Always You (A Magnolia Falls Novel) (17 page)

“Pizza’s here,” she said as she bounded out of the kitchen to answer the door.

***

Lorelei had seen him in pictures and thought him handsome, but in-person, Daxon Hayward wasn’t merely handsome, he was gorgeous. Six-foot-four, with a muscular chest, broad shoulders and narrow hips. Black hair and green eyes that seemed to see her every secret; which was scary considering the one she was hiding from him. The show she and the other agents had put on with the moving truck had gone according to plan. She was glad otherwise she would have had to come up with another way to meet him.

They sat at the kitchen island to eat their dinner. Lorelei had opened the French doors leading to her small backyard. Once they had each served their food he said, “Tell me about yourself and your family.”

He sure was forward, just as his father. She took a bite of pizza to give herself time to mentally review her cover story. When she had read and reread it last night it had impressed her that it stayed very close to the truth, the only variation being her current employment.

“There isn’t a whole lot to tell. I grew up in upstate New York, went to college, then joined the NYPD soon after graduating from Yale.”

“You’re a cop? Somehow, I am not surprised.”

“I was a cop. Not anymore.”

“What do you do now?”

“I design security systems for large companies.” She paused to take a drink. Then continued. “Let me see, my family. My parents have been married forty years and are still going strong. I have two older brothers, Colin and Dylan, they're twins.”

“What do they do?”

“Colin is a sheriff, and Dylan is FBI.”

He whistled low. “Impressive. An entire family in law enforcement. Was your dad a police chief or something?”

“History professor.”

That made him laugh. “Really? I never would have guessed. And your mom?”

“She was the chief of police in our town. Now she is the mayor.”

He threw back his head and laughed. “Looks like you come from some pretty tough females.”

“I sure do. My mom's grandmother once robbed a bank.” She lifted her soda and took a drink.

“No way. Now I know you’re kidding.” She smiled and reached for another slice.

“You really aren’t going to tell me?”

She took a bite of her pizza and chewed slowly, keeping him in suspense. Finally swallowing she said, “Story goes, it was in the roaring twenties, and she grew up in Dallas. Her parents owned a café. She befriended one of the waitresses who asked her to take her somewhere one day. They ended up at a bank where the waitress proceeded to rob it. My great-great grandmother waited in the car so she didn’t know what was going on until it came out in the paper. She never had any proof that her friend was the one who actually robbed the bank. She just knew her friend was inside when the robbery took place, and when she came out she seemed a bit excited and asked my relative if they could leave quickly.”

“Wow. What a story. What was her friends name?”

“Bonnie,” she said and laughed when his mouth opened, and no sound came out.

“As in Bonnie and Clyde?” he asked in disbelief.

She shrugged. “Like I said, there was no proof, just a theory.”

He laughed. “You certainly have a colorful family history. After that auspicious beginning your family decided to change sides of the law?”

“Something like that. Now it’s your turn. What’s your idea of fun?” Time to direct the conversation away from her.

***

“Pizza with a beautiful woman.” He toasted her with his soda can and drank.

“You're easy,” she said.

“I just happen to know what I like. And at this moment," he reached over and pulled a curl of her hair that had escaped the ponytail she had put it up in. It sprung back up when he released it. “I would like chocolate cake.”

“Sorry. I'm fresh out.”

“I'm not. It just so happens I have some. It was left over from last night’s state dinner.” He sat back to watch her reaction. Most women would start a string of questions about his parents and living in the White House, as well as hinting for an invitation.

“Now you’re just showing off,” she said. She took her last bite of food, drawing his attention to her full rosy lips. It had been difficult for him to concentrate on his meal, being distracted frequently by those lips. She set her fork down. “Chocolate cake is tempting though. I’ll have to think it over while I do dishes.”

Daxon was stunned. He had given her an opening to ask about his family, and she ignored it. He picked up his plate, taking it to the sink.

After quickly loading the dishwasher, he reached for her hand, “Let’s go.” He began pulling her toward the front door.

“We can’t just go to your place. What if the truck arrives with my stuff?”

“We will hear them. Just as right now I hear chocolate cake calling your name.”

“Well, I wouldn’t want to ignore the cake and hurt its feelings.”

***

The moment they stepped out she went on alert, scanning the cars parked along the curb, the windows of the homes across the street, people walking, searching for anything that didn’t look or feel right. She had managed to place herself in front of him when he opened the door, and she remained slightly in front as they walked down the four steps to the sidewalk. If she walked a little closer to him than necessary, well, she was just doing her job. He would take it as encouragement, but she would deal with that later.

Twenty steps from her front door to his. She let out a sigh of relief when they were safely inside. She knew the two agents positioned in a vacant home across the street would keep an eye on things, and Dax’s backyard was enclosed with a security fence. The one concession he had agreed to in regard to protection, his father had informed her.

She looked around his home. White tile in the foyer leading into the living room with a black leather sofa, glass and chrome end tables set on a black and white rug. The only color came from the abstract art on the walls. The door to his study was closed.

“Okay, Hayward, you have me here, now where is the chocolate?”

He chuckled. “The kitchen is this way.”

His kitchen matched the rest of the house she had seen so far. It had black granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, and a beautiful chocolate cake in the center of the island. “Now that is what every girl dreams of.” She sat on a black and chrome stool and pulled the whole cake to her.

“I’m happy to fulfill your dreams.” He handed her a fork “Should we even bother with plates?”

“Whatever for?” She scooped up a bite of the moist, five layer, chocolate cake. The moment it touched her tongue her taste buds exploded. “
Mmm
,” she said.

“I see you approve,” he said, then took a bite as well. After a few moments he asked, “Why did you move to DC?”

“No way, Hayward. It's your turn to talk about yourself.”

“Hmm... Let's see. I'm an architect, and I spend most of my time drawing. But, it’s more than a job to me, it’s an obsession.”

“Have you designed anything I've seen?” she asked.

“Possibly. Most of my work is for overseas companies. Right now I'm working on a building for a company in Norway.”

“Impressive. Can I see some of your work?”

“Sure. Want to move into the living room where we will be more comfortable?” he asked.

“I saw your living room walking in, and our level of comfort is debatable.” She picked up their forks.

He grabbed the cake and headed toward the living room. He looked at her over his shoulder. “Are you criticizing my decorating choices?”

“No, just making an observation. It’s not very cozy,” she said.

He set the cake down on the glass coffee table. “So you want cozy.”

He picked up a remote and pressed some buttons. The lights dimmed, and a fire came to life in the fireplace. Soft music began playing. He pulled a portfolio off a shelf and sat down on one end of the sofa and patted the seat next to him. She shook her head, and sat, pulling her legs under her. She couldn’t help it, she had to laugh.

“I wonder how many ladies this has worked on,” she said.

He opened his mouth, then shut it and looked at her, his gaze holding hers. Finally, he said, “Let’s not go there right now.”

Why was she suddenly relieved he didn’t want to discuss any other woman?

He handed her the portfolio. She laid it on her lap and opened it. “Oh wow, this is amazing. Where is this building?”

He laid his arm behind her and leaned over to see the picture she had opened to. “Estonia. It was the first one I designed after college. I was amazed a company picked it up.”

The warmth of his arm across her shoulders sent tingles down her spine. “I'm not. It's beautiful. I love the pilaster at the end of each series of arches.” She was trying not to inhale to deeply because he smelled so good, like chocolate and man.

He looked at her, surprise evident on his face. “A girl who knows architectural terms. I'm not surprised after seeing the work you had done next door.”

Her knowledge had come from a book she'd been reading the last couple days, which was why she had noticed small details in the townhouse she was staying in. “My favorite is the banister, it's gorgeous.”

His fingers began playing with her hair. “Yes it is," he said softly.

She turned to look at him. His face was so close to hers. She couldn't pull her eyes away from his. Just when he began moving closer to her the rumble of a truck outside shattered the moment.

She pulled back and set the portfolio on the coffee table. “Looks like the rest of my stuff has arrived.” She stood up.

He stood as well. “I'll walk you back and make sure everything is okay.”

After the almost kiss she needed time to regroup. “That isn't necessary. I've kept you from your work long enough.”

“Yeah, deadlines are the worst." He rubbed the back of his neck. “If you're sure.”

“Positive. Thanks for the cake.”

Day two on the job and Lorelei was determined to keep her objectivity. She had never hit it off with someone so quickly and so easily. He’d made her feel things yesterday she hadn’t felt in a long time.

He was a job. The most important job of her life. She needed to get a grip on her feelings and then shove them down, tie them up, and not let them see the light of day. Besides, when he discovered the truth he was not going to like her very much at all.

Resolved to see him as nothing more than a job she picked up two cups of coffee and a box of pastries. She made the short trek to Daxon’s door and rang the bell. When he hadn’t answered after a few moments she rang again. It was ten o'clock in the morning, there was no way he was still sleeping, and Agent Ricks hadn’t alerted her of his leaving.

She rang the door bell again and waited. Worried, she was about to use the key his father had given her when Dax opened the door, wearing a towel around his waist and another around his neck that he used to dry his hair. His chest was wet and her mouth went dry. They stood, speechless, staring at each other. Had she really thought all those feelings he evoked in her could be tied up and locked away? They were front and center right at the moment, mocking her audacity, making her mute.

He was the first to speak. “If I’d have known Café Au Lait had such beautiful delivery women I’d have called in an order long ago.”

He stepped back and opened the door wider so she could enter.

“Just a small thank you for your help yesterday,” she replied, finally recovering her ability to speak, in full sentences at that.

He took a cup from her and sipped. “Mmm. You didn't have to, but I'm glad you did. Set them down wherever you’re more comfortable. I’m going to run upstairs and get dressed.”

***

Daxon shut the door to his room and quickly dressed in jeans and a red t-shirt, his normal working attire. When he had opened the door to find Lorelei standing there, in black yoga pants and a fitted pink t-shirt he thought he was still dreaming. She had visited his dreams all night, having her in his home this morning brought all those dreams flooding back and he had almost blushed like a school boy.

Why was she here? He had enjoyed the time he spent with her the day before. But, that meant he had a lot of work to catch up on today. Yet, there was no way he would send her away as long as she wanted to be with him. Even if she was there because he was a Hayward.

Although, to be honest, he didn’t believe those were her motives. He just hadn’t figured out what they were yet, and it bothered him. Usually he could read people better, with her his judgment was impaired, and that scared him because he wanted to trust her. He would have to try harder to figure her out.

He joined her in the living room, chose an apple filled pastry, and sat next to her.

“Would you like to spend the day with me?” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Depends what you have in mind.”

Holding you in my arms, kissing you.

“Work,” he said instead. “I have a deadline but I don’t want you to leave. Do you have any work you can bring over? I have plenty of space, a big desk and comfortable chair I never use.” As soon as the words were out there, he realized their truth. He was drawn to her and wanted to be near her. His declaration had surprised her, he had seen it in the slight, quick widening of her eyes.

“I do have a security design I need to finish. I'll run next door to grab my laptop.”

***

Over the next two weeks they fell into a routine. A light breakfast together, then work… together. Some days he would take his work to her house, and on others she would take her laptop to his. They would break for lunch and dinner, and many times during the day they would begin talking, joking, flirting… always laughing. Lorelei could, at times, almost forget she was on assignment.

The daily calls from Ben Stevens didn’t let her forget. The threats kept escalating. All the leads pointed to the group from Russia, but they had not been able to obtain any concrete evidence. It seemed more like a smoke screen to hide the real threat.

One morning, she had just finished dressing and expected Daxon to arrive any minute when her doorbell rang. Seeing him every morning sent a thrill through her, one she tried to ignore. When she opened the door it wasn’t Daxon on the other side.

“Dylan, how did you find me?”

“Is that anyway to greet your favorite brother?” Recovering from her shock she opened the door wider so he could come in. “Sorry, I was just surprised to see you. I take it you were selected for the task force? I saw your name on the list of candidates.”

“Yeah, but I’m surprised you know about it. I was under the impression only agents involved would know.” He gave her a hug.

“I am involved. Didn’t they tell you?” Before he could answer her question the doorbell rang again. She panicked. It was Daxon. She grabbed Dylan’s arm. “Listen, you cannot say anything about me working for the Secret Service. Got it? I design security systems, and I’m self-employed.” The doorbell rang a second time. She quickly went to open it. “Good morning. We have a visitor,” she said with a smile.

Daxon gave her his usual greeting, a hug. “Oh yeah, who's visiting?”

“My brother Dylan. Dylan, this is…”

“Oh heck no,” Dylan said. “You have got to be kidding me.”

“Daxon Hayward,” she finished, lamely.

“I suppose a hand shake isn’t a good idea,” Daxon said.

“I’ve heard about your refusal to accept a protective detail, and now I find out my sister is living next door to you. Do you realize you have a big red target on your back Hayward? And my sister is in the blast range. That is not okay.”

Lorelei had never seen Dylan this angry, not even when Tommy Sommers pulled her pigtails and stole her lunch money. “Dylan, stop this. It’s not his fault I moved in next door, nor that he is the President’s son. Besides, I am trained to take care of myself.”

“I would never let anything happen to her,” Daxon said. “If it makes you feel any better, there are three agents across the street.”

Lorelei snapped her attention to Daxon.
Three? There were two agents.
Thankfully, Dylan asked the question so she wouldn’t have to. “Exactly where have you seen these
three
agents?”

“Two are in the unit to the left, and the one in a unit on the right just appeared this morning.”

She and Dylan exchanged a look, and she realized he figured out what she had been trying to tell him. She was the agent assigned to protect Daxon.

“I have to go,” Dylan said. “We aren’t done with this,” he said to Lorelei.

After the door slammed behind him Lorelei turned to find Daxon watching her. “I can see the family resemblance, that same fiery disposition.”

“If you think he’s bad, you should meet my mother. I’m sorry for the way he treated you.”

Daxon had his hands in his pockets. He looked at her intently. “He’s right, you know. Spending time with me puts you in danger. There have been threats made against me recently. I would understand if you want me to leave and stay away until this gets sorted out.”

“No. I know the risks. I am trained to take care of myself. I'm not worried.”

Daxon pulled her into his arms. He gently smoothed the back of his fingers down her cheek. “I was hoping you would say that.” He held her tightly for a few moments, and she held on. He had come to mean more to her than was wise. Her heart was involved, and that was the first rule of an agent... don't make it personal.

***

Later that day Dylan called her. He wanted to meet, and he wouldn’t take no for an answer. After checking in with Agent Ricks she left to meet her brother. Twenty minutes later she walked into Dylan’s hotel room. He didn’t waste any time.

“You are the undercover agent! Do you realize the danger you are in? We are dealing with terrorists here.”

He was pacing the room. She stood still and listened. When he finally finished his rant, he stopped and looked at her. The tears that had been brimming in her eyes spilled over and fell down her cheeks. “I think I’m falling in love with him.”

His expression changed from angry to concern in a second. “Aw, honey.” He went to her and wrapped her in his arms. “Don’t cry.”

Her tears were flowing freely now. “He is going to hate me when he finds out the truth.” Dylan led them to the sofa, where they sat, and she leaned her head on his shoulder.

“I don’t want you in there, Lor. It’s too dangerous. You know I didn't agree with your decision to work for the Secret Service, but I thought you would be given a low risk assignment. Not the First Family.”

She dried her tears and sat up. “This is what I wanted.”

“He needs to be moved to a secure location with a whole team of agents on him.”

She shook her head. “He won’t agree to that.” She stood and went to the mini fridge and pulled out a bottle of water. “What I don’t understand is why the threat is against him only, and not his sister too.” She took a drink of her water.

“That is one of the things we are trying to determine.” He stood and squeezed her shoulder. “Until we do, security has been increased on her as well.”

Lorelei looked up at her older brother. He and Colin were always there for her, protecting her and supporting her. She could see the concern in his eyes. “I’ll be okay, Dylan,” she said in an attempt to reassure him. “I was a good cop, and I’m an even better agent. Physically, I will be fine.”

“You’re not so sure about your heart are you?”

She shook her head, her eyes tearing up again. “It is what it is. He’s a job, I need to remember that always. When I forget is when I lose my focus and put us both in danger.”

“In that case, picture him as an ogre.” He smiled.

“That won’t work because I’ll think of Shrek, and he was very lovable.” She meant it as a joke, but it fell flat.

“I’m going to move in with you. I have a valid excuse for being there, and I can be close at hand if anything happens.”

“That won’t work. My objective is to spend as much time with him as possible. With you around that won’t happen. You’d be the third wheel.”

“This isn’t funny.”

She put her hand on his arm. “I can do this, Dylan.” She looked him in the eyes until he nodded. “I’m not saying you can’t come visit, a lot.”

“You bet I will,” he said, with determination lacing every word. He walked over to the closet and pulled out a garment bag. “Collin and I had this made for you.”

She laid the bag on the bed and unzipped it. “A coat. It’s beautiful. Thank you.” It was a black, knee length wool coat, fitted at the waist then flared out.

“It’s not just any coat. It’s lined with Kevlar.”

“Bullet proof? It’s so light.”

“A friend of Colin’s made it. He can put this stuff in anything.”

She was inspecting the coat and its lining. It was slightly heavier but other than that, there was no difference. “It’s amazing.”

“The weather is cooling down now. I want you to wear it whenever you go out. Promise me, Lor.”

She tried it on and buttoned it up. It fit perfectly. “I promise.”