8
Two days later…
“Explain to me again why we’re here.”
From behind the wheel of his truck, Coop looked over at Mac. Her long ponytail swished across the back of her white blouse as she looked at the beautiful landscape through the passenger window.
After hashing everything out in her hotel room two nights ago—and then making love until the wee hours—Coop had told her they’d be doing things his way from now on.
He knew she wasn’t happy about being forced to leave Jersey, but he’d wanted her as far away from there as possible while they figured out what to do next. Thankfully Trevor had agreed.
The plan was for them to go someplace safe and hang out while they figured out their next move. Coop had offered up the perfect place for him and Mac to lay low.
So, early the following morning— was that yesterday? —he and Mac had gone with Trevor to the warehouse where Mac had hidden the money all those years ago. Surprisingly the cash was still there, hidden safely away behind several bricks.
Coop couldn’t believe someone hadn’t found it by now. But like Mac had pointed out, there was no reason for anyone to suspect the brick structure held two million dollars in cash. She would have preferred to leave it there, but he’d insisted they keep it nearby in case the blackmailer contacted her again.
Upon Jake’s order, Derek used R.I.S.C.’s private jet to pick them up at a secured airstrip owned by Homeland, and then flew them all straight back home to Dallas.
Once they landed, Trevor took the money to the safe in the downtown office while Coop and Mac went to her place to pack enough clothes to last a week. Afterward, they went to his apartment, where they spent another amazing night together.
Mac seemed to be on board with the idea of the two of them taking time away to regroup and plan…until they got on the highway this morning. With nothing else to do but sit and think, she’d started getting fidgety and second-guessing everything.
Hopefully not everything.
After a quick glance at the road in front of them, he slid his gaze to the passenger floorboard, his focus landing on the bright pink polish covering her dainty little toenails. He’d never understood the guys who were into feet, but damn if she didn’t tempt him to become one.
Face smooth and fresh, with just the tiniest amount of makeup, she turned and waved her hand toward him. “Hellooo. You gonna answer my question, or keep staring at my feet?”
“Can’t help it.” He grinned. “They’re so cute.”
Mac rolled her pretty eyes—something she did a lot when he was around. He knew she was trying to act annoyed, but the slight smirk pulling at her lips gave her away.
Coop let out an exaggerated sigh. “As I said before, we’re here because until we figure out who sent you the pictures and that note, we have to assume you’re not safe.”
“And asIsaid before, the threat was directed towardyou, not me. We would’ve been safe back in the city. I mean, we’ve both played the bodyguard role enough times, don’t you think we could’ve managed to guard each other?”
“Oh, don’t worry, baby,” he teased. “I plan on guarding your body plenty while we’re here.”
Her baby blues grew wide as she choked out a laugh. “Uh, not a chance.”
Coop frowned. “Why not?”
“We’re going to your parent’s farm.”
“And?”
“And, your dad’s a preacher!”
He shrugged. “Retired preacher.”
“Doesn’t matter.” Mac shook her head. “I am not putting that kind of bad mojo on us.”
Coop chuckled. “Bad mojo?”
Looking adorably serious, she raised a brow. “Having sex in a preacher’s house is just…wrong. On so many levels.”
“Huh.” With one hand on the wheel, he rubbed his chin, pretending to ponder her concern. “I guess that means I’ll have to get creative.”
