Liam grinned. “If you want, when we’re finished here, we can run over to my office, and I’ll give you the rundown.”
“Sounds good.” Blake nodded. “Thanks.”
“No problem. Sharing it with a fellow R.I.S.C. man’s one thing. Giving it up freely to the government?” The man scoffed. “Not a chance.”
Several chuckles filled the room before a natural lull in conversation ensued. A few seconds later, the silence was broken when Jimmy added his final say on the matter.
“I don’t care who gets the footage first.” He looked around the room before returning his attention to Talia. “Us or Homeland, it isn’t going to matter. That footage will prove it was a justified shoot.”
Jagger hoped like hell that’s exactly what they found when Liam’s program gained access to the port’s security feed. Otherwise, Jimmy’s run as an Echo Team operative would be the shortest in R.I.S.C. history.
“I’m sure you’re right, Baxter.” Talia humored the defensive man. “But until that time, all we can do is finish this debrief, and then my team and I will take it from there.
They got down to business, going through the parts of the mission they hadn’t yet scrutinized. By the time they were done,Jagger was hungry as hell, and in need of another dose of caffeine.
Several comments about looking forward to their next joint op were made, along with a round of handshakes between both teams. A moment later, the members of Delta and Echo began filtering out into the hall.
Jagger hung back, waiting patiently for Talia and Christian to finish their hushed conversation. When the two shook hands, he knew he was clear to intervene.
He held off until Christian left the room to approach the compelling woman.
“You hungry?” he asked, sidling up beside her as she gathered her things. “’Cause I’m starving, and I figured…since you’re leaving to head back to D.C. and all…”Good lord, man, spit it out, already. “Well, I thought maybe I could treat you to a quick lunch before you go. You know…as partners.”
Smooth, Brooks. Really fucking smooth.
Talia’s big eyes blinked with genuine surprise. “Oh, uh…” She swallowed. “I appreciate the offer, but I?—”
“Say no more.” Jagger lifted his palm to effectively halt the would-be rejection she was about to drop. “It’s cool. Really. I totally get it if you don’t want to?—”
“No, it’s not that. I just…” Talia glanced at her watch. “I’m expected back at Homeland for some important meetings later this afternoon, and I’ve got less than three hours until boarding. Otherwise…” Her sexy voice trailed.
Damn. Jagger had hoped they’d have more time to…he wasn’t sure what, exactly. Get to know each other better, maybe? Share a few random, personal facts between them over a salad and a burger, perhaps?
Something more than a handshake with a quick, “See you when I see you”.
But apparently hisimpromptu plan wasn’t written in the stars, so instead of making himself look like even more of a fool than he already had, Jagger simply nodded his head and smiled.
“Understood. And seriously, no worries. It was just a thought. But hey, you ever need another non-Homeland partner, you’ve got my number.”
Talia started to rush past him, but stopped mid-stride. With a slow, almost hesitant step backward, she brought those golden eyes to his one final time.
“Thanks, Jag. For the offer of lunch and…” Her delicate throat worked an audible swallow. “Thanks again, for last night. You were a solid partner to have in the field.”
“Do I detect a hint of surprise in your voice?”
“Not surprise.” She gave a sincere shake of her head. “More like gratitude. You had my back at the port and then again…after. And, as much as I hate to admit it, you were right not to let me get behind the wheel.”
“Ah, darlin’.” Before he could think too hard about what he was doing, Jagger reached up and tucked a few strands of dark hair gently behind her ear. “It was never about bein’ right. I just needed to make sure you were okay.”
Something shifted in her gaze. A flash of vulnerability he was sure she hadn’t meant to reveal. But then Talia blinked, andpoof!
It was gone.
“Thanks again.” A soft whisper as she slowly stepped out of his reach. “And who knows? If things work out the next time I’m in town, maybe I’ll even let you buy me that lunch.”
“It’s a date.” Jagger’s hand fell back to his side.
His fingertips still burned from the innocent touch.
