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Chapter 14
I lay against my pillows on my bed. I was a bit weary about calling Brian. But with me not being there to protect him right now, the sound of his voice calmed my nerves.
She had noticed not only were her nerves growing thin, but she tad taken up drinking her brandy more often. She had been drinking long enough to control a buzz and getting drunk. On fact, one thing that had angered one of her CO-workers the most was that of her control over alcohol.
“Veronica! I had hoped to hear from you and I’m glad it’s sooner than I thought it would be.”
I couldn’t help but smile at his sincere comment. “Thank you. I didn’t know if it would be too soon. I’m not very good at second dates, calling guys and well I think you know where I’m going.” I rolled my eyes to myself as I realized I was rambling.
“I understand. I’m not very good either.”
“I find that very hard to believe.”
“Why is that?”
“You’ve had numerous dates. I’m sure you’re very used to calling a girl.”
“Maybe, but I’m not used to waiting.” He laughed. “I really do feel sorry for all the girls I never called back after I said I would. I feel worse for all the girls Aj said he’d call.”
I laughed.
“It’s good to hear you laugh.”
I smiled. “It’s good to laugh at all.” I didn’t feel so apply after a moment. “My job isn’t what you’d call a girl’s dream job.”
I looked over at the clock. Not really looking, but more trying to fight the tears that threatened to form under her eyes.
“Are you OK?”
His concern touched her heart. It had startled her, because only with him did she feel that her heart would warm. Many of the male CO-workers that I dealt with had dubbed me the Ice Queen and had often wagered bets on who could get me into bed and ‘melt her glaciers’. I even recalled such a time where a man had been so bold as to mock her talents with guns and knives.
“We both know that women who have a keen use of weapons are the most assertive lovers.”
I smirked remembering what I had done to set him straight.
“Really?” I walked up to him trailing a finger over his broad shoulders. “I’m quite equipped in that sense.”
He was consumed by shock that he didn’t even think before choosing his words. “I know.”
My knee met with his groin. “But I’m sorry to inform you that I do not always need a weapon to get my point across. Thank you for demonstrating such a fact.” I had walked a way with a smug grin while I heard groans of pain coming from manhood shuddered like a helpless child on the floor.
“Veronica?” I snapped back to reality realizing that Brian had been attempting to get my attention.
“I’m sorry. It’s not often that a man asks me how I’m doing with out…well expecting something in return.”
“Guys are bold now-a-days huh?”
I gave a weak smile to no one. “Definately.”
“I, for one, have found that most girls don’t like that.”
“In some aspects it’s a nice thing. But there is a fine line in that boldness.”
Brian’s next question threw her for a loop. His words were soft, but at the same time very intense. “Did I cross that line?”
I froze. I never considered if he had in anyway crossed any line.
“No.” I said that a little sooner than I hoped. I needed to think about it, but my mouth was too fast for my brain.
“Good. I was worried there for a second.”
“No, trust me I have ways of letting a man know if he’s crossed the line.” I smiled to myself. “You were still standing when I left weren’t you?”
“Yes.” There was a silence over the line as he contemplated the meaning. “Ohhh…Ouch. That sort of thing could a bad impression with those men.”
“It already has, not that I care. Suits them right.”
“I agree, just promise me one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“You’ll worn me before I get too close to that line.”
I smiled. I didn’t see that happening any time soon.
“I will.”
“When am I going to see you again?”
I was brought back to the reality of the situation with a slap. He wanted to see me again and I was supposing to only ‘pretend’ to want the same. But I really did.
“Soon…I hope.” I can ease out of this. “Unfortunately I have to stay for a little longer than I expected.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Where are you staying? We’re supposed to be in LA by next week. Maybe I could stop by.”
Oh NO! He is not that eager to see me! He can’t be!
I swallowed hard and sat up right.
Beep
I silently praised that annoying little beep that she normally cursed.
“Brian I have a another call. I’ll call you soon.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
I ached when I clicked over. Why did he have to be so wonderful? Why couldn’t he be jerk that was full of himself?
“Hello?”
“Get to the office now. We’re making some modifications on your script.”
“I think not.” I looked over at the clock. “It’s almost midnight. If you think I’m coming in now…”
My bosses growling voice cut me short. “ I’d be absolutely correct. If you undermine my authority one more time I’ll have a lot more than your job. MOVE IT HUNTER.”
I glowered at the phone. How did I get my self into this? I remember how.
***
He walked up to her like a hero out of one of the horrid novels she read. He placed a kiss on her hand and sat next to her in the food court. The mall was unusual packed to day. But even with all the beautiful women walking around he seemed to be looking at her. She put the novel face down on the table, absently saving her place.
“How would you like to make your fantasies come true?” His voice was thick and rich. It captivated her instantly.
She swallowed hard and nodded fearing her voice had escaped her permenently.
“I can do that. I want to make you a spy.”
Her jaw dropped. She recovered quickly and sat up straight. “Me? A spy?”
“You have the look to be an excellent spy. I think you’re reflexes are just as quick.”
She flushed red. “I…I guess they are.”
“No, no, stuttering won’t do. You must make your self none totally or not at all. Understand?”
“Yes of course.” She reclaimed her nerves just as quickly as she lost them.
“Are you up to it? If you say yes there is no turning back. None what so ever. Do you have the nerve to do it?” He was challenging her.
Any one who knew her knew that she could not turn down a challenge even if her life depended upon it.
“I have more nerves than a man dreamed to have. I can hold up with the best of them…if not better.”
***
‘If not better.’ Those were the words that sealed the deal.
Pulling into her parking space she recalled the look of pain that crossed Charles place as she left with that mysterious man.
Sitting in her car she tried to think what ever happened to him. After that day she never heard a word breathed of him. She never even learned his name. Then again she didn’t even know her bosses name let alone some man she met once 8 years ago.
Thinking over the information she had collected over the day she found her trotting to her office.
“Boss I got a question.”
He let out a silent but notable sigh. “What?”
“Do you remember the first day I was brought in here?”
He chuckled slightly, siting back in my large black leather chair. “Of course. You were determined to prove that you were better than any of the other rookies, and ten times better than any of the seniors here.”
“Was I disappointing?” I walked over to the mini bar and took out my first Coke in days.
Something told me that I was going to spend a great deal of time here and wouldn’t be able to deal with my boss if I got buzz. And knowing him, he’d get me so aggravated I’d drink till I was foxed beyond belief.
“No. You proved all of us wrong. What about it?”
“You remember the man who brought me in that day? What happened to him?” I leaned against the small frig and waited for a response.
My boss looked thought full for a moment. He turned and directed his attention to the White House outside my office.
“He’s dead.”
For some reason that news didn’t surprise me. A man like that could not have just disappeared. He had a look that could have captivated many hearts. He was made for Hollywood, but they found him first.
“How?”
“He was shot by his subject.” He turned in my chair to face me. “He wasn’t very good about staying stealth. Unlike you. I do respect that. You are very good at hiding.”
“Not from you.” I muttered as I took a sip of my drink.
“Pardon?” His eyebrow rose.
“Nothing. Can
we get on with whatever changes you want to make? I would like to sleep sometime
tonight.”
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