“So you learned how to be a man from television and YouTube?”
She shrugged.
“Not only. I study you guys in general passing and in everyday interactions. It’s not hard to copy your mannerisms and, often times, men have one track minds.”
She’d captured his interest.
“Give me an example.”
She stood.
“Gladly.”
Getting into character, she stuck out her chest and somehow managed to slouch at the same time. “Whenever a pretty woman walks by, men’s eyes always stray. Heck, the woman doesn’t even have to be pretty, as long as she’s got two lumps in her chest and a curve to her backside. I’ve seen guys pretend like they’re stretching just to get a peek.”
She demonstrated by stretching her arms over her head, as her eyes followed the invisible butt she eyeballed.
A telling laugh fought to inch its way out of Kevin’s throat.
“I have even seen some men knock things over, shift their eyes to extreme positions, or place a hand to their foreheads while peeking through their fingers.”
Kris whipped her head, stretched her neck, and widened her eyes to show him examples of the way some men reacted.
Kevin had to admit that some of it was true; but Kris exaggerated, on purpose, to make her monologue comical.
“Seriously, a man could be talking to the president about Middle Eastern terrorist invading the White House and his attention could still be pulled away in a flash.”
She twisted her top as she talked and her point was proved. Kevin’s eyes went directly to her chest. He couldn’t help laughing as he covered his face, in embarrassment and shook his head.
She untwisted her top.
“Now, do you understand why I can pull it off so easily? All I have to do is lose focus, adjust my balls, and grab my package every once in a while.”
When she got up and showed him how some men adjusted their balls, he could hardly breathe for laughing at her. He could tell at a glance that she enjoyed making him laugh.
“Seriously, it’s like guys aren’t even aware that they’re touching their junk. It’s like your hand just hovers there, gravitates there, like it’s going to—all of a sudden—get up and walk away.”
Kevin hadn’t laughed like this since—he couldn’t remember the last time he’d just laughed.
Kris continued.
“Trust me. You don’t want me to tell you some of the pickup lines I have learned.”
Kevin threw up his hand.
“No, I don’t think I want you to do that.”
Kris stretched and stifled a yawn.
“I think I may take you up on your offer to stay. I’m more tired than I thought.”
He liked that idea.
“Of course. Stay and get some rest.”
She presented an unreadable stare.
“I will only stay, if you sleep with me.”
Mouth slightly open, Kevin was not sure how to reply. She’d come off as a bit more conservative than her words suggested.
His slack-jawed expression sent her lips into a deep smile.
“What kind of a girl do you think I am?” she proclaimed, failing to keep a straight face. “I’m not talking about that. Didn’t we just have a discussion about guys and their one track minds?”
Kevin laughed, when he realized she was pulling his leg.
She pointed at the bed.
“We can share that huge bed.”
Now, she talked of things being huge when they weren’t. It was a full-size bed.
She continued, “I don’t want to put you out of your own bed. Besides, we’re agents. I’m sure we have slept in a lot more compromising and bizarre places than with each other. I have spent more than one night in male lockup, sleeping on the floor, with my face in the dirty armpits of a drunk, or an addict, or worse—a killer.”
“Good point,” he agreed. “I have a few things I need to finish up. Make yourself comfortable and relax.”
***
Kris wished Kevin a good night, before she dropped her jeans and climbed into his bed. Had she truly climbed into his bed?
Her connection with him was a thing she’d never before experienced with any man—comfort and even trust. She should have left, but she didn’t want to. Although she truly was tired, she’d never used it as an excuse.
Kevin was one of the most attractive men she’d laid eyes on. She’d been thrown off guard by the realization because, to her knowledge, she secretly despised men.
As she adjusted to the lumpy mattress, she sensed his eyes on her every move. After a horrific rape as a teen, she’d purged men from her system…forever. It was one of the main reasons she’d learned to disguise herself as a man so perfectly. She figured, if she were a man, she wouldn’t have to deal with men on a personal level.
Her thoughts usually didn’t linger on a man’s physical features.
Until now.
Now, she couldn’t help acknowledging her secret attraction to the wickedly handsome Kevin. He gave the words ‘tall, dark, and handsome’ new meaning.
Kevin was something different. If a woman didn’t take the time to admire him, it would be her loss. He reminded her of a handsome Arabian prince.
She imagined raking her fingers through his head of dark, silky hair and getting lost in his deep-set, amber-brown eyes.
His penetrating eyes had the ability to hold her hostage and plant lustful thoughts into her mind. His mouth could make a girl swoon, if she caught him licking those sexy full lips of his. All of those wonderful features were set on a handsome face with a well-defined jaw.
She’d been ready to fight him in the alley for interrupting her assignment, until she’d glimpsed his handsome face. She could hardly help staring at him and prayed he hadn’t noticed her lingering gape. As if his features weren’t enough to stop a woman in her tracks, he exuded a certain charm and calmness that made her want to linger in his presence. He called to her like nothing she’d ever encountered, and she feared being alone with him was probably a mistake.
Before she pulled up the covers, she glanced down at herself. Maybe the lemonade had been spiked, and perhaps the cheesecake had been laced with drugs. She was obviously high and drunk at the same time. She’d never done anything this reckless and unpredictable.
She was virtually naked, in nothing but his wifebeater and her boxers, and completely out of character.
Had that gang hit her upside the head harder than she thought?
Although their paths would eventually cross again; the idea of leaving Kevin, in this moment, made her chest tighten around her heart.
Why was she so comfortable with him?
Yes, she was more at ease with other agents, male or female, but this was different. He sparked an interest she never knew was there. She couldn’t put a finger on what made him special.
She believed she could trust him; he was the first one. Even as a young child, she never trusted men, because her mother attracted the most unsavory men.
Kevin had instantly sparked an understanding between them that she couldn’t explain, and every action he projected said she could trust him.
***
Kevin stole glances at the mysterious agent in his bed. He’d been captivated by her presence since she’d revealed her true identity. He wanted to know everything about her: her name, interest, loves, and hates. Everything.
He’d had a long day and sleep called, but nothing called as loudly as the woman that filled his mind until it literally overflowed. He crept quietly to the bed and stood, admiring her. Surprisingly, he found no signs of an agent. There was only this beautiful delicate woman, who didn’t appear capable of doing the things required of a Top agent.
Her chest rose in fell in a slow cadence that followed her breaths. Her relaxed face was completely at peace. He walked around the bed, to turn off her lamp.
He rounded to his side and climbed in, being careful not to jiggle the cheap and rickety bed. When h
e reached out to stroke her arm, she stirred a bit, turned, and stared at his concerned face. Not saying anything, she held his gaze in the dim moonlit room.
“I apologize if I woke you.”
How could he tell her he couldn’t stop himself from touching her?
***
“Are you asleep?” Kris whispered.
She sensed his smile shine through the dark.
“No. Why?”
The mattress springs groaned and dug into her side as she turned to see him better.
“I don’t know. I’m awake and, as much as I shouldn’t admit this, it’s good to be around someone that seems to understand me.”
A smile crease the corners of his mouth before he turned and closed more of the space between them.
“Is that your way of saying you like me?”
She avoided his question with a burst of laughter.
“I’m saying, you’re pretty easy to talk to and enjoyable to be around.” The fact that he was the first male she’d spent the night with as her female self was something she definitely wasn’t sharing with him.
“I enjoy you as well. Most people are so irritating, they’re usually a pain to be around; but you, I like.”
Their conversation carried on until well past midnight. No subject was off limit. The more they talked, the more their bodies gravitated towards each other.
As Kevin talked, Kris stole glances of him. It was easier to talk to him when not staring into those seductive eyes of his.
She revealed to him more about the Body Box case.
His face bunched into a frown. “Even after two years, it’s highly unusual for Top to place an agent on a case outside their element, especially without a partner. However, with the big rise in brutal and unexplained crimes, I could understand putting a Top agent on the case versus the locals. I wish I had more time with you, Kris. I wish I could help you with the case.”
She wished the same, but didn’t comment on his statement. His statement had been laced with a hint of emotion. Emotions were dangerous territory to breach while on assignment. As Top agents, their jobs entailed learning and adapting to new and dangerous situations, not creating them.
Kris remained silent, so that Kevin could get some sleep. He was being a gentlemen and would have likely entertained her all night. She’d noticed how tired he looked. She felt just as tired. A glance at his bedside clock showed 2:06 a.m.
They’d literally talked all night.
Kris couldn't sleep for thinking about Kevin and their connection. She watched him sleep and rose when the sun peeked through the dingy lopsided curtains. After she sneaked into her clothes, she stood in place and stared at Kevin for a moment longer. She wanted to remember as many details about him as she could. She kept his wifebeater on. She wanted something tangible to remember him by. She took one last leisurely stroll over his sleeping form and drifted away from him just as quickly as he'd drifted into her life.
Chapter 10
Partner
How did investigative agents solve any of their cases? The question lingered in Yala's mind as she brainstormed ways to go about approaching the case.
After she received the update, informing her that she would be receiving a partner, she prayed for someone like Kevin or at least someone willing to give her pointers on how best to go about solving the Body Box mystery.
Yala was sure she was walking into the beginning of the apocalypse, when Dr. Hughes called and informed her that he’d received part one of another box; this time it was only a head.
Dr. Hughes decided to pull in another doctor for assistance.
Dr. William Pendergast, like Dr. Hughes, was connected to Top and maintained experience, specifically in the area of hard-to-explain cases.
While Yala drove towards the medical examiner’s office, she prepared her mind to scrutinize a head in a glass death box.
***
Kevin couldn’t let go. Every stray thought he had involved Kris. Therefore, he called the one person he knew that could find answers when he couldn’t.
Sori, his friend and fellow agent, answered on the first ring.
“Hi, Kay. What’s up?”
Sori had worked with him on several occasions and preferred to call him by one of the code names he went by—Kay. Beautiful and unpredictable, Sori was one of the deadliest and most dangerous agents he’d ever worked with.
While most people were afraid of her, Kevin managed to see through the electrified fence she threw around herself and had even earned her friendship.
He revealed to her the story of accidentally crossing paths with Kris. He also told her about the bizarre details she’d given him about the Body Box case. He left out the part about her spending the night with him.
Sori’s exceedingly long pause filled the silence.
She finally asked, “Why are you telling me this? Are you requesting to be partnered with her?”
He stifled a smile although she couldn’t see it. Sori had connections that he didn't. If she suggested he be partnered with Kris, nine times out of ten it was happening.
“I was thinking maybe I can work with her. It wouldn't be the first time I've had two cases going at once. It seems she could use the help, and she admitted she was out of her element with this case.”
Sori remained silent for so long, he removed the phone from his ear and glanced at it. Had they been disconnected?
She was likely shocked by his request. He’d had many assigned partners, but he’d never asked for one.
The return of her voice eased his mind.
“Since you’re one of a few people I like in this world, I will see what I can do. I know Kris. If you think she needs help, and she admitted as much, I will definitely do what I can.”
His smile couldn’t be helped.
“I’ll appreciate anything you can do.”
“Yep,” was the last word she uttered.
Sori was gone.
One thing he loved about Sori, she didn’t waste unnecessary words or actions.
***
A day later, Kevin retrieved his keycard from the front desk and headed to the suite that would serve as his home for an unspecified amount of time. A light traveler, one large bag was slung across his back. His inspection of the suite hadn’t turn up his new partner, so he would be left in suspense a bit longer. Assigned the downstairs bedroom, he unpacked, showered, and retreated to the living room to await his partner’s arrival.
As soon as he began a slow descent into a nap, a keycard stroked the lock. He snapped up, stared in anticipation, and waited until the door sprang open. What he saw made his heart drop. A tall Caucasian man entered the suite.
Kevin stretched his neck for a better view. He wasn't sure if this was one of Kris’s elaborate disguises or one of the hotel employees. He snap out of his disappointment long enough to remember his manners.
He stood to greet the man, but not before taking a moment to scan him inquisitively. The man bore no resemblance to Kris. Kevin hid his disappointment behind a smile, as he introduced himself.
The man took his outstretched hand with a firm grip.
“Damien, here for assignment Tango Bravo six-two-one-eight.”
At a loss, Kevin peered at the door, hoping Kris would walk through it. The agent who briefed him hadn’t mentioned Kris having a replacement. As a matter of fact, the briefing agent assured him that Kris would brief him on the specific details of the case.
Interrupting Kevin’s thoughts, Damien stated, “I would like to take a quick shower before we discuss the case.”
“Of course,” he said, before he fell back onto the couch.
Kevin’s body slumped. He’d desperately wanted to reunite with the beautiful Agent Kris again. He relaxed onto the couch and flipped the television to SportsCenter.
***
Kevin drifted in and out of sleep, until the sound of Damien’s footsteps descending the stairs, alerted his approach. His eyes hadn’t stirred away from the television, until
Damien stepped in front of his view. When he glanced up and found Kris smiling at him, he froze.
He struggled to sit upright, but the soft couch cushions kept pulling him back. Kris hovered above him with a huge smile on her beautiful face. She wore a comfortable long-sleeve, flannel-blue pajama set and a sneaky grin.
“Close your mouth before it gets stuck like that. You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
Fascinated, Kevin asked the obvious. “How in the hell did you do that? I was convinced you were—him.” He stood and peered at Kris, his gaze locked on her as he awaited her answer. She may as well have been a big screen television on a sales display at Best Buy. He got up close and personal, this time, checking for an adam's apple and any other telltale signs of a man. His inspection had Kris laughing out loud.
“I hoped I’d get the chance to see you again.”
He paused to take her in. His smile started at his eyes and inched down his face to his mouth. “You embody the male persona better than most men, to the point that I can’t tell the difference. You were at least six feet and muscular, your hair was short, and you even had a five o’clock shadow. There is more to your disguises than meets the eyes, I am sure of it.”
Kris maintained her smile.
“Like I mentioned before, I have spent most of my career posing as a man. I know how to imitate you guys well.”
“I’ve noticed, but there is something else you’re not telling me,” Kevin insisted.
He wagged his finger at her and continued to eye her, suspiciously. He wasn't falling for her flimsy explanation this time. Imitating a man was one thing, but being one was something entirely different.
“Are you going to tell me your secret or leave me in suspense? You can't leave me like this Kris.”
Kris flopped onto the couch and appeared a bit self-conscious now that he questioned her.
He sat close enough to her that the warmth of her body radiated into his. He wasn't going to give up until she told him something.
Body Box: Adult Paranormal Romance (Supernatural Thriller) (Dark Suspense) (The Smoke & Fire Series Book 2) Page 6