by Debra Webb
“It didn’t.” She squeezed his hand, her eyes full of sympathy.
Between her upbringing and her career, she understood what he was saying despite what he left unsaid. It was a strange sensation. Though the case that killed his fiancée was officially closed and sealed, the guilt would follow him forever. “If we’d met while you were still in the navy, would we even be here now?”
“I doubt it,” she said, her lips twitching into a wry grin. “My team never had much reason to be in Savannah.”
At her joke, something like relief loosened the knot in his chest. Recognizing his honesty, she comprehended the concept of what had happened, as well as the lingering effects.
He might be able to play the part of a doting fiancé, but he’d never let another relationship get serious enough to put a woman at risk. “You’ve figured it out. She became a target.” He kept his gaze on the window just past Frankie’s shoulder. The memories assaulted him, anyway. “I couldn’t save her. Our families were devastated by the loss. You know how it is. Hard words walk side by side with that kind of grief.”
“Aidan. It’s okay.”
It wasn’t. “Despite all that, I couldn’t change who I am, what I’m good at.”
“No one should ask you to change.”
He couldn’t stand the look on her face. Suddenly he wanted the sharp, tough Frankie, the woman impatiently searching for answers. He needed her to push him away. Instead, he pulled her body across his and kissed her, pouring all his frustration and desire into that sweet contact. Silently promising he wouldn’t fail her as he’d failed others.
She didn’t shove him away, but responded instantly, matching his urgency with her mouth and hands. He wrapped his arms tight around her, clinging until she was his only thought, his only awareness, his very breath. She knew his worst secret, his biggest failure, and she kissed him as if he was her hero.
Her head fell back and he feasted on the golden column of her throat. Her skin was so soft, with a trace of sweetness that was so at odds with her tough nature and determination.
“I love this dress,” he said, slipping his hand under the hem to caress her knee, her firm thigh.
She trapped his hand with hers, stopping his progress. The move brought him back to his senses. He leaned away enough to enjoy the view of her stunning face. The personal and professional lines between them were more than blurred; they’d been obliterated. He forced himself to release her before he completely lost control. He’d never expected their performance, their lies, to get into his head this way. “I think I’ll check out the gym.” Awkwardly he pushed himself to his feet, left her there.
“I’ll change and go with you.”
He shook his head. “I’m okay. I’d like some space.”
She sat up, smoothing her skirt, then her hair. “I’ll work on dinner.”
“Thanks.” He shoved his hands into his pockets because he wanted to stay, to touch her and never quit. “I hope my past doesn’t, um, change anything.”
“Not a chance,” she replied, busying herself with one of the throw pillows. “I’ll come up with something so my mom doesn’t pester you.”
“You’re a terrific fiancée.” In any context, he thought. “I’ll be back within the hour.” He escaped to the bedroom and changed clothes, still reeling from that kiss. He left the apartment without risking another word. Taking her in his arms had nothing to do with possible spy devices and everything to do with the heat she stirred inside him. If he didn’t stick with logic, if he didn’t find his balance, the investigation could fall apart. Aidan had no idea what he’d do without the work and shelter of the Colby Agency.
What had possessed him to be so damned honest with her? If he’d told her that on the plane or in the jewelry store, she might have backed off the stupid engagement idea. Although, based on what he’d seen so far, she’d been right to take that angle. It gave her mother something happier to focus on than their difficult last meeting.
Aidan knew better than most how survival often hinged on finding a purpose beyond the tragedy. Her mother had done it, creating the business. Frankie had used the intention of clearing her dad’s name to empower her full recovery. He knew how she felt. His dogged hunt for his fiancée’s killer had been excused as a search for justice. Only the intervention of cooler heads had saved him from himself. He decided he was here not just as an investigator, but to be that same voice of reason for Frankie.
To follow Victoria’s orders he had to stay close and protect Frankie from herself as much as her drive for answers. Surely he could find a way to do his job and keep his hands off her, at least when they were alone.
Chapter Eight
Monday, April 11, 7:15 a.m.
Frankie had never wanted a hotel room more than she did on Monday morning. In the hotel they didn’t have to talk in code or maintain the act 24/7. It irritated her that they couldn’t be sure of anything right now. That kiss never would’ve happened at the hotel, where they could be themselves. It had taken all her self-control to pretend that delicious, groping contact on the couch hadn’t fazed her.
Already Aidan knew better than to try to talk with her before her first cup of tea in the morning. She needed quiet time to wake up. Time to adjust her back and her attitude before attacking the day.
When she wandered into the kitchen, he slid a cup of tea in front of her. He was working on a plate of eggs with slices of crisp bacon on the side. “Help yourself.”
She shook her head as she sipped the hot brew. She’d never been able to eat first thing in the morning. By the time he finished his breakfast her nerves were frayed. Neither of them said much until they got to the car. It already felt like a long day and they hadn’t reached the office.
“Nervous?” she asked as he started the engine. Being the new kids at the company would be interesting. How would the employees react to the prodigal daughter and her future husband?
“Not at all.”
“How can you say that?”
“Toughest part for me was our conversation yesterday.”
Every ounce of courage she possessed had been required to keep her mind off that subject. She couldn’t dwell on what he’d told her or how she’d lost herself in his embrace afterward. It was too much. “I’m sorry. If—”
“No apologies,” he said, interrupting her. “Your tactic is working and we’ll have more freedom at the office.”
“We hope.” She twisted the ring on her finger again. “Sophia’s waiting for me to bring it up.”
“I disagree. She’s waiting to hear you’ll stay and be part of her life and company.”
Frankie ignored the little voice in her head that said he was right. “I didn’t think the company would be this extensive. I know we studied it, but during the tour it felt so much bigger in person.”
“Should make for an interesting morning,” he said. “We’ve both faced tougher tasks.”
“I know.” Even before he’d shared his personal tragedy, she’d checked on the public records of his time with Interpol. Aidan had been involved in closing several important cases. As much as she’d resented it, Victoria had provided the perfect investigator for this case. Frankie suspected she always did. “Thanks again for being here.”
“Says the woman who wanted me to stay away.”
“Don’t gloat,” she said as he parked the car in the space Sophia had assigned them. “Without you, I would’ve lost my composure a dozen times by now.”
“So few?”
“I understand the need for discretion and secrets. I don’t understand why she persistently lies to me. If we prove that she helped convict an innocent man, what kind of person does that make me? I’m her daughter.”
“Whatever your mom has or hasn’t done, her actions don’t change anything about you, Frankie.”
She paused, her hand on the door handle, and allowed his words to sink in. It was basic logic and only more evidence that she was letting her emotions and family memories cloud her view of the present. “No offense, but I want to get in there and catch her red-handed so we can go back to our regularly scheduled lives as soon as possible.”
His blue eyes narrowed. “That’s a dangerous bias during an investigation.”
Frankie shrugged. “You’re the investigator. I’m just a daughter searching for the truth.” With that she picked up her purse and left the car.
“Hang on.” Aidan quickly caught up with her. “We agreed to do this the right way.”
“And we will,” she replied, her gaze straight ahead. “When we can prove she set up my dad, I will see it through every step of the legal process.” Frankie was determined to find facts her mother couldn’t explain away. Facts, and the resulting anger, were easier to deal with than the big question hovering in the shadows: Why? Her every memory featured her parents as happy and affectionate. Loving, devoted to each other in their careers and at home. Had her entire upbringing, her concept of love and relationships, been a web of deceit?
She pasted a smile on her face when she spotted her mother waiting for them at the information desk in the lobby. “Good morning!” Sophia embraced them both. “I thought I’d show you around before I turn you over to Human Resources.”
Frankie started to remind her they’d had a tour on Saturday afternoon and had done the new-hire paperwork online, but Aidan spoke up first. “That’s thoughtful, Sophia. Thanks.”
It became immediately apparent her mother wanted to personally introduce them to everyone in the company, if not the building. Frankie knew she’d forget names, but not the floor plans or office locations.
They were with HR through the morning, and by lunchtime Frankie was hoping for a hearty meal and some quiet. Instead, Paul and Sophia picked them up and led them to the building cafeteria. Once again Aidan carried the conversation while Frankie concentrated on eating for the sole purpose of fueling up for the afternoon ahead.
“Frankie, your office is down the hall from mine,” Sophia said as they wrapped up the meal.
“Office?” She hadn’t expected that.
“I’ll show you your space,” Paul said to Aidan. “It doesn’t have much of a view, but you’ll be near the training facilities.”
“Makes perfect sense,” Aidan said.
Frankie’s stomach churned. She had the distinct impression that neither she nor Aidan would be allowed to roam Leo Solutions unsupervised. Had her mother seen through their act?
“Tonight we can have dinner and you can fill us in on your first day over grilled salmon.”
“That’ll be great, Mom,” she said, stifling her reluctance. More socializing meant more of Aidan’s tempting touches. “Can we bring anything?”
“Not at all.” With a winning smile for Paul, Sophia stood up and motioned for Frankie to follow.
Aidan didn’t let her go without a soft kiss on her cheek. “Have a great day,” he said with a wink.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Sophia told her as they rode the elevator upstairs. “Your father and I wanted this to be a family business.”
Frankie swallowed back the grief and temper, remembering Aidan’s words of caution. “Do you miss him?” It sounded like a daughter question to her.
Sophia’s eyes turned sad and the wistful smile was either genuine or well rehearsed. “He was a good father, a good man, Frankie. I’m so sorry you didn’t get the closure you needed.”
The elevator doors parted and not even Frankie wanted to push the topic with so many curious eyes and ears aimed their way.
“Here’s your office,” Sophia said, stopping halfway down the long corridor. She opened the door wide and gestured for her to walk in. “Feel free to order the supplies you need. You’ll remember my office is at the end of the hall.”
Frankie just stared at the space. The surface of the desk gleamed and the only items on it were a computer monitor and a notepad. Of course her mother would remember how much she detested clutter. “Thanks,” she murmured.
“I didn’t order a nameplate yet. I wasn’t sure if you were going to use your nickname here. I assume you’ll take Aidan’s last name when you marry.”
“Right,” Frankie said, walking around the desk toward the luxurious chair. “You really went all out.”
“I want you to love it here,” Sophia admitted, pushing the door closed behind her. “I know how disappointed you were by the navy’s decision. You are your father’s daughter.”
“You can say that, when you believe he committed treason?”
“I’ve been waiting for that.” Sophia sighed, stepping a little closer. “Sweetheart, you have his drive and ambition. The charges and verdict are irrelevant. You need to let it go.”
“How?” Frankie stopped herself just short of an angry rant, gripping the back of the chair. “He was disgraced, Mom. It haunts me.”
“In the military it might have,” she allowed. “It didn’t haunt you in Savannah and it won’t haunt you here.”
“I’m not talking about career paths.”
“I know.” Sophia folded her arms and sighed. “If I had the answers, I’d share them.”
Like the little girl she’d been, Frankie wanted to believe her. Wanted it so much she caught herself blinking away tears. She didn’t trust her voice.
“Leo Solutions is built on a solid foundation,” Sophia continued. “Yes, I had to shift the business plan after your father’s problems, but we are stable. This company was his dream, our legacy to pass on to you.” Everything about her relaxed as her lips curved in a tentative smile. “And here you are at last.”
Here she was, all right, Frankie thought. Ready to excavate any and all secrets and dirty laundry propping up this company.
“Take a seat,” Sophia urged her. “When you log on you’ll have access to our previous proposals as well as what we’ve pulled together for the current one. If you have any suggestions, let me know. We’ll be having meetings all week to get this one just right.”
“Okay.” She wished she could take the office, the job and the warm welcome at face value. It scared her how much she missed the mother she’d known and looked up to as a kid.
“I’m counting on your analysis and insight.” Sophia tucked her hair behind an ear and set her earring swaying.
Frankie recognized the nervous move. “Anything else?”
“You have full access to every detail of the company. I’ll be honest—Paul was against that decision. I insisted. This company will be yours one day.”
Hers? If Aidan had found that in his research, he’d kept it to himself. “Thanks, Mom.” The highs and lows of the day were getting to Frankie and she sank into the chair. “I appreciate your faith in me.” The lies between them were knee-deep by now.
When Sophia left, Frankie wasted no time logging on and getting to work on both the tasks her mother expected her to address and her real purpose for being here. By midafternoon, she had full comprehension of the company’s roots, as well as a general feel for their largest clients in both cyber and personal security. She downplayed the sense of accomplishment that reminded her of her navy days. This position naturally ran to her strengths of gathering intel and organizing it quickly.
The new contract Paul had the entire company focused on was more than lucrative; it would establish Leo Solutions on a global scale. But something about the potential client felt familiar. Frankie used the gift of full access and dug deeper into previous proposals. As she researched, she had an excuse ready should anyone ask why she was poking around the legal side of Leo Solutions.
At last she stumbled on something Aidan needed to see: a photo of her mom, Paul and the man who was now on the board of directors for the
potential client Paul was determined to sign. The picture had been taken in Iraq. Frankie vaguely remembered her mother taking that trip as part of a delegation while American troops were shifting responsibilities to local authorities.
“Thank God for electronic storage,” Frankie murmured. The picture had been included in a media piece covering the Leo Solutions opening and its positive impact in the Seattle area.
It would require more research, and Aidan’s expertise and contacts overseas to confirm, but this client could become more of a threat than a boon. One of the company’s subsidiaries had been in the news last year for making charitable donations that wound up funding terrorism in the Middle East. Follow-up articles claimed the problem had been rectified and reparations made. Frankie couldn’t shake the bad feeling.
Why push it? The influx of cash would never offset the blow to Leo Solutions’ credibility if anyone found out they provided cutting-edge cyber security for this group. Her mother couldn’t have overlooked this blatant connection. What were she and Paul up to?
Frankie took pictures of the images and documents with her phone to share with Aidan later. After she also downloaded the files to her flash drive, she headed downstairs to find him.
His office door was open and for a moment she just enjoyed the view of him working. Not even the drab company uniform toned down the lure he presented. Her lips warmed at the memory of his mouth claiming hers. She knocked before she lost her nerve and retreated back upstairs. “Got a minute?”
When he turned toward her, the furrow of concentration between his dark eyebrows faded. “For you I’ve got all the time in the world.”
She wanted to tell him to stop it but wisely kept her mouth shut. “I might have a better view,” she said, “but the furnishings are pretty much the same.”
“Paul told me Sophia called in big favors with the office supply place to get us set up this morning.”
“How are things down here?”
“You’re just work, work, work. I don’t know if I like it,” he teased. “Come here and give me a kiss.”