Page 27 of An Impossible Love
Later, Orin went to find Peyton, whom he knew would still be at her desk, to tell her about the date. But when he found her, he saw that her face was tear-stained. “What is it, Pey?”
She shook her head, trying to smile. “Nothing. Just one of those nights when I miss Joe so much it hurts so damn bad.”
Orin hugged his old friend. “I’m sorry.”
Peyton wiped her face. “I don’t even know what set me off, except… I was reading a letter from one of the parents of the kids who died in Maryland.” She looked at him. “Don’t waste time on not loving who you’re meant to, Orin.” She rubbed her face. “Talking of which—”
“—Nahla is beautiful, funny as hell, smart… and there was absolutely no chemistry between us.”
Peyton sighed. “At least you tried.” She studied him then got up and closed the door. “Orin, there’s been talk.”
“Talk?”
“That… you’re sweet on your personal detail. Agent Sati. I can’t begin to tell you how damaging it could be, how unsafe it could make you, to get involved with her.”
“No,” Orin said, his heart sinking. “No, you don’t need to tell me that.”
“Also, that young woman has been through enough. Do you know how hard she had to work to get here?”
“I do, Peyton.”
She watched his face. “Orin?”
Orin stood and paced for a moment. “What if I told you that I’m in love with her, Pey? That I can’t stop thinking about her.”
“The press would destroy her, and so the reputations of any female agents in her wake. This is bigger than the two of you.”
“Didn’t you just tell me not to waste love?” Orin realized his voice was rising and held up his hands.
Peyton waited for him to calm himself. “Come on, Orin, you know all of this. Stop behaving like a lovesick teenager. If Nahla didn’t work out, we’ll find someone else.”
“No.” Orin stood. “I’d rather just… concentrate on the job.”
“Good.”
Peyton was right. He needed to grow up and stop mooning around. He had a freaking job to do. Orin went to bed that night, berating himself for once again losing focus. He knew what he had to do. First thing in the morning, he would call Lucas Harper and arrange for his entire protection to be rotated out for new agents. Not singling Emmy out was the least he could do.
