Though it hadn’t happened in the way she’d envisioned, her time at the CIA had admittedly gotten her to where she was today. It had also jaded her in ways Natalia hadn’t recognized, let alone understood.
Everything changed when she began working for Homeland. More specifically, the day she became Delta Team’s handler.
Time and again, Natalia had borne witness to the insurmountable love those men had for the women in their lives. Until then, she’d convinced herself that true love and happily ever afters were nothing more than childhood myths.
And now, with Jagger, Natalia was finally starting to believe it could exist for her, too.
“How’s pizza sound?” The man in question spoke up again.
She smiled. “It sounds perfect.”
Just like you.
“I’ll order us a few buffalo wings and some salad to go with it,” Jagger offered. “Shoot me a text when you’re on your way here and I’ll put in the order.”
She smiled, wondering to herself if he knew buffalo wings were her absolute favorite. “I’ll let you know as soon as I’m ready to leave.”
Ending the call, Natalia set her phone down onto her desk and waited for Ryker’s return. Minutes later, the two Homeland agents were discussing Lopez’s statement behind closed doors.
By the time they were done, she was more than ready to be locked away with Jagger for the rest of the night. She didn’t stop to process or question this new side of herself. Because she found she rather liked being a woman in love.
You should tell him.
Natalia’s heart jumped inside her chest at the thought. Recognizing her feelings for Jagger was one thing. Admitting those feelings out loud was something else, altogether.
At least text him like you promised so he can order the food for dinner.
Reaching for her phone, she picked it up from her desk and quickly sent Jagger a text letting him know she was headed out for the night. She grabbed her jacket and purse from the hooks mounted on the wall to the right of her office door.
With a smile she couldn’t seem to contain, Natalia flipped off the lights and left. The secured door shut and automatically locked behind her. And for the first time since she could remember, she was excited to go home.
Natalia hadn’t even bothered to argue against the need for an escort. If it made Jagger feel better, she’d find a way to deal.
Look at you, being open to compromise. Maybe there’s hope for you yet.
“Perfect timing!” Liam was the first to greet them.
She nearly laughed when the sagging slice of pizza held in his hand almost lost a sizeable glob of gooey mozzarella cheese.
“I see the food arrived.”
“Don’t worry.” Jagger sauntered toward her. “I ordered Liam his own so there’d be plenty to go around.”
“Hey.” She became lost in his dark stare, momentarily forgetting all about Agent Vaughn and Liam, who were standing awkwardly to the side.
“Hey.”
Vaughn broke the silence with a clearing of his throat. “If there isn’t anything else…”
With a belated blink, Jagger moved to the man who’d had the unfortunate luck to be assigned as her personal guard for the day. “Thank you.” He offered Vaughn a hand. “I appreciate your help in keeping Agent Foster safe.”
“Just doing my job.” Vaughn dipped his head in humble acknowledgement.
Natalia sighed. “I’m assuming I’ll see you again first thing in the morning?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Another dip. “Unless I’m ordered otherwise.”
“Until then.” She also shook Vaughn’s hand before the other agent left.
