Page 17 of Marrying a Spy

“That’s what I thought. I kept it vague. Told her you were in a legal bind and that getting married would help.” She was grateful that she hadn’t said anything more to Jazzy. If what her father did was so terrible that the CIA was looking for him, then Jazzy would be safer not knowing what they were up to. “Does she know any of it? Like, my father’s history?”

Noah pinched the bridge of his nose before turning his attention over to her. “I don’t think so. He’s a good liar. He kept a lot of people in the dark.”

She met his gaze and held it for a moment. Then she focused back on her cereal. “What did he do?” she asked as she pushed her spoon around in her bowl.

She’d always suspected her dad was up to something, and truthfully, she was a little terrified to find out just what he’d done.

Noah sighed as he leaned back. “I’m not sure you want to know, Soph.”

Her stomach clenched at Noah’s words. Then it was bad. Really bad. She stood and grabbed her bowl. Suddenly, she wasn’t hungry anymore. After rinsing out most of her milk and cereal, she turned to find Noah studying her.

“We’ll catch the man he works for?” she asked. She needed to know that opening herself up to this pain was going to be worth it. This man, whoever he was, was going to get caught and go to prison. Otherwise, all of this was pointless.

Noah stood and walked over to the sink. He paused right next to her. “I promise. He will not get away.”

Shivers ran down her spine as he stared down at her. His warmth radiated across her skin. There was a depth to Noah’s voice that made her believe he would take care of her. But putting her trust in him scared her.

Not able to stand there, bathed in Noah’s shadow, Sophia stepped away from the counter and grabbed her phone. After clicking it on, she called Gentle Dentists.

A few rings and Jan picked up.

“Hello, Gentle Dentists.”

“Hey, Jan, can I speak to Pat?”

She turned slightly so she could watch Noah from the corner of her eye. He was rinsing off his plate and setting it next to the sink. When his gaze made its way over to her, she shifted so he couldn’t see that she had been watching him.

“Hey, Sophia,” Pat’s quiet voice greeted her.

She told him the story she’d rehearsed in her head about the improtu wedding. Pat wasn’t happy about it, but he agreed to take on her patients where he had openings and would have Jan reschedule the rest. She was just grateful that he’d bought her story about getting engaged and needing to take the week off to plan the wedding.

After thanking him profusely—to which he just grunted—Sophia dropped the phone and turned to Noah. “Well, that’s taken care of.”

He was resting against the countertop with his arms folded. He had a contemplative expression on his face as he nodded. “You okay?” he asked.

No, but she couldn’t say that. Instead, she just shrugged and headed over to the door. “Come on, let’s get started.”

Thirty minutes later, they arrived at Jordan’s Photography House. Noah held the door open and waved Sophia inside. She walked into a large showroom with photos adorning the walls. Jordan had graduated with Noah and Sophia. He was a great photographer and they had been good friends. Well, until Noah ran out on Sophia and Jordan got married.

A tall, slender man stood behind a desk with a computer resting on top. He had a pink and white plaid shirt and a small black bow-tie that matched the glasses perched on his nose. He lifted his finger as if to halt any conversation and continued typing with the other hand.

Sophia glanced over at Noah, who had an impatient look on his face. When his gaze met hers, she shrugged.

Finally, the clicking of the keyboard stopped, and the man looked up. “Welcome to Jordan’s Photography House, I am Philip. Do you have an appointment?”

Sophia shook her head as she stepped up to the counter. “No, we don’t.”

Philip’s forehead furrowed as he parted his lips.

“We’re old friends of Jordan’s. Could you tell him that Sophia and Noah are here to see him?” She gave Philip a wide smile, hoping that it would help soften his hardened expression.

Philip glanced from Sophia to Noah. “Ma’am, it’s rude to come into a business and demand special service.”

Sophia raised her eyebrows. Wow. Okay. Just as she parted her lips to speak, the front door opened and Jordan stepped in.

His gaze roamed over them, and a surprised smile spread across his face. “Sophia? Noah?” he asked.

“Hey, man,” Noah said, stepping forward and extending his hand.

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