Hidden Talents

 

Sitting between Liam and Chase on the couch, with Theo on the floor in front of me, I decided that Jackson’s bungalow was probably not the best place for team meetings. Since the kitchen table was only big enough for four people, we were making do in the living room, which meant that Knox had claimed the only available chair and Jackson was standing. Maybe we should have done this at the loft.

“Can we get started?” Theo whined. “My bum is already falling asleep.”

Jackson stared at him blankly. “Why don’t you bring in a chair from the table like an adult?”

“Because I want to sit by Haley, and those chairs are hard, anyway.”

Liam put both arms around me and pulled me so far into his side I was practically in his lap. “You can sit up here. Plenty of room.”

Theo looked back at the now empty space on the couch. “Excellent.”

Chase groaned and moved as far away as he could while Theo settled into the couch. Every bit of my sides from thighs to shoulders were pressed up against Theo on one side and Liam on the other. Were we expected to get work done like this? I might as well go ahead and jump into Liam’s lap. At least then I would only have one hard body to distract me instead of two.

Jackson cleared his throat. “Now that everyone’s comfortable—”

“Yeah, right,” Chase muttered.

“—let’s get started. We normally wouldn’t do our mission prep this far in advance,” Jackson explained to me, “but since Knox and Chase will be in Dallas next week, we’re working ahead.”

He went over the mission basics, most of which he’d already described during our Zenith reveal conversation. I tried to pay attention to what Jackson was saying, but all I could seem to focus on was the way Theo’s hand had drifted onto my leg and his fingers occasionally brushed against the inside of my thigh. Liam must have gotten tired of my fidgeting, because he put his arm around my shoulder and pulled me back so I was leaning partially against his chest.

Once Jackson got into the details, though, I was intrigued by the guys’ process. Although Jackson was coordinating, it was obvious that they worked as a unit, each throwing out different suggestions and pointing out possible flaws with the plan. If anything, I was impressed with how often Jackson deferred to one of the other guys. It made me wonder why Ethan had such a problem with how he ran things. Had Jackson made it a point to leave him out or discredit his ideas? If not, why in the world had he gotten angry enough to quit the team? It didn’t make sense.

When Theo took the floor, Jackson pulled up a chair, and I was able to stretch out a bit. Theo hooked his laptop up to the television screen and displayed a presentation.

“Based on the confirmed guest list, I’ve narrowed down the potential marks to the five most likely. We know that Wilson uses his smarminess to go after vulnerable women with bulging pocketbooks, and these women all fit the bill.”

His presentation was extremely thorough, with photographs of the women and information about their history, family, and the charities they supported.

When he got to the last potential mark, Theo rubbed his hands together with what I could only describe as wicked excitement.

“I’ve saved the best for last, and she is a fun one. This,” he said, flipping to the next slide with a photo of a very put-together, and relatively young-looking, woman, “is Marilyn Spears.”

“Um, Theo,” Chase interrupted, “what makes you think she’s susceptible to Wilson’s influence? She’s a lot younger than the rest of the group.”

“How old do you think she is?” Theo prodded. “Seriously, I want you to guess.”

“I don’t know. Thirty-two?” Chase answered.

“How about you, Liam?”

“Thirty-six.”

“Haley?”

I studied her wrinkle-free face and stylish blonde haircut. “Thirty?”

“Drum roll, please,” Theo said dramatically. “Marilyn Spears is forty-three years old.”

A chorus of stunned responses filtered through the room.

“Her husband is an extremely successful plastic surgeon, twenty years her senior, who ensures his wife stays looking young and fit. They are rumored to have a marriage of convenience, and Marilyn maintains the facade of a loving wife, despite years of neglect. If Wilson’s done his homework, and I guarantee you he has, he’ll know that and take advantage by showering her with attention.

“Liam, I’ve prepared a very detailed profile on her for you to study. If we determine that she’s the mark, you should have no trouble charming information out of her. She will love you.”

My stomach twisted. That was Liam’s main function on the team? Charming females out of information? What about when they happened to be genuinely interested in him?

Theo finished his presentation, and Jackson took over, describing Knox’s and Theo’s roles that day as part of event security. Knox shared his plan for additional video surveillance, since apparently he was an expert at hiding cameras, and Chase outlined his hacking strategy.

Was it just me, or did the one guy on the team who seemed most likely to be a stickler for the rules appear to break the most laws?

“Okay, anything else?” Jackson asked.

Theo, who had returned to his seat next to me, said, “What about Haley?”

“She’s Liam’s date.”

“She doesn’t have a role in the assignment?”

“No, she’s attending to observe what we do. That was the point of this entire exercise.”

“But, she could help,” Liam said as he ran a thumb over the back of my neck, behind my hair, and I shivered. “Why not include her?”

“Because she hasn’t been trained, for one.”

“She’s in training,” Liam insisted.

Jackson gave him a hard look, and I subtly shifted away from Liam. I didn’t particularly wish to be caught in this argument, even though it was about me. “She’s only completed one week of the program.”

“And, she’s probably going to test out of half of it. So, it’s like she’s completed half.”

Knox sat forward in his chair. “Haley, do you want to be involved?”

All eyes turned to me, and as nice as it felt to have Liam sticking up for me, I realized I didn’t feel strongly about this issue. Just the fact that I was getting to see Team Jaguar behind the scenes was enough for me. For now, at least.

“I’m grateful to Jackson for including me in this mission, but he’s right. I’m not trained yet, and unless there’s something you all need me to do, I’m fine with observing.”

Jackson raised an eyebrow at Liam. “Satisfied?”

“Whatever the lady wants.”

Theo snickered. “And, that’s why Liam’s job is to charm women.”

“I have other talents,” Liam protested.

“Please, enlighten us.”

“Handling all of your finances and portfolios. How much money did you make last year because of me?”

Theo held both hands up in surrender. “Good point. Carry on.”

“On that note,” Knox said, “why don’t we eat?”

Liam slid away from me and stood, shooting Theo a smug grin. “Lucky for all of you, I’m also talented in the kitchen and brought chicken and pesto sandwiches.”

Once the other guys had migrated to the kitchen, Theo murmured in my ear, “Liam’s chicken and pesto sandwiches are my favorite, but don’t tell him I said so.”

“I think he already knows,” I whispered back.

When I started to get up from the couch, Theo held me down. “I need to talk to you about something for a second.”

“Okay?”

“It’s come to my attention that I’ve been a little pushy about your dating schedule.”

“A little?” I sputtered.

He rolled his eyes. “Fine, a lot pushy. Anyway, I apologize for making you feel uncomfortable about it. That wasn’t my intention.”

“What was your intention? Because it almost seems like you’re more interested in me going out with everyone else than with you.” I tried to hide my hurt, but his stricken expression told me I’d failed.

“That couldn’t be further from the truth. For one, I wanted everyone else to hurry up so I could take you out again.”

“What, are you taking turns?”

“Not exactly, but it didn’t seem right to steal a second date before the others had their first.”

“I get that, but you said, ‘for one.’ What else is going on?”

Theo fiddled with his cell phone for what seemed like forever before speaking. “I was trying to make the subject less taboo. If we don’t talk openly about the fact that we’re all dating you, how are we going to get past the awkwardness?”

He made a valid point, but I still didn’t condone his approach. “Maybe we won’t get past it.”

“I hope you’re wrong.”

Liam announced that the food was ready, cutting off my chance to ask Theo what he meant by his rather cryptic statement. Would it be such a bad thing to keep the topic off-limits while in the company of more than one of the guys?

Lunch passed quickly, and Chase, Knox, and Theo left right after they were done eating. Jackson said he needed to make a phone call before our surfing lesson, leaving me alone on the patio with Liam.

We moved to a loveseat and I asked, “You’re not heading home?”

“No way. I never see you as it is. I’m at a considerable disadvantage by living in San Jose since the rest of you are here.”

“What made you decide to stay in San Jose while everyone else commutes?”

“Jax loves living by the beach. Theo and Chase are still in school, and Knox prefers to be out of the city as much as possible. Me? I never had a good enough reason to commute all the way from Santa Cruz. I like my sleep, so the idea of getting up an hour earlier is not appealing.”

“That makes sense. But, don’t you get lonely?”

“I didn’t used to. The team, Jax and Knox especially, would come over after work a lot. I’d make dinner and they’d have a few beers. Maybe play a couple rounds of poker. Now, everyone is in a hurry to get home to you. Not that I blame them.”

He looked so forlorn, I felt bad, like it was my fault. Did the guys think I needed them home for dinner every night? Not that it was a typical occurrence, anyway. Between Chase’s and Theo’s class and work schedules, we weren’t all home at the same time very often.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I’m just jealous because I don’t get to see your gorgeous face every day.”

“Maybe I could start coming over to your place after work once a week? It sounds like I’ll be going in for training on Mondays and Thursdays.”

“Really?” He finally seemed to perk up. “Will you spend the night?”

His eyes fell to my lips, and my heart stuttered. “Um, can I think about it?”

“Only if you’re going to say yes.”

I laughed. “That sort of defeats the purpose of thinking about it.”

“Precisely.”

Liam pushed a lock of hair behind my ear and rested his hand on my neck. “At least stay with me after the fundraiser. I miss you when you’re not around.”

Looking into his warm, gray eyes, I wondered how I ever thought him a shallow flirt. Sure, he could flash a charming grin like nobody else, but there was so much more to him. Why hadn’t I realized that he might feel left out?

His head began to lower, but before he reached my mouth, I said, “Okay, you convinced me.”

“Were we talking about something?” he breathed.

“Nothing important.”

I bridged the small gap between our lips and kissed Liam softly. He must not have expected me to make the first move, because he didn’t instantly react. When he did, though, his urgency caught me off guard. He tugged on my hair, forcing my head back, and lavished kisses down the side of my neck, then ran his tongue along my collarbone.

Returning his attention to my mouth, he sucked and nipped and licked until I was certain my lips would go numb from the constant assault. Liam was right; he had plenty of talents other than merely charming women with his words.

“Am I interrupting?”

I attempted to pull back at the sound of Jackson’s voice, but Liam kept hold of my neck and my gaze.

“Yes,” Liam said, not looking away from me. He lowered his voice. “You kissed me.”

“Was I not supposed to?”

“Fuck, yes, you’re supposed to. Maybe next time I’ll be prepared and won’t lose control like a bloody teenager.”

“I happen to like it when you lose control.”

Liam bowed his head and inhaled deeply. “You really shouldn’t say things like that. Go to Jax before I attack you again.”

I took a few deep breaths of my own before standing and facing Jackson. Please don’t make a smartass comment about what you caught us doing.

His expression was amused, but he didn’t say anything about the kiss. Thankfully. “Ready for your lesson?”

“Sort of.”

“It’ll be fun, I promise.”

Liam chuckled. “Take that promise with a grain of salt, gorgeous. Surfing isn’t for everyone.”

Jackson’s blue eyes bore into mine. “Don’t listen to him. And, if for some reason you hate it, just tell me and we’ll stop. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“Your wetsuit is in the study, if you want to change in there.”

More than happy to escape, I hurried inside without a backward glance at Liam. The worst part was I didn’t have anyone to blame but myself. I had been the one to initiate the kiss, and apparently that alone was enough to make Liam “lose control.” But, dang, that was some kiss and completely worth the embarrassment of getting caught.

I grabbed my bag and closed myself in the study. On the couch, next to the wetsuit, lay a copy of Catch Me If You Can: The True Story of a Real Fake. A note in Jackson’s masculine handwriting read, “I thought you might want to add this to your repertoire before the fundraiser. Let me know what you think. Jax.”

Smiling, I slipped the book in my bag, then put on my swimsuit. I wriggled into the skin-tight wetsuit and looked down at myself, not liking how it seemed to emphasize every curve of my body. Though I was tempted to check my appearance in the bathroom mirror, I refrained, deciding I was probably better off not knowing.

Besides, I had more important things to worry about . . . like how to avoid drowning or being eaten by a shark.

Stepping back out on the patio, Liam was nowhere in sight and Jackson was waiting for me with two colorful surfboards.

“This one’s for you,” he said, holding out the slightly shorter board, “but I’ll carry it down the stairs for you.”

I wanted to protest but found myself agreeing instead. The stairs were steep, and the surfboard was likely heavier than Jackson made it look.

When we made it to the beach, he dropped both boards on the sand. “Before we go out there, I’ll cover some of the basics.”

After doing a quick test to determine which foot I instinctively put forward, Jackson made me practice “popping up” over and over until it started to feel natural. Then, he explained the best way to paddle and catch a wave. It sounded so simple, yet I knew it was anything but.

As we waded into the cold water, I was grateful for the wetsuit, regardless of how I looked in it. We walked with our boards until the water was up to my stomach, then Jackson held my board steady while I climbed on and found the correct position.

“So far, so good?”

“Easy peasy,” I said, trying to wipe at the salt water that had already splashed in my eyes.

He laughed. “Good.”

We paddled until we reached where the waves were breaking, and Jackson indicated that I should sit on my board.

“There’s no hurry, but when you’re ready, we’ll catch a wave. For this first time, don’t worry about trying to get up. Just aim your board toward the beach, like I explained, and paddle. Got it?”

“Got it.”

I rode a few waves with my stomach on the board, loving the feel of flying over the ocean. Much of my initial intimidation had faded, and the sound of the water was peaceful as it rushed along beside me. Now, if only I could manage to stand on the board, I’d be happy.

“Are you ready to try standing?” Jackson asked after we reached the shore again.

“You read my mind.”

He smiled, and I couldn’t help but be momentarily dazzled by the sight of him. His black wetsuit clung to him like a second skin, the neoprene contouring to every muscle. And, I had never seen him so relaxed, so at ease. Maybe surfing was Jackson’s release, like running was mine.

We paddled out again before turning to face the shore. The water swirled around my legs, the sun warming my back.

“See the wave pattern?” I followed Jackson’s line of sight. “We’re going to wait out these next two and take the third one. Remember to angle yourself near the peak, then paddle as hard and as fast as you can.”

I counted the waves. The next two passed by quickly before Jackson signaled that it was time to go. I paddled so hard I thought my arms were going to fall off, finally pushing myself up and raising to a kneeling position. Losing my balance, I wobbled and toppled over.

Jackson waded in the water next to me as I climbed back on top of the board. “This time, try to transition more quickly from pushing up to standing. Don’t hold back, just go for it.”

My confidence increased with every attempt, as did my determination. Paddling my arms quickly, and with deep strokes, I peered over the edge of the wave. I pushed up, twisted, and stood. I was riding high for a second, until, in my excitement, I decided to raise my arms and declare victory.

The board wavered beneath me, and I quickly hopped off into the water, feeling a sense of accomplishment.

When I reached the beach and dropped my board, I felt strong arms surround me from behind. “You did it!”

“Fall off?” I asked, laughing.

Jackson turned me around to face him, and his wide smile took me by surprise. “Yes, but you stood first, which is all the matters. It took Liam weeks to get there. Be sure to rub it in his face, will you?”

“That, I can do.”