Rosie’s sigh as her body relaxed was a soft caress and a damning slap to Sam’s conscience.
“Damn.” He retreated several steps, one broad hand splayed over his temple briefly before dropping it. “God damn, I’m sorry, Rosie. I didn’t mean to take it that far.”
Her eyes shot open and with a look of horror on her face, Rosie grabbed the pillow and covered herself as she bent over and retrieved her pants from where they’d fallen to the floor. He noticed she carefully kept her face averted. “You said you’ve been fantasizing about me. Did you mean it?”
Uh oh. The breathy murmurs had changed to crisp speech; she sounded like a lawyer questioning a hostile witness. Was he about to face a lawsuit? Not that he could deny what he’d just done to her-he’d definitely shattered the employer/employee boundary.
“Have you really been fantasizing about me?” she demanded again.
“Yes.”
She pulled on her pants, her head bent over as she fastened the clasp at her waist. “Does that explain why Miss Stewart and you are no longer together?”
“Nope. Cynthia and I…well, let’s just say we were never exclusive.” Tread carefully, Sammy, Rosie’s not ready to know about the club or its members. Not that he could tell her if he wanted to without permission from the board.
Rosie slanted him a strange look as she fastidiously did up every single one of her blouse’s buttons, including the two she’d left undone when she’d first met him at the limo. “So why did you keep seeing her?”
Because Cynthia was a damned good fuck who let him enjoy some of his kinkier preferences while he fantasized about another woman didn’t seem to be the right answer.
He realized Rosie was holding her breath, realized what she was asking.
“You’re askin’ why I never approached you before.”
She gave him a stiff nod.
“I’m your employer. I couldn’t treat you as anything other than an employee without risking a lawsuit.” Until tonight when his dick definitely had taken control of his brain.
“Is that honestly why you told Chad to assign someone else?” When she finally looked at him, he was surprised at the anger spearing out of her eyes.
Oh yeah, this was no wilting lily waiting for a man to validate her existence. She hadn’t let whatever had happened just now distract her the way it had him.
He shouldn’t have let his frustration get the best of him, he shouldn’t have taken her the way he had. Hell, he shouldn’t have kissed her, even that was way over the line. But he didn’t regret it either. His fantasies hadn’t come close to matching her in reality. She’d tasted like strawberries and rain and heaven rolled into one enticing package.
He wanted to see her eyes unfocus again. And often. Now. Without thinking, he stroked her cheek. “Believe me, baby, I wasn’t objectin’ to you guardin’ me because I think you’re not good enough. I know you’re one damned good protective officer.”
With precise movements, she tucked her shirt into her pants. “Then we’ll forget this happened. I’ll tell Andy and Kris one of them will be staying with you from now on.”
She was out the door and in the foyer before her words penetrated the haze of his lust.
Forget this happened? She could do that after the full-body orgasm he’d just given her? He scrambled from the bed, having to fight his way out of the comforter that had tangled about his feet. “Hell no, we won’t forget this happened.”
The front door was just closing behind her as he reached the foyer. He yanked it open and stalked into the hall following Rosie. “You think I’m gonna just let you walk out of here after what we just did?”
He pulled up short, shutting his mouth when he saw Kris and another man standing in the hallway by the door to 1202. Kris’s eyes went wide, then his lips pressed together until they were nearly white. His scowl deepened, and he muttered something under his breath. Though Sam couldn’t hear what he said, he had a pretty damned good idea the newbie had just lost any respect for his lead op. Or more likely him. The other man-Scott Phillips, the guy Troy had assigned to the cause-went from a look of surprise to a carefully blank look. From beneath lowered lids, his eyes narrowed as he assessed Sam, lingered on the woody Sam was still sporting.
Rosie’s hands clenched as she slowly turned back to face him. She stabbed her fist toward him, one finger pointing at the door to his penthouse. “You. Get back in your apartment.”
“Rosie-Ms. Ramos-”
“Now! And lock the door behind you.”
Aware of the two men watching them, Kris with overt hostility, Sam considered grabbing Rosie and pulling her back into his apartment where they could continue the discussion in private. Until he saw her move into a defensive position as she anticipated his thoughts. He settled for a dignified retreat.
Rosie waited until she heard the deadbolt click before turning back to her co-worker. Co-workers if the man carrying the khaki duffel bag was who she suspected.
Kris cleared his throat. “Hey, I guess I should introduce you two.” He hooked a finger in Scott’s direction. “Scott Phillips, I’d like you to meet our lead op-Rosie Ramos.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Miss Ramos.” Phillips hefted the duffel and headed toward her, his eyes flickering down. “You might want to, um,”-he waved his fingers over his chest-“check your buttons.”
A glance down at her blouse revealed she’d misbuttoned her blouse and a large gap had displayed her bra to all and sundry. Aw, crap! She wheeled around and hurriedly redid the buttons. When she turned around Scott had disappeared into the apartment.
“He’d just arrived when…” Kris waved toward Sam’s door. The questions she knew he wanted to ask hung so heavy in the air she needed a forklift.
“Kris, about what just happened-”
Kris held up his hands though he spoke through clenched teeth. “Hey, if you and Sam are having an affair, it’s no skin off my back. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, you know?”
Except it wasn’t Vegas, and she’d just lost the respect of two of the men she needed to respect her right now. Not to mention her self-respect had just taken a nosedive, especially since ninety-seven percent of her body was screaming at her to march right back into Sam’s apartment.
“Look, we’re not having an affair.” No, she’d just let her boss strip her naked and go down on her. It wasn’t an affair when the pleasure had been so one-sided, was it? Didn’t it take her returning Sam’s attentions for it to be a proper affair? Which she would have done-willingly, eagerly-if Sam hadn’t pulled away. If she hadn’t walked away.
A second passed, then another before Kris spoke again, “Did Sam…he didn’t force himself on you, did he?”
She looked up in surprise, and saw Kris’s jaw was locked, a fierce look in his eyes. He wanted to protect her, she realized. For all his joking and tricks, deep down he was the stereotypical knight in shining armor.
“Did he hurt you?” he asked again. “Did he threaten you, or your job?”
Hurt her? He’d told her he’d fantasized about her the same way she’d fantasized about him. Right before he’d given her a mind-blowing orgasm. Which definitely hadn’t hurt. Well, okay, maybe her ego hurt that he’d pulled away and apologized. But that wasn’t exactly something she could confide in Kris. Or anyone.
When she didn’t answer, Kris turned on his heel toward Sam’s door forcing her to grab his arm. “Kris, stop. We got in an argument over his schedule and how we’re going to protect him. You saw how he was fighting it this morning. It was just more of the same.”
Though she couldn’t speak for Sam, it was as far from normal as possible for her. The whole scene in that bedroom seemed more like a dream than reality. But she hadn’t decided if it was a fantasy come true or a nightmare in the making.
Kris hesitated. Then, even though he knew she wasn’t telling him the truth, he relented.
“Listen, I know I said I’d take the watch tonight, but could you stay in Sam’s apartment instead?”
“Sure, Rosie, anything you want.”
He ducked into their apartment, emerging moments later with a beat-up gym bag. He glanced over his shoulder when he reached Sam’s door. From the look he gave her, she had a feeling he knew it wasn’t Sam she didn’t trust, but herself. That she was tempted to walk back into the lion’s den and meow.
Without saying another word, Kris opened Sam’s door and shut it behind him.
Muttering about her own idiocy, and flinging curses toward Sam, Rosie fled into the safety of 1202. Phillips’ duffel was just inside the door, though she couldn’t see him.
Andy looked up from the laptop. “Hey, Rosie. I sent Scott to crash in the second bedroom with Skippy since they’ll be drawing opposite shifts. He looked pretty beat-I figured we could bring him up to speed later, right?”
Her feet slowed in the middle of the room. You walked out to save your job. So stop being such a pathetic zombie. “Yeah, that’s fine. There’s, um, been a change of plans and Kris is staying with Sam tonight.”
“Oh.” Andy frowned. “What happened? I thought you’d decided you were drawing that detail?”
“No, I think it’s better if I co-ordinate things from here.”
“Had a fight already, huh?”
“No. Not really.” She flopped into a chair. What should she do now? It was only a matter of time before Scott or Kris told Andy what had gone on, and then she’d lose control of all three. “Sorta, I guess.”
“Hmph. Pity. I was kind of hoping you two would hit it off.” And then he shocked the hell out of her. “You know you and Sam would be good together, don’t you? I mean, you guys make a good couple.”
When she finally gathered enough air to speak, all she could gasp was “What?”
He tilted his head and quirked a grin at her. “Come on, you’ve got the hots for him-everyone in the office can see it. And Sam-well, he’s obviously pretty into you. Besides, I heard you paid seventy grand for him at that auction. You wouldn’t have bought him for that type of change if you weren’t interested.”
Her mouth flapped open and closed a few times before she could think clearly enough to answer. “That was a favor for Jodi Rodriguez,” she said slowly, referring to Sam’s Dallas-based partner’s wife. “She made some agreement with Sam when he was in Dallas last summer. It was her money I was bidding with. Or maybe Sam himself paid. All I know is it wasn’t coming out of my pocketbook.”
That another woman had driven the bidding to such a frenzied height and cost Jodi so much had left her mortified. Especially when Jodi insisted that she go out with Sam as stipulated by the auction rules. Not that anything had happened, no matter her fantasies. “Besides, he’s my boss. Not to mention my principal. You know it wouldn’t be good to allow myself to be distracted.”
One of his shoulders slowly hitched up then dropped. “All I’m saying is that if you have a chance to find love, you should grab it, you know?”
“It’s not like that.” Sam had never mentioned a word about love. He’d asked if she felt what she did to him, but that was physical. And she had enough experience to know that lust was vastly different than love.
“Oh. Like I said, that’s a pity.” He pushed his chair back and stood. “All right, let me go move my stuff into that bedroom and tell Scott about the change in plans. You wouldn’t want me walking around buck naked in the morning now, would you?” He knocked on the door then walked in. “Hey, Scott? Change of plans, buddy.”
Rosie sank back into her chair. There was no way she could stay on as lead op after this. Her threat to request a transfer had just become a necessity. Hopefully the rumors that would undoubtedly rage like a California brush fire wouldn’t reach wherever she landed. She pulled out her cell phone and hit the speed dial. While she waited for the phone to connect, she watched the monitor showing the four cameras in the central hall Kris had set up earlier. The one aimed at the elevators showed the door opening and an older lady stepping off, a yappy white spotted terrier pulling at its leash.
Mrs. Margaret O’Mara of 1206. No threat to Sam. The woman turned to the right and walked to the apartment at the far end.
The ringing switched to an automated voice mail system. Once she’d heard the beep, she drew a deep breath. “Chad, it’s Rosie. There’s been a…development. If you could call me on my cell as soon as you get this.” Though she knew Chad had her on speed dial she recited her number anyway.
While she waited for him to phone back, she read through a couple more reports and noted who was where on the spreadsheet she’d started earlier that day, ruling out three more agents as possible suspects. At least she could say she’d contributed something to the detail before she left.
Twenty minutes later, the computer screen showed the elevator doors opening again. Chad. So he’d decided to see her in person rather than talk over the phone.
It was going to be tough to face him, but she supposed she owed him that much for believing in her enough to put her in charge. At least it was better than an impersonal email. Hey, thanks for putting me in charge, but I’m going to turn tail and run because my boss can make me come with his tongue.
Keep cool, stay calm. She squared her shoulders and took a deep breath, laying a hand on the doorknob. If he doesn’t grant your request for a transfer, then tell him that he can expect a letter from her lawyer.
She opened the door without trying to fake a smile. She knew she’d fail.
“Hey, Chad, come on in.”
Chad nodded once. “You all right, Rosie?”
A half-hysterical laugh came from her. All right? Where did she even begin to start?
He tilted his head as he looked at her. “The reason your call got dumped into voice mail was I was on the phone with Sam.”
Why did she not find that surprising?
“He said that he’s worried he gave Campbell and Phillips a wrong impression about you. And he’s worried he upset you. So do you want to tell me what happened?”
“No.” She pinched the bridge of her nose when a bellow of laughter echoed down the hall. Andy. Probably hearing what he’d seen out in the hall. Great. Her humiliation was nearly complete.
From the sounds of it, Andy was busting a gut in hysterical laughter.
Something smashed. Crap, hopefully it wasn’t that big antique mirror over the dresser. Or if it was, she hoped it had fallen right on Andy’s head. And maybe Scott’s too.
Chad stalked to the bedroom and threw open the door. “You mind-” Whatever he said from there she lost when he closed the door behind him. Less than thirty seconds later, he returned, shaking his head.
“What did they break?”
“Andy dropped a vase. I told him he’s got to either find a replacement or I’ll take it out of his next paycheck.” Chad stopped in the middle of the room and jammed his hands in his pockets, rocking on his heels as he watched her. “So, you going to tell me what happened?”
“Look, Chad. I appreciate you putting me in charge of this op, but I’m afraid you’re going to have to replace me. I want to transfer to another office-maybe Miami or Chicago.”
Somewhere far from D.C. and Sam Watson. She’d move to Spain if they had an office there.
“Sam said to expect that. He’s instructed me to do anything you ask, to tell you he’ll give you a good recommendation, pay for your moving expenses, whatever you need.”
Probably worried about getting sued. But could she sue him when she had been a willing participant?
“Thing is, I don’t want to transfer you. Not without knowing what happened to make you want to run.”
“Then I’ll quit, and you can discuss it with my lawyer.” Her eyes burned, matching the fire roiling in her gut.
“Why do you need a lawyer, Rosie?” A muscle in his jaw twitched as he ground his words out. “Did Sam hurt you? Because if that mofo did, I’ll take him down myself.”
“No, he didn’t hurt me.” What did it say that all these guys thought Sam was capable of rape? Did he have a history of violence that she didn’t know about?
“I wish you’d trust me,” Chad said softly. “Not a word you tell me will be repeated. Scouts’ honor.” He held up three fingers and smiled, something that took about ten years off him.
She started to say she’d rather not, but realized that if she did see a lawyer, she’d have to describe-in graphic detail-exactly what had happened and he’d find out anyway. Screw the lawyer. “Just replace me, Chad. Please don’t make this harder than it already is.”
Chad sighed and gestured her to sit on the couch. After she’d settled in place, he sat on the chair across from her and placed his right ankle on the opposite knee. He leaned back and regarded her for a few moments. When he spoke, his voice was gentle, not demanding. “You know, I think I can guess what happened tonight. Sam finally admitted he’s attracted to you, didn’t he?”
“Finally?” Her voice dropped to a whisper, sounding as tiny as she felt. What was it with everyone insisting Sam was interested in her? He’d not made a move toward her on their date. Tonight was…an aberration, that’s all.
“Sam’s been interested in you from the first time he met you. Yet in all that time, he’s never made a move on you. He’s never acted inappropriately. He’s never used his position to his advantage over you, has he?”
“No, he hasn’t.”
“And even though he’s interested in you, he won’t push you if you’re not interested in him.” His ankle dropped to the floor and he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “But you are interested in him, aren’t you?”
“No! No.” Even she could hear the weakness behind her denial. She jumped up from the chair and faced the window, hoping he couldn’t see the blush on her face.
“Rosie, when Sam’s in your line of sight, you put out every sexual non-verbal message ever documented-you touch your hair, you straighten your clothing, you cross and uncross your legs, you even lean in his direction-standing or sitting. And this morning-in the firing range-as soon as you realized he was there, you bent down and waggled your butt in his face.”
“I was pulling up my socks!” Oh, Lord, she’d tried to be so cool, tried not to broadcast how attractive she found Sam yet Chad could read her as if she had Horny for Sam tattooed on her forehead.
Chad shook his head. “Okay, then how about later when we were talking in the office about the photographs? Don’t try to tell me your mind was on our conversation. You were watching Sam-your pupils had dilated, your breathing pattern shallowed and quickened. You were so turned on Kris had to physically touch you to get your attention.”
She buried her face in her hands, trying to hide the blood that rushed to her face. When she’d first joined Hauberk and started training in New York, the head of the team had said she had a transparent face. Rick had spent hours teaching her to mask her emotions but obviously she was still easily read. She should have realized that others, especially a former FBI agent would be even more skilled at reading her.
“Admit it, Rosie,” Chad continued, “you’re just as attracted to Sam as he is to you. And that scares the hell out of you, doesn’t it?”
“I’m not scared.” Try terrified.
“Sam’s one of the good guys. If you’ve said no, he’ll back off. I guarantee it. He’s not going to hold a grudge; he’s not going to sabotage your evaluations or put you in harm’s way.” He leaned back in the chair, hooking one arm over the back. “But why is the idea of him being interested in you making you run? Is there something in your past I should know about? Some old boyfriend you’ve got hidden in your closet? Most women are flattered…” He paused. “Is that it? You think he’s just out to add a notch to his bedpost?”
“Maybe.” Yes.
“I don’t think he is. Sam’s held off on his attraction for you too long if he was trying to play you like that.”
“Perhaps. I don’t know. But he’s not only my boss but my principal now and every rule about guarding a client is that emotions interfere with providing good protection.”
“Normally I’d agree that a relationship could get in the way. But in this case, I had my reasons for putting you in charge.” He held up his fist and unfurled one finger. “First, you’re a better protective officer than you give yourself credit for. I wouldn’t have put you in charge if I didn’t think you capable. ” Another finger unfurled. “Second, you have an intuitive sense of who to trust and who not to-and people will tell you things they wouldn’t tell me. Third, you have a way of getting people to do what you want them to do instead of what they want to do. And that’s a crucial skill for whoever is in charge of guarding Sam. I know him, he sets his mind on something and he’s bound and determined to do things his way. Got him in trouble a couple times at Quantico. Luckily for him it usually worked out in his favor. If I put Walters in charge-or Phillips-Sam will override them.”
“But he won’t me?”
Chad shook his head. “I don’t think so. I think it’s important to him to prove his confidence in you. He won’t want to embarrass you, or worry you. He’ll argue with you, loudly and often, in fact I think he gets off watching you get angry. But when it comes down to it, he’ll do what you tell him to do.”
“So you want me to use his attraction to me to keep him in place.” So she’d gotten the leader’s position thanks to a strange form of sexual discrimination. She had to use her feminine attributes to keep a man in line. Oh, brother.
“I want to keep Sam safe and I’ll use any weapon at my disposal to achieve that. Because not only is he my friend, but without Sam Watson at the helm, Hauberk won’t survive and we’ll all find ourselves out of jobs. Which brings me back to your request for a transfer.
“I need you, Rosie. The entire Hauberk company needs you. I’m not telling you to sleep with Sam. I’m not telling you to put up with anything he says or does that makes you feel uncomfortable. You have my permission to slap him in the face or knee him in the balls if you have to, though I doubt Sam will give you a reason. It won’t affect your performance review, I promise. So my question to you is-will you stay on as lead op?”
*
When he checked the text message, he started chuckling.
“What is it?” his wife asked as she accelerated up the ramp to the I-35E out of Dallas. “There a problem?”
“No. No problem. Just a little project I set into motion is finally coming together.”
“Oh. That’s good.” She shot him a look sideways. “Anything I should know about?”
“Nope. Better that you don’t.”
“Plausible deniability?”
“Something like that.” Sam Watson had just put himself in a very uncomfortable position over a woman. Just like Sam had put him in a few months before. And he was going to enjoy every single minute of that smug bastard’s downfall.