He smiled at the six innocuous-looking monstrosities. Underneath that innocent layer of frosting sat a veritable confectionary landmine. There was no way either of them could take a bite and still want him to make their wedding cakes.
The pressure would be off, and he could decide what he would do with the rest of his life. He’d probably sell the shop, take the money, and… Do what?
He had no clue. But first things first. Which meant getting the word out that he couldn’t bake like his aunt Bethany, and he had no intention of re-opening Desserts du Jour.
Closing the cooler door behind him, he headed upstairs. On the bed—that he’d purchased from a local furniture shop, along with a quilt from a secondhand store—lay his black plastic case. Grabbing the box, he then headed out onto the balcony on the front of the building. For the past few days, he’d sat out on the compact, simple terrace, drinking coffee and watching the businesses of Cedar Valley awaken and open their doors.
He climbed the sturdy wrought iron ladder leading to the roof, where he’d also stashed a folding chair. After sitting in his new comfy seat, he set the box at his feet and popped the lid. There she lay. His freedom to fly.
Reaching down, he removed the simple but highly modified quadcopter, flipped the power switch, and set it on the pea gravel rooftop. He picked up the transmitter, turned it on then checked all the flight controls. Ready to take the pilot’s seat, he took a pair of first-person-view goggles out of the box and slipped them onto his head. With the FPV goggles, he could see everything the camera onboard the quadcopter saw and virtually fly the drone from the safety and comfort of his rooftop base.
Jamie manipulated the transmitter controls, and the image in the goggles showed him lifting into the air. After a few simple safety-check maneuvers, he deemed himself safe to fly and started with a high reconnaissance of Cedar Valley. He flew five hundred or so feet above the town, soaring down Main Street, the stealth equipment he’d added to his drone dampening the sound of his rotors to minor wisps. The locals and tourists on the ground never even looked up.
After several passes, he ventured lower, spotting Mr. Penny in his doorway and, farther down the street, several customers heading into the local home goods store where he’d purchased sheets, towels, and several other items he needed to round out his new apartment. Cedar Valley had turned out to be an interesting town he didn’t mind staying in while he tried to figure out what he would do next—
Hold on. He brought the drone around. The camera captured a curvy blonde walking along the sidewalk. Long, jean-clad legs ending in stiletto ankle boots ate up the concrete as she headed up Main Street, lush parts of her bouncing in all the right places. A dark-green sweater covered generous breasts, and her crown-and-glory—golden wheat-blonde hair pulled up on the sides—revealed the soft curve of her creamy neck.
She paused in front of Penny’s Greengrocer, and, unable to stop himself, he brought the drone lower, coming up behind the female who’d caught his attention, focusing on the curve of her waist and the flare of her hips. And a heart-shaped ass that made his mouth water. He shifted in his chair to relieve the sudden pressure of the boner pressing against his zipper. My, oh my. He could easily imagine grabbing onto that and pounding until they both—
Without warning, she spun toward him, Mr. Penny’s signature broom in her hands. Lifting it like a lance, she gave a quick jab. Jamie jerked backward in his seat as bristle ends rushed toward the camera.
Bam!
The quadcopter slammed into the sidewalk. Jamie attempted a recovery, but something must have gotten smashed because instead of lifting into the air to make an escape, the camera just scraped along the ground. In a jiff, blondie had his drone in her hands, shutting everything down except the camera.
She arched a thin eyebrow, her pink bow lips cocking into a half-smirk. “Gotcha.”
Shit. She’s even more gorgeous up close.
“You want your toy back?” She turned the camera away, aiming it down the sidewalk. “I’ll be having lunch at Gondola.”
He gripped the chair arm as the camera swung around toward her again.
“Can’t wait to meet you. Perv.”
The camera went dead.
Chapter Four
Lily sat at a table near the wall. She grabbed a breadstick from the basket, dipped it in marinara sauce, and took a bite. A delightful combination of tomato, garlic, and herbs mixed with the soft fresh-baked bread as she chewed. Oh wow. This is really good. She leaned on the red-and-white checkered tablecloth, rethinking the grilled chicken salad she’d ordered. If the bread was this good, a slice of pizza may have been a better choice.
She glanced at the quadcopter sitting in the chair next to her. She had no doubt who it belonged to. Sure, more than one teen probably owned one in this town, but good chance none of them could afford something this high tech. She had to keep an eye on Jamie MacKay—US Air Force drone pilot turned bakery owner—without getting into need-to-know information. So, when the opportunity presented itself, she took it. Sure, she’d damaged his flying toy a little, but if he knew why, he’d agree it was worth it. Besides, he could always repair it.
And what better way to keep an eye on him than a face-to-face meet? Once he saw her, he wouldn’t be surprised to see her around town. Hey, the guy owned a bakery. Who wouldn’t drop in for some fresh bread or pastries? A girl had to have something for breakfast, right? Which reminded her…she needed to pick up some food and supplies. She couldn’t eat out for six months straight or she’d be even bigger than she already was.
The size-two waitress brought over Lily’s grilled chicken salad and set it on the table. “Can I get you anything else?” Her gaze flicked to the bread basket. “Some more breadsticks, maybe?”
Lily glanced at the basket. Of the six breadsticks, only one remained. When had she eaten five—wait, she still held a half in her hand—four breadsticks? “Uh, no. I’m good.”
“Are you sure? They’re the house specialty.” She smiled big. “Sometimes I just have a basket of breadsticks and a soda for my lunch, they’re so good.”
Lily highly doubted this skinny Minnie ate carbs for lunch. Or ever. “This salad looks great.”
“The feta cheese is the best part. A local dairy makes it.” The waitress cocked her slim hip. “They give tours. It’s actually pretty interesting how they make the cheese. If you want to check it out, I can get you the information.”
“Sure.”
The restaurant door opened, sunlight pouring over the tile floor. Someone tall entered, and, when the door closed, the backlight vanished, revealing Jamie MacKay. Lily stared. Yeah, she may have a file on the guy, but the picture in it didn’t do him justice. Jamie MacKay was a total hottie.
The waitress whirled away and headed toward him.
No, no, no, no…. One look at the slim brunette, and Mr. MacKay would be all over that. Lily would never get to talk to him. Wait. I have an ace…his drone.
Yeah, that you destroyed, Lily.
Sacrifices had to be made.
The waitress sashayed up to him. Lily could imagine the “anything you want” smile on her fresh, wholesome face. He’d be under the woman’s spell in a blink. Damn it.
“Welcome to Gondola,” she chirped.
His sharp gaze scanned the half-full restaurant, landing on Lily. She gulped then shifted in her seat, surprised to find her panties suddenly damp—like any guy had ever had that effect on her before. And he hadn’t even spoken to her yet, just looked at her. Not that it mattered. The sexy, well-toned waitress moved to block his view.
“Would you prefer a table or booth?”
“Thanks, but I’m meeting someone.”
Lily caught her bottom lip between her teeth and bit down. Holy moly, the deep sexy timbre of his voice washed over her like a warm spring shower. What the hell, Lily? Like you’ve ever been out in a spring shower, warm or otherwise.
Jamie MacKay strode across the restaurant. Good Lord, she’d seen his pictur
e, read his file, but somehow she didn’t remember six-foot-two being so…tall. He stopped at her table and glared down at her, his bright-blue gaze pinning her where she sat. What would he do if she reached up and ran her fingers through his cropped black hair? Or nibbled on his lightly scruffed jaw? Or kissed chiseled lips—
“I’m here.” His deep voice rumbled through her.
She blinked up at him. “Yes.” Gawd, did that breathy response come from me?
“So are you gonna give it to me or not?”
My damp panties? My naked body? “W-what?”
His dark eyebrows scrunched low as he narrowed his eyes until only glints of brilliant-blue topaz stared at her through the thickest lashes she’d ever seen. Any woman would kill for lashes like those. “My drone.”
She glanced at the craft in the chair next her then at the half-eaten breadstick she still clutched. Drop the bread, Lily. You look like a moron. She set the stick on the small plate to the side then grabbed her napkin and wiped off her hands. Good gosh, girl. Pull it together. It’s not like he’s the first handsome man you’ve ever encountered. “Your drone.”
“The one you knocked out of the air and stole from me.”
Her gaze shot to his. “Stole? I didn’t steal your drone.”
He took two steps to the side and pointed. “So you’re saying that drone sitting there is yours?”
“No.” Anger swirled, hot in her gut. She jumped to her feet and snatched the large craft from the chair. “Here.”
Not anticipating the size or weight, she bobbled the drone, and it tipped, slipping from her grip. He lurched forward, catching it before it smashed to the floor. Again.
“Do you have any idea how expensive this is?” he growled.
She glanced around. Several people were glancing in their direction. Not wanting to draw any trouble, she lowered her voice. “I have no idea.”
“Of course you don’t. Anyone who did wouldn’t have batted it down with a broom.”
An indignant squeak erupted from her throat. “Anyone who did wouldn’t have been flying it around invading people’s privacy.”
He lifted the drone, examining it. “Isn’t that what you do with your broom?” he grumbled.
“What?”
“Fly around, invading people’s privacy.” He shook his head. “Gah. Two of the propellers are broken. And this gear is obviously stripped.”
She set her hands on her hips. “Well, any normal guy would’ve just walked up and said hi. If you hadn’t been stalking me with that thing—”
His head shot up, bright blues wide. “Stalking? I wasn’t—”
“Of course you were. Flying low like that? Pft.” She rolled her eyes. “You should buy me lunch for restitution.” Whoa, bold move there, Lily.
“Restitution?” He raised an eyebrow. “For what?”
“Emotional damage.”
The corner of his mouth quirked then he chuckled. “Right.”
“Well, I’m glad we’re in agreement.” She picked up her napkin and sat in her chair.
“Not today.”
“Of course not.”
He glanced at his watch.
“What? Do you have a date?” she quipped.
“As a matter of fact, I do.” He gave her a grin that had all her lady parts tingling. “I gotta go.” He turned and headed for the door.
“Wha... I…”
The waitress pranced after him. “Come back again soon.”
He didn’t look back, just lifted a hand and waved once as he pushed outside, sunlight rushing around him to get through the opening. And then he was gone. Lily stared at the heavy dark-stained door with its crimson, navy, and gold stained-glass panel.
That went well. She snatched up the partial breadstick. Okay. Not as well as I’d hoped. But he’s seen me, so he shouldn’t be surprised to see me again. This town’s not that big. She bit the bread, which somehow didn’t taste as good as it had a few minutes ago, and chewed. And he said, ‘Not today.’ Does that mean he’ll buy me lunch later?
She bit off more bread. Why does it matter, Lily? You’ve made contact, so he shouldn’t be suspicious of you.
Wait…who is this woman he’s meeting for a date at—she peered down at her watch—two fifty in the afternoon? What an odd time to go out, and on a Wednesday. She stuffed the rest of the bread in her mouth. I should check this out. The NCTC doesn’t know who the terrorist is that made it across the border. Could have been a woman.
She tossed a twenty on the table and left the restaurant. Outside, she hurried down the sidewalk, worried she may have crashed the op and Jamie MacKay was already in trouble.
She rushed past Penny’s Greengrocer where the drone incident had taken place then paused at the corner to let a car pass before she crossed the side street. On the other side, she slowed her pace. What was wrong with her? Why did it matter if he had a date or not. A girlfriend. A fiancée. A wife.
Because it hadn’t been in the file. And if he’d been engaged or married, it would’ve been listed. A girlfriend? Maybe not. But he’d only been in Cedar Valley a little under two weeks.
So what? The guy can’t find a date in a couple weeks?
She stopped several yards away from the bright-red awning marking the bakery’s location. Just seems a little quick.
Yeah. Keep telling yourself that, Lily. You were ready to jump him at the restaurant.
A dark-green Jeep pulled to the curb, and two leggy brunettes got out. Crossing the sidewalk, they hurried inside the bakery. Lily moved to the edge of the immense glass window and peeked inside.
The girls clung to him, kissing his cheeks.
She turned away, setting her shoulders against the brick wall. So, there ya go. A ménage à trois. And why not? He was certainly good-looking enough to attract two women for a little afternoon playtime.
She shook her head then turned the way she’d just come. She had plenty of time to drop by the corner store, buy some munchies, and get her rental. She would park across the street for an afternoon and evening of surveillance. Not that there’ll be much to surveil. God, I hope he keeps his blinds closed.
Throwing her shoulders back, she marched down the sidewalk, clueless as to why she cared what Jamie MacKay did or didn’t do. She’d been hired to protect him from a terrorist who may or may not ever come to Cedar Valley. And protect him she would.
Her cell phone buzzed, and she pulled it from her pocket and answered after a quick glance at the screen showed The Omega Team’s crack computer ace was on the line. At last.
“Hey, Jacquie. Tell me you’ve found something.
Chapter Five
Jamie set the tray of six icing-swathed cakelettes on the folding table he’d found in one of the storage closets and set up in the customer portion of the store. He didn’t bother with a tablecloth or anything, not wanting to make the cake tasting too nice or give any indication he was a professional baker, which he most definitely wasn’t. After twelve years with the Air Force, shuttling from the US and around the world, he figured the table pretty much reflected his personality—sturdy, reliable, but not permanent.
After accosting him with hugs and kisses on entering the shop, his cousins, Kat and Brigit, now stared at the oblong white porcelain tray between them. Eyes wide, they oohed and ahhed with glee.
“These look wonderful!” Kat licked her lips.
“Yes, they really do!” Brigit chimed.
“Just wait till you taste them.” Inside, he chuckled.
The half dozen rectangular sweets he’d lined up like good soldiers looked pretty good on the outside, he supposed. But, beneath that thick layer of canned icing, he’d made the most un-wedding-like cakes he could come up with.
After each sat in a metal folding chair—found in the same storage closet as the table—his cousins picked up their respective forks and dug into cakelette number one. Any second now, one of them would gag and spit the concoction out on the napkin he’d provided each of them. Then they’d gulp do
wn the glass of water he’d set at each place to “clean your palate between tastings.” He stood at parade rest, waiting for the inevitable.
Their eyes closed. Their brows furrowed. He fought not to laugh.
“Holy cow!” Kat opened her eyes.
“Goodness!” Brigit set her fork down and eyed the confectionary bomb they’d just bitten into.
“I’ve never tasted anything like it.” The older cousin looked at her sister.
Brigit grinned. “I know, right?” She lifted her gaze to him. “Did you put peanut butter in there?”
“Yes. I’m sorry, guys.” He reached to remove the plate, figuring the cake tasting had officially ended. “I know I don’t compare to Aunt Bethany.”
“You’re right about not comparing.” His younger cousin picked up her fork and took another bite.
“We love love loved your Bethany’s cakes and pastries and pies,” Kat filled in while her sister chewed, “but this?” She gestured toward the plate.
“Honey.” Brigit beamed. “He used honey in the cake filling, too.” She reached for another bite.
Kat slapped her hand. “We’ve got five more to try. Don’t fill up on the first one. If you go at it like this, you won’t fit into your wedding gown.”
Horror swept Brigit’s face. “Oh, right.” She set down her fork and picked up the water.
Kat drank some water then returned her glass to the table. “Okay. Cake number one is carrot cake with a peanut butter-honey filling and covered in yummy cream cheese icing.”
The Omega Team: Lethal Intent (Kindle Worlds Novella) (MacKay Destiny Book 7) Page 3