He took a step back and she continued. “You’re having a pity party and I won’t have it.” She started ticking items off on her fingers as she listed them. “You were knocked over the head and either thrown overboard or tossed on the shoreline of what most people would consider a deserted island, you suffered a concussion that probably should have landed you in the hospital, you kept me alive and kicking during a high speed chase all the while suffering from dizziness and double vision and yes,” at his look of surprise, she poked a finger into his chestand started advancing on him, “I knew about the symptoms even though you insisted on helping me clean.” He held his ground until she was within an inch of him, her blond hair flowing around her shoulders and her eyes sparking with something he couldn’t identify. “And you’ve been insistent on staying with me even though I figure half of you wants to get out there and find this guy. So, don’t tell me you’ve lost your edge. Sometimes you have to stay in one place and face the enemy instead of being two steps in front of it.”
She closed her eyes and he saw tears puddle under her lashes. He lifted a finger and gently caught one before it fell. “I’m sorry.”
“What for?” she whispered.
“I’m sorry I made you cry.”
He bent his head and gently covered her mouth with his in a chaste kiss. She leaned into him, at first accepting the kiss, then, with her hands lifting and clutching his shirt, she moved her lips under his and became a full participant. After an eon and an instant, she drew away and took a small step away from them then lightly punched him in the chest. “Don’t do it again.”
He chuckled and held her shoulders. “I don’t think I’m incapable. But clearly, my judgement is muddled when it comes to you.” At her protest he shook his head. “Listen to me.” He smoothed his hands over her shoulders then, with a huff of a sigh, stepped away from her and headed to the sofa. He sat down and put his elbows on his spread knees, his gaze steady on her. “I’ve never been influenced by someone before. My instincts and training are good and have kept me alive for a long time. But now, I think we need a third brain, another person who can help us out.”
“And you think it’s because of me?”
He smiled gently and her stomach flipped in response. Goodness he was handsome when he smiled. “I know it is. WhenI’m with you I think of taking walks and buying groceries and kissing you.” He laughed and she knew her face was flaming.
“Okay,” she relented, aware she’d not been watching in the grocery store like she should have been and it was probably due to him, as well. “But you’re still going to be here, right?”
He looked surprised, “You thought I’d leave? No way, I’m here for the duration.”
And after that, she wondered. Where would he go after the danger was over? On another assignment that would put him in harm’s way and out of her life?
CHAPTER 12
Travis Reed,a tall, somewhat gangly but muscled man, showed up by morning. Reed stood at the door when Ephraim opened it, his stance military straight.
“Come on in.” Ephraim said and stepped back for the younger man to enter with his duffle. “I’ll get Sophie.”
As he stepped away to let Sophie know the other man was there, Ephraim noted Reed scoping the cabin. He’d take in all of the vulnerable spots, including that blasted sliding glass door, as well as any measures Ephraim and Sophie took to decrease the danger.
Sophie greeted Reed with polite curtesy, though Ephraim recognized the old hesitancy she’d shown with him at their first meeting.
“Want some coffee?” she asked and strode toward the kitchen area.
“Sure, thanks,” Reed said and walked further into the living area. “Hank said you were having some difficulty with a stalker?”
“Not a stalker,” Ephraim corrected and gestured for Reed to take a seat. “How much info has Hank given you?”
“Not a lot. I was in South Carolina when he called. Said you might need some help and you’d fill me in.” Reed accepted themug of brew Sophie offered him and she retreated to grab two more. She handed one to Ephraim and joined him on the sofa, sitting close enough to him that Reed noticed.
“I used to do freelance work,” Ephraim said and set his cup on the coffee table in front of the couch. “I wasn’t as discriminating as I needed to be about who hired me. Things changed and I started working with the Brotherhood and did okay. But a week or so ago, I got sidelined by someone, another paid man, I suspect, who was hired to take me out.”
“Why?” Reed took another sip of his coffee.
“I figure it’s because I know something about one of my ex-clients that they don’t want spread around.”
“Got any idea who the client is?”
Ephraim huffed a breath. “Could be any of a handful of men. I do know one of the free lancers has been seen around the area, thanks to Hank and his efforts.”
“So, my job is?—”
“To keep Sophie safe.”
“To help us find the guy,” Sophie said at the same time Ephraim spoke. He glanced at her and she smiled. “I know we talked about being distracted,” she shot a glance at Reed whose expression was passive, but whose eyes were sharp. “But I also know if there is another guy on duty, you’ll keep me safe. We need to look at the bigger picture.”
“I’ll take care of that,” Ephraim said with the old steel back in his voice.
“We’ll take care of it,” Sophie retorted. Ephraim started to protest and she put her hand up to stop him. “Look, we both know if you go out after the man and I’m still here or in a safe house or whatever you have up your sleeve, I’ll still be a target. If not for him, then for someone who comes after him.”
