“Before you go may I offer you the use of my club to play a few rounds of golf? I’ve heard you enjoy the game.”
Chris stayed locked together with Meg for a while but once the two men were deeply involved in discussing golf he finally loosened his hold releasing her.
“I think I need a cool dip in the pool,” he muttered hoping she wouldn’t see how affected he was by their antics. He walked toward the water glancing back at her. Big mistake. Kiss-swollen lips begged him for more. Her eyes repeated much the same. Before any other parts of her called to him he quickly turned and dove neatly into the cool water.
Chapter 8
Meg brushed at the long strands of her damp hair before securing it in a ponytail for work. She kept hoping today would be the day she got some incredibly incriminating information from Moreno that would put him away for good. But each day was another day that she had to parade around wearing next to nothing, flirting with the customers to earn some good tips. She told Chris everything she overheard and he reported it back to his people. He said that sometimes the little things could be the key to putting away a criminal. She wondered if that was true or if he was trying to make her feel better.
She wouldn’t doubt it, he was nice. More than anyone had been to her since she’d arrived here. Sure, Dave was sweet and tried to keep her from getting herself in trouble with her big mouth. Tina was fun to talk to and always had a big smile of encouragement for her. Yet she’d always gone back to her dingy little room alone, never having any kind of social life. She’d been too tired for any and she’d grown accustomed to that.
Now she came back to this amazing suite where she had the softest bed available and great meals every day. The best thing though was the companionship. She knew this was only an assignment to him but to her it was a small piece of her sanity coming back. For the first time in too long she was having intelligent conversations with another human at mealtimes. She was interacting in a way that wasn’t only, ‘What can I get for you today?’ or ‘Here’s my drink order.’
She moved through the kitchen, opening the cabinets to see what she could snack on before heading to the old grind. Dinner had been less than an hour ago but she had a long night ahead and it wouldn’t hurt to top off. Chris would probably tease her about it as usual. She actually hoped he did. His teasing always set her heart fluttering wildly and made her feel alive.
She heard him out on the balcony and grabbed some Double Stuf Oreos. Most likely talking to Doolittle, his boss. Chris spoke to him often.
Laughter rang out and she slipped closer knowing he rarely laughed when talking to the senior agent. Now his eyes were lit up and he was grinning.
“Oh, you are a naughty lady,” he said, his voice in teasing mode. She’d heard it enough to know. But who was he talking to?
She didn’t mean to eavesdrop, okay well, maybe she did but curiosity got the better of her. His tone suddenly became more serious as he said, “I know, I’ll be careful. You don’t need to worry. I’ll see you as soon as this case is over. I miss you.” He waited for a brief second then said, “I love you, too.”
A burning sensation rose up through her chest as he spoke these words, though she didn’t know why. Of course he would have some woman waiting for him. The man was absolutely gorgeous, had an exciting job, and was honestly fun to be around. Why would she think he’d be single?
Turning away from the balcony door, she shoved the rest of the cookie in her mouth. She needed to keep reminding herself this was only a case to him. He might pretend to be interested in her but it was simply that, pretend. Everything was pretend. His soft kisses, his gentle caresses, the teasing and playful manner. None of it real. Did the FBI make you take acting classes? He must have aced his since he actually hadherbelieving his act most of the time.
She poured a large glass of milk to wash the snack down as Chris came in. He flashed her a smile and she subconsciously wiped her mouth thinking she either had a milk mustache or chocolate cookie residue. She’d bet the woman on the phone never had a milk mustache. The type of woman he’d be interested in was probably the sophisticated kind who wouldn’t dream of drinking milk.
“How do you find room for a snack?” He chuckled eyeing the cookie package on the counter. “We just ate an hour ago.”
“I’m still trying to make up for the last year,” she snapped, instantly regretting it when he frowned.You’ve been starved for affection too long, you idiot. You’re imprinting on the first person who’s been kind to you. She shouldn’t take her jealousy out on him.
Jealousy? When had her feelings for him changed so she would actually be jealous? It had only been a week. She’d known all along that everything they did was only for show. There was no reason to be jealous.
She closed her eyes sighing. “I’m sorry. The thought of going back to work again is too depressing. I’m tired of doing this every day. Maybe you shouldn’t have asked me to help on this case. It was easier to go to the club each night when I had no other choice. Now I’m spoiled and it’s so much harder to get motivated.”
“Hey.” He moved closer lifting her chin with his finger. “I know this is difficult for you but at least now you can see there’s an end in sight. It might take a little longer before we can get enough to put this guy away, but I promise you wewilldo it.”
She nodded wishing he weren’t so darn nice to her. It was easier to stay mad at the world when everyone treated you like crap. He hugged her to his chest and her heart picked up again. It did this far too often.
“If this ever gets too much for you, just say the word. I’ll have you on the next flight home. We’ll give Moreno some story to cover your absence.”
She took her fill of his warmth and comfort then squared her shoulders back as she eased away. “I made a promise and I won’t go back on my word. Moreno has to be put away and I’ll do whatever needs to be done to accomplish that goal.”
“Now I need to go to work,” she added swiping a few more cookies to eat on her way. “You going to Surf or one of the other clubs tonight?”
His eyes searched hers so she shuttered them as best she could. She’d gotten good at hiding her feelings. No way could she afford to show them off to everyone, especially not Chris.
“I may hop around tonight,” he finally answered as she walked to the door. He followed along, silence reigning for much of the way.
When they got to Surf, Chris pulled her in for a public kiss. She was used to this but deep inside she couldn’t help wishing it wasn’t all a game. What she wouldn’t give for a man like him to fall in love with her, take care of her. To tellherhe missed her and loved her. It would be great to be able to show her feelings and not keep them hidden. To not be afraid all the time, of so many things.
But now it was time to put on her mask, to be Super Waitress again. She’d start right here. She gave him a dazzling smile returning his kiss.
“Bye, muffin. Have a great night.”
* * * *
