Jake sat down and picked up the drink she’d ordered for him. “Thanks.”
“Is everything all right? Has something happened?”
“Everything’s fine.”
“Where did you go? I’ve been worried sick.”
“I just went sightseeing. I wish I could have taken you along, but you know I can’t.”
“Why not?” she asked peevishly. “It’s obvious the Soviets know about us so there’s no need to keep our relationship secret.”
Jake stiffened. “What makes you think they know?”
Maggie reached for his hand and Jake linked his fingers with hers. “Because you’ve suddenly become so congenial.” She glanced pointedly at their interlocking fingers. “Last week you’d hardly speak to me, let alone hold my hand. Tell me the truth, Jake.”
He released a slow breath. “They don’t know any more than they did before. I just did some thinking and decided I was overacting. I don’t think they’d threaten an American citizen.”
“You’re an American citizen,” she reminded him. “And they’re darned well threatening you.”
Jake smiled indulgently. “The circumstances are different, and you know it.”
“What about Ellie?”
“They were trying to make their point.” He managed another smile, but it looked strained.
“And Shep?”
“What happened to Shep had nothing to do with this.” He leaned forward in his chair. “Everything’s going to be all right, Maggie, but we don’t want to take any chances. As long as we remain discreet, there shouldn’t be a problem.”
Maggie watched him closely. She’d spent enough time with Jake to know he wasn’t telling the truth. She would have to keep an eye on him.
Inwardly she smiled. Leaning back in his chair, his white shirt open at the throat, he was one of the most attractive men she’d ever seen. His vivid blue eyes looked at her hungrily, and she knew what he was thinking.
“I suppose you’re far too prudent a man to be seen with me at dinner,” she said, just to see how he’d react.
“Far too prudent,” he agreed with a lazy half smile.
“And far too prudent to Shep dinner altogether and join me in my room?”
His smile faded and his eyes darkened. “Don’t tempt me, Maggie. It’s all I can do to keep from hauling you up those stairs and into my bed. But I can’t afford to involve you in this.”
Maggie swallowed. She’d forgotten what a formidable opponent Jake could be.
“I’m sorry,” she said, not really sorry at all.
Across the table, Jake relaxed and smiled. “I don’t know how I’m going to stay away from you for the next ten days.”
You aren’t,Maggie thought. “I’m sure you’ll find a way. You’ve always had a will of iron.” Moving her foot until her calf rested lightly against his leg, she could feel the lean muscles through the fabric of his trousers.
Sheaccidentlybrushed his leg again and pretended to be unaware of the pleasant sensations.
Jake cleared his throat and moved his leg away. “You probably ought to go,” he said, but she heard his half-hearted tone and seized on it.
“I suppose so. I thought I’d prowl around a little, maybe take a taxi ride through the city.” She studied him through lowered lashes.
“Oh, no, you don’t. It’s getting dark. I don’t want you going off by yourself. Get Ellie or Prissy to go with you.”
“They’ve already left. I’m tired of staying here alone.” Maggie stood up. “I’ll be careful, Jake. Besides, you said there was no real danger.” She picked up her purse and headed for the door.
