Page 5 of Falling for the Enemy

Jack was leaning back in his chair with one elbow propped on the arm of the chair and his chin resting on the knuckles of his hand. His hazel eyes looked an angry green under the office lights. He had a thick head of hair that was black with salt and pepper highlights throughout. He couldn’t have been more than a few years older than me, but there was definitely some gray popping through. Of course, as all women knew and much to their chagrin, men always managed to rock gray hair, whereas it just made women look older.

“Tell me, Lo, why do you insist on being the bane of my existence?”

A laugh shot from my mouth. “If I’m the bane of your existence, then you’ve got it pretty sweet, Sinclair.” I wasn’t going to stand like a child being lectured by the principal, so I took a leisurely stroll around the office. The back wall wasrepurposed brick, and the university had spent a nice chunk of change putting wainscoting in all the offices. He had a window view of the staff parking lot and the student union past that. It was a nice spring day, and there were hundreds of students out in the union eating lunch and studying for the next class.

“Nice view.” I looked around the office. “Would it kill you to buy a few plants? We are in the botany department, after all.”

“Indoor plants are a nuisance,” he growled.

I stopped at a wall that had two photos, both of the same little girl. She was missing a front tooth and holding that same tooth in one picture, and in the next, she was bundled in a beanie and coat and hurling a snowball at the camera holder. Next to the photos was an impressive drawing of a tall man with black and white hair. The scribbled signature read “Holly.” “You?” I asked.

“Yes. In spirit, anyway.”

“It’s good. Didn’t know you had a daughter.”

“Lots of people have daughters.”

“Yes, I just didn’t picture you—” I stopped. “I suppose this is about the grant.”

He sat forward. “I don’t want anything to do with your little field trip to Costa Rica.”

I walked over and plopped down in the chair across from his desk. I even gave it the ole student slump to let him know I wasn’t the least bit intimidated by his angry scowl. “You don’t actually think I want you to go with us, do you? This was Brimley’s decision, so you need to talk to him.”

Jack leaned forward. He was aggravatingly handsome, which didn’t work with his demeanor because instead of focusing on his anger, I was thinking about his Clooney-style appearance.

“This morning he was adamant, but I plan to take it up with him again, later, after he’s had his power nap.”

I had to suppress a smile. Brimley did take a power nap every afternoon. He actually had a special sign made to hang on his door, so he wouldn’t be disturbed.

“I think we should work as a team on this.”

I sat up straighter with wide eyes. “Did you just suggest that the two of us work together as a—” I lowered my voice. “You know—the T word?”

“Stop being so damn facetious, Lo. It’s like dealing with a bratty teenager.” Jack stood up abruptly enough his chair rolled back and smacked the bookshelf behind him. I wasn’t going to be outplayed by him standing.

“I’ll stop acting like a bratty teen if you stop acting like a bull who’s been shot full of steroids. Seriously, are you ever not angry?” I stood, too, and moved closer to his desk so that my thighs were pressed against it. He rested his fists on the top of the desk and leaned forward. We were so close, I could smell his soap. For a brief second, we stared at each other, almost as if in a game of chicken to see who would look away first. We both stood strong.

He lowered his tone. I almost preferred the loud, barking tone. “I’m only ever angry when you’re in the vicinity.”

“Somehow, I doubt that. You give off such strong ‘Scrooge’ vibes, I half expect you to walk around shouting ‘Bah humbug!’”

“You don’t know anything about me, Lo.” His gaze was still locked on mine, and I had to admit it was breaking down my resolve to stay tough.

“And you don’t know anything about me. Now, if you’re done with the ‘big bad wolf’ act, I’ve got a team waiting for me. We’ve got a big adventure to plan for.” I turned and left him still leaning with his fists on the desk and just the slightest twitch in his clenched jaw.

I walked out of his office and released the breath I’d apparently been holding. Professor Brimley happened to bewalking by with a cup of coffee. “Ava, I saw you coming out of Jack’s office. I assume the two of you were discussing the research expedition. I’ve already got big plans to amplify and publish all the findings. It’ll increase our chances for future grants, especially having such a highly skilled, highly experienced duo like you and Jack heading up the team.”

Brimley looked so pleased; I hated to ruin his mood. “Peter, are you sure this is a good idea? I’m sure you know that Jack and I aren’t—well—we’re not exactly chummy.” That was putting it mildly.

Brimley chuckled. “So I’ve noticed, but I think this trip will change all that. The two of you work in the same university and in the same department. You can’t exchange ideas and give each other input if you’re always at odds. You’re scholars, but neither of you will be successful here if you don’t collaborate.” It seemed I’d uncovered Brimley’s secret plan.

“This wasn’t a stipulation,” I said. “You’re the one making us work together.”

“Well, the grant team size requirements are accurate. I could have found another staff member to go. Then I realized I had my opportunity.”

“Throw us both into the fire to see who comes out on top?” I asked.

“You’re going to a rainforest, my dear, not a volcano, and I don’t want anyone on top. I want the two of you to learn to work side-by-side. Otherwise—and I hate to say it—I’ll probably have to let one of you go, and Jack has more seniority.”

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