Jungle Inferno (12 page)

“Just…can you do it?”

He rolled his neck and cracked his knuckles. “Can I do it? Hah. Andrew the Magnificent can do anything.” He accepted the fresh drinks she handed him. “But remember. I’ve got a time limit here. I stay in their system too long and their electronic patrols will catch me.”

“Damn. Well, just get as much as you can before you have to log off.” She went back to pacing while Andy started clicking the keys again.

“Oh, by the way,” he interjected. “The Seventh Special Forces are responsible for action in Central and South America. Did you know that?”

“Yes, I did. Thanks but keep going.”

An hour later Andy pressed the printer button again and sheets of paper began to roll out into the chair. At the same time he went through the process of backing out of the system, wiping away his electronic footprint. When the papers were finished he handed them to Faith.

“All the men in his unit. Background, families, what have you.” Faith’s eyes widened. “You got all of this? How?”

Andy grinned. “If I told you I’d have to kill you.”

Faith scanned each of the sheets of paper. “There’s nothing recent on any of them,” she said slowly. “Except this Joey Latrobe. It says he’s at Walter Reed but it doesn’t say what for or how long he’s been there.”

“You might be able to find out with a phone call. Maybe not.” Andy shrugged.

“Depends why he’s there.” Andy stood up and finished the last of his soda. “I gotta call it a night.” He stared out the window. “Or morning, depending on your point of view.

Got to meet with a new client at nine and I think at least a shower is in order.”

“Yeah, yeah, knock ’em dead Andy.” Faith was already engrossed in studying the sheets, her mind spinning in a dozen different directions. “Thanks for everything.”

“Talk at you soon,” he called as he let himself out. Midnight. No one she could call at this hour. Even a call to the hospital this late might raise someone’s suspicions. And the man she needed to speak to would still be lying in bed next to his wife, hoping today the alarm would let him sleep in.

Finally deciding she ought to get some sleep herself, she dragged herself to her bedroom, lugging her pile of papers. Not even bothering to undress, she climbed into bed in her jeans and t-shirt, pulled the covers over her head and prayed for a dreamless night. But even as she tugged the covers tightly under her chin, the threads of a memorable weekend reached out to her.

The book signing at Barnes & Noble had gone exceedingly well. Faith always experienced warm satisfaction when readers flocked to her with great enthusiasm, discussing her characters as if they were personal friends. The journey from thought process to paper to the reader’s mind was often a convoluted one and she took great pleasure in knowing the end product produced pleasure and satisfaction for people.

Today people had stood in line for three hours just to have her sign one of her books and maybe exchange a few words with her. The Community Relations Manager had hustled to set up coffee and cookies to feed the inner person of the people waiting, comfort food to take the edge off the long wait. By the time the last person had left, Faith was sure her face would crack from smiling. In addition to the people who came in person, there were more than one hundred pre-solds she signed before the event actually began. Tonight she’d be soaking her hand in a large bowl of ice.

But she was pleased. Very pleased. The people at the store were beyond gracious and made everything as smooth as possible. But she’d be glad to get back to her hotel just the same. Abigail had found a sumptuous boutique hotel in Chapel Hill, about twenty minutes away. Built and decorated like a Tuscan villa, it offered every amenity a guest could wish for, including total privacy. Tonight she could order from room service and just veg out before she caught the plane home tomorrow.

She’d wondered vaguely if Mark might show up. She’d sent him one of their by now usual mental messages and backed it up with an email. Usually they stayed away from electronic communications owing to the nature and secrecy of his position. No traces that way, he always said, even as innocuous as their messages might be.

So she’d opened her mind and focused, hoping he’d get what she was saying. Of course, he could be anywhere in the world on assignment, concentrating on his job rather than nonsense from an old friend. But she could still hope.

At last she was finished, all her thank yous said, a promise to return with her next release. Gratefully she headed to the parking lot in back, digging in her purse for her keys. When she looked up she almost dropped keys, purse and tote bag. Leaning against her rented SUV was Captain Mark Halloran, out of uniform, wearing slacks, a soft collared shirt and a huge shit-eating grin.

Faith finally managed to close her mouth. “I was afraid you didn’t get my messages.”

He uncrossed his arms, moved forward and took her tote bag and other gear from her. “You think I’d miss a chance to see my favorite author in my own backyard? Come on, let’s get you out of here. You must be exhausted.”

Without objection she let him pluck the keys from her hand. Before she could blink she was buckled into the passenger seat and Mark was backing out of the parking lot.

When she got her mouth to work at last, she asked, “How did you even know which car was mine?”

He winked at her. “Abigail Loudon is susceptible to my charms. She even had her secretary call the rental agency and get the plate number.” Faith couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled from her mouth. “So I guess this means you really wanted to see me.”

The smile wiped itself from Mark’s face. “You have no idea, Tidbit. You just have no idea.”

She frowned. “Why so serious?”

“Later. First I think a drink is in order to celebrate the success of the famous author, Faith Wilding. I have some places in mind but where are you staying?”

“The Siena in Chapel Hill. It’s not too far away and it gives me exactly what I want, besides every amenity in the world. Complete privacy.”

“I’ve heard of it. Small and elegant.” He honked the horn at a truck that cut too close to their front bumper. “How’s their restaurant?”

“I only had breakfast there but I think the chef is directly from heaven.”

“Sold.” He clicked on the signal light and turned at the next corner. “Privacy is just what the doctor ordered.”

At the Siena he handed her vehicle over to valet parking, then held the door to the lobby open for her.

“I’d like to take these things up to my room first, if that’s okay. Want to come up with me?”

He looked down at her, his eyes the dark blue of a storm-tossed ocean. Heat danced in them. “More than anything but if I do we’ll never get dinner.” She stared at him, suddenly off balance.

“Don’t overthink, Faith. Go put your stuff away and meet me in the bar. I’ll get us a table in the corner.”

He was as good as his word, lounging easily in one of the Italianate chairs pulled up to a wood and marble table. A sudden attack of nerves swept over her, a partner to the unexpected pulses throbbing everywhere in her body and the unfamiliar heat of desire. Had his feelings changed since the last time they’d been together? Did he still want her the same way? Was it just sex? God, she hated to think that.

No, no, no. Don’t make yourself crazy. This is Mark. It will be even better than the last
time.

When she sat down she folded her hands in her lap until she could control their shaking.

“Don’t look so anxious.” He grinned. “I’m not going to eat you.” Then his voice dropped. “At least not out here in public.” Faith felt a blush creep up her face to her hairline. How embarrassing. At her age she should be way past blushing. “I, um…” She fumbled for words. Just being in his presence already made her want the things she remembered. His touch. His mouth. His cock inside her.

Mark waved at a waiter. “Let’s have a drink and talk about nothing and just relax.

You’re wound up tighter than a drum and I’m not far behind you. That sound good?” She nodded. “I’d like a White Russian, please.”

Mark cocked an eyebrow. “Well past the single glass of wine stage, I see.” Faith chuckled and felt the knots inside her unraveling. “I’ve grown up, in case you hadn’t noticed.”

His eyes darkened again. “Oh, Tidbit, I’ve noticed. Believe me.” The conversation over drinks was light and insubstantial. Her books, her career. His career in the Army, although she knew there was very little he could tell her. An Army Ranger, after enough missions under his belt he’d volunteered for the vaunted Delta Force, responsible for conducting Special Operations around the globe. She knew his parents worried all the time about the dangerous path he’d chosen but looking at him now, Faith hadn’t a doubt in the world that in any situation Mark Halloran could take care of himself.

“Another drink?”

Faith’s mind had wandered back to her prom night and Mark’s words startled her.

“Oh, well, maybe after we eat. I’m not sure I remember the last time I put food in my stomach today.”

He leaned across the table and took one of her small hands in his larger, warm one.

“Tell me if I’m out of line here, Faith. Or if I misread the signals I’ve been living on all this time. But would you scream and run off if I suggested we order dinner from room service?”

Her eyes widened and those pulses kicked up a notch. “Room service?”

“Mm-hmm. After.”

She met his eyes directly. “After what?”

“After what we’ve both been thinking about all these years. Right?” His fingertip caressed her knuckles. “I was wrong to stay away from you, Tidbit. I thought I had nothing to give you, that I’d be unfair asking you to wait. But Faith, I swear it’s been pure hell without you.” He gave her a lopsided grin. “There’s not much fun in being noble.”

Faith raised her eyes and saw the intense look on his face, the desire heating his eyes, felt her breasts tighten and the throbbing between her legs intensify. She remembered that time—the only time—and she wanted it again. No other man had ever come close to making her feel what Mark had.

“I don’t think the restaurant’s where I want to be right now,” she told him.

Mark lifted her hand to his lips and brushed a light kiss on it, then signaled for the waiter. “Are you concerned about people seeing us go up to your room? I don’t want to compromise your situation. We could go somewhere else.”

Faith smiled. “I’m fine, Mark. No one’s spying on me here and no one can really find me. That’s why Abigail picks places like this. Besides, wait until you see the room.” His smile melted her insides. “Then lead the way.”

The waiter had brought the check and Mark dumped some cash on the table, then followed Faith out to the elevators.

She hadn’t been kidding about the room. Sumptuous was the only word Faith could think of to describe it when she checked in. The bedroom, decorated in shades of gold and burnt orange, was centered around an oversized king bed. Wall sconces provided soft lighting and the nightstand and dresser held every conceivable type of convenience.

She blushed as she opened the nightstand drawer to reveal a box of condoms discreetly tucked away.

Mark laughed. “I like a place that thinks of everything.”

“We can have music too,” she told him and showed him the concealed sound system.

“I think music would be great.” He reached around her to turn it on, then fiddled around until he found what he was looking for. Soft instrumental music flooded the room, a slow melody that reminded Faith of the prom.

Mark pulled her into his arms. “We haven’t danced in a long time, Faith. Remember how good we were together?”

She fitted easily into his embrace, her hand resting in his, her head nestled against his shoulder. She could feel his heart beating against hers and realized he was as nervous about this as she was. Their one and only time had been so long ago. Would they still want each other as much? Would it still be as good?

“You feel so soft in my arms,” he murmured, as they swayed to the music. “I love holding you.”

Faith could feel just how much he loved it by the thickness of his erection pressing into her soft abdomen. Her nerves tingled in response.

Mark feathered kisses across her forehead and her cheeks and along the column of her neck. She was barely aware of it when his hands moved between them and he began unbuttoning her blouse.

“So soft,” he repeated, his hands moving over her, his mouth never still.

She barely realized she was naked from the waist up when his mouth captured hers in a drugging kiss that swept away the sense of anything but here and now. When his lips moved from her mouth to her shoulder and down to her breasts she arched up into him, eyes closed, swept by such a feeling of desire she could hardly stand.

She felt his body move and realized he was kneeling before her, his hands making quick work of her silk skirt and sliding her pantyhose and thong down to her ankles.

One by one he lifted each foot and removed her shoes and the delicate lingerie.

And then she was totally naked before him. She heard the hiss of his breath as he touched her thighs, her knees, even her ankles. When he pressed his mouth to the heated flesh between her thighs and gave her pussy a hot kiss she shook with sensation, clutching at his shoulders for support.

And then she was totally naked before him. She heard the hiss of his breath as he touched her thighs, her knees, even her ankles. When he pressed his mouth to the heated flesh between her thighs and gave her pussy a hot kiss she shook with sensation, clutching at his shoulders for support.

“I’ve waited so long for this I could do it forever.” His voice was husky. “I could make a meal of you, Tidbit and I don’t think one meal would be enough.” He picked her up, reached down with one hand to pull back the bed covers and placed her with infinite care on the clean cotton sheets. She felt his body shake with the effort to hold back and go slowly. She wanted to shout,
You don’t have to wait
but she knew he wanted to make this special for her. For both of them.