Discover Love: Saints Protection & Investigations

by Maryann Jordan

  *

  The sun slid behind the Blue Ridge Mountains behind Jack’s property as the large gathering met and mingled on the deck that spanned the side of his house. A white picket fence surrounded the back yard, readying for children that would soon play there. The grass was still lush and green, although the fall colors were already creating a painted backdrop to the vista.

  Charlie stood near the picnic table, watching the other women’s easy camaraderie. She had met Bethany, Angel, Faith, and Miriam, but now the gathering included the rest of the Saints’ wives and fiancés. Chad’s wife, Dani, was placing her baby girl into a rocker-carrier, while Sabrina and Grace cooed over the infant. Patrick’s fiancé, Evie, stood next to Angel, setting the cupcakes out for everyone. Both Miriam and Dani’s babies were now asleep in rocker-carriers just inside the glass doors of the house. Even though they were in plain sight of everyone, the baby monitor sat in the middle of the group.

  Sighing softly, Charlie could not help the sliver of envy that buried inside of her, always feeling like the outsider in a large group of people. The women, all beautiful in their own unique ways, appeared so accomplished and so at ease with each other.

  After a moment, Blaise’s fiancé, Grace, walked over and stood next to Charlie. “It’s not always easy, is it?” she asked softly.

  Biting her lip, Charlie cocked her head to the side in silent question.

  “Joining an established group,” came the reply along with a head nod toward the women.

  Ducking her head, Charlie said, “Everyone is so nice.”

  “Nice, yes…but I remember when I first met everyone, I felt like an outsider,” Grace chuckled.

  “And now?”

  With a little shrug, Grace admitted, “I’ve only been with Blaise for a short while. So I’m still pretty new. Adding in the fact that I’m not a super sociable person, it can make me feel a little awkward.”

  Faith, having walked nearby, grinned at the two women. “Socially awkward? Grace you are a social butterfly compared to me,” she joked.

  Evie moved over as well, smiling at Charlie. “I’ve wanted to meet you since Patrick told me about you. I’m an Engineer as well.”

  “Really?” Charlie asked, surprised. “What field?”

  “I majored in Geotechnical Engineering.” Seeing Charlie’s smile, Dani threw her head back and laughed, “Yeah, I know. It makes most people’s eyes roll back in their heads. But I felt the same way when I first moved here and was thrust into the Saints’ world.”

  Faith, turning her head toward Charlie, said, “Large groups can be overwhelming until you realize you’re part of a big family.”

  Nodding, Charlie admitted, “That’s what I was thinking. You all seem like one big family.”

  “That’s because Bethany works so hard to make it that way. Jack’s fabulous, but as the boss, he can be a bit intimidating and…removed. Once Bethany came into his life, she made sure to sort-of mother-hen the rest of the men…and then their women.”

  “Are my ears burning?” Bethany joked, as she patted her pregnant belly while walking over to stand next to Charlie. “I’m really glad you’re here, by the way. I know this group can be…well, overwhelming.”

  Charlie knew that any attention focused on her usually made her cheeks burn, her stomach churn, and her palms sweat. But as the group slowly incorporated her into their conversations, she was actually enjoying herself.

  Standing off to the side, Luke kept a watchful eye on Charlie as she met the rest of the Saints’ women, knowing crowds made her nervous. After a moment, her eyes found his and she offered a smile, easing his concern.

  “She’ll be fine. The others will see to it,” Chad said, the gentle giant walking up beside Luke. “Dani felt the same when she first met everyone.”

  Turning, Luke nodded to his friend and the two of them moved toward the grill where Jack and Bart were debating the barbecue sauce. Taking another beer from the cooler, Luke walked over to the railing and stared out into the dusk blanketed yard.

  “You okay?” Marc asked, coming up beside him. His gaze slid over to the women encircling Charlie. “She’s doing fine.”

  Silent for a moment, Luke replied, “It’s weird…and great…having her here.”

  “Why is that?”

  “I never expected to meet someone like her. Never expected to be at one of Jack’s gatherings with someone.”

  “I’m glad for you, man,” Marc said honestly.

  “And you?” Luke asked. “You’re now the lone wolf in this pack.”

  Shaking his head at the analogy, Marc said, “Don’t see that changing anytime soon.”

  Luke started to make a quip about Marc not settling down to just one woman when he could have a bevy of beauties lined up, but the flash of uncertainty in Marc’s eyes had him shutting down the comment before it even came out.

  Just then the call from the grill masters rang out and the gathering made their way over to the tables now laden with food. Striding over to Charlie, Luke slid his hand around her waist. Bending, he whispered, “You doin’ okay?”

  Her wide smile was answer enough, but she said, “I really like your friends.” Looking around, she added, “It’s been years since I’ve enjoyed a group.” Lifting her hand to cup his cheek, she held his eyes. “Thank you for letting me be a part of your world.”

  “Sweetheart, they’re now your world too.” With that, he placed a soft kiss on her lips before twirling her back toward the tables, where the sounds of laughter rang out into the night.

  Chapter 17

  Luke twisted around in his chair and watched Charlie as she sat, hunkered over her computer. Her hair was falling out of the bun she had haphazardly pulled up earlier and she constantly tried to tuck strands behind her ears. The occasional mutterings coming from her gave evidence to her frustrations.

  Rubbing the back of his neck, it hit him that the other Saints had seen him in the same position a million times since he began working for Jack. Is that how they saw me? Always at a computer? Practically living down here in the compound?

  He watched as she tucked her legs up under her body in the small chair and knew a change was inevitable. And needed!

  Standing, he walked the few steps to where she sat scrunched up in the chair and pulled her hand off her keyboard. Before she could speak, he said, “Come on.”

  Allowing him to lead her up the back stairs, she was surprised when they passed through the door and were in part of Jack’s garage. Several ATVs were parked to the side and she watched as Luke headed straight to them. Grabbing a helmet and tossing it to her, she caught it, but stared numbly at him for a moment.

  “Put it on,” he ordered with a grin, while strapping his own helmet on.

  “But…why?”

  Laughing, he answered, “I would have thought that would be obvious.”

  Looking dubiously at the ATV, she said, “But I’ve never been on one.”

  Stepping over to her, he took the helmet from her hands and placed it on her head. Securing the strap underneath her chin, he replied, “Then it’s time we rectified that.”

  Her brow pinched with concern as she looked down at Luke settling himself on the vehicle. Swinging her leg over before pressing her front to his back, she said, “I’m used to my little Vespa. This won’t go much faster, will it?”

  With a grin, Luke decided not to answer but shouted, “Hang on,” as they roared out of the garage into the bright sunlight.

  The wind slapped Charlie in the face as she peeked over Luke’s shoulder, causing her to gasp. Her hands, which had been resting on his hips, were now tightly wrapped around his waist as she clung on for dear life.

  Her fear rescinded as she viewed the fall glory of the mountains as they climbed higher up the back of Jack’s property. The vehicle bounced and jolted along a rutted path, over tree roots and across a stream. Her heart pounded but she quickly realized it was not out of fear…it was joyful.

  Her hands felt the strength of
his muscles as they bunched and corded beneath her fingers. Her breasts were plastered to his back and her thighs pressed tightly against his. The roar of the engine underneath her sent rumblings through her core and she wondered if he felt the same sensations.

  Looking about, the yellows, oranges, and reds swirled by as Luke seemed to take a path that led them around and around the woods, slowly climbing higher.

  Just when she thought they could not go further, he skidded to a stop at an overlook and shut the engine off. Taking his helmet off and hanging it on one of the handlebars, he twisted around and said, “Get off, sweetheart. It’s time to see more of the world than what we find on a computer screen.”

  Obeying, she followed his lead and removed her helmet as well. Standing next to him, she looked out onto the valley below. Her breath caught in her throat as she walked near the edge.

  Jack and Bethany’s house sat in the distance, the white picket fence surrounding the backyard glistening in the sunlight. The warm rays pelted them but, with the slight breeze, she could not imagine a more perfect day.

  Luke walked up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders, pulling her back into his front. Sliding one arm around her waist and the other around her chest, he rested his chin on her head.

  They stood silent for several long minutes, both allowing the vista to immerse them in tranquility. Finally taking a deep breath of fresh air, she said, “I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s glorious. How could you not want to come up here all the time?”

  She felt his chuckle as his chest moved against her shoulders and she twisted her neck to look at him. His chocolate eyes were focused on her as he lowered his head and placed a gentle kiss on her lips.

  With a grin, he linked his fingers with hers and led her to a flat rock, near the edge but not dangerously close. Sitting, he pulled her down next to him and once more tucked her tightly into his side as they looked out onto the world from their perch.

  They sat in silence for several minutes, the breeze gently blowing her hair about her face. With his free hand he tucked the wayward strands behind her ear.

  “Tell me about you,” he encouraged, his eyes never leaving her face.

  She shot him a quick glance, her mouth partially opening before closing quickly. “You…you already know all about me,” she replied, a slight blush warming her cheeks.

  “No…not really.” Seeing her gaze fall back to his in question, he said, “I spend my days at my computer, doing research, writing programs…often digging deep into information about whomever we’re investigating. And I always thought that was enough.”

  “Enough?”

  Sucking in a deep breath through his nose, he let it out slowly as he tried to explain what was just now filling his mind. Nodding, he said, “I thought that I could understand everything about someone from what I uncovered. Their bank accounts…their friends…their social media footprint.” Shrugging, he added, “I never really thought about them in any other way except as a list of facts…information my faithful computers fed to me.”

  He twisted his body slightly so that he was facing her while still keeping their fingers linked as he continued. “But as I’ve fallen for you, I realize that there is so much I don’t know about you. And desperately want to.”

  Charlie sat in silence for a moment, understanding what Luke was saying. She, too, had sought the safety of a computer over unpredictable relationships. Looking back over the valley below, the crisp fall air filling her nostrils, she leaned her face up toward the sun and, for the first time in a very long time, she felt free.

  Releasing her long-held breath, she responded to his question. “Growing up was lonely,” she admitted.

  “Tell me,” he encouraged.

  “My father was in love with someone else and they had an argument. He found solace in a waitress that he met and I was the…product. It wasn’t a one-night stand but, well, it wasn’t planned. He did the right thing, married my mom and stayed with us until I was about four. But he wasn’t around much. Mama always said he had to travel for business, but as I’m sure you can surmise, he actually saw his old flame. When they decided to make a go of it, he divorced us.”

  “Us?” Luke asked, his voice hard.

  With a little shrug, Charlie nodded. “Yeah. He paid some child support until I was eighteen, but he never came around. Whether he wanted to be with me or not, or his new wife didn’t want the reminder that he had another family…who knows? So, I grew up with just mama.”

  Luke allowed her to speak, knowing she was proving exactly what he had said a few minutes earlier. He thought about the early information he had pulled up on Charlotte and knew that while the facts had been learned, it was so different hearing them from the person involved.

  “Were you lonely?”

  “Mama worked all of the time and so I was often alone in the apartment. I had friends in my books, but few real friends.”

  “And school?”

  Making a rude snort, she rolled her eyes. “Please, Luke. Being a bookworm in school hardly got me into the cool crowd.”

  She shrugged, but he wondered if the sting was still present when she thought about it. He lifted his hand again and, this time, after tucking a strand of hair behind her ear he allowed his fingers to glide along the softness of her jaw.

  “I was good at math, good with computers, and because of financial need, got into MIT.” Seeing him about to protest, she said, “Oh, that’s not false modesty, it’s the truth. I was smart, but doubt I would have gotten into MIT. But most colleges need to take a percentage of financially needy students, so I got in.”

  “And college?” he continued to push.

  “That’s when I first felt like I belonged.”

  “Eli and the others?”

  Nodding, she said, “I never needed a lot of friends.” She shifted around so that she could observe his face while she confided. “You know how some people are people-magnets? They seem to attract friends no matter where they go? Well, that was never me. And I wasn’t jealous of that. I’d rather have a couple of really good friends than a whole slew of kinda-friends.”

  “What about after college? I’ll tell you that Tim wasn’t too happy that you followed in Eli’s footsteps and just worked from home.”

  She pursed her lips tightly for a moment, her gaze shifting back to the ever-changing vista in front of her. As the sun moved across the sky, the fall colors caught the light as the breeze blew, creating a shimmery autumn glow.

  Finally dropping her chin to her chest, she nodded slightly. “Mom died when I was in college and I seemed to pull inside myself, like a turtle. It was my way of dealing with the grief, I suppose.”

  “I’m sorry,” he said, knowing his words, while heartfelt, were inadequate.

  “Yeah, me too. I…I really miss her. She worked so hard, but was so proud of me. She was…,” Charlie sighed heavily, blinking to hold back the emotions, “the only family I ever had.”

  “What about your grandparents?”

  A small smile escaped as she looked off into the distance. “My mom’s parents visited us a few times when I was little, before they passed away. Grandpa was the one who nicknamed me Charlie and it made my grandmother so mad. She hated that he gave me a boy’s nickname. But I liked it.”

  She turned back to Luke and continued, “I finished college, a year after the others, too set in my ways to make new friends, and the thought of interviewing for corporate jobs made me sick to my stomach. So Eli’s solution seemed…safe.” She lifted her face and pinned Luke with her stare. “I guess I’ve always played it safe.” Snorting, she shook her head, “At least until I witnessed a murder…the last five months have totally changed me.”

  “You’re stronger,” he observed, his admiration shining in his eyes.

  “Or just plain ol’ runnin’ scared,” she confessed.

  Shaking his head, he cupped her cheeks with both hands. “No, you’re totally stronger. You’re right…I had investigate
d you. But knowing you as a real person makes me understand how much I needed this assignment from Jack. I needed to get out from underneath my computer and see people as they really are…not just the sum of bytes of information.”

  Charlie held his gaze, his dark eyes reflecting the sunlight, feeling their warmth as they seemed to peer deep inside of her. His hair, although short, was longer on top and blew slightly in the breeze. His stubbled jaw was dark with his beard. She raised her hands to his arms, caressing the strength of muscles underneath.

  Luke watched her eyes roam over his face and could not believe his good fortune that this woman had come into his life. “Are you for real?” he asked, his voice as soft as the gentle wind.

  Her eyes filled with confusion as she continued to stare at him.

  “You’re perfect for me,” he explained, his voice barely above a whisper as he pulled her face gently toward his to close the minuscule gap between them. Claiming her lips with his own, he slid his tongue into her warmth, seeking out the sweet crevices. She tasted of mint and…Charlie.

  Leaning back, he reached for a silver chain hanging around his neck, his fingers grasping the medallion resting underneath his shirt. Pulling it over his head, he held it up for her to see. “This is my St. Luke,” he said, watching her eyes move between his face and the pendant. “When I was a kid, my parents told me how Luke was a scholar. I hated it then…why couldn’t I have been named after some hero instead of an ancient nerd.”

  At that, Charlie giggled, her hazel eyes twinkling as she waited to see where he was going with this.

  Luke lifted the chain over her head and settled the pendant on her chest as he continued. “But I’ve come to realize that a scholar is someone who is always learning. Always discovering. Always something new.”

  Her gaze held his as she whispered, “And what have you discovered now?”

  “That there is more to people than just what I find out on my computer. And that there is someone for everyone, and for me…you’re that someone.”

  She lifted the silver medallion with her fingers, holding it reverently as she looked to him for its meaning.