Agent by Her Side

by Deborah Fletcher Mello

  A round of “yes, sirs” responded back.

  Cooper headed back up the steps, following behind Claire who led the way.

  “We’ll get him. I’ll make sure they go through this house with a fine-tooth comb,” she was saying. “I’ll keep you updated.”

  “I appreciate that. I hate we didn’t get him this time.”

  “You know how this goes, Cooper. Sometimes it takes the extra effort for us to get to the rewards.”

  Cooper nodded. “I appreciate you, Agent Miller.”

  She smiled. “Your ride’s waiting for you. Tell Kiely I said hello.”

  * * *

  Cooper dozed lightly as a junior agent drove him back to the safe house. What he hadn’t gotten was a lot of sleep the night before and the memories of why had him grinning from ear to ear. Making love to Kiely had been an unexpected blessing and they’d made love multiple times before the sun rose. She’d been sound asleep when the car and driver had arrived to pick him up for his morning meeting with the mayor. Watching her he hadn’t wanted to leave and now he was excited to get back to her and Alfie.

  Making love to her had confirmed that she had his heart on lock. He couldn’t begin to imagine what it might be like to not have her in his life and all he wanted to think about was what their future would look like. Between their sexual escapades they had talked about their dreams, their aspirations and their fears. He’d shared things with Kiely that he had never shared with anyone.

  Kiely knew he was petrified of failing his son. Kiely knew he wanted to be a better man for Alfie than his own father had been for him. Kiely knew he struggled with balancing work and family. Kiely knew his heart more than anybody else. He had allowed himself to be vulnerable and he had let her in. The entire experience had been transformative, and the loneliness he had often felt was gone.

  Kiely’s fears mirrored his own. She’d told him that she worried about not being able to make true connections. She was afraid of the walls that she placed in relationships and around her heart. Kiely was scared that pushing people away would leave her alone in her old age. And Kiely had opened up and shared those fears with him. Kiely had let him into her heart and her head, trusting him with her secrets and her body.

  Cooper had one regret. He had not shared the depths of what he was feeling. He hadn’t been able to say those three words. They had vibrated loudly in his head, but he hadn’t been able to speak them out loud. He found himself excited at the prospect of telling Kiely that he loved her.

  When the car pulled into the driveway, Cooper barely said his goodbyes before jumping out and racing to the front door. He gave the agent a quick wave of his hand and moved inside, locking the door securely behind him.

  “Daddy’s home!” he yelled.

  “Daddy’s home!” Kiely responded as she and Alfie came to greet him.

  Alfie clapped his hands excitedly. “Dad-dy! Dad-dy! Alfie played outside. And me painted a picture. Then me cooked dinner with my Ki-Ki!” He took a breath and laughed, tossing up his hands gleefully.

  Cooper scooped the child up into his arms. “Oh my! It sounds like you and Kiely had a day!”

  Kiely pressed her palm to his chest and reached to kiss his lips. “How was your day?”

  “It wasn’t nearly as eventful as your day sounds.”

  “We had a great day. Are you hungry?”

  Cooper nodded. “I am but I thought I would give you a break and spend some time with Alfie before we put him down to bed.”

  Kiely smiled. “He’s missed you.”

  “Did you miss me?”

  She kissed him again. “As soon as Alfie goes to sleep, I’ll show you how much I missed you!”

  * * *

  Alfie toddled happily around the small bedroom showing Cooper the toys that he was most enamored with. The two chattered like old men, mumbling nonsensically and laughing at everything. It wasn’t lost on Cooper that times like this with his son were priceless and he had missed too many hours consumed by a case when he should have been focused on his child. He promised Alfie to do better. It was barely thirty minutes later when the little boy fell asleep in his lap. They had been reading Alfie’s favorite book for the fourth time.

  After tucking him in his bed, Cooper moved to the master bedroom to grab a quick shower. By the time he finished, changing into sweats and a T-shirt, Kiely was putting their dinner on the table.

  “Something smells really good,” he said.

  “Lasagna with ground sausage and turkey and my mother’s marinara sauce.”

  “You really love to cook, don’t you?”

  “I do,” Kiely answered. “More than I realized.”

  She stood in the kitchen tossing a salad in a wooden salad bowl. Cooper eased behind her and kissed her neck. She turned her head to meet his lips, his mouth lingering against hers. Fighting the urge to lay her across the kitchen counter and cover every inch of his maleness with the softness of her femininity, Cooper found himself struggling to maintain some self-control. He turned his back to her, reaching for a glass out of the cupboard to hide the rise of his erection.

  “How did your meeting with the mayor go?” Kiely questioned, seeming oblivious to his situation.

  Cooper shrugged, his shoulders jutting toward the ceiling. “He’s not happy and he wants to make sure no one else is either. I was able to talk him out of a press conference though.”

  “I thought you would have been back earlier.”

  “I stopped by the office and then I went on a raid,” he said, avoiding her eyes as the words came out of his mouth.

  “Really, Cooper? Didn’t the doctor tell you to stay out of the field for six weeks?”

  “We got a tip on Landon Street. I couldn’t let that go. You would have done the same thing.”

  “Yeah, I probably would have.” She nodded. “So, anything come of it?”

  “No, it was a bust. He wasn’t there. But he had been there and he’d set up a lab. We’re trying to figure out now what he was up to.”

  “I spoke to Sadie this morning.”

  “How’s she doing?”

  “She’s sad. And she’s still having a hard time believing that Tate’s a criminal.”

  “I’m sorry about that.”

  “She’ll be fine. Sadie’s a smart woman. She has always dealt in fact. The evidence against him is substantial and she’s been reading through it all.”

  Cooper nodded. “We’ll find him, too.” He finished the last bite of his lasagna. “Dinner was very good,” he said.

  “Dessert will be better.”

  “Should I even ask?”

  They talked for some time, comparing notes and catching up. Cooper was fully engaged when Kiely shared Alfie’s accomplishments. His son was becoming quite the acrobatic daredevil, climbing trees without a care in the world.

  When the meal was done, he pointed her in the direction of the living room. “I’ll do the dishes, you take a break.”

  “Are you sure?”

  Cooper nodded. “I’ve got this.”

  Minutes later Kiely lay with her eyes closed, her relaxed body sprawled against the sectional cushions in wild abandon. Thoughts of Cooper danced behind her eyes. Her full breasts pushed against the cotton fabric of her silky T-shirt, and the slight curve of her buttocks peeked past the hemline of the matching shorts she wore.

  Moving into the room Cooper stopped to watch her. He was enamored with the harmony that shadowed her expression. He took a deep breath and inhaled her beauty. Kiely was breathtaking and Cooper was suddenly consumed by the heat that rushed from one end of his body to the other. He shivered with longing, scarcely able to restrain himself. Her name caught in his throat as he whispered it into the warm air, the lilt of it resonating throughout the room.

  Kiely rose up onto her elbows meeting his gaze. It suddenly felt like he’d lit
a fire within her, causing her to melt like butter. She could feel the swell of her breathing mirroring his own, could feel herself beginning to perspire as she stared up at Cooper. Tiny beads of moisture were forming in the valley between her breasts and she was fearful that she might break out into a full sweat. Cooper crawled over her, hovering easily above the length of her body. The moment felt unreal, like a sweet dream that had blossomed from many years of fantasy. His lips skated across hers, his tongue anxious and probing. Heat pulsed with a vengeance through her most private place.

  Pressing her palms to Cooper’s chest, Kiely followed as he eased her back against the sofa, reclining his weight against her. The reality of the promises they had made to each other, his heart in exchange for hers, suddenly filled her abundantly. Kiely wrapped her arms around him, her hands racing the length of his broad back. His skin was warm, the rising heat of his body simmering beneath her fingertips.

  Cooper whispered her name against her skin, blowing promises with every kiss that touched her. His caresses were like feathery lashes against her skin and made her nerve endings tingle with anticipation. He suddenly sat back on his haunches, lifting the bulk of his weight from her as he stared down into the depths of her eyes. She could feel his heart beating in perfect sync with hers. Her breathing was static, desire desperate for oxygen. Kiely pulled her hands through her hair, her back arching ever so slightly. His lips searched the length of her neck, probing at the lobe of her ear before falling back to her mouth.

  He undressed her slowly, pulling at her top, and she lifted her arms high above her head. The feel of his hands as he reached to cup her breasts, his palms dancing across the hardened nipples, flooded her body with sensation. His touch fired energy in the top of her head straight down to her curled toes. When his mouth followed where his hands had led, it left her breathless. Cooper was in full control as he guided her in an erotic two-step across the cushions.

  Cooper tasted every square inch of her body with his own. It was pleasure beyond his wildest imagination. Kiely was completely lost in the ecstasy, sensual pleasure like a trusted tour guide. Savoring the enormity of the moment, both knew they had reached a point of no return.

  “I love you,” Cooper whispered into her ear as they climaxed together. “I love you, Kiely Colton.”

  Kiely whispered back, “I love you, too.”

  * * *

  Kiely felt rested even though she had only gotten a few hours of sleep. She eased her body from the bed, taking care not to disturb Cooper. He lay flat on his stomach with his arms curled over his head and gripping the pillow, snoring softly. He wouldn’t admit it, but she could tell the previous day had been more than he was ready to handle. He hurt and didn’t want to say so. But she was learning how to read him and his many moods. She knew he needed rest and their late-night antics were proving to be a disruption.

  It was still very early in the morning. With luck, she had another two hours before Alfie would wake seeking her attention. She wanted to use those two hours wisely. She was hoping that she’d see her twin later that day and she needed to send Pippa an updated shopping list before she arrived. She also wanted to check her email and answer her messages. Despite her best efforts to be a superhero, Kiely had let some of her business responsibilities slide. She also couldn’t remember if she’d made her car loan payment.

  Rising from the bedside she headed into the bathroom and turned on the shower. In no time at all the hot water was calling her name. As she stood in the flow she made a list of things to do in her head but was pleasantly surprised when Cooper suddenly joined her.

  “Good morning! I hope I didn’t wake you?”

  “No,” Cooper said. “I woke up, and you weren’t there. I missed you.”

  “Join me?” she asked.

  Stepping cautiously behind her, Cooper eased in, moving to stand beneath the water. The shower was oversized and they both fit in nicely. The spray was heated and comforting. Cooper pressed his hand to her back, massaging a bar of soap against her skin. Suddenly Kiely could focus on nothing but the heat from his fingertips radiating through her.

  Cooper’s touch was electric, burning with fierce intensity. He drew a slow trail across her shoulders, down the length of her arms, to the curve of her breasts. He continued past her belly button, and finally rested his hand teasingly against the flat of her stomach.

  Kiely backed up and fit tightly against him, caressing him in a slow grind. Spinning in his arms her hands danced like butterflies over his chest and around to his broad back. Cooper pressed a kiss to her mouth, greedily sneaking his tongue past the line of her lips. The kiss was hard and deep and when Kiely finally pulled away she could barely breathe from the sheer beauty of it.

  Kiely laughed softly, dropping her forehead against his chest. “If we keep this up we’re going to drown in here. We’re also not going to get anything accomplished.”

  Cooper pulled her hand to his lips and kissed the tips of her fingers. “We should spend the whole day in bed together.”

  “Good luck with that. I’m sure Alfie has other plans for our day today.”

  “Twenty questions,” Cooper said. “What’s your dream vacation destination?”

  “Spain. I want to see La Sagrada Familia Church in Barcelona. How many stamps do you have in your passport?”

  “About a dozen.”

  “Whoo! That’s really good.” They were still lathering each other, spreading soap suds with their fingertips. “Who’s your favorite singer?”

  “Tim McGraw.”

  “Country music! I’m very impressed.”

  “Why do you say it like that?”

  “For some reason I took you for a Wayne Newton fan.”

  “I like Wayne Newton, too!”

  Kiely rolled her eyes skyward. “Ask a question.”

  “What’s wrong with Wayne Newton?”

  She laughed. “Not a thing if that’s what you like.” She jumped when his fingers grazed her nether regions, his expression smug. “What’s your most sensitive body part?” she said.

  There was a moment of hesitation. Cooper shook his head. “No, it was my turn to ask a question.”

  “You did,” Kiely responded. “What’s wrong with Wayne Newton?” Her tone was mocking and they both laughed.

  “That’s not fair. That wasn’t my question.”

  “You asked it. Now answer my question, what’s your most sensitive body part?”

  Cooper licked his lips as he considered his response.

  “Oh, forget it!” Kiely exclaimed. “I already know the answer.” She wrapped her fingers around his manhood and gave it a gentle squeeze.

  Cooper inhaled swiftly. “That wasn’t my answer,” he said.

  Kiely giggled. “I know!” And then she licked his nipple, sucking him gently.

  Cooper jumped, gasping. He moaned. Loudly. “You really don’t play fair,” he managed to mutter.

  “What’s that old saying?” Kiely quipped. “All’s fair in love and love.”

  Chapter 12

  Cooper and Alfie played a rousing game of hide-and-seek that afternoon. Alfie loved hiding, popping out when he felt you were taking too long to find him. Kiely knew all of his favorite hiding spots, but Cooper was completely lost as he threw open closet doors and looked under the beds. He moved back into the family room, confusion washing over his face. Kiely laughed heartily and pointed to the ottoman in the center of the floor. The top to the storage unit was askew, and if you looked closely you could see the child peeking out at the two of them. His father shook his head.

  “Kiely, I can’t find Alfie. I don’t know where he is,” Cooper said loudly.

  Alfie jumped from his hiding space. “Boo!” he yelled, laughing hysterically.

  Cooper clutched his chest. “Alfie! There you are, son!” He lifted the boy into the air and spun him around. “You are such a g
ood hider, Alfie.”

  Once his little feet were firmly planted back on the ground Alfie ran to Kiely’s side. “Dad-dy no find me, Ki-Ki! Alfie hide good!”

  “Yes, you did, precious!” She knelt down to give him a hug. “Do you want to color a picture now?”

  “No! Alfie go hide!” he said as he turned, racing off in the other direction. “Find me, Dad-dy! Find me!”

  Kiely laughed. “Go find him, Daddy. He’ll be in the clothes hamper in the laundry room.”

  “Will he do this all day?”

  “He will do it until you make him stop.” She checked the time. “You’re in luck. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood starts in five minutes. Daniel Tiger is one of his favorites,” she said.

  “Daniel Tiger?”

  Kiely laughed again. “Don’t ask. It’s one of his favorite shows.”

  “How do I not know this?” Cooper muttered.

  “You better count. He doesn’t like it when you don’t count.”

  Cooper shook his head. “One, two, three, four...” He moved down the hallway toward the laundry room.

  Kiely was enjoying their time together. Cooper had finally slowed down long enough to enjoy his time with Alfie. He was relaxed and happy. And so was she. The dynamics of their relationship had shifted substantially. Cooper loved her and she loved him. Now she understood how Pippa had felt when Emmanuel had stolen her heart. Love didn’t hurt and instead of being afraid for the future it made you hopeful. Unlike how Sadie had acted with Tate, Kiely couldn’t begin to imagine Cooper bullying or trying to control her. Love didn’t throw harsh words or impose rigid rules on a person’s dreams.

  In the other room she could hear Cooper and Alfie laughing together excitedly. She knew that his father finding him had gone well and pure joy rang out in Alfie’s giggles. Kiely moved to the pantry, studying the inventory that was waning substantially. They were low on snacks for Alfie and the supply of baking ingredients was almost nonexistent. She added flour and chocolate chips to her shopping list. Moving to the freezer she checked the frozen items and ticked off vegetables and ice cream on her list.