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Chapter Thirty-one
Holding hands, heading toward one of the more lively bars on board, they walked along the promenade where there was an art auction on display. A small but beautiful painting of a cat with a litter of kittens caught Jake’s eye, and he stopped to check it out. One of the babies looked surprisingly enough like Boo that he could have been the artist’s model.
As normal, Rylee scanned the people nearby and her eyes caught on a furtive figure, a man who turned his back as if he was glancing in the window of another shop, one full of jewelry.
Really? Ian Philips?
The British intelligence agent had lost his touch. She’d made him without any hassle at all. Seeing that Jake was momentarily distracted by the salesperson who’d noticed his interest, she headed over to Ian and watched as he made up his mind to meet and not disappear.
“Give it up, Ian. Jake Andrews is working for the U.S. government now. You’ll not convince him to work with yours.”
“Hey, Rylee, nice to see you too.”
“Not funny.” She got into his face, her words ringing with authority. “I don’t know what the hell you’re doing, but I suggest you back off.”
Cowering slightly, protecting his middle in a way that could be comical if she wasn’t so pissed at seeing him, she waited for him to react, and then was shocked at his words.
Holding his hands in front of him as if to ward her off, he whispered loudly, “I’m not working, Rylee. I’m on my honeymoon, and if it’s going to be a success, my dear associate, I’d prefer to keep my personal equipment in working order.”
She searched his face for the truth and found him grinning proudly before he waved his wedding band in her face. “I’m not messing with you, dear heart. We got married three days ago.”
She grinned. Couldn’t help it. The man had driven her batty in the past, but she’d never wished him any ill will. “Congratulations, Ian. Who’s the lucky bride?”
“She’s an old schoolmate of mine. Actually, my very first crush as a young lad.” Suddenly, a good-looking, dark-haired female appeared behind him and reached for his hand. Her possessive attitude didn’t fool Rylee, the woman was laying her claim and it was kind of cute considering they were mid-thirties and both sophisticated, upper-class millennials.
Ian introduced the two women, his prideful adulation proof of his fall from the life of a successful bachelor who’d regarded himself quite highly.
“I’m very happy for you both.” Rylee had to admit that the man glowed almost as much as his new wife. Envy surfaced as she watched them wander away, arms around each other’s waists.
Sometimes, it was hard to envision agents living real lives. It hit her all at once, like a channel flipped to breaking news. If she found the right person, she could have the same.
Turning, walking back toward where she’d left Jake, she watched as he charmed the young salesclerk who was ringing up his purchase. Her attraction was obvious and her smiles an invitation.
Rylee approached and slipped her hand into his.
