“You set off the fire alarm?” the agent asked.
She nodded meekly.
“Good.” The agent spoke into a small device. “No fire threat.” A moment later the sirens stopped. The music in the background also halted, and a voice came over the speakers explaining that this was just a fire drill. The conference would resume in a moment. Several attendees grumbled and returned back to the auditorium.
“The cop out there is dirty,” Matt hollered.
“Sir, we’ve got him. Agent McGuire has already briefed us on the threat situation.”
That statement almost took his breath away. Agent McGuire? He thought James had retired years ago. Had he joined the agency again after his own run-in with danger?
Frazer stumbled into the room, wearing handcuffs, with agents flanking each of his sides. Isabelle sidestepped the agent and ran toward him. Matt ran after her, fearing she would do something she regretted.
* * *
Isabelle pulled her necklace out of the laptop bag that another agent held. “I’ll take this.”
Matt blew out a breath. “I thought you were going to attack him.”
The thought resonated with her. Frazer had made the last week a nightmare she would do anything to forget. Although if Matt had thought she would attack the man, she was surprised he had followed her. She smiled, remembering what he’d said in the Tower staircase. “I bring the crazy, you bring the muscle?”
He shrugged. “Maybe something like that.”
The agent pointed to the necklace. “Agent McGuire alerted us to the potential of your research. After your presentation, if we believe it pertains to national security, we will set up a joint meeting with the Department of Defense.”
Isabelle placed a hand on her chest. “I still get to make my presentation?”
The agent nodded. “Yes, ma’am. The sooner, the better.”
She gripped the flash drive in both hands, and her eyes glistened. There was still potential to save the institute and her uncle’s financial security. “Are you sure I’ll be out of danger?”
The agent pursed his lips. “We believe we’ve neutralized both threats.”
“Both?”
“We tracked down two bidders. Rumors of your research threatened a billion-dollar contract between the US Navy and a weapons manufacturer on the East Coast. It would’ve made the drone technology they’ve invested millions on in R & D irrelevant. The second bidder was an organization that’s been very vocal about tracking and eliminating navy submarines in foreign waters.”
Her stomach plummeted.
“So we have a vested interest now in your presentation,” the agent finished.
Her heart pounded so hard it rang in her ears. Or it could have been that she couldn’t get the fire-alarm siren sound out of her mind. Either way, there was so much to process and no time to do so if she was going to give her presentation. There was still hope she could come through for Uncle Hank, and her research could be used for good. She pointed to the auditorium. “I’m not going through the back entrance again.”
The agent nodded. “Understood.”
“Okay, then I’m ready.”
“Isabelle, wait.” Matt reached across the space between them and touched her wrist. His thumb brushed over the red lines created from the friction of the zip tie when she broke it. “About earlier. I’m sorry I didn’t speak right away. I—”
Here it came. The “I just want to be friends” speech she knew was coming after his silence on the barge earlier today. After watching someone die in front of her eyes and narrowly escaping their own deaths, she just couldn’t take another emotional blow.
“It’s okay, Matt.” She spotted his family members fighting their way through the crowds to get to them. She especially didn’t want to hear this speech in front of them. It’d be too humiliating. “We’re good. No words necessary.”
Mrs. McGuire pulled her into a hug and then grabbed Matt with her other arm. She released both of them at the same time. “Don’t you dare scare me like that again. Either one of you.”
“It’s not like we planned it, Ma,” Matt objected.
James, Luke and David joined their circle. “Don’t even bother trying,” Luke said. “She thinks we all planned to fall into danger.”
“And the least we could do was give her twenty-four-hour notice,” David sassed.
“What can we say, Mom?” James asked. “We just wanted to follow in your footsteps and bring about justice to the world.”
Mrs. McGuire’s face melted into a smile. She patted James’s cheek. “Nice try. No dessert for any of you since you took a few years off my life.”
As the rest of the boys objected and argued they were grown men, James lifted a laptop bag off his shoulder. “I believe this is yours, Isabelle.”
“How’d you get the NSA here?”
He threw a thumb over his shoulder. “They have a main office here in San Antonio. I’m grateful they still listen to me as a consultant.”
“I can’t thank you enough.”
James pointed at the flash drive in her hand. “Actually, you can. Keep me in the loop. I think there are some possible space applications in what you’ve got started there.”
“Miss Barrows, they’re ready for you.” Another agent stood by. She nodded and stepped away from Matt with a smile. His eyes looked soft and thoughtful, but she couldn’t stay any longer. She headed for the stage, where she would force herself to think of nothing but equations and numbers. Otherwise, she’d fall apart. Leaving Matt felt like moving away...all over again.
EIGHTEEN
It’d been a long two weeks. Matt had to endure his family pouncing on him the moment Isabelle left. “What’s wrong with you? Go after her.” It was an intervention of sorts. Though they quieted the moment he agreed they were right.
Matt had gone through the motions at work and gave his family a presentation of what he’d like to accomplish in Sand Dollar Shores. After some teasing, David and Aria offered him the position on the spot. The victory seemed hollow without being able to tell Isabelle.
He had called Isabelle’s research institute. They informed him Isabelle was taking a little time off. Understandable after everything that had happened. But she’d be returning to work as a hero. The DoD had fast-tracked her proposal, so her research was now fully funded without needing any help from Struther or Allen.
Uncle Hank had mercy on him the fifth time he’d called, though, and gave him Isabelle’s phone number.
Matt had tried calling, but she hadn’t picked up. He’d tried texting, but she always sent back short replies. When he gave her congratulations for the funding, she texted back, Thx. He messaged her that she was right about being up front with his brother about what he wanted. She merely replied, I’m glad.
So as Matt stood in the parking lot of Hayden Research Station, he had no idea how his arrival would be received. His insides shook a little. He normally only did things when he felt sure he knew the outcome. Laying down his pride was harder than he thought it’d be.
The wind carried the sound of the ocean waves crashing against the shore. The soothing smell of the salt air emboldened him. Hank had passed along her schedule for the day, so Matt knew she would be about to lead a classroom among the tide pools. He’d even asked the teacher if she could wait for a few minutes, and she’d agreed. It was now or never.
He pulled the front door open and walked past the front aquarium into the laboratory. Isabelle stood next to the wall of windows, the ocean view at her back. The sun highlighted her dark hair with its many highlights. She wore a lab coat over a periwinkle blouse and navy-blue skirt. His chest constricted. Even after two weeks apart, he knew without a doubt he loved her with all his heart.
Her blue eyes lifted, and her mouth gaped. “Matt? What are you
doing here?”
He gulped and attempted to flash a charming smile. “I heard you had a crush on someone.”
Her face fell. “Matt—”
Okay, probably not the best way to start. He took a step forward. “I told this Matt guy he needed to know a few things about you.”
Her eyebrows lifted and her right hand flew to her chest. “If you think this is funny—” She shook her head. “I don’t have time for this. I have a school group.”
This was all going so wrong. In his head it was romantic, but this wasn’t how it was supposed to play out. “Isabelle, let me fin—”
“I have to go.” She darted out the back door. Through the glass walls, he could see the children look up and form a line. His plan was falling apart. He just hoped she’d hear him out. He ran back out the front door and around the building.
* * *
Isabelle’s throat constricted. How was she supposed to teach the group about tide pools when her eyes were blurry with tears? She blinked them back. Why was Matt even here? To make sure their friendship was okay? Because if he thought he could joke about her declaration so soon...
She swallowed and did a double take. Why had the children formed a line? Their teacher was at the far end, closest to some of the big monolith rocks, and she was smiling. Maybe the teacher thought this was what Isabelle wanted from the class?
Apparently the teacher didn’t get the email she’d sent about what to expect on the field trip. Isabelle smiled at the students and took a step forward. The first child pulled a rose from behind his back and handed it to her.
She faltered. “Oh. Wow. Uh...thank you.” She took another step forward, and the second child pulled a rose from behind her back. Isabelle’s heart raced. Down the line, all the children had their hands behind their backs and beamed with expectant grins and giggles. What was going on?
As she walked slowly, closer and closer to the ocean, each child handed her a rose. The smell of salt water mixed with the heady scent of roses was delicious. The bouquet grew to almost two dozen flowers. Isabelle reached the teacher, who smiled and pointed over Isabelle’s shoulder.
Matt stepped around the monolith rock, his eyes downcast.
“Matt?” She turned back to the children. The teacher had ushered them back into a group.
“I’m sorry I upset you, Isabelle.” His voice sounded strained. “It’s going to sound silly now, but I had it all planned out. Please let me finish, and then if you want me to stop and leave, I will.”
She tilted her head but remained silent.
“I wanted to tell you that I warned this Matt guy about you. I told him how intense you were...the kind of intensity that inspires you to be the best you can be. She has this way of questioning everything...a love of discovery and learning that’s contagious.”
She sucked in a breath. He was repeating everything he’d said to Randy all those years ago, except listing all the positive aspects.
“And she’s stubborn...the kind of determination and loyalty and perseverance that is so rare to find in a person. And so intelligent and brilliant, yet open-minded and humble enough never to look down on anyone else.
“The thing is,” Matt went on, “it didn’t matter what I said to him. The moment he opened his heart, he was a goner. He’d never be able to get her out of his mind.” He took a step forward. “Do you still want me to stop?” he whispered.
“I might let you go on,” she murmured. “Only if you promise to stop talking about yourself in the third person.”
He beamed. “I don’t have a crush on you,” Matt said. “It goes way beyond that, Isabelle. I love you.” His words came out fast, in a rush. He lifted his eyes, questioning.
She blinked. He really didn’t know? “I love you, Matthew.”
His hands caressed her cheek as he leaned forward and kissed her.
She tilted her chin to stare into his eyes. “But if you felt that way about me, then why—”
“When you told me you wanted to give us a shot, I was too scared I’d mess things up. I wasn’t sure how to answer until I figured some things out.”
There was giggling in the background and what sounded like splashing. Matt stepped back. “This didn’t really go as planned,” he said apologetically.
Isabelle followed his gaze as four kayaks glided into view. The boats fought the waves to get in a line. Isabelle squinted. “Are those your brothers?”
“And my dad.” Matt gave a sheepish grin.
The men held up signs with one hand as their boats were carried by the waves toward them. Isabelle tried to read the bobbing signs. “‘You Will Marry Me’?”
“Ah, no.” He slapped his forehead. “David and Luke got out of order.”
His words barely registered. She turned back to Matt. He lowered himself down on one knee.
“Isabelle Barrows, I know this is fast, but I also know no matter how long I need to wait, you are the only woman for me.”
Stunned, she studied his face. The vulnerability and uncertainty were written in his eyes. He was risking his pride to tell her what he wanted. Her heart swelled.
“Will you make me the happiest man on earth and be my wife...eventually? Whenever you’re ready?”
She laughed. “Oh, I’m ready.” She fought the swelling of her throat and nodded. “Yes. Yes, I will marry you.”
He jumped up and grabbed her by the waist. The roses slipped from her hands, swirling around her as he spun her in the air and pulled her into his arms. His lips met hers. She pressed into him, knowing there was nothing pretend about this kiss. The schoolchildren released a mixed chorus of disgusted groans and happy cheers.
Matt straightened and set her down as Mrs. McGuire, Rachel, Gabriella and Aria ran out from behind other distant rocks. The kayaks slid onto shore as the men also rushed to join them.
James swooped one of the twins in his arms as Rachel picked up the other. “She going to be our new aunt, huh?” The twins both nodded at the same time.
Isabelle laughed. “Yes. I would love to be your new aunt.”
Aria hugged her. “Be careful what you say. There are future nieces and nephews to come.”
Isabelle laughed and embraced everyone but had no words. She was too happy.
Aria threw a thumb over her shoulder at the group of kids. “David and I have been tide-pool guides a few times. Do you mind if we take this one?”
Isabelle nodded, and Aria led the rest of the McGuire family away toward the class.
Isabelle couldn’t stop smiling, except then the thought of being engaged yet living so far apart began to sink in. She sighed. “Matt, I can’t leave here for a few years. I signed a contract. I was willing to do long distance, and I still am.” She frowned. “I’ll figure something out. We’ll make it work. We can do this.”
Matt tilted his head. “I think I forgot to clarify something. I don’t want to run David’s new conference center.”
“You don’t?” Traveling back and forth to San Antonio would be harder than Northern California, but it didn’t matter. Maybe she could rent an office in San Antonio and do some of her work there if—
“I want to run the one twenty minutes from here.”
Her eyes searched his. “No prank?”
He pulled her in tighter. “This is definitely no prank.” He leaned down and his lips met hers. And in his arms she knew. She was home.
* * * * *
If you enjoyed TEXAS TAKEDOWN by Heather Woodhaven, look for these other books by the author:
CALCULATED RISK
SURVIVING THE STORM
CODE OF SILENCE
COUNTDOWN
Available now from Love Inspired Suspense!
Find more great reads at www.LoveInspired.com.
Keep reading for an excerpt fr
om CRASH LANDING by Becky Avella.
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Dear Reader,
Two years ago, my husband had a work trip scheduled for San Antonio in June. As our twentieth anniversary was fast approaching, my husband’s parents agreed to come watch the children so I could take the opportunity to travel with him. It was such a blessing. I knew Matt McGuire, the final brother, had been working hard as a hotel manager somewhere, waiting for me to tell his story.
While my husband was at his conference, I explored. On the first day, I got lost in a construction area near Hemisfair Park and found myself in an underground grotto with no one around except shadows. This inspired the first chapter. Thankfully, I was in no danger.
After climbing the steps aboveground, a group of nurses attending a conference adopted me until I could get my bearings. I also wanted my characters to get some time to enjoy all the delicious food I experienced on the River Walk. Sadly, those pesky villains wouldn’t allow it. Even thinking about it makes me crave some tableside guacamole.
I’ve had a lot of good times with the McGuire family. I’m glad all four brothers got a chance to find love. I hope from here on out, they can enjoy some family time without danger following them.
I love to hear from readers. Feel free to contact me through my website, WritingHeather.com. In addition, those who subscribe to my newsletter are occasionally given opportunities to receive advance reader copies of my books.
Blessings,
Heather Woodhaven
We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense story.
You enjoy a dash of danger. Love Inspired Suspense stories feature strong heroes and heroines whose faith is central in solving mysteries and saving lives.
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