Page 32 of Covert Past

Boone held her gaze. The promise she saw in his eyes swelled her heart.

“This is good,” Eli said, unaware of the emotions between Boone and Ellie. “What’s it called again?”

She pulled her hand free. “Cholent. This recipe has been in my family for decades.”

“Well, it’s wonderful. Thank you for fixing it for us.” Eli told her that Sashi had a similar dish. “I don’t think it’s as good, though if you tell her I said as much I’ll deny it.”

Everyone around the table laughed.

“There’s more if you want it.”

Eli went back for a refill.

“Once we’re finished, I think I’ll take a look at the boat and make sure it’s secured enough,” Declan told them.

“I’ll give you a hand. Boone, you should stay with Ellie.”

Once the meal ended, Boone helped her carry the dishes upstairs to clean.

Declan pried the board covering the door free. He and Eli went out into the storm.

Ellie finished washing the last bowl and poured the remainder of the stew into a container before washing the pot. Her fingers shook every time a gust of wind rattled the windows.

“Hey, it’s going to be okay,” Boone took the pot from her and set it down, then gathered her close. “Declan and Eli have been through several hurricanes before. They know what they’re doing.”

She leaned her head against his chest, a sigh escaping. “I know. It’s not just the storm.” She closed her eyes, listening to the steady beat of his heart against her ear while trying to fight this feeling growing inside of her whenever she was close to Boone. Her life was in chaos. She’d brought her troubles to him andothers. Did she really think this time would be different? That the truth behind Daniel’s death would be solved after so many years?

“It will be okay.” He pulled back so that he could look into her eyes.

“How can you be so certain? I’ve lived with this for seven years, Boone. I’m the one my people believed killed Daniel.”

“But you didn’t. We both know this.”

“After all the things you’ve seen during your time with the CIA, how could you have so much hope?” she asked him.

“Because I trust God and I know you.”

When she would have pulled away, he held her there. “You are a good person, Ellie,” he whispered, tugging her closer.

Tears filled her eyes. His blurry face swam before her. “I don’t feel good. I haven’t felt this way in a long time.”

He tipped her chin back and brushed tears from her cheeks. “You’ve been thrown into something that no one should have to go through simply for some person’s gain.”

Was it that simple?

“I want it to be over. Whatever we find out, it’s better than not knowing.”

“It will be over. Soon.”

She looked into his eyes and held her breath. He was going to kiss her, and she wanted that so much.

Boone lowered his head, his lips touching hers.

A sob escaped as she leaned into him and kissed him back. No matter what the future held, she would remember this moment forever.

What sounded like a crash coming from outside broke them apart.

Ellie’s breathing was ragged, matching Boone’s. “What was that?”

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