“I thought we discussed this, Andrew. I thought we established that I could decide these things for myself.”
A weird, choked-sounding chuckle came through the wood, and George relaxed slightly against the door.
“I…” George swallowed, not entirely sure she should reveal this much, but too honest to lie. “I don’t want to give this up. I don’t care how hard it is. I…I like you. And I don’t want to lose whatever we’re doing. Okay, Andrew?”
Another sigh, and the door swung unexpectedly back. Good thing he was there to catch her. He kissed her, hard, and she didn’t care. She wanted it. She liked it like that.
“It’s not Andrew.”
“Hmm?” It was hard to pull back and focus after a kiss like that, but she managed, bleary-eyed, her pulse going a million miles an hour.
“My name. It’s not Andrew.”
She blinked. “Oh.”
“My name’s Clay.”
“I see,” she said, stepping cautiously out of his arms.
“No, baby. No, you really don’t see.”
“Why don’t you tell me, then?”
“How much time you got?”
“For this? As much time as it takes.” George swallowed. “Clay.”
* * *
“What’s your last name?” she asked a few seconds later.
He nodded, resigned. “Navarro.”
“Oh.” She looked confused and took another step back, eyeing him. After another beat, she seemed to come to some decision. “It suits you.”
“Yeah?”
“To a T. It’s sexy.”
That surprised a chuckle out of him.
“You… Would you like a drink or something…Clay? I—”
“No. Thank you. I want to come clean.”
“Oh, right, well…do you mind if I…?” She led him back to her room, sat in the rocking chair, hands in her lap, face strong and set, and waited for whatever news he had to give.
Christ, he liked this woman. Like, really, really liked her.
Pushing back a wave of emotion, Clay sucked in a breath and settled into the armchair, needing to tell the truth.
“I’m an… Was an undercover agent with the ATF.”
George’s eyes were huge, her face unnaturally pale.
“Still an agent, but… Actually, I’m not entirely sure I still have a job. Coming here, I mean. Boss wanted me to take a break, but I’m keeping my location quiet, and she’s pretty pissed.”
“Oh, thank God.”
