Page 13 of Covert Affair

It’s been three long days since all this nonsense began. The entire Cole Security team has worked relentlessly to put an end to it. For three days, I’ve listened to Bonita whine because she can’t update her social media or text her friends. Stacey has begged nonstop for something other than masculine smelling soaps and shampoos, to the point that I finally relented and ventured out for a short time today to gather something more feminine for her taste. Meanwhile Grady walks around in some sort of bubble, living his best life – or so he says.

At least now we know who we’re looking for though we’re still not 100% sure what’s motivating this guy.

“That’s the guy who talked to us in the elevator, right? He didn’t look familiar at all.”

I nod. “One in the same.”

“That’s the first time I’d ever seen him. I’m not sure I’d even remember who he was if I saw him again.”

“Yeah, I get that. You’ve never had a stalker before or anything?”

Stacey shakes her head. “I’ve got a message from a crazy fan or two but this is new.”

“Hm. Seems like the thought of you being with someone else set him off. You sure he’s not an ex-boyfriend?” I joke, trying to lighten the mood even though the thought of her with someone as crazy as this guy makes my skin crawl.

“What? Hell no. It’s not like I’ve got a laundry list of ex’s. I remember them all.” She gives me an evil glare that makes me chuckle. “You’re such a jerk.”

“A jerk wouldn’t have brought you girlie smelling things and pizza. You’d still be eating canned soup.”

“Fine, you’re only a little bit of a jerk,” she smirks back at me. “And now that I’ve gotten my stomach full, I’m going to go use that girlie stuff and take a nice hot shower.”

Thinking of Stacey in the shower is the last damn thing I need to do but I can’t stop the thoughts even if I try. While she saunters off with the bag of toiletries, I distract myself by cleaning up the kitchen. Bonita and Grady are off somewhere in the cabin doing God knows what while the other guys are taking a break or doing more recon.

“Alright man. I think it’s time for you to go get some sleep. You’re no good to any of us if you’re a walking Zombie,” Robert claps me on the back and gives me a gentle shove. “Go on. We’ve got this for a bit.”

“I’m waiting on Cole to call,” I protest behind a yawn. When was the last time I slept? I surely didn’t get any sleep last night, that’s for sure.

“And if he calls, one of us will wake you. Seriously. Go. Sleep. You’ll thank me later.”

I check the phone in my pocket and decide that maybe he’s right. Besides, I trust this guy...hell I trust the whole crew that’s here. If I didn’t, they wouldn’t be working with us. Just a quick nap. I can handle that.

“Anything changes, even if the wind shifts…”

Robert cuts me off with a chuckle and a grunt. “We’ll wake you.”

With a nod, I turn and head upstairs toward the master bedroom, my own private oasis.

I’m almost to the door when the hall bathroom door opens and Stacey Mae slips out with a squeak.

“Shit,” she mumbles. “I, uh…”

I’m frozen in my tracks and she’s in nothing but a towel. A low growl escapes, shocking us both.

“Missing something?” I ask with a raised brow.

“I was so anxious to unwind a bit that I forgot to grab a change of clothes,” she mumbles in a hushed voice. “The bodywash and other stuff you bought is really nice. It smells great too.”

As if I hadn’t noticed. She smells like sweet honeysuckle ambrosia and every part of my body notices. I stood in the damn store for far too long trying to decide on a scent that wouldn’t give me a hard on. Spoiler alert, I was wrong about this one. I’ve heard women say something about sex on a stick and that’s exactly what comes to mind right now.

I do my best ro remind myself she’s a client and that she’s known to be a diva - even if I really haven’t seen that side of her minus a little sass here and there. No, what I’ve seen is a vulnerable and down to earth woman, especially in the last few days where chaos has spun around us.

“I should…” She moves left and I move right at the same time and we collide as Stacey tries to make her escape.

Her breath hitches then she licks her lips. Lips that I’ve got the urge to lean in and kiss.

Christ it’s been too long. I’m blaming lack of sleep for clouding my judgment. It can’t possibly be because I’m attracted to her.

“Cody,” she whispers and my dick twitches. A gasp escapes and I know that there’s no denying the effect she’s having on me, even if I wanted to. “I...need to...get dressed.” This time she moves a whole lot faster and disappears into the room across the hall with a squeak.

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