Page 23 of Take

“We’re going to my place, and I’ll take care of your wound. Then you’re going to tell me everything about your project.” I met her blue gaze. “And Frankie, I mean everything.”

10

FRANKIE

My shivering had mostly subsided by the time Reath drove into his warehouse garage.

The brick warehouse was three stories, and the lower level looked to be mostly open parking. I didn’t bother to pretend that I wasn’t looking at everything. I needed the distraction, plus I was curious about his home.

I climbed out of his sexy car, looking around. I pointed at a door. “What’s in there?”

He headed for the door and opened it. “My home gym.”

My mouth dropped open. It was huge, and it looked all top-of-the-line, with every type of equipment a gym junkie could want. “Wow. You must work out a lot.”

“I do, but I do most of my workouts at my brother Beau’s gym.”

My brain got busy imagining what Reath looked like without a shirt on, lifting heavy weights.

He wasn’t huge, but he was all muscle. I could tell by the way he moved that he was fit. He’d be all toned muscle, and dark brown skin. My heart skipped a beat. I could easily imagine tight abs leading downward…

I blinked. Reath was standing at the stairs, waiting for me.

Right. Quit daydreaming, Frankie.

We headed upstairs.

“Middle level is the bedrooms,” he said as he continued to the top floor. “Upper level is the living area and kitchen. Plus, my home office.”

We stepped into a huge, open space. The wood floor was polished, but you could still see the nicks and wear from past use. Huge, black metal beams ran overhead, and the walls were a mix of concrete and brick.

“This is amazing, Reath. I love the industrial vibe.”

“Thanks. Now sit.” He pointed to the huge island in the kitchen. It was made of a white-and-gray flecked stone.

I headed for one of the stools, but suddenly, he gripped my waist and lifted me.

Oh. He set me on the countertop. He made it look easy. I wasn’t very tall, but I liked to eat. He spun to a cabinet and pulled out a heavy-duty first aid kit.

He set the red box down beside me and opened it. He pulled out some wipes and bottles.

“You’ve got enough stuff to take care of an army.”

“I like to be prepared.” He tipped some fluid onto a cloth, then began cleaning the side of my face.

My heart started beating faster. He was right in front of me, and I could smell his cologne. He smelled like lime and fresh water. Tension filled me. I felt it throbbing between us.

He stepped back. “Tell me about your project. Why does DARPA want it?”

I blew out a breath. Straight to business.

“My project is called ADAPT. The Advanced Acclimation and Protection Treatment. I’m designing an implant filled with bacteria that can create required medicines.”

A groove formed in his forehead. “Go on.”

“Medicine to help with unsafe food or water, and jet lag, and sleep disruption. Those are some of the largest problems soldiers in the field have to deal with.”

“I’m well aware.” Something flared in his eyes. “Can this implant create stimulants? Help increase stamina and strength.”

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