by Lea Hart
***
“Grady, breakfast is ready.” She took the toast out, buttered it and then placed it on the plates.
“Thanks, honey. We could’ve gone out to eat.”
“I wanted to cook, so sit down and eat while it’s still hot.” She waited for him to sit and then poured them each a cup of coffee. “Do you want juice?”
“Sure. Let me get it.”
“Eat, please. I’ll get it.” She kissed his head and then poured him a big glass of juice.
“I like the way you’re taking care of me. It makes me think that you like me.”
She settled into her chair and took a sip of coffee. “Oh, I like you all right. I have a lot of feelings that I’m not sure what to do with.” Staring at him over the rim of her cup, she smiled. “The connection that I’m starting to feel is dangerous and scary.”
His big hand covered hers, and he waited until she looked him in the eye. “We are in this together. I’m scared out of my mind because I’m falling for you. It’s only been a couple of weeks, and I want to bind you to me permanently.”
His words made her heart squeeze painfully in her chest. Was it possible that a man as good as Grady was falling for her? “Really?”
“Honey, I’m not a person who lives by half measures. I see something that I want and I go for it. I put everything I have into it. So this is never going to be a casual thing. I’m not interested in something that keeps me warm. I want something that will burn me up and consume me. You are the person that I want, and I will never be satisfied with anything less than all of you. Are you in?”
Taking a deep breath, she gazed into his eyes and responded, “I’m scared out of my mind, but I’m in.”
Leaning forward, he kissed her gently. “Finally.”
“What do you mean…finally?”
“You are mine and I am yours and we are together.”
“Oh…that’s what you want? Having the mafia after me doesn’t give you pause?”
“No. We’re going to figure out how to neutralize them. It’s not something that I’ve ever done before, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t come up with a plan. I have a brotherhood that is excellent at thinking outside the box and coming up with solutions to difficult situations. I’ve got a lot of guys thinking about this, so don’t worry, honey. I’ve got us covered.”
“You make it sound so easy, and it’s not.”
“I don’t expect easy, never had it in my job, and I have no reason to believe that’s ever going to change.” He pushed her plate toward her. “Eat. You have a big day today, and you need your energy.”
Smiling faintly, she took a bite of the omelet she had made. How he could think all of the threats against her were no big deal was beyond her. The FBI hadn’t been able to end them. Why was he so confident? She was about to say something when he held up his hand.
“We are together, and this is how it’s going to be.”
“That seems sort of dictatorial. What happened to asking me what I want?”
“You can be in charge of a lot, but not this. I won’t compromise on your safety, so save yourself a lot of grief and just agree.”
“Fine.”
He patted her hand and began eating again. “I know you’re not happy, but I can live with that. I can’t live with something happening to you.”
“Fine.”
“Why do I suddenly hate that word?”
“Because you’re a smart man and understand that when I say it, I don’t really mean it. But. I’m going along to get along.”
“Sounds good to me.”
All she could do was laugh. He was an indomitable force, and there were some things that were not worth fighting. This seemed to be one of them. “I’m going to get ready for my meetings. I have no idea what to wear to this thing. I have a feeling that I’m not cool enough to show up at Comic-Con.”
“What do you know about the convention?”
“Only what I’ve seen on TV. A lot of people dress up to attend, because it’s a fan and trade convention. Top Shelf and Ardden Entertainment are considered top dogs in the graphic novel game, and it’s hard to believe they want to meet with me.”
“You are an award-winning illustrator with an amazing track record. They would be lucky to have you.”
“They don’t know me by my real name. I published the first graphic novel under a pen name. I didn’t want to draw any attention by using my real name. I used the fake identity that Sam set up for me so I would remain under the radar.”
“So they don’t know anything about your children’s books?”
“No. As far as they’re concerned, they are meeting with Sabal Rowen.”
“Are you going to inform them that’s your pen name or are you going to tell them your real name?”
“I haven’t decided yet. I thought I would meet with them and get a feel for who they are and what they want, and then I could make a decision. The last thing I need is my name all over the internet.”
“Seems like a good choice for now. But I’ve been wondering if it wouldn’t make sense to start talking about the threat against you. When I spoke with Sam, I brought it up, and he wasn’t completely opposed to the idea. There may be some value to getting the word out that the Outfit is after you. It will make it harder for them to get away with anything if a lot of people know you’re under threat.”
“So, it’s the exact opposite of what I’ve been doing for the last year.”
“Yes. The only way it works is if you have protection, and you do. When we get back to Miami, I’m going to meet with Sam. Who knows? You may be free of this a lot sooner than you think.”
Standing, she walked over and hugged him. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure, Sabal Rowen.”
“Just think—you get two women for the price of one.”
“I’ll just take Sara. You’re more than enough for me.”
“Good answer.”
***
Sara held Grady’s hand as they walked out of the convention center. The breeze picked up, and her dress flew around her knees. Holding it down, she tried to hold on to her portfolio.
“Let me hold that. I don’t want anyone seeing those sexy legs of yours.” He slipped the large case out of her arm and smiled.
“That’s sweet, but nobody is looking at us. I’ve never felt more out of place than I did in there.”
“Was it because we left our costumes at home?”
“No. It’s because we left our snotty attitude at home. Everyone was so busy acting cool and unaffected that they forgot to act professionally. The guy from Top Shelf practically sneered at me when we arrived.”
“Honey, he just didn’t know what to do when a beautiful, talented woman showed up. He was clearly intimidated, so he acted like an ass. Maybe having me stand behind you didn’t help.”
“I’m happy you were with me. I probably would’ve turned around and walked out if I didn’t have you there. Before he said two words to me, he was dragging his eyes over me, and it felt disgusting.” She smoothed down her dress and shook her head. “This is my good luck dress, and it’s perfectly appropriate for business meetings. I could tell by the way he spoke to me that he wasn’t someone I wanted to work with.
“I enjoyed his reaction when I told him that you were part of my security detail. The way he kept looking at you was hilarious. It was as though he expected you to jump up and start knocking heads.”
“Yeah, I might’ve mean mugged him. I’ve been told that I’m scary looking, so it makes sense.”
Snickering, she squeezed his hand. “It was pretty funny to watch him look up at you and visibly shrink. His hipster façade seemed to slip after he got a good look at you.”
“Not the first time that’s happened.”
“And not the last.”
They walked to the parking garage and claimed the car from the valet. Once they were inside, Sara sighed. “I don’t know about this whole graphic novel business. It may not be for me.”
They pulled out of the parking garage, and Grady turned left. “I’m going to take you to lunch and buy you a margarita. You deserve one after those two meetings.”
“You’re a good partner, Grady. Thank you for coming with me and having my back. I can’t tell you how much it means to me.”
“Always.”
“I’m going to continue to self-publish for now, because I don’t see myself having a career in this genre long-term.”
They drove toward the shops and restaurants that were next to the water. The sun warmed the inside of the car as they made their way down the street. “An idea started to form last night when I was holding Maddy. I haven’t had any in such a long time, but holding that sweet girl gave me some inspiration.”
“Mark and Birdie sure made a cute kid, and she’s a firecracker too,” Grady said, as he turned in to the parking lot. “Not surprising, though. Look at her parents. The kid didn’t have a chance.”
“I really like them. You can see how much they love one another and how much their family means to them.”
“Maybe we can have that someday.”
Her eyes flew to his, and she wondered if she’d heard him correctly. She watched him turn off the engine and flash a smile in her direction. “Well…”
“Don’t get scared. I can see you working on all the reasons why it isn’t possible.” He stepped out of the car and came around to open her door. When he helped her out, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her head. “I’m not saying it’s going to happen next week. But soon.”
Pressing her face into his chest, she breathed him in. Maybe it was time to dream again. Having a man like him certainly made it seem possible. “I think I may need two margaritas.”
“I see my idea is sitting well with you.” He leaned back and grinned. “Milk and cookies, Sara. We go together.”
“How about margarita and chips?”
He tugged her hand and led her in the direction of the restaurants. “Sure, honey. Whatever you want.”
She had a feeling that he was going to agree with whatever she said and then do what he wanted. Which seemed to be binding them together. As they entered the restaurant, she tried to think of some good arguments. And…couldn’t.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
One Week Later
Grady walked down the hall and stopped when he heard Joel call out, “Do you have a couple of minutes?”
He leaned against the doorframe. “Sure. I took a look at the warehouse with the real estate agent. It’s across from the airfield where we keep the plane and the helo. It has potential, so I’m going to show it to Ivy when she gets here next week.”
“Come in and sit down. Let’s catch up.”
Grady strolled in and noticed a couple of stuffed animals on the couch. “Did the family just leave?”
Joel glanced at the couch and laughed. “No, they haven’t been here today. Those damned stuffed animals are everywhere. I swear they procreate. No matter how many times they get put away, they find a way out.”
“Interesting theory. Have you shared it with anyone else?”
“Of course. But Vivi doesn’t agree with me. She thinks it’s the little teething toys that procreate. Anyway, whatever it is, they cover every surface in the house and car. I’ve given up, and I’m embracing the chaos. It’s the only way I’m going to survive.”
“Sounds like a wise move.” Tilting back, Grady crossed his arms behind his head. “I remember when you were a lonely bachelor living in a neat house and grumpy as shit. Now you’re happy and living the middle of a loud, happy family.”
“Wouldn’t want it any other way.”
“When we were in San Diego, we had dinner with Max and his family. His house looks a lot like yours.”
“Twins will do that. There’s about thirty minutes every day when everything is quiet and it doesn’t look like a hurricane hit our house.” A wicked grin crossed his face. “Then I go home for nap time and it stops.”
Grady put his hands up and shook his head. “Don’t need to hear about what you and Vivi do in the afternoon.”
“Wasn’t going to tell you.” Joel laughed. “The reason that I wanted to talk to you is that I would like to hire a few more people. We now have two contracts with refineries in South America, and I think several more are about to be signed. I can’t send Travis because his wedding is coming up next month, so he’s out. Lance and Harris are already set to go to Bolivia. Dane and Kyle can go, but that leaves us very thin here for two months.”
“I have a buddy who left the Teams about two months ago, and I’ll give him a call. I don’t know what his plans are, but maybe I can talk him into joining us.”
“Which team was he on?”
“Team Two. He’s still in Virginia, so it may not be hard to talk him into coming down.”
“Give him a call and invite for a visit. Let’s see if we can get him interested. He can stay with us, but I’m not sure if that would help or hurt.”
“I’ll get a hold of him and he can stay at my house. I’m practically living with Sara, so my house is empty most of the time.”
“Let me know what happens.”
Grady stood and stretched. “Will do.”
“Any updates on the threat against Sara? Have the folks in Chicago made any moves?”
“No. It’s freaking frustrating. I want to go up there and ask for a meeting, but Sam says all that will do is piss them off. I hate sitting around waiting. It goes against every instinct I have.”
“Any leads on what they’re looking for?”
“No. Sara only has a locket her father gave her. The FBI took a look at it, and they have no reason to believe that it’s anything more than a family heirloom.”
“We should send it to Lucky in the Chicago office. She’s a master at discovering information.”
“I’ll talk to Sara and see if she agrees. I don’t think it has any sentimental value, and she’s more interested in ending this.”
“So, how serious are you about this woman?’
“As serious as it gets.”
“Congratulations. Nothing better than marriage, kids, and random stuffed animals.”
“I can see that. It’s not something that I ever thought I would be interested in. Then I met Sara and everything changed.”
“That’s how it works. It took me a while to accept what I knew from the moment I met Viv. But once I did, there was nothing that was going to stop me.”
“I just need to get rid of some mafia, and then I can move forward with my plan.”
“Piece of cake, brother.”
Grady nodded and then walked out. He wanted nothing more than to solve the problem. It was just a matter of how it was going to be accomplished.
***
Grady walked into the house and saw Gladys, Agnes, and Rose from down the street sitting at the kitchen table. Sara had been right about the women resembling a basket of Easter eggs. Agnes had orange hair, Gladys was sporting a strange shade of lavender, and Rose wore her blue hair with confidence. If the graphic novel thing didn’t work out, she might have a future as a colorist. “Evening, ladies.”
They all looked up and smiled. Sara stood and walked toward him. “Hi, honey. We’re playing mah-jongg. Well, the three of them are playing, and I’m trying to learn.”
Gladys got up, grabbed the pitcher, and refilled everyone’s drinks. “It’s slow going, but we’re not going to give up.”
“We might,” Agnes mumbled. “I’m not sure if this is your game, Sara.”
Sara wrapped her arm around Grady’s waist and laughed. “I suck. No way around it.”
Rose patted her hair and took a healthy sip of her drink. “You can’t be good at everything. The fact that you color hair beautifully and make a mean margarita is more than enough. This game is for old ladies with not much else to do.” Smiling coyly at Grady, she winked. “That man standing next to you must give you plenty to do.”
“On that note,” Grady said,
“I’m going to change and then do my run.”
“Are we scaring you?” Sara asked sweetly.
“No, but I know when it’s time to get out.”
“It’s hot out there, Grady. Feel free to go without a shirt,” Agnes called from her place at the table.
“And maybe you should take a swim after. It’s important to cool off after exercise,” Rose added.
Sara laughed and then covered her mouth. “Ladies, quit trying to get my boyfriend to take his clothes off.”
“Why would we quit? We’re old, and we have to get while the getting is good. And Grady is the good that we want to look at. We may all die tomorrow, and this could be our last chance to ogle a sexy man,” Gladys said.
Sara released Grady. “Run while you can.”
“How much tequila did you put in those margaritas?”
“Clearly, too much,” Sara answered.
“As much fun as this has been, I’m going to head out.” Leaning over, he kissed Sara. “Call me when the coast is clear.”
“Okay. I’ll make some dinner in a bit and then give you a call.”
He gave her one more kiss and then waved to the ladies. “See you later.”
As he walked out the door, all the ladies sighed. Sara shook her head as she took her seat at the table. “You made him feel like a piece of meat. Shame on you.”
“We did no such thing.” Rose said. “He doesn’t pay any attention to us.”
“Is he as good as we imagine?” Agnes asked.
Sara glanced out the window and saw Grady walk across the lawn. “Better.”
Gladys moved the tiles around and nodded. “You should keep him, because I don’t think there’s a better man out there.”
“I agree.” Sara straightened the tiles in front of her and shrugged. “I think that I’ve fallen for him.”
Rose patted her hand and gave her a sympathetic smile. “You have. I can see the way you look at him, and it reminds me of the way I look at my Seymour. We’ve been together for over fifty years, and sometimes I feel the same tingles I did when we first met.”
“Don’t worry. He feels the same way about you,” Gladys added.