Borrowed Time
Page 23
“National Marine Dynamics will continue to operate just as it had.” Brian said. “With the exception of Barcuda’s corrupt plans, the operations there were honorable. The engineers in the Pit have advanced underwater technology to a highest level, and the Government won’t let one rogue controller ruin that productivity.” Massaging the back of his neck, he considered the young man. “What about you? Would you stay there, under those circumstances? Under Phil’s charge?”
Emily gained another level of respect for Brian. Colin’s decisions in life had come from either her parents or her. They represented a unanimous need to do what was best for him. Seeing Brian field the point blank question to her brother, she felt guilty for the past and hoped that with Brian’s help she could change the future.
Colin’s eyebrows wrinkled as he considered the subject. With a mouthful he nodded earnestly, and then swallowed and said, “Sure, I’d still work there. We’re working on this big project right now.” Enthusiasm brightened his face. “It’s a UUV, Unmanned Underwater Vehicle. You’d like this, Brian, the Navy picked up this contract. It’s for reconnaissance missions, but I’m working on fishing net evasive sensors.”
“I saw information on that project. The Navy wants to use them for surveillance too, providing they don’t get caught in the fishing nets or kelp beds.” Brian nodded. “I have no doubt you’ll find a way around those obstacles.”
Emily looked at her brother, his tawny hair matted on one side from the pillow, his blue eyes so reminiscent of their father. He looked smug, and still eager under Brian’s commendation.
“So it won’t bother you, staying there?” She inserted.
“Nah, heck, this whole adventure has been a lot of fun anyway.”
Across the table Brian and Emily raised eyebrows.
She glanced at the fourth seat at the table. “Where’s Benjamin?”
Colin shrugged. “He had other plans.”
“He’s not here?”
“Something about a State meeting he couldn’t get out of.” Colin winked at her. “Personally, I think he has a date.”
Emily sat back in her seat and marveled at her brother’s unruffled expression. Benjamin Franklin had been at his side since he was eleven years old, a companion the first time Colin had to change schools. Never once had Ben had a State meeting to attend.
What a turn of events.
To share her surprise, Emily sought Brian’s glance. It had never strayed from hers, and that notion made the temperature rise in the dining room. They stared across the table, locked in a transfer of promises. She could feel blood rise to her cheeks and her limbs grow lethargic, her hand on the spoon suddenly seeming useless.
Still Brian watched her. With his eyes he caressed her as intimately as his hands would have if they were allowed to touch her body at this moment. She grabbed a napkin to dab at her mouth, but ended up dabbing her cheeks to try and diffuse the blush she knew lingered there.
Colin looked up from his soup.
“Emmy?”
“Yeah.”
“Can I have some more soda?”
“Sure thing.” She rose clumsily, backing away from the table, unable to break that heated link till the last possible second.
As she walked away she heard Colin comment, “You know, she probably doesn’t know where the soda is. I mean this is yourhouse, you should go help her.”
“Yeah,” Brian nodded, “I probably should.”
In the archway to the kitchen, she paused and turned around.
Colin was grinning at both of them, and in his hand was a full glass of soda.
EPILOGUE
Emily fumbled with the cabinet door, her fingertips numb and useless.
“Let me get that for you.”
She felt Brian’s body mold against her back as his arm reached past hers for the handle. Her arm dropped uselessly to the sink.
“What’s the matter, Em?” He whispered in her ear, where she could feel his lips curved into a smile.
“Brian, I—” She leaned back against him, and realized that the glass, the cabinet—all had been abandoned and Brian’s hands were around her waist now, pulling her close against him.
“I don’t want to lose you.” His voice was rough. “I want you in my life, Emily.”
“I want that too, but for how long, Brian? You don’t realize, but we are so similar. Socially inept. Reclusive. And yet, we found each other.” She held onto the forearm locked across her abdomen. “I don’t want to lose you.”
Behind her she could feel Brian’s head shake. “Baby,” he whispered thickly, “you are the angel sent down to save me. You are never going to lose me. I love you.”
Before she could manage an answer, her hand was in his and Emily was whirled towards the door. The light of the dining room made her blink, and she stood disoriented in front of the table and her brother’s shrewd grin.
“No soda left.” Brian announced gruffly. “I’m taking your sister upstairs, is that alright with you?”
Colin snorted into his glass. “Yeah—yeah sure. I’m just gonna go out in the living room and catch the McGuyver marathon on TV Land.”
“Great.” Brian flashed a smoldering glance at Emily and tilted his head towards the stairs. “Shall we.”
Oh yes. “Surely.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Maureen A. Miller is the author of several romantic suspense novels, including the Golden Heart nominated, WIDOW’S TALE and the soon to be released, ENDLESS NIGHT with Carina Press, the electronic press for Harlequin.
A programmer with an overactive imagination, with the exception of her Hawaiian novel, ROGUE WAVE, you can count on Maureen to put you in the middle of a nor’easter or at the heart of a snowstorm. Either way, she will have you bundling up
For more information on Maureen A. Miller, please visit www.maureenamiller.com Other Titles by Maureen A. Miller are:
WIDOW’S TALE
ROGUE WAVE
Coming soon, ENDLESS NIGHT