Her simple smile made him smile. “Thankyou.”
As they stared into each other’s eyes, he fought the urge to kiss her. “These are our latest surveillance creations,” hesaid.
“Wow, I’m impressed.” Damn if her sultry voice didn’t make his ballsache.
His Spy Flies—Horse, Black, and Moth—were lined up, ready tofly.
“Have a seat.” Once she eased down, he sat next to her and picked up Black. “These are the eyes and ears when agents and law enforcement can’t gain access to a facility or other POI—point ofinterest.”
He had her hold out her hand and he set the insect on her palm. After studying it, she examined its underside. “This isphenomenal.”
“Thank you.” Pride filled his heart. For years, he’d measured his life in terms of Sophia. Despite all the innovations, all the success, and all the wealth, he still felt like he’d failed. Because his sister was still missing. For a fleeting second, Alexandra filled the gaping whole in hisheart.
Over the next several minutes, Crockett demonstrated the Flies’ abilities using a tablet to control thebugs.
“Who currently usesthese?”
“I’m not at liberty to say, but we have a contract with one federal agency and several law enforcement organizations on the state level.” He slid over the tablet. “Give it atry.”
Alexandra did her best to maneuver Black but crash-landed the insect bellyup.
“Good job,” he said. “It takespractice.”
Decker returned with a cardboard tray of coffees and a bag. “We can always count on Mimi. She heated the croissants.” Then, he cast a serious eye on Alexandra and the atmosphere grew chilly. “This project must be closely guarded from thepublic.”
Normally easygoing, Decker had turned into a pit bull. “She understands,” Crockett said, coming to herdefense.
“I wouldn’t betray Crockett or do anything to jeopardize his business,” shesaid.
Decker and Crockett exchanged glances.Let itgo.
After another look around the room, disappointment tinged her eyes. “Given the secrecy of your work, there’s no point in my interviewing you or yourteam.”
“She has a point,” Deckersaid.
Wanting to assure her, Crockett laid a steady hand on her shoulder and gave a quick squeeze. “We have other innovations I’m prepared to discussifI agree to theinterview.”
She shot him a relieved smile. “I hope so. I would love theopportunity.”
If she was using her charm to change his mind, it wasworking.
“Geez, you two, get a room.” Decker grabbed a coffee out of the tray and pulled a pastry from the bag. “I’ve got work to do.” He trottedout.
A pink hue blossomed on her cheeks. “Tell me about yourplan.”
So pretty.He rose, collected the bag and cardboard tray. “Let’s talk inprivate.”
Together they entered his Tank and he shut the door. “We’re not ready to erase the white board. Can I trust you not to run a story aboutthis?”
Without hesitation, she extended her hand. “Again, you have my word. For the record, I don’t understand any of that. Chemistry and I were not bestbuds.”
He shook it. “Thank you.” Unable to control himself, he blanketed her hand with his otherone.
A seemingly innocent gesture rekindled his desire. Being alone with her heightened his senses. Her beautiful scent filled his nostrils. Her breath hitched, then, fell in line with his. The longer he stared at her angelic face, the more he wanted to haul her into his arms and kiss the hell out ofher.
The air crackled between them. Her light brown eyes bled black. Her lips parted. The slightest pull and she’d come crashing against his chest. He’d strip her bare and take her on the hard Formica tabletop.Get a damngrip.
As if she could read his thoughts, she tugged her hand away and eased into one of the chairs at the conferencetable.
