15

The rising sun revealed rolling hills and mountains and created a stunning view of Skylar. Sunlight splashed her features, highlighting a sprinkling of freckles. She’d let down her ponytail and her hair cascaded in waves over her shoulders.

But it didn’t matter how good she looked or how silky smooth her skin had felt when they’d kissed, Slade still had a job to complete. He hadn’t seen the van since leaving Hayworth’s house, but that didn’t mean they’d escaped danger—twenty minutes into the drive and his gut was still telling him this near run-in wasn’t over. He had to focus. He must remain vigilant. No more thinking about that spectacular kiss he’d shared with Skylar. No more wishing there could be another, or that it could mean anything more than a ruse. And that meant he’d better clear the air, if not for her sake, than for his sanity.

Slade unwound tight fingers from the steering wheel and attempted a laid back, relaxing tone. “Do you want to talk about what happened?”

She shrugged. “We took necessary precautions to evade detection. What’s there to discuss?”

“So, we’re good then?”

Skylar adjusted her seat belt, smoothed palms over her jeans. “Look, I’m not going to fall for you or anything because of a pretend kiss, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“No. Of course you wouldn’t.” So, why did a tinge of disappointment dampen his mood? “I need coffee. How about you?”

“I could use a dose of caffeine.”

“There’s a convenience store about a quarter mile ahead.” The road curved right, and the country store came into view. The small, boxy cinderblock building had seen better days. Good thing he wasn’t trying to impress Skylar. First, he’d taken her to a pancake house for dinner, and now breakfast would consist of generic coffee and a grab-and-go snack. “It’s not fancy, but it’ll get us through until we get to my place.”

“Your place?” The fatigue in her eyes vanished.

He rubbed a hand over his budding whiskers. “I need a shower and a few hours of sleep. You need a place to stay. Trinity Security’s safe house is in use, so my cabin’s the best option we have.”

“I thought you didn’t invite women to spend the night.”

“Sarah and Lily are there. We won’t be alone.”

“They won’t mind?”

“Not at all. Sarah could probably use another woman to talk to.” He needed to get her money back as soon as possible so she could resume her life. And now that he had the necessary password, he was closer than ever. As soon as Skylar was tucked away, he’d be free to finish this once and for all.

With renewed purpose, Slade turned into the store’s parking lot. A rusty blue compact car and a faded orange pick-up truck sat out front. He parked near the back. He had no reason to believe Barnes would be headed in this direction, but he didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks. “While we’re stopped, I’m going to switch the plates back to the original.”

“I’m glad you’ve got the legal right to change them.”

“Well, there are advantages to having a specialized license.”

“There are also advantages to having a specialized security agent watching your back,” Skylar said with a smile. “Thank you for making me feel safe.”

Warmth crawled up his chest and spread toward his neck. He didn’t blush, ever. This new sensation caught him off guard. Kissing her had changed things between them. He sensed it in her relaxed mannerisms as well as in her green eyes; appreciation and respect swirled beneath her irises. And the fact she hadn’t outright refused his invitation to stay at his cabin, well, that said a lot.

Slade had already begun to care for Skylar, but as much as he wanted to keep her within eyesight, he had to remain objective. “It would be better if you stayed in the car so we’re not seen together.”

“No problem. I’ll wait here.”

“Lock the doors.” Without waiting for a response he slipped around to the back and opened the trunk to switch the plates. Once finished with his task, Slade met Skylar’s gaze through the window sending a silent message: Stay put. Stay safe.

She nodded. She’d be fine. He’d only be inside for a minute, and she was a capable adult. He’d left the gun in the side compartment. He didn’t know if she had experience with firearms, but she could figure out how to handle one if necessary.

Slade approached the building. The door jingled as he stepped inside. A clerk mumbled a customary greeting as he tended to customers. Scents of brewing coffee and buttery, cinnamon pastries filled the air. Slade’s stomach responded, growling with anticipation. He stopped at the restroom and then went for coffee. Grabbing the largest cup, he filled it to the rim and added a lid.

The bell jingled, and he checked one of several overhead mirrors. A customer exited as another moved up to the counter. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary, yet his skin prickled and tension coiled in his muscles. He filled a second cup, skipped the pastries, paid the clerk, and pushed through the door.

The crisp autumn breeze had stilled and the birds had quieted as if nature itself sensed danger. Slade picked up his pace, rounded the building, and stopped mid-step as his heart jammed in his throat.

The sedan sat empty; Skylar was gone.