“Then tell me what has you so scared.”
Admission flashed behind her eyes before she could stop it. Still, the stubborn woman said, “I...I can’t.”
Refusing to let his disappointment show, Coop shot back with, “Can’t or won’t?”
Mac bit her bottom lip nervously. Ignoring how much he wished it were his teeth nibbling her there, Coop sighed. “Come on, Mac. Part of being partners is knowing you have someone to lean on when you need it.”
Clearing his throat, Trevor spoke up. “He’s right, Mac.”
Coop’s gaze slid to the other man’s. From behind her, Trevor gave him a single nod before heading for the door. Looking back over his shoulder, he said, “Told you before, the story is yours to share. Tell him or don’t tell him. The choice is yours.” The guy shrugged. “Just remember...you’re not alone in this.”
With those parting words, Trevor went back into the house, leaving the two of them alone.
Coop shoved his hands into his pockets. “Well, that sure as hell didn’t make me feel any better.”
A corner of Mac’s enticing mouth turned up for only a second before falling back into a straight line. Swallowing hard, she looked back up at him. “I trust you with my life, Sean. You have to know that. I always have.”
“So, trust me with it now.”
Her hesitation was palpable. “I’m leaving tomorrow.”
Coop took a step back, the shock from her words damn near knocking him on his ass. “You’re leaving? Where are you going?”
“I can’t tell you.”
“Goddamn it, Mac.” His anger swelled. “Youjustsaid you trusted me.”
She closed her eyes. “You’re right.” Inhaling deeply, his partner opened them back up and met his stare. “I could tell you. But I won’t.”
Pain stabbed him in the heart. “Why the hell not?”
“Because it isn’t safe.”
“For you?”
Mac shook her head. “For you.”
Coop ran a hand over his short hair. “Okay, you’re going to have to explain that one.”
Walking over to the edge of the porch, she looked out at the snow-covered lawn. “I’m working a solo op.”
If she’d punched him in the jaw, he wouldn’t have been more surprised.
“The fuck you are.” He went to her side. “R.I.S.C. doesn’t do solo ops. Not ones that are known to be dangerous, anyway.” When she opened her mouth to argue, he shut her down. “I’m talking about more than the occasional solo bodyguard gig, and you know it. Whatever this job is, it has you scared to death. I can see it in your eyes.”
Mac’s shoulders fell in an uncharacteristic show of defeat. “You’re right.” She looked back up at him. “I am scared.”
When Coop saw the way her body shivered, he instinctively knew it wasn’t from the cold. “Jesus, Mac.” He took her shoulders between his hands. “You’re shaking like a leaf.”
She swallowed nervously. If he didn’t know any better, Coop would have sworn there were fresh tears trying to fight their way free.
She’s scaring the hell out of me.
“Talk to me, McKenna. Please.”
“This job...it has a personal connection.” Mac licked her lips. “One from my past.”
Mac had always kept her time before R.I.S.C. close to the vest. Out of respect for her, Coop had never pried. Now, he wished like hell, he had.
