Not waiting for a response, she stormed toward the townhouse.
A few easy strides and he caught up with her. “That hit cost me and the entire team over a year of hard work.”
“This isallon you,” she said. “No one knew you were going to be there. As part of ateam,you’re supposed to let people know where the hell you are. I would never want to work with a rogue agent. You might be the best, but it almost cost you your life. I quit my job—a job I was damn good at—because the information I’d been given was wrong. Even if you were the last agent on earth, I would never,ever, partner with you.”
On a growl, she stormed off. Though he caught up to her, she was done talking. She needed to get her own life back on track. If he was a rogue agent, that was on him.
It’s not like we’ll ever cross paths again.
An emptiness settled into her soul and she shoved it out. Goodbyes always left her feeling blue.
It’s just my usual reaction. He doesn’t mean anything to me. He was a dare that turned into a booty call. Move on and let him go.
After stepping inside the house, she turned back. His hypnotic eyes drilled into her with a million-candlepower ofpure animal magnetism. It was like he was staring into the depths of her soul.
Her heart leapt.
She liked who she liked regardless of who he was and the damage he’d done to her career.
9
…ANOTHER DOOR OPENS
Joaquin
Sunday afternoon, Rebel entered his sister’s house, carrying two large to-go containers. One loaded with ribs, the other with fries. Courtesy of Jericho Road.
A child peered around the corner, then came bolting toward him. “Uncle Waaaaaa-Keen!”
Like a herd of wild horses, the remaining five followed, all screaming with delight, giant smiles plastered on their small faces. Ranging from one to six years old, these children were the highlight of any family get together. He adored kids, couldn’t wait to be a dad. His own father had been the ultimate role model. Shoes he could never fill, but he’d give one hundred percent, one hundred percent of the time if he ever became a dad.
The two littlest ones crashed into him. One bounced off, hit the floor on his bum. The second grabbed his legs and clung like a boa.
“Can I have a ride, Uncle Joaquin?” asked one of the older ones.
Rebel grinned. How could he not? It was like this every time. The energy was palpable, their smiles so damn adorable. These little ones were pure energy. No matter how much shit he was dredging through, it took a back seat to the joy of hanging with his siblings’ kids.
“Hey, wild ones,” he said. “I brought Uncle Jericho’s fries.”
They started cheering and jumping up and down, the commotion drawing the rest of his family.
Today’s crew included his older sister, Rebecca, and her hubs, his older brother and his wife, an aunt and uncle, his cousin Kurt, and few of his sister and brother-in-law’s friends. Then, his mom strolled in. He shot her a smile before handing off the food to his sister.
Rebecca kissed his cheek. “Thanks for these.” His sister stepped around the enclave of children, retreating to the kitchen.
“Who wants a ride?” Rebel asked.
All six kids yelled, “I do!”
“Littlest to biggest.”
“Why do we always have to wait?” his eldest nephew asked. “It’s not fair.”
“You’re old enough and smart enough to understand you’ll get a turn. These little urchins are still poopin’ in their pants. How smart can they be?”
The two eldest laughed as they retreated down the hall.
Then, his brother pulled him in for a hug. “How you been?”
