by Lea Hart
“Why do I feel as though my destiny has just been delivered?”
Lucky shrugged. “Ivy has that effect on people when she gets her mind set on something.”
“And she seems so sweet when you meet her,” he replied as he leaned back in his chair.
“Which just covers up her true nature. I’ve found it best to think of Ivy as that girl you knew in college who said, ‘Lead me not into temptation,’ and then threw out a scary laugh and told you to follow her because she knew a shortcut.”
Letting out a snort, Grif almost fell out of his chair. “That’s a perfect description.”
“I know, and that’s why I love her.” Turning back to her surface hub, she sent a command to have the data summary sent to her laptop, and as she waited, she thought about Sam Barton and his abrupt change in behavior. Not being able to identify what had caused it made her deeply uncomfortable because there was cause and effect in everything. And with Sam, she couldn’t see what either of those elements were.
Did he need something from her?
Perhaps.
But that didn’t explain the physical affection. From the moment he’d offered her a ride home, he’d been touching her in some form or fashion. Light, inconsequential gestures, but affectionate nonetheless.
Maybe he…and then no answer came because it felt like all the times she and Stazi had tried to explain the unexplainable when it came to the men in their lives. Not that Sam was in her life in that way. Hell to the no.
And then she felt the mental exhaustion that so often accompanied her thoughts when she was trying to figure why a guy was doing what he was.
Well, no more.
She was going to wait for someone like Hank to come along before she wasted one more precious moment trying to figure out the puzzle. And when she said, “like Hank,” what she meant was a man who saw what he wanted, went after it with everything he had, and didn’t believe in gamesmanship. Straight up liked her, wanted her, and did something about it.
End of story.
It didn’t have to be complicated unless you allowed it to be, and it didn’t have to be painful unless you let it. Life was hard and challenging, beautiful and complicated, and considering the business she was in, she wanted light and beautiful when it came to romance.
Her Nona had always told her she should look for a person who would allow her days to be filled with happiness and her nights with lust. And if that wasn’t available, then she should keep moving until she found it. Love, she’d said, wasn’t supposed to be hard or make you feel bad; it should fill your soul so that when the hard things come along in life, you’d have someone to navigate it with, and that’s exactly what she was going to wait for.
Nothing less.
Hearing the intercom buzz, she heard her name. “What’s up Kaye?”
“You have a delivery and it’s waiting in the kitchen.”
“Thanks.” Wondering what it could be, she checked on Grif and saw that he was in the zone and decided not to disturb him. She walked out of her office, and made it downstairs and into the kitchen in record time. There on the counter was a bag from her favorite deli along with a beautiful small bouquet of wildflowers in an emerald green vase.
Approaching slowly, she looked around and wondered if she was being punked. When she saw the room was empty, she picked up the card that was attached to the flowers and opened it. Seeing Sam’s scrawling handwriting, she sucked in a breath as she read it. Dear Luciana, Thought you might need something to brighten your day, so I hope these will do and since you don’t have your car yet, I decided to make sure you had something for lunch. Enjoy and call me if you need a ride home tonight. Ti bacia la mia cara, Sam.
“Oh, sweet Lord have mercy,” she mumbled.
“What are you asking the Lord for?” Ivy asked as she walked in.
Twirling around, Lucky stood in front of the flowers. “Nothing.”
“When a woman say’s nothing, it hardly ever is.” Walking toward her, she peeked around and gasped. “Sam Barton isn’t playing.” Sliding her hands on her hips, she grinned. “He’s getting out of his own damn way and comin’ for you.”
“It’s nothing,” Lucky croaked.
“Oh, Honey, what’s going on there is a whole lot of something, and you need to get your mind right so you can deal with it. One way or another.”
“I need to call Stazi.”
“You better and then tell her we’re going out tonight to discuss this ‘situation’ and come up with a plan.”
Snapping her fingers, she then pointed at Ivy. “That’s exactly what we need. Your men are going to be busy, so we need a girl’s night out.”
“Absolutely,” Ivy agreed loudly.
“Absolutely what?” Ryan asked as he walked in.
“The women are going out and we’re not sure when we’re gettin’ home.”
“That’s fine, you all go on and have a good time; I’ll just let Brandon know so he can tag along and get you all home safely.”
“We don’t want any men coming out on our girl’s night. That’s why they call it a girl’s night,” Lucky replied firmly.
“You can have Brandon or you can have Sam; take your pick.”
“Brandon’s fine,” Lucky replied quickly.
“That’s what I thought,” Ryan said with a grin.
“Don’t be smug, Honey, ‘cause it doesn’t make you cuter,” Ivy replied as she filled her coffee mug.
“You thought I was plenty cute this morning.”
Ivy gave her husband a pitying glance. “And if you ever hope for that to happen again, you will close that mouth of yours and behave.”
“And on that note, I’m getting the hell out of here, so I don’t get my wife riled up.” Turning, he stalked out of the kitchen.
“Smart man,” Ivy commented as she added cream to her coffee.
“How long did it take you two to…”
“Get along?” Ivy finished.
“Yes.”
“Not long. We fussed at one another for a while until I figured out that he had my best interest at heart and he figured out that he couldn’t boss me. But really, it wasn’t that hard, which is why I fell for him as I did. My mama and daddy fought most days until they finally divorced, and I knew that wasn’t anything I was interested in.” Holding up her hand, she shook her head. “Don’t get me wrong, Ryan and I have plenty of differences, but at the end of the day he wants me to be happy and I want the same for him. So, any little bickering we do doesn’t mean much at the end of the day.”
“Thank you, Ivy.”
“For what?”
“Confirming that what I’ve thought all along is right on.” Picking up the flowers and the lunch bag, she turned toward the door. “I’ll call Stazi and make a plan for tonight.”
“Don’t forget to call Sam too and let him know how much you like what he sent,” Ivy called out.
Walking toward the staircase, she ignored the comment and reaffirmed her earlier position on men and romance. No matter what Sam was doing to get her attention.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Saturday, September 9th
Sam walked up to Lucky’s door and knocked firmly. The message he’d left her last night had gone unanswered and, being the paranoid son of a bitch he was, he needed to make sure she was okay. Tightening the grip on the bag of bagels he’d brought, he decided the short text she’d sent yesterday thanking him for the flowers and lunch was a step in the right direction, but they needed a lot more if they were going to arrive at the place he desired.
As he waited for her to answer the door, he knew that just because he’d accepted his long-buried feelings didn’t mean that Lucky was ready to do the same, and patience needed to be the order of the day. He took a breath and decided not to act like an over-eager dog yapping at her heels for attention because nothing good was going to happen if he did.
Rolling his neck, he let go of the tension that had ridden up his shoulders and decided today was going to be a g
ood Saturday. It was a beautiful fall day, and if he played his cards right, he might be able to spend a bit of it with Lucky.
Just as he was about to knock again, the door swung open and he was greeted by a woman who might’ve had one too many drinks the night before.
Her hair was wet and she wore a pair of slim sweats and a T-shirt that proclaimed her devotion to pizza. “I’d say good morning, but I’m afraid you’d kill me.”
“I might if you don’t have something good in that bag.”
“Egg bagel sandwiches from Brobagels.”
“You can come in.” Stepping aside, she held the door open.
Giving her a quick kiss on the cheek as he passed, he stepped inside and looked around. Lucky had furnished the living room with a soft sand sofa and had lots of books and knick-knacks on the shelf that lined the back wall. “Great place.”
“Thanks.” Giving him a once over, she placed her hand on her chest. “I didn’t think you owned a pair of jeans.”
“I own several, as a matter of fact.” He looked down at his well-worn Levi’s and wondered why she thought he wouldn’t have some. “Unfortunately, the FBI has yet to adopt a casual work environment, so, like realtors, bankers, and car salesmen, I still have to wear a suit to work.”
“I’ve never seen you dressed casually.” She shrugged and then gave him a smile. “It’s a good look on you, and makes you seem less uptight.” She turned around and walked down the hall into the kitchen. “Want coffee?”
“Sure,” he called out as he followed her. Looking around, he noticed the kitchen was an and inviting space that had been updated. The counters were a warm gold marble and the cabinets were a dark mahogany color. Bright accessories littered the counters and several photographs were taped to the fridge. He set the bag down and then wandered over to look at the pictures, and saw there were two of Lucky and Stazi, and another that must be of her family.
Studying it closely, he saw she favored her mother as did one of her brothers. He ran his finger over her face, and then looked at the others and saw that one must’ve been taken at SAI because Lucky was surrounded by all the men who worked there, and then the last one he spied had his gut clenching. It was one with Lucky and the man who had kissed her the other day at the Athletic Club. They were both wearing bathing suits on a beach that reminded him of one he’d been to in Mykonos. Their arms were around each other and they looked happy enough together to make him want to hit something.
Did this man have a place in Lucky’s life?
Hearing his name, he looked up and saw Lucky handing him a mug of coffee. “Thanks.” He stepped away from the fridge and decided no good was going to come of his jealousy. The best thing he could do was operate like he was playing in an open field and believe he had as good a chance as anyone to find a place in Lucky’s life.
He took a seat at the table tucked into the corner of the kitchen and watched Lucky pull out plates. “Did you and the ladies tear it up last night?”
Closing her eyes, Lucky groaned. “I blame Ivy for the shenanigans because she’s a bad influence and likes to get into trouble.”
“Where did you end up for the wild night of debauchery?”
“Brando’s Speakeasy. They have a full karaoke set up and we sang our hearts out and had way too much fun.” She set the plates down and then grabbed the bag. “Brandon had to go with us because Hank and Ryan were on the op and they’re too paranoid to let Ivy or Stazi go out unescorted. He was a good sport about it, but I think we should send him a fruit basket or something.”
“If you decide to go out again, call me so Hank doesn’t have to give the guy combat pay.”
Closing her eyes, Lucky shook her head slowly. “There will be no next time because I’m never going out again.”
He lifted his coffee mug and drank half of it down. “Until Ivy’s back in town and insists on a night out.”
Opening the bag, she pulled out the wrapped sandwiches. “Which one do you want?”
“They’re both the same.” He watched her put one on each plate and then hand him one. “So, what do you have planned today?”
“I’ve got several hours’ worth of work to get done and then I’ve got a date with my couch and remote.”
“Let’s get outside for a while and enjoy the beautiful weather before you bury yourself in work.”
Tilting her head, she studied him. “Why did you come over?”
“To hang out and do something fun together.”
“You keep using that phrase, ‘fun together,’ and it makes no sense.”
“We had fun at dinner the other night and I don’t see why it can’t happen again.”
“Is that like lightning striking twice?”
“No Lucky, it’s not.” He unwrapped his sandwich and took a bite and watched her do the same. “How're things going at work?”
“Busy,” she replied as she unwrapped her sandwich. Taking a bite, she groaned. “This is so good, and I appreciate you feeding me.”
He gave her a smile and then picked up his coffee cup. “Happy to do it. I know when you get caught up in a project at work, you have a tendency to forget to take care of yourself.”
Wiping her mouth, she sat back. “You’re really observant. I noticed that back in the spring and I always meant to ask you where you picked up the skill.”
Shrugging, he folded his napkin. “I’ve always been a naturally curious person and when I went into the Army, it was honed and turned into the skill that probably saved my life a time or two.”
“Why Delta?”
“I wanted to become the best of the best and that’s what the Unit is. Once I qualified for the 75th Ranger Regiment, I knew I had a shot at being recruited for the CT force and it turned out I was right. I spent six years with the squadrons and loved every damn minute of it.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t go to the CIA after you left Delta because their Special Activities Division usually recruits operators for the Special Operations group.”
“The FBI HRT division appealed to me a lot more because I figured once I got into the CIA, I’d never get out of black ops and have a chance at a normal life.”
“I’d have to agree with you because I think half the services offered on the Dark Web are from former black ops people.”
“I bet you’re right. Once you’re in that life, it’s hard to get out. The FBI isn’t as exciting or glamorous as the CIA, but at least we get to walk in the light most of the time.”
“I never thought of it like that, but it’s a perfect description of the difference between the two agencies.”
Sam lifted his sandwich and started eating again and noticed that the wariness that usually filled Lucky’s gaze wasn’t there. Which was a great first step in becoming friends, and after that they may actually catapult right into a relationship.
And that was the goal.
Because having a woman like Lucky in his life would mean the difference between happiness and survival. And since he’d not been doing much more than surviving for the last several years, he was ready for a change.
Why he couldn’t see that when they first met was something he was always going to kick his own ass for. But focusing on that would be foolish, and he was done with that shit. He was ready to remember who he was before the building blew up and the life he’d had - changed irrevocably.
***
Lucky walked next to Sam along the leafy street toward the park and wondered if she’d fallen down a rabbit hole. When he grabbed her hand to move her away from the uneven sidewalk and didn’t let go, she knew she’d landed in Alice’s Wonderland.
Not only was Sam charming, kind, and funny, but he was also dressed casually. Which made him look extra yummy. Call her crazy, but she loved a man in worn jeans, a T-shirt, and running shoes, and the fact his T-shirt lovingly hugged his big chest and arms wasn’t something she was blind to.
Looking up, she saw him smiling as his light green eyes filled with mischief. What was the man up to,
she wondered, and did it have anything to do with her?
Not knowing what to expect, she decided it was best to assume a cool attitude because, for all she knew, he only wanted her for the intel she could produce and nothing more.
She’d been a fool for him once and she had no intention of doing it again. Wiggling her hand, she tried to break his grip; when he didn’t let go, she frowned and looked up. “Pretty sure I can manage on my own.”
“Now, what fun would that be, Lucky?”
The mocking twist of his lips as he shook his head wasn’t anything she needed to see. “I think you saw me kissing Grif the other day and something deep in your male psyche made you want to compete and prove you could too. It’s like some weird law of the jungle that I’ll never understand.”
“There’s no jungle law going on and, as I explained the other day, I was an idiot for not doing anything about the attraction I felt when we first met, and now I’m ready to go after you even if you’re too good for me.”
“When you say something like that, it’s hard to come back with a snarky comment.”
He threw his head back and laughed. “Kind of the point, Lucky. I’m going to drown you in honesty, so all you can do is accept it and not fight the fire.”
“There’s no fire.”
Stopping abruptly, he gave her a frown. “There’s fire, Lucky.”
“Pff.” Looking around, she let out a little fake laugh. “Not even a flicker of a flame.”
“Prove it.”
“What?”
“You heard me. If there’s no chemistry, then kiss me and prove to both of us that we shouldn’t waste our time.”
“I’m not kissing you.”
“Chicken.”
“Sam, you can’t dare a girl to kiss you past the age of twelve. That’s not how things work.”
“I hear a lot of excuses, which are making me think you’re scared because you know when we do kiss, all your arguments about why we shouldn’t try will disappear into a puff of smoke.”
Yanking her hands away, she started walking down the sidewalk and knew he was goading her into doing something that would prove his point. And she had no interest because, for all she knew, this was some sort of game to him and she wanted no part of it. Hearing his footsteps, she turned and saw him walk quickly toward her. “Go home, Sam, because I’m not going to kiss you.”