On a whim, I decided to look up his travel records and hit pay dirt. I grabbed my computer and rushed next door.
When I got there, I could see Buck and Stella inside.
“What?” Buck snapped when he opened the door.
“Where did Stella go?”
“To get dressed, asshole.”
“What the hell?”
“You could see us. It didn’t occur to you to take a hike and come back later?”
“Sorry to interrupt your little interlude, but while you’re playing kissy-face with the reporter, there are agents out there in the world getting killed.”
Stella came out of the bedroom. “Irish, was there something you wanted to talk to me about?”
“I was able to obtain travel records for Kerr.”
“And?”
“He flew from England to New York City two days before your aunt’s death. According to the manifest, he was on the plane. Once Decker is at King-Alexander, he’ll be able to delve into facial recognition in order to determine Kerr’s whereabouts.”
“Two questions.”
“Go ahead.”
“Can you please remind me what King-Alexander is again?”
“A large ranch in Texas that has been Decker’s home since he was a teenager. It’s owned by Z Alexander and his two adult children. Actually, I misspoke. Since Decker and Mila married, they’ve resided on her ranch, which is adjacent to King-Alexander. That reminds me, Decker heard back from Z about Kerr. He said there was nothing remarkable about him retiring from full-time duty with MI5 and becoming a consultant. It happens all the time. What was your other question?”
“Any idea of Hennessey’s whereabouts?”
“She’s believed to still be in London. Again, once Decker is available, he’ll track her.”
“Was there anything else?”
“I thought you’d want to know about Kerr’s arrival in the States right away.”
“Thank you very much for that information.”
“Thanks, Irish,” said Buck.
I was almost to my cabin when a truck drove up. Flynn was behind the wheel.
“Hey, there,” I said, walking over to open her door. “Are you making a delivery?”
She cocked her head.
“Next door?”
“Um, no. Buck knows where to get whatever he needs.”
“I see.”
“What? I mean, what do you see?”
I took a step closer to her. “Why did you stop by, Flynn?”
“Oh! The concert! My brother Holt, you met him, right?”
“I don’t think I have.”
“You will. Anyway, he’s in a band. Kind of a famous band, and they’re playing a set at one of the other ranches. I came by to ask Buck if you all wanted to go.”
“Does that include me?”
She smiled. “Of course it does.”
“I’ll answer for myself, then. Yes, I’d like to go.”
“Buck might not think it’s a good idea.” When Flynn bit her bottom lip, I was tempted to reach out and touch her chin.
“Do you think it’s his decision?”
“You know…the whole safety thing.”
“You’re aware of that?”
“Not the details, but yeah.”
I pointed to where Ink was standing. “See that guy?”
“Yes.”
“He’s here to protect both Stella and me. There are more guys like him hanging around. If I want to go somewhere, then one or more of them will go with me. Okay?”
“Okay. So, you really want to go?”
“More than anything.” I loved the way she smiled at my words. I wanted to see more of it. “Go ask your brother if he and Stella want to go too.”
“Is he over there?”
“Yep. I just got done talking to him.”
20
Flynn
I had never wanted to be invisible more than I did right now. I knew Paxon was watching me walk away and was taking in the view of how fat my ass looked in my Wrangler jeans and how my stringy hair hung down my back with no style whatsoever. I wasn’t one of those girls who stared into a mirror, wishing I was skinnier or prettier. I didn’t have time. Except right now, I wished I was.
Without thinking, I jimmied the door handle and walked into the cabin. “Hey, Buck,” I said when he came out of the bedroom.
“What are you doing here, Flynn?”
“Sorry if I’m intruding.”
“Knock next time.”
I felt my cheeks flush and wanted to turn around and walk out, but I wanted Paxon to be able to go tonight more.
“Instead of CB Rice coming here, Holt is inviting everyone to the Flying R Ranch. They’re going to perform a full set.”
“What are you asking?”
“If we could all go.”
“Not a good idea.”
“Come on, Buck. It’ll be fun.”
“I don’t know, Flynn. I’m not sure I want to risk leaving the ranch.”
“Have you ever been on the Flying R? With as famous as Ben Rice is, I’d be willing to bet their security system is as elaborate as the one being installed here.”
“I doubt it, but I hadn’t thought about the fact that Ben would need something substantial.”
“It’ll mean so much to Holt.”
“When did he become a member of Ben’s band?”
“A couple of years ago. Until he knew whether they’d invite him to go on tour, he kept it quiet.”
“Did I hear something about going to see a band?” asked Stella, also coming out of the bedroom.
“I’m trying to talk my overprotective brother into coming along and bringing you and Paxon with him.”
“What if we ask some of the guys working on the security system to go along?” Stella asked.
My brother stroked his beard. “That could work.”
“Please,” I begged, clasping my hands together.
“Let me talk to Rock first, and I’ll let you know.”
When I walked out of the cabin, Paxon was still out on the porch of his. “Well?”
“He’s talking it over with Rock.”
Paxon nodded.
“The thing is, the guy who owns the ranch is a mega rock star. He probably has more security at his place than we do here.”
He motioned me to go over to him, and we both sat down on the porch swing.
“Your brother also has to think about the other people who might be at this place. He doesn’t have time to secure a guest list and vet it.”
“I didn’t think about that,” I said, feeling like an idiot.
“You wouldn’t have any reason to. I hope once we’re gone, you have no reason to again. You should never have to live your life in fear.”
“There are other things to fear in life besides someone wanting to kill me,” I said, wishing I had thought it rather than said it out loud.
Paxon leaned over so we were almost close enough to touch.
“Like what, Flynn?”
I looked out over the ranch. “Nothing,” I mumbled. “I just meant in general.”
Paxon reached for my hand and ran the pad of his thumb over the back of it. “What things are there to fear in your life, Flynn?”
I shook my head, and my eyes filled with tears.
“You don’t know me that well, but you can talk to me.”
Maybe I could, if I could speak. I knew that if I did, I’d probably cry harder.
“I don’t know how much you’ve been told about who I am or why I’m here, but last year, I was undercover on an assignment that required me to make people believe I was a spy for another country.”
I turned my head to look at him. “I saw your arrest on television.”
“That was part of the assignment too. Anyway, the way people treated me then was something I never want to experience again in my life. When I was in the thick of it, I dreaded the look in people’s eyes when they saw me, or even just their expressions. The
y had so much hatred for me, and there was nothing I could do or say to defend myself.”
“That must’ve been awful.”
“It was harder than I thought it would be. Much harder, in fact.”
“They’re nicer now, though, right?”
“For the most part, although there are still people who see me as a traitor.”
“But you’re not.”
“Can’t turn those feelings off with a switch, though.”
“That makes sense.”
Paxon studied me, but I wasn’t ready to tell him what I lived in fear of. It was too humiliating to say I feared people calling me “heifer” and him or anyone else hearing it. Maybe he wouldn’t be able to flip a switch on seeing me that way himself.
I stood and put my hands in my pockets. “I have to get back to work. I hope my brother figures out a way that you and Stella can go to the Flying R with us tonight.”
“I hope so too, Flynn.”
I loved the way he looked at me, and at the same time, I hated it. I so wanted to believe he was attracted to me, but I was sure he was no different than any other man who saw me as fat and dumpy.
21
Irish
Flynn’s pain sat so close to the surface that it seeped from her pores in the same way her tears did from her eyes.
I wished she’d talk to me, confide in me, let me comfort and reassure her, but why would she? We’d only met earlier today. If I thought about it from that perspective, what made me think I had any right to ask?
I was still on the porch when Buck stalked out of the cabin next door. He walked over to his pickup without a word. When he threw stones driving away, I laughed.
Evidently, the honeymoon was over with Stella. It wasn’t surprising that it hadn’t lasted long. She was a fucking bitch as far as I was concerned.
Not long after, Rock drove up.
“Trouble in paradise?” I shouted.
“Something like that.”
“Heard there was a band playing at one of the neighboring ranches tonight.”
“Right. We’ll head out at about five thirty.”
The happiness I felt over hearing we were going, stunned me. Maybe it was just having a semblance of normalcy, even with bodyguards, that buoyed my spirits.
I met Stella and Rock outside when it was time to leave, somewhat surprised Buck wasn’t with them. I offered to sit in the back, like I would’ve anyway, pleased when Rock said we had one more to pick up, hoping it would be Flynn.
When she got in the truck, beside me, she sighed and fidgeted enough that it led me to believe she was uncomfortable. She hadn’t been that way with me before, so I wondered what was causing it.
When she twirled her hair with her finger, I reached out and touched her hand.
“You look very pretty.”
Instead of smiling or even blushing, Flynn looked perplexed.
“What?” I asked.
“You don’t have to say that,” she mumbled.
I moved my hand to her chin and turned her head so I could look into her eyes. “Flynn, you look very pretty.”
“Thank you,” she said, trying to turn away, but I wasn’t ready to release her gaze. Her eyes darted toward the front seat, making me realize this wasn’t the time or place to have this conversation. Flynn was already uncomfortable enough.
When we arrived at the other ranch, I realized we’d been traveling as a caravan. “Wait there,” I said to Flynn, jumping out and coming around to open her door. She smiled and took my hand when I offered it.
The band was already playing when we walked into the barn. I was surprised to see so many people dancing.
“What first?” I asked. “Drink or a dance?”
“Do you really want to dance?”
I pointed in the direction of the couples. “I don’t know how to do fancy stuff like that, but I would like to dance with you.”
We were headed in that direction when another man approached us.
“Flynn?” he said, looking her up and down.
Her eyes scrunched, and she shook her head as though she didn’t want him to say anything else.
“Where did you get that dress—”
“Porter, have you met Paxon Warrick? He’s a guest at the Roaring Fork. Paxon, this is my brother Porter.”
“Nice to meet you,” I said, holding my hand out.
“Nice to meet you too.” Porter looked at his sister and then at me.
“We were headed out to the dance floor, if you’ll excuse us.”
I put my hand on the small of Flynn’s back, and she flinched. When we were far enough away from her brother, I asked her about it. “If you’d rather not dance, it’s okay.”
“Would you rather not?”
I looked into her eyes and smiled. “I asked you to, which means I’d very much like to.”
Flynn was stiff as a board in my arms, but that wouldn’t stop me from holding her. I kept my grip loose and, as she relaxed, gradually pulled her closer to me. We didn’t do much more than step from side to side, even when the song went from slow to fast.
“Did you want to get a drink?” she asked when we were on our third song.
“Not as much as I want to keep dancing.”
“Oh. Uh. Okay.”
I chuckled, took her hand in mine, and led her over to the bar.
We were getting close when another man—based on how much he resembled the first one, I guessed he was another brother—approached us. “Flynn?”
“Yes, it’s me. God, do you really have to make such a big deal out of how I’m dressed? Cord, this is Paxon Warrick. Paxon, this is my brother Cord.” She pointed toward the stage. “The guy with the red shirt is my brother Holt. I’m sure if the band takes a break, he’ll be equally shocked by my attire as Cord and Porter were. Oh, and Buck will be too.” She spun on her heel and stalked off, but I was right behind her.
“Hey, what about our drink?”
“I’m sorry. I think it would be best if I just went home. This was a terrible idea.”
I took Flynn’s hand in mine and led her outside. I waited until I was sure we didn’t have an audience before speaking.
“I don’t know what the deal is with your brothers being surprised by your attire, but as I said earlier, I think you look really pretty.”
“I don’t usually wear stuff like this.” Flynn waved her hand in front of her dress. “In fact, I never do.”
“I wouldn’t have guessed it.” I took her hand and twirled her in a circle. The dress she wore looked like any I’d expect to see on a girl who was also wearing cowboy boots.
She played with one of the ringlets in her hair. “I don’t ever do anything with my hair either.”
“Now you’re just teasing me.”
Flynn shook her head. “I’m not. I’m the least girly-girl you’ll ever meet.”
I raised my eyebrows and shook my head. “I work for the CIA, sweetheart. I can guarantee you I’ve met plenty of women less ‘girly’ than you.”
She looked away. “I had to go buy this dress today. I didn’t have one.”
“Flynn?”
“Yeah?”
“Let’s go back in, get something to drink, and dance some more.”
“I should just go home. I have to get up really early to start breakfast.”
“One more dance. Please.”
22
Flynn
I flopped down on the bed, unable to wipe the silly grin off my face. Tonight had been magical. The giddy feeling that warmed my body from head to toe would probably keep me awake all night, but I didn’t care. Tomorrow I’d be floating on air.
For the first time in my life, a man noticed me, paid attention to me, held my hand, held me in his arms. While I’d hoped he might try to kiss me at some point, the fact that he hadn’t, didn’t damper my happiness.
The only thing that might’ve, if I’d allowed it to, were my brothers Porter and Cord. Was it really necessary for them to be so outwardly
shocked that I was wearing a dress and comment on it no less?
Thankfully, all Holt did was find us to say hello in between his sets. And Buck—he was too distracted by Stella to even notice me.
The other thing I wouldn’t allow to creep in was my insecurity. Paxon was probably just being nice, without any idea that tonight marked a kind of milestone for me, beyond what I’d told him about having to shop for something to wear. I’d never admit all the other things that had been firsts for me.
I ran my hands down the dress I didn’t want to take off. The woman at the Gunnison Western Wear Store had been so kind to me. When I explained what I was looking for, she picked out several pieces for me to try on, and even though I was skeptical they’d fit when she showed me to the dressing room, every one had.
“Let me see,” she’d said, smiling when I opened the door. “That one brings out the blue in your eyes. Try another one.”
“Don’t you have other customers you need to help?” I’d asked.
“Nope. We’re slow today.”
As much as I’d been tempted to buy them all, I left the store with only one. The saleslady said she’d keep the others in the back in case I changed my mind.
After the dress, she’d helped me pick out a new pair of boots, ones with embroidered flowers. “These are not work boots, young lady,” she’d said with a wink.
I was getting ready to leave after I’d paid the bill when I heard her call out to me to wait. She followed me out, put a Be Right Back sign in the window, and took me three doors down to the salon.
“By the way, I’m Nina and this is Lucy.”
“What are we here for today?” Lucy had asked.
“Just a little spruce up. Our friend is going to a CB Rice concert tonight.”
“Oh, how fun! I wish I could go. Ben Rice is one fine-looking man.” Lucy had put her hand on her heart. “What’s your name, sweetheart?”
Irished (The Invincibles Book 7) Page 9