He chuckled and shrugged. “What can I tell ya? Mom and dad like to entertain. But word might’ve spread that Alexa Harris was back—and so were her famous chocolate chip cookies.” He smiled, winked, and kissed her temple. “We won’t tell mom,” he whispered. “It might hurt her feelings.”
She gave him a weak smile.
“We should get to bed. It’s late. Olivia will be up bright and early.”
Alexa already knew she wouldn’t sleep well with her conscience weighing heavy. “Yes she will. She’s definitely a morning person.”
He chuckled. “Olivia’s a morning, afternoon, and evening person. She never slows down.”
“This is true.”
“Can I lay with you?”
“Uh, sure.” How could she deny him such a simple request?
He stood and held out his hand. “I’m beat.”
“I’m pretty tired myself.” She reached out and took his hand as they walked to bed. Alexa settled in as Jack stripped out of his t-shirt and shorts and got in on his side. They both moved closer to Livy, much like they did the night before. He took her hand and pressed his lips to her palm. “See you soon.”
“Good night.” She clenched her jaw and closed her eyes, trying to ignore the fear of what would happen if Jack discovered the truth.
Chapter 16
Jackson buckled Olivia into her seat and gave her a kiss. “Have a good time, Liv.”
“I’m going to see dolphins and jellyfishies and froggies and—and birdies that sing pretty songs.” She bounced about in her excitement.
“Will you make me another story when you get home?” The surprise fishing story she’d gifted him with two days ago, wrapped with frilly purple ribbon and too much tape, still made him smile. His little girl made him a present. The four-page book stood on the shelf above his childhood bed in front of the numerous football and baseball trophies he’d collected over the years.
“Yes. Close the door, Daddy. I need to go.”
He chuckled. “Yes, ma’am.” He shut the door and turned to his mother. “Are you sure you’re up to this? She’s going to run you and Dad ragged.”
“Somehow we managed with you and your brother. I’m just as excited to take her to the aquarium as she is to go.” She gave him a kiss on the cheek. “What are you’re plans for the day?”
“I have a date with Dad’s office chair. We were planning to peruse the internet, answer e-mails, and enjoy long phone conversations while I search for more leads. We have a real love connection.”
“You know, Tucker already left for the day, and we have a perfectly good boat just bobbing away by the dock over there. Perhaps Alexa would enjoy a ride.”
Jackson looked at the sleek cabin cruiser, then his mother. “That might not be a bad idea.” In the three days since Miranda went live as their decoy, they hadn’t received any hits on her account worth mentioning. Despite the hours of endless hunting, he, Ethan, and Tucker were spinning their wheels. The case was stalling again, and Alex was discouraged. If the contact Tucker was meeting with in DC didn’t breathe new life into their dying lead, they would be back to the drawing board. Perhaps an hour or two on the water was what he and Alex needed. God knew a little time away from the endless game of phone tag could only make things better. Maybe he would float back to the dock with a fresh perspective.
“Your mother’s full of good ones. There’s a picnic basket in the fridge just waiting for someone to take it.”
“You’re the best.” He wrapped his mother in a bear hug.
She hugged him back. “And don’t you forget it.”
“Never could.” He eased away as the front door slammed. Alex came rushing out in khaki shorts and a white tank top.
“Sorry. I was on the phone with my boss. I need to say goodbye to Livy.” She breezed past Jackson and opened the door, unleashing the noise and commotion of their eager daughter. But as she bent down to their daughter, he noted the worry clouding her eyes.
“Mommy, I need to go. Grammy is talking and it’s taking so long.”
“I know you’re excited, but you have to be patient. Stay with Grammy and Grampy. Don’t let go of their hands. Make sure you—”
“She’s going to be fine, Alexa.” His mom patted Alex’s shoulder. “Try to enjoy yourself today.”
Alex nibbled her lip. “Maybe I should come with you. The aquarium is so big, and Livy is very busy…” She stopped and sighed. “I’m being overprotective. She’ll be all right.”
“Of course she will.” His mother gave Alex a bright smile. “I certainly don’t think we have to worry about losing her, honey. A blind man could see that shirt and hair tie you dolled her up in.”
Jackson glanced through the window at the florescent pink t-shirt Olivia wore, proclaiming that she was ‘Super Cute!’ in bold lime green letters. The matching green and pink bow wrapped around her sassy little ponytail was hard to miss.
“We always have the kids wear brightly colored clothes when we take them on field trips. It’s easier to keep track of everyone. Better safe than sorry.” Alex smiled sheepishly.
“Grammy, come on. Come on.”
“Yeah, Carol, come on. I want to get there while there’s still some parking available,” dad said as he clicked his seatbelt into place.
“All right. Off we go.” She opened her door.
“Don’t forget, you have my number programmed in your phone, and I gave George a copy of Livy’s Identa-Kids card.”
Jackson took a step forward to pry Alex’s white-knuckled grip from Olivia’s still-open door.
“Alexa Harris, take a deep breath and back away from the car,” his mother scolded lightly. “I’ve raised two boys and taught hundreds of kids. I haven’t lost one yet.”
She dropped her hand herself without Jackson having to intervene and shook her head. “I’m sorry, Mom. I’m just a little nervous with everything going on.”
Mom gave her a hug. “Of course you are, sweetie. We’ll guard Livy with our lives. Nothing but good fun is going to happen to her today.”
“Thank you for taking her.” Alex closed her eyes as she held on. “She’s going to have fun.”
Jackson smothered a smile as his dad started the car and pressed the gas pedal just a touch, revving the engine to make his point. If George Matthews was anything, he was punctual. This had to be driving him crazy.
“Yes she is. Now, I better get in or they’re going to leave without me. Cranky old bear,” his mother muttered as she took her seat.
“Bye, Lovely Livy. Have fun.” Alex kissed Livy once more, closed the door, and returned Livy’s enthusiastic wave.
Jackson pulled Alex against him and hooked his arm around her waist as they waved until the car disappeared down the street. “She’s going to have a blast. This is good for her. She’s been cooped up since we got here.”
She rested her head on his shoulder. “I know. I’m just a little worried.”
He tipped her face up to his, recognizing the tightness of unshed tears in her voice. “Alex.”
She shook her head. “I’m being silly.” She strangled out a chuckle as she wiped her eyes.
He hugged her, fully realizing how huge a toll this was taking on her. “I wouldn’t let them go if I thought Olivia was in any danger. The kidnappers have no idea we’re here. You’re credit card trail stops at a hotel room in LA.”
“I know.” She sniffed.
“Olivia will probably get back an hour or two after we are.”
Frowning, she looked up into his eyes. “What do you mean?”
“Stay right here.”
“Jack—”
“Don’t move.” Jackson hurried up the steps and rushed to the kitchen. He opened the refrigerator and smiled when he spotted the big wicker picnic basket on th
e bottom shelf. “Nice.” He grabbed the pretty handcrafted basket his mother had packed more times than he could count, set it on the counter, and flipped open the top. His smile widened as he glanced at thick ham slices, fruit salad, a mixed green salad, rolls, chocolate cake, and a bottle of white wine with two crystal glasses. “Thanks, mom.”
Flipping the lid closed, Jackson snagged the boat keys off the hook and headed for the door. He stopped at the stairwell and ran up, anticipating Alex. Moments later, dressed in blue swim trunks and a white muscle shirt, he opened the front door and shut it, locking up behind him.
“What do you have there?” Alex asked with a hand on her hip.
“A picnic lunch.”
“That’s very sweet, but it’s ten in the morning.”
“It won’t be by the time we get to where we’re going.” He held out his hand, encouraged that she hadn’t refused outright. “Come on.”
She stood where she was, eyeing him. “And where’s that?”
“You’ll see. Come on,” he said again when she still made no attempt to move.
“Jack.”
He reached forward and snagged her hand. “Where’s your sense of adventure? What happened to the woman who learned to let her hair down and have a little fun?”
“She grew up.”
“So now that she’s all grown up she can’t have fun anymore?” He gave her a tug toward the grassy hill and dock below. “Come have fun with me, Alex. The way we used to.”
She took a step with him and stopped. “I have to get my cellphone. What if Livy needs me? What if they get a break in Abby’s case and Detective Canon calls?”
“It’s in my back pocket.” He turned his ass toward her.
“We don’t have any sunblock.”
“It’s in here, along with your sunglasses.” He motioned to the beach bag he’d unearthed from the guest closet and gave her another tug. “Come play with me,” he encouraged again. “I’ve hardly seen you over the past couple days.” He and Tucker had been in phone meetings with Ethan, Hunter, and Austin, dealing with Abby’s case as well as briefings on several of Ethan Cooke Security’s clients. The company was busier than ever with premieres and numerous other big events. Their agents were bogged down with no end in sight.
Tucker would only be able to stay a couple more days. Ethan could really use him too, but they all understood he wouldn’t be going anywhere until they had Abby back.
“All right. I’ll come play with you for a little while.” She smiled fully for the first time since she’d knocked on the office door the morning of the big picnic. Something had been different. She’d seemed more tense and distant during the few snatches they’d been able to steal together. They both needed this time away. He was determined to make the most of it.
“Let’s go then.”
She’d needed this—the sun, the warm wind blowing on her face. Jack knew her so well…or Carol did. Alexa smiled. There was no way Jack packed the wicker basket full of beautifully presented goodies, which she’d put away in the mini-refrigerator below deck. But that didn’t matter. It was the thought that counted.
Jack guided the big boat around the small peninsula miles from his parent’s home and headed right. He glanced back from the driver’s seat and smiled as he pushed the throttle full speed. He was taking her to their place—the desolate island fifteen minutes from the southeast tip of Kent Island. He’d brought her there the first summer she’d come to visit. There had been so many ‘firsts’ that magical July: her first boat ride, her first time making love in the brackish waters of the bay. Her stomach tingled with the memory.
The land grew distant as they headed further out. Seagulls flew overhead and swooped to the dark blue water below. She loved this and was beginning to realize how much she’d missed the relaxation a day on the Chesapeake could bring. It seemed wrong that her tense muscles were uncoiling, and she found herself relaxing when her little girl was not within eyesight or earshot. Still, there was a ball of anxiety in her stomach that wouldn’t go away. Her sister was still being held against her will. and she continued to lie to Jack.
She checked Baltimore Dates every morning after Jack woke and left the bed they’d all begun to share. He no longer asked to join her and Livy. Late at night he crawled in on his side, took her hand, kissed her palm, and closed his eyes. She didn’t have the heart to tell him he couldn’t stay, especially when she found the web of deception growing stronger with every flirty reply she made to her increasing list of fans in her dating inbox. She’d had several invitations for a night out, which she’d politely turned down by saying she needed time to get to know her potential match. It was easier to string them all along until she could determine who was looking for a simple dinner out and who wanted more. Two men in particular set off alarm bells with the questions they asked and the comments they made, but it was impossible to tell if they were the same person who had posed as Crazy80. The men’s profile pictures were as vague as Crazy80’s had been when he’d been in communication with Kristen. The photos could have been of anyone.
With a sigh of frustration, she stared at the breathtaking scenery. Just because she wanted their mystery lead to contact her didn’t mean he would. Every hour that passed without the hit they needed only heightened Abby’s urgent situation. Before long, her sister would become a cold case. In many ways she already was. The cops had moved on to other kidnappings and crimes.
At least Doug Masterson kept his ears open for anything new for Jack. According to Doug, Abby hadn’t been back to Lady Pink since the night she and Jack saw her. She or Miranda had to get a hit on their profiles; it was the only answer to moving Abby’s case forward.
Alexa came to attention when Jack throttled back on the engine. The boat slowed on its approach to the small, tree-covered island. He glanced over his shoulder and gave her another smile. “Do you remember this place?”
He was so handsome with his hair disheveled from the wind. “Yes.” She stood and made her way to him. “How could I forget?”
“I thought it might be nice to spend the day here, maybe do a little swimming, have a picnic, pretend the rest of the world doesn’t exist for a few hours.”
It would be hard not to worry about Livy or think about Abby or not feel guilty about her big lie, but she wanted to try for Jack. His weary eyes under amber-tinted lenses told her he needed a day to ‘just be’ as badly as she did. “I think that sounds like heaven. I’m assuming you packed my bathing suit in your little bag downstairs.”
“I was all for swimming naked, but since you never know when a boat is going to pass by...” He shrugged.
“I appreciate your sensibility. I’ll be right back.”
“Let me come with you. I’ll help you tie your—”
“I think I’ve got it.” She smiled and put a hand on his chest, stopping him.
“I don’t know.” He moved closer and kissed her neck. “Those knots can be pretty tricky. I would feel better if you let me give you a hand.”
She lifted her head higher and closed her eyes, melting from the sun’s heat and the sensations he sent careening through her body with his touch. “That’s very generous and so selfless… Mmm.” She lost her train of thought as his hands snuck under her tank top and cupped her breasts. “Jack…”
The hoots and hollers of a boat full of college-aged men went speeding by, interrupting their moment.
Jack looked up. “Bastards.”
Alexa took the opportunity to step back.
“Kids these days.” He shook his head mournfully. “They’re so obnoxious.”
She snorted out a laugh. “Oh, please. You were just as bad, if not worse.”
“Maybe, but I had more style.” He grinned as she rolled her eyes.
“I’m going down to put on my suit—alone, Mr. Style.”
“Call me if you need any help.”
“You’ll be the first,” she tossed over her shoulder, smiling. She heard Jack chuckle as she descended the three steps to the small galley. She wanted this day with him more than she’d realized. She wanted the laughter and fun they always used to have together; she craved it. For the next little while, Alexa was determined they would have it. Livy was fine. Abby wasn’t… She shook her head. “Two hours,” she said out loud. Perhaps they would take three before they boated back to the overwhelming problems of the real world.
Alexa changed into her dark red bikini and wrapped her ponytail in a bun, securing her hair with another elastic, then slathered herself in sunblock. Moments later she took the steps up to the main deck and stopped as a ball of lust curled in her belly. Jack was bare-chested, pumping air into a red inner tube. His sun-kissed skin and muscled arms and torso were a sight to behold. Why had she stopped him from coming down into the galley with her? Was she crazy?
He glanced up, and his hand froze on the pump. “Damn, Alex. You take my breath away.”
“I was just thinking the same thing.” It was still a struggle for her to be so frank. She’d been cautious to filter her thoughts over the last few weeks, making certain she didn’t give away anymore of her heart than she wanted.
He smiled. “Should we take a dip? It’s hotter than hell out here.”
“Sure, but I bet the water’s freezing.”
“Let’s find out.” Jack plugged the red tube and grabbed the blue one he’d filled while she was downstairs, and they moved to the back of the boat. Jack set down the tubes and freed the small metal ladder. He sent the first few rungs into the bay. “Ready?”
Forever Alexa (Book Four In The Bodyguards Of L.A. County Series) Page 25