“Let’s review the plans one more time,” he said. “I’ll escort Megan and Ella, along with Jessie and Bandit, to the party. Russ, you’ll take the south corridor, Micha the north. Sydney, you’ll seal this one off after we leave. Hospital security is on full alert and actively watching for Fowler. If you need backup for any reason, don’t hesitate to call.” He paused and looked each person full in the face before locking gazes with Megan, communicating his concern for their safety. “I don’t have to tell you that Fowler has proven his resourcefulness. So be aware and question anything out of the ordinary. Even the smallest of things.”
Breathe, Megan. Just breathe.
“Any questions?” he asked.
Murmurs of no went through the group.
Reid glanced at his watch. “Then let’s do this.”
Micha and Russ headed down the hallway, and Sydney remained at the door. All three remained at attention and kept their focus vigilant.
“You ready?” Reid opened Ella’s door but paused to flash a brilliant smile.
Megan’s stomach flip-flopped. Oh man, with him looking at her that way, how could she talk? She swallowed hard. It changed nothing. She didn’t want to have these feelings. Had promised herself not to let him get to her again, but somehow he broke through her barrier.
“Everything will be fine. I promise.” He cupped her elbow and squeezed gently, the warmth traveling up her arm.
She peered into his eyes. Remembered the way she fit under his arm when he’d wrapped it around her shoulders and squeezed at the end of Fowler’s trial.
“Megan?” He narrowed his eyes. “Is everything okay?”
No. Stop looking at me that way.
“Just tired,” she said and crossed the room, shaking off the memories as she walked.
“Looks like the ankle’s better,” he said.
“It barely hurts today.”
“You two ready to go to the party?” Reid approached the girls, sounding nothing like the hard-as-nails FBI agent from the hallway.Right.He could change fast. She’d seen it. One minute he wanted to pursue a relationship with her, the next minute his career took precedence.
“Um, Jessie’s daddy?” Ella peered at Reid.
Reid smiled. “Why don’t you call me Reid? It’s easier than Jessie’s daddy.”
Ella looked at Megan. “Is that okay, Mommy?”
“How about Mr. Reid?”
“’K.” She turned to Reid. “Since Jessie is my new friend, are you Mommy’s new friend too?”
Reid’s expression softened as he took Ella’s hand and helped her to the edge of the bed. “I’d like to be your mommy’s friend if she’ll let me.”
“I know she will.” Ella’s seriousness surprised Megan. “She always tells me to be nice to the other kids my age, and you look like you’re her age, so she’ll be nice to you.” Ella looked at Megan. “Won’t you, Mommy?”
Megan smiled and nodded. “Let’s get going.”
“This is gonna be so much fun.” Jessie jumped down and charged to the open door, where she grabbed Bandit’s leash from Sydney.
Megan settled Ella’s mask in place then maneuvered her IV pole into position to leave. She took Ella’s hand and walked to the door held open by Reid.
Worry eating at her, Megan escorted Ella into the hallway and started the short walk to the lounge. Even with Reid by her side and the other security personnel stationed around them, she couldn’t relax and prayed they’d put plenty of measures in place to keep Ella safe.
Reid kept his eyes on the party that was starting to wind down. The small lounge was filled with children and parents, nurses, and one large Santa Claus that children had surrounded for the whole event. He tried to ignore Megan standing so close to him. Tried hard, but he kept catching her scent when she moved, and it was all he could do not to turn and ask her about the clean-smelling fragrance he couldn’t place.
But he wouldn’t ask. Couldn’t ask. It was too personal. So what if they’d had a few moments in Ella’s room when he almost thought Megan was still interested in him? He still wouldn’t go there. He was likely wrong. Probably his ego hoping she was still attracted to him.
He glanced at her and, this time, let his gaze linger. She was a stunning woman. This morning, she’d dressed in dark blue jeans and a deep navy blue top that brought out her soft blue eyes. Eyes that wouldn’t let go of her anxiety. He wanted to smooth away the worry line on her forehead. To wave a magic wand and erase all of her problems.
