She threw him a saucy wink and walked away with her tray. Felt like she was walking away with his heart. Dave sighed as he watched her go then turned his gaze back to Katie. He hoped this all worked out for her. If Moreno was put away, she’d be free to return home. He’d also get away from this assignment and back to his life. And, if he was lucky, he could even include Tina in that life.
Moreno walked in as he was ruminating and his good mood turned foul. Katie’s eyes clouded over and Tina quickly moved to the opposite side of the room. The man brought gloom wherever he went. Dave hustled back to wiping down the bar. If Moreno ever found out who he was or what Katie was doing, he could bring on a whole lot more than that.
* * * *
Chris slid his phone onto the towel under his deck chair trying not to wake Meg as she snuggled against him. They’d spent a good portion of the day out by the pool and he knew she was exhausted from the early morning wakeup call he’d given her. Moreno had met with yet another client out in his usual spot this morning.
They had played their little balcony game again. Chills ran through him thinking about what had happened two days ago, the first time they’d done this. He hadn’t expected the little minx to be as sexy and teasing as she’d been. Much too tempting for his raging libido to handle.
She’d seemed affected too as he’d dropped her on the couch. He closed his eyes trying to forget the picture she’d made lying there, her hair draped around her, arms above her head, eyes gazing dreamily up at him, her pert breasts peeking out of her pajama top. Closing his eyes didn’t work as the image was burned in his mind.
For the rest of the day she’d been a bit distant. Damn it, he hadn’t meant to hurt her but he couldn’t get involved that way. She was off limits. He knew that. He’d simply have to take more cold showers until this case was done or ask her to wear sweatshirts and baggy pants whenever he was around.
The last few days had been good with Meg getting into the back room often then sharing what she’d learned with him. His face was being recognized by many at the club, and he’d made it a point to smile and nod at Moreno if he had the chance. The days at the poolside hadn’t sucked either. He and Meg swam, snuggled and made sure to be seen as a couple. It was one of the better assignments he’d ever had, she being part of that reason. For all her sassy tongue, she was easy to be around.
Today during their balcony scene they’d both managed to keep better control than a few days ago though his shower had still been colder than usual. When he’d come out, she’d had breakfast already done and on the table. He wasn’t the only one who could make a mean bacon and eggs.
Glancing over at her now, he wished for those baggy sweat clothes instead of the bathing suit, as conservative as it was. It still exposed way too much skin. He also wished she didn’t look sweet and angelic. She was truly breathtaking in that innocent Ivory Girl sort of way. Her long lashes fanned over her cheeks while the freckles on her nose called out to him to kiss each and every one. Couldn’t disappoint them.
He leaned over touching his lips oh-so-softly to her nose giving those freckles what they were looking for. Once they’d been satisfied he leaned back slightly. Now his hands were jealous of his lips sending several complaints up to his brain. His whole body was plotting against him.
Moreno’s voice returning to the deck above them grabbed his attention. He needed to look busy. But she was asleep, how busy could he look?
“Salazar, nice day we’re having today.”
The voice was Moreno’s new pal. They’d gotten information from the pictures he’d taken a few days ago that his name was Enrico Smith. Word was he dealt in weapons. Dangerous weapons that landed on the streets and killed cops. Chris couldn’t be caught listening in.
He turned toward Meg who was resting on his left arm and pulled her closer. Then he gave into his right hand’s wishes to touch her gloriously golden skin stroking it from waist to hip. For someone with an Irish name like O’Hara, the woman sure did tan nicely. She crawled her hand a few inches across his chest and he sucked in a breath as it settled near his navel.
“Enrico, so happy you could meet me here.”
Chris gave his attention back to the conversation floating nearby though made sure to look busy with Meg. The two men were speaking softly but he’d scoped out the best spot to hear what they were saying.
“Have you been able to procure the merchandise I’ve been seeking, Salazar?”
“It is in the works as we speak. A good friend of mine has managed to find exactly what you need. It would be beneficial for you to come join in my poker games some night at Surf. Augustus is often there and we can discuss terms of delivery.”
The words fluttered to his ears from where Moreno sat and he strained to hear what else was said as his lips covered Meg’s. Barone was an arms dealer and yet Meg in his arms almost made him forget that. Her body stirred telling him she was starting to waken, her mouth reacting to the presence of his.
“Can I trust this man? I heard you recently had some trouble with the police.”
“Only a minor snag, Enrico, nothing more.”
“Moreno’s back with a friend,” Chris whispered near her ear as she came fully awake then slid his mouth to her cheek gliding along until it returned to her lips. The minty taste was refreshing along with the playfulness. Her company was becoming too familiar. Walls needed to be erected if he didn’t want to become involved. Those kinds of consequences would be dangerous. Focusing on the conversation behind them was imperative.
“An AK-47 killing a cop and the culprit giving the police your name is hardly a minor snag.” Smith didn’t sound happy.
“The snag has been taken care of. Permanently. There is no need to worry. I always take care of my customers. And protect myself.”
The sweet kisses they’d been sharing and the tiny whimpers that escaped from her mouth, these weren’t helping keep him uninvolved. And the hands, the ones that were even now running across his chest, arousing him in places he shouldn’t be aroused, could make him forget why he was here.
He also needed Moreno to buy their act so he wouldn’t think they were sitting out here listening in on his conversation. Which he had to remind himself to do. It was difficult with her all snuggled up close, tempting him with her intoxicating floral scent and the feel of her silky skin. He pulled her head close to his, holding it still, her lips on his, his hand luxuriating in the sensation of her soft hair.
“Have you located any of the other merchandise I desire?”
Moreno cleared his throat but lowered his voice. Chris caught a few words here and there. Much of it relating to guns. Smith didn’t seem convinced.
“I will be here for a few more days then need to travel up north. Perhaps once I return I will avail myself of your good manners and join in the card games in your back room. By then you may have shaken the heat from the recent…snag.”
