening. Isn’t it convenient that I live next door to your grandmother?”

  “Extremely.”

  “How do you feel about rack of lamb in a pumpkin reduction sauce, pumpkin squash, and pressed apple cider for dinner?”

  He looked at the sea of pumpkins around him. “You’ve got to be kidding. Ever heard of overkill?”

  “Oh, should I get a few pumpkin scented candles too?” She leaned closer to him.

  Alexis tapped his leg. “No time for kissing, Uncle Trev.”

  He smiled down at her. “Well then, I guess it’s time to get moving.”

  “I guess so too.” Theresa laughed. “I have all the pumpkins I need. And little miss is getting sleepy.” Theresa scooped Alexis up into her arms.

  “I love this time of year,” he said. “Summer is gone, and a new season is ushering in the winds of change. The air is crisp, and the leaves are turning these vibrant colors.”

  “The farm puts on an awesome Christmas display too.”

  “We should bring Alexis back.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “Do we dare make plans two months into the future?”

  “I’m willing to take a chance if you are.”

  Then his cell phone rang, breaking up the blissful moment. He glanced at the number and frowned. “I have to take this. You go along and get the cider. Preferably hard cider.”

  “It’s a date.” She kissed him.

  He answered his phone. “Rick, you better have a good reason for calling me on this phone.”

  “I do. The Gregorians resurfaced.”

  “You know what to do.” He looked around. “Set up a deal, then grab their asses.”

  “You could speed that along. It’s you they want.”

  “They want my head. I’m not inclined to give it to them.”

  “The need for revenge will draw them out. All you have to do is show your face, and we set a trap. As soon as you’re spotted, they’ll send someone after you.”

  “I don’t believe it’s that simple.” There was too much at stake now. “I don’t know if Rutledge told you, but information on my rescue has leaked. I haven’t sent Rutledge a formal resignation, but I’m out.”

  “Why not?”

  “Why not what?”

  “Why haven’t you sent the resignation? Because you know there’s still work to do.”

  “There’s always work to do.”

  “Look, I know you’re trying to start a new life, but the only surefire way to do that is to make certain we can get them and put your Dante cover to bed for good. I just need you to set the stage and we’ll take care of the rest.”

  Even though he’d save Shannon in an instant if he had to choose all over again, he still felt responsible that the mission had been compromised because of his choice. But he couldn’t walk into a room with the volatile weapon smugglers and guarantee he’d walk out alive. The stakes were higher now. He’d just got his life back after years of watching his loved ones from afar, he didn’t want to lose it all again. He didn’t want to lose Theresa.

  But against everything inside him screaming for him to walk away, he knew he had to see this last mission through to the end. He could stop the bad guys and give Shannon Stanton some kind of closure. Knowing the people who took her were behind bars might help her sleep better at night. And the women they’d abused with their trafficking could be freed and have another chance at life. He just prayed Theresa would understand why he felt obligated to do it.

  “When
is it going down?”

  “Venice, in two days.”

  “I’ll be there.”

  He looked at Theresa and Alexis in the distance. They’d had such a wonderful day. Now wasn’t the time to tell her about his plans. He’d tell her later when they were alone, and he could explain why he was going back on his promise to stay put.

  * * *

  Theresa watched as Trevor threw more logs onto the fire. They’d had a wonderful meal of grilled lamb, pumpkin squash ravioli, and asparagus. For someone who claimed to be all thumbs in the kitchen, he had a flair for putting together interesting meals that excited the palate. His years of traveling were reflected in his meals, and his food selections were a global road map. He’d taken her to specialized markets looking for exotic salts and herbs. Wherever he’d been, he’d taken the time to enjoy the local cuisine and brought a part of it with him when he left again.

  It was also a pleasant surprise to learn he’d be home for Thanksgiving. She’d told herself she wouldn’t push him about time. The man had to be going through a myriad of emotions these days. But when he’d declared he was leaving the agency and settling down permanently, it sent her over the moon. For the first time since they’d reconnected, there was a sense of permanence about their relationship. They could make plans, and he’d be there. No more running around the world and being away from each other for eons. Everything had been perfect until his mood changed in the car. She had a feeling that phone call he’d received wasn’t a social call. He’d tensed back up, even though she could tell he was making an effort to hide it. He’d relaxed some over dinner, but he still seemed a little lost in his own thoughts.

  “Reese?” he said.

  “Yes?” She focused back on him to find he’d sat down beside her again.

  “Do you want more wine?”

  “Oh. Yes, please.”

  He poured more wine into her glass. “What’s on your mind?”

  “You’ve been different since that phone call at the festival. Are you going to tell me what’s going on with you?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He cleared his throat. “I thought we had a wonderful day.”

  “We did until you received that call. Something’s changed.”

  He frowned. “I’d like to enjoy the rest of the evening. I just want to be with you. The rest of the world can wait until tomorrow.” He leaned in and kissed her.

  “After all we’ve shared, I hope you won’t shut down on me now.” She sighed. “You don’t have to hide things from me. I thought we were past that.”

  He set his wineglass down too and sank against the couch cushions. “There’s something I need to tell you, but honestly, I’m afraid.”

  “Why would you be afraid?”

  “Because I feel like I’ll lose you if I do.”

  She took his hands in hers. “No, you won’t. If we’re going to have a real relationship, we have to put aside being afraid of upsetting the apple cart. This is more than some temporary fantasy. You’re in this for the long haul, right?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Then tell me what’s got you so out of sorts.”

  “There’s an opportunity to wrap up my last assignment.”

  “The one that almost got you killed?”

  “It was just a flesh wound.”

  She wasn’t amused. “Categorize it all what you want. You were lying on your grandmother’s couch bleeding and looking worse than I’d ever seen you. And you want to go back. For what?”

  “I have an opportunity to get some guys who do really bad things off the streets.”

  She stood and shook her head. “It you’re asking if you can go, I say no.”

  He stood too and caressed her arms. “Reese, a minute ago we agreed to be two rational adults who were invested in this relationship.”

  “That was before I found out you were going to get shot at again.”

  “Believe me, the last thing I want to do is be away from you. But these guys are into some really terrible things that could have dire consequences.”

  “I can’t do this again.” She tried to back out of his embrace. “I just got you back. Now you’re leaving again. When will I see you again? Another fifteen years?”

  “We made plans. I intend to keep those plans. I’m going to be home for Thanksgiving and every other holiday after that.”

  “Is this your way of telling me this spy stuff will never be out of your system?”

  “There’s another reason I need to go.” He took her hand. “Tying up these loose ends myself is a way to ensure I don’t ever have anyone looking for me, putting you and my family in danger. They know what I look like. I was sloppy once before, and you almost died. I refuse to let that happen again. None of this is worth a damn if it’s going to cost me the woman I love.”

  She looked into his eyes and saw a mix of terror and fear. It was different this time. He wasn’t disappearing from her life without a cohesive answer for his actions. He was being up front with her about having to leave and why. It was no easier knowing the truth, in fact if felt heavy and scary to know what he did when he wasn’t spending time in Philadelphia. She was invested in him and in the future they finally had a chance at grabbing. Maybe before they’d been too young to settle down. Heaven knows she’d learned a lot of valuable lessons navigating through her life while he was away. But it was also comforting to know she was never out of his thoughts or his heart. They’d made tremendous progress with trust, now all she had to do was trust again that this last mission would go well and he’d come home.

  “I love you too,” she finally said. “I’m just not that crazy about you right now, but I do love you.”

  “You have my word. I’ll be back. I don’t want to lose everything we’ve built again.”

  She looked him in the eyes. “You better. My heart can’t take being broken twice in one lifetime.”

  “I won’t let you down.”

  “It’s been a long day.” She picked up their glasses and headed for the kitchen. “Let’s call it a night.”

  “It’s still early.” He looked at his watch. “Can’t we spend a little more time together? We could talk some more.”

  “Or we could take a shower together.” She gave him a devilish grin. “How quick can you get the fire extinguished?”

  “The one in the fireplace, a few minutes. The one in my pants, probably never.”

  “I’ll meet you upstairs in ten.”

  Theresa went upstairs with a heavy heart. They could talk some more, but they’d said all there was to say about the matter. Right now she wanted one more night with Trevor.

  She went into the bedroom, took off her clothes then continued into the bathroom and got in the shower. Theresa gasped when Trevor stepped in behind her naked and kissed her shoulder. She could feel the girth of him as he pressed his erect penis against her buttocks. No other man had ever been as big as he was. The water cascaded between them as he moved in closer and retrieved her sponge from the wall caddy. He turned her around to face him, and she watched as he soaped up the sponge, then lovingly moved it over her body. He started with her shoulders, then gently moved it along her breasts and down her stomach.

  Her breath hitched when he got on his knees, parted her legs a bit, and inserted two fingers into her. He added to the blissful torture when he put her leg over his shoulder and gently caught her clit between his teeth. The flitting motion set her body aflame as his tongue continued the frantic pattern for what seem like an eternity. She grabbed his head with one hand to bring him closer and put her other hand on the wall to steady herself. Soon she felt herself coming to the edge, and she cried out and shuddered. He stopped and looked at her. She tugged on his hair to start again so she could release the overwhelming pleasure welled up inside her.

  “Wait for me.” He stood and kissed her on the lips.

  She groaned when he stepped back and grabbed a condom from the soap dish and quickly put it on. He then gripped her wai
st and lifted her up so she could sink down on him, fitting over him a like a glove. She knew he’d stretch her to the limit, but she didn’t mind. The waves of pleasure ripped through her as fast as the current of the water. She gripped his shoulders and locked her legs around his waist as he placed her against the wall and began to thrust upward.

  “Reese,” Trevor groaned. “You feel so good.”

  She could stay this way with him forever, locked in a passionate embrace. It was safe here. They were happy here.

  She braced herself against the wall as Trevor thrust everything he had into her again and again. The guttural groaning that seemed to be emanating from him meant he was ready to climax. She wrapped her arms around his neck and came with him.

  “I love you.”

  “I love you too,” he said in ragged breaths.

  Later that night, they lay together in the afterglow of their lovemaking, both too physically and mentally spent to speak. Still, they communicated in the silence. He moved in close to her and cradled her in his arms. She caressed his back, loving the smooth feel of his skin. He was a perfect specimen of a man. It was one of those times she’d come to cherish.

  * * *

  Trevor stood in front of the doors of Reed Designs and Interiors, debating about whether or not to go inside. It had been hard enough to look his grandmother in the eye this morning to tell her he had to go to work. The look of disappointment in her eyes was like a dagger through his heart. But like Theresa, he promised he’d be home for the holidays. He was on his way to the airport when he thought of Charisma. He never left town without telling his sister, and he didn’t want her to worry.

  “Here goes nothing.” He opened the door.

  “Hi, Trevor.” Olivia, the receptionist, greeted him.

  “Hi, Olivia. Nice to see you again. Is my sister around?” He set his bag down by the desk.

  “Yes, she was in the fabric room with Itza.” She picked up the phone. “Hey boss, your brother is here.”

  Charisma came flying down the hall with a big smile on her face. It faded when she looked at his duffel bag. “What are you doing here?”