Chapter 5

“I’m leading the way. Agent Franklin is at the rear.” Though he’d stayed awake all night in the hammock with Macy, Gabe felt as if he could scale mountains as he started the morning run at Rowley. He’d studied the trainees. MJ Hogan’s T-shirt and gym shorts provided by the center fit tightly, but he’d guess she’d gotten more muscle mass at FLETC. Trainee Anderson’s were loose because he’d probably lost weight there. Langston had on the best sneakers money could buy. And Thomas, another female, had put her hair in corn rows. “Try to keep up with us.”

He started in an easy jog. For a while. The early September weather offered no relief from the hot, sultry air, but Secret Service agents traveled to tropical places all the time, and they’d have to get used to performing in varying temperature conditions. After a half mile, Gabe stepped up the pace. They’d go even faster before the run ended.

From the corner of his eye, he saw Kilmer gaining on him. The young man was in superb shape. Machismo asserted itself, and Gabe ran faster and outdistanced him. Eventually, his mind wandered from the task at hand. He considered the monumental change in his relationship with Macy. He should have known he wouldn’t be able to keep things platonic forever, though maybe if he’d gone to the White House he would have been successful. But truth be told, he was sick of depriving himself of her. Sick of nights waking up in his bed in a cold sweat because of her. Sick of pretending. Thank God she felt the same way. Waiting to make love was going to be hard, but it was best to put it off until Simon left for a week. When he had her, he wanted a long, long time to enjoy her. So he wouldn’t rethink their decision. And he’d get back to thinking about this class.

After a half hour, he reached top speed. In his peripheral view, he saw Kilmer had come close again. In fifteen minutes, soaked through his clothes, Gabe turned to go back the way they came. And saw two trainees slow down, then stop. Franklin dropped back and stopped with them. Gabe would be surprised if anybody passed FLETC without the stamina to run for an hour. Or maybe it was the heat.

When they arrived back at the starting point, he gestured to a cooler. “Hydrate with water from the cooler, stretch some, and in ten minutes meet me at the ropes.”

There, he’d test their strength. They knew that, too. Kilmer’s face lit. Hogan smirked at him. No reaction from Langston, who’d come in pretty much at the end.

He waited until the last two stumbled in. “Have a rough time, guys?”

The first one bent over, breathing hard. “I’m from Alaska. This heat’s doing me in.”

The second rolled his eyes. “I didn’t sleep much last night.”

Gabe nodded sympathetically. “Okay, I’ll give you both a pass. But Agent Franklin is around to help you train on your off time. Take him up on the offer if you need to.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Thank you, sir.”

He headed to the ropes and found Kilmer was already there. Gabe took a last sip of his water, then tossed the bottle into the recycle bin. “Thought you were going to overtake me there.”

A sham frown. “No, sir. Never.”

Gabe’s gaze narrowed. “Could you have?”

Kilmer flushed.

Gabe crossed to him. “Kurt, never not do your best, even if you’re outdistancing an instructor. We don’t want that.”

“All right.”

To lighten the criticism, Gabe added, “But I don’t think you could have done it anyway.”

A sly smile as the guy turned away.

When all trainees were assembled, Gabe asked, “How many of you have climbed a thirty-foot rope?”

Half. “Then you’ll start with me on rope traversing. The rest of you stay with Agent Franklin and work on rope ascension.”

When his half gathered, they crossed the ten yards to the second rope area. Instead of instruction, he jumped up to grab the first rung of the horizontal bar of ropes. Hand over hand, he made quick work of crossing them, but he felt his muscles strain afterward. When he dropped back to the ground, he said, “Now practice.”

He watched the trainees. They were clearly surprised at his fitness. To them, he was an old man. They took their turns and did fairly well, though he expected he had the top half of the class.

He moved to a second area only a few feet away. “This is heavy-rope slamming. Do I have a volunteer for demonstrating?”

MJ Hogan’s hand shot up. Her face wasn’t even red. She was invigorated, not tired.

“Go for it, Hogan. Put on knee pads.”

“I read up on this.”

After donning the protective gear, she crossed to the set of thirty-foot ropes lying on the ground and attached at one end to a post. Picking up the three of them, she adjusted her grip. “Ready.”

“All right. Squat back. Next, execute big waves by taking the ropes up and down fast.”

Hogan performed the task, though it probably wasn’t as easy as she’d thought it would be.

“Make small waves.”

Again, she could do that.

“Now go back to the small waves but lift yourself out of the squat to your knees when the rope hits the ground, and stand when it comes up.”

A mumble went through the group. Even Hogan appeared surprised. But he wanted them to feel challenged. And she was. She had several false starts.

After they each took a turn, he was gathering the ropes and heard,

“Jesus, this was tough.”

“Seriously? I only had trouble with the last one.”

“Shut up, Hogan.”

“Aw, scared of a girl?”

The razzing was part of the routine because they were all competitive. Classes worked better if they could tease and taunt each other good-naturedly. Once, in the past, it had gotten out of hand, and there had been a fist fight. Neither candidate graduated from Rowley.

“Time for lunch,” he called out. “We regroup here at 0100. Eat well,” he cautioned.

Then he headed to his office and let himself think about Macy. How pretty she was when she smiled, how much she laughed, how she’d fitted herself next to him as they lay in the hammock. The scent and feel of her had had him on high alert most of the evening. And now, with the memories, his body started to respond, so he jumped in the shower at his office, allowing the hot spray to remove the grime of working out and some cool water to douse his ardor. He was sore, probably from the rope. He was forty-five. Most of the time he was moderate in keeping up his fitness. But during a class, he pushed himself. Showed off, he guessed.

From the small fridge in his office, he took out water and the turkey sandwich on wheat that he’d picked up on the way in, sat at his desk and ate. The nourishment restored his energy. Then he checked his phone. He listened to the voice messages from his personnel, then went into the texts.

Hey, handsome. Tired today?

Not on your life, he responded now. I ran eight miles this morning and outshone all my students. Then I did the same on the ropes course.

Hmm, I have energy, too. I cleaned the house in record time. And worked on the mural.

I think I’m working out another kind of energy.

Yeah, I guess. Do you want to change our plans?

Of course I do, but it’s probably better the way we set it up. Might be kind of fun to anticipate the big moment. When will I see you again?

Come for dinner. Sally’s working, so I have the night off.

With that to look forward to, Gabe headed back to the fitness course. When the trainees arrived he said, “We’ll split again after jumping jacks and push-ups.”

The lack of sleep caught up with Gabe not much later. His body rebelled at the outrageous number of push-ups he completed. His group went to the log maneuver. Now, this drill he hated when he had to do it. Luckily, there was no need for demonstration.

He addressed the very beleaguered trainees. “Form groups of five, one behind the other. Together pick up one of those big poles over there.” He pointed to a twelve-inch-round log that resembled a telephone pole but was only about twelve feet long.

After they followed his directions, he waited a bit, then, “All right, lift it to your left shoulder.”

Some smirks. This was the easy part. “Now heft it up over your head and down to your right shoulder.” They completed the task. “Back up, hold…now to the left shoulder. Now do it as quickly as you can.”

After finding a rhythm, they went through several sets of the task. He saw they were all saturated. Which was exactly what he wanted.

Better them than him.

* * *

“Henry barbequed ribs tonight for the restaurant, so I snatched some.” Macy smiled at Gabe from the kitchen, where she was getting dinner ready. The island cooktop faced the living room where he sat with Simon on the sofa, putting together a crossword puzzle. “Hope that’s okay. Seemed silly to start from scratch.”

“It’s perfect.” He studied her. “What did you do to your hair?”

She gave him a self-effacing smile. “Wrestled with the blow dryer, trying to tame the curls.”

“It looks longer.”

“Yeah, Mom,” Simon piped up with from the couch next to Gabe. “You look hot.”

“I guess that’s good.”

When Gabe reached for a piece of the puzzle and moaned, Simon asked, “Gabe, what happened to your arm?”

“I overdid some exercises with the trainees, and my wrist hurts, so I put on an ACE bandage.”

Macy snorted. Every beginning of a new training class, Gabe ended up with aches and pains and bruises. “Trying to keep up with them, I’ll bet.”

“I did outrun everybody.” He focused on Simon. “So, kid, excited about your camp coming up?”

“Yeah. The cabins where we stay have bunk beds and I’m with Joey. I like him.”

And better yet, Joey liked Simon. Her son hadn’t had many friends in his young life, though Sally’s boys seemed to enjoy his company. But she’d made a point of getting Joey over to the house the last couple of weeks of summer, and the boys had grown closer.

Leaving the ribs in the oven to keep them warm, she stuck the green salad in the fridge and finished up with a tomato-and-cucumber mixture. The cornbread was warming, too.

Then she joined them in the living room. “A few more minutes for the cornbread.”

“Henry put blueberries in part of it, just for me.” Simon beamed at the special attention from their cook.

“Sounds great.” Gabe sniffed. “Smells like heaven.”

After a while, Macy said, “Honey, it’s time to set the table on the patio.” September in Maryland was warm and she loved being outside. “I already put the dishes and other things there.”

“Wanna help, Gabe?”

“No,” she said firmly. “That’s your job. Gabe had a tiring day.”

When Simon walked out the door, she asked, “Want some ibuprofen?”

“No, but I’d like a Scotch. I can go out to the bar and get it.”

“I’ve got your favorite back here. I’ll get us both some.”

When she brought their drinks, he set both on the table and tugged at her hand. Bringing it to his mouth, he whispered, “I can’t stop thinking about last night.”

His husky tone made her shiver. “Me, neither.”

“And much as I like your son, I can’t wait until camp.”

“I’ve been thinking about waiting. Now that we’ve voiced our feelings, it’s harder.”

He rolled his eyes. “I won’t touch that with a ten-foot pole.”

She appreciated his sense of humor. Appreciate everything about him. “I’m serious.”

“I’ve considered it, too, but decided I want our first time not to be hurried. I don’t want either of us to go rushing home afterward. This way, we’ll have an extended period of time to get to know each other intimately.” His voice dropped on the last word. Just that sent shivers through her.

“I guess.” She sat down next to him and leaned into his shoulder for some measure of contact. They clinked glasses. “To camp week.”

The evening was enjoyable. Simon was in a good mood, ate everything and then the three of them finished the puzzle.

When it was time for bed, he punched Gabe in the arm. “Never mind coming with me. You stay with Mom.” He kissed them both on the cheek and headed to his room.

Macy’s gaze followed her son as he left. “That’s a first. No arguing and no company.”

“Maybe he’s growing up some.”

“I think maybe he’s more content knowing you’ll be here for a while longer. Kids tend not to think of the future, only the immediate present.”

“What about his mother? Is she more content now?”

She gave him a sexy wink. “I wouldn’t exactly use that word. I expect to be…satisfied soon, though.”

“Hmm.” He lifted his arm to touch her hair and moaned with the movement.

“I have an idea. Let me give you a back rub.”

“God, yes.”

She stood and left the room, returned with a sheet. “Put this over the cushions, then lie down.” The couch was wide and comfortable.” Halfway to the kitchen, she looked back. “And take your shirt off, big guy.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Macy was happy. This was going to be so good, him staying longer, eventually making love. She just hoped nothing happened to change that.

* * *

Gabe covered the couch with the sheet, then took off the shirt he’d worn with elastic-waist shorts. Macy had gone to the kitchen, and when she returned, he’d already laid facedown. “Ready?” she asked.

“More than you can possibly know.”

She chuckled. “I didn’t expect we’d be flirting and talking in double entendre.”

She straddled him. Her weight felt good.

“I didn’t mean it that way. I’m so sore I can hardly move.”

“Let me see if I can help.” She put her hands on his shoulders. He felt their wetness. Some exotic scent rose up to his head.

“What’s that?”

“Heated body oil.”

Gently, she spread the liquid across his shoulders and halfway down his back. Then she began to knead his deltoids. First lightly, then deeper, then to, “Oh. Man. Wow.”

“The heat will penetrate your muscles soon.”

A long moan. “H-have you done this before?”

“A time or two.”

“Oh…” he sighed when she deepened the pressure. “Ahhhh, Mace…”

“Shh, you’ll wake Simon.”

Finished with the deltoids, she went on to the triceps and Gabe’s mind began to blank. All he was aware of was the pleasure of her hands taking the sting away from the results of him overdoing the exercises. Her closeness added to the cocoon she weaved around them.

At some point, he felt her slide off him and leave. A whirring sound. Then she came back and resumed her position. Put something warm on his back. Holy Mother of God! A heated towel. She pressed her hands on it.

“I could die right now a happy man.”

“Not before Simon leaves, mister.”

He managed a chuckle.

After a few minutes, he felt his shorts pulled down an inch or so. “Hey babe, you’re straying into dangerous territory.”

“I’m getting the lower half of your back is all.”

He half fell asleep. But was awakened when she began to knead one leg. The muscles there were tighter than a whipcord, and he startled with pain.

“I know that hurts a bit, but these muscles are knotted. Try to bear with it.”

Soon, his legs relaxed.

Then she heated up the towel again and placed it on both legs. When she took it off, she slapped him on the butt. “All done.”

Grateful for the sheet, he turned over. “I feel like someone’s given me a gift.”

Her face beamed with pleasure. And suddenly Gabe realized she probably didn’t get many compliments. Of a personal nature anyway.

When he sat up, he leaned over and whispered, “I can’t wait to do all that and more to you, Macy. You’re a gorgeous woman and I intend to have every inch of you.”

It was her turn to say, “Holy Mother of God.”

* * *

Lockers slammed and a few shouts filled the hallway at Stepping Stones. It was more fun being at school now. He’d been the new kid last year, but now he knew the ropes. And he had a friend who rushed over to him in the hall where Simon stood at his locker.

“Hey, Simon.” His mom had called Joey’s mom and gotten them together a couple of times. “You’re coming over after school still, right?”

“Yeah.” Simon looked around. “It’s cool not being new. Knowing people.”

“Yeah.”

“My mom got me a new video game. As a back-to-school present.”

“Did ya bring it?”

“’Course.”

Two boys went past them. One said, “Hey Simon. Joey.”

Holy shit. Those guys were big deals in the school, two grades up. “Hi, Nick. Mark,” he barely got out.

Openmouthed, Joey stared after them as they swaggered down the hall. “Why’d they talk to us, Simon?”

“Who knows? Maybe it’s our lucky day. Or year.” Simon smiled. Gabe was staying, and Simon and Joey were getting some respect. Huh!

* * *

In Nick’s big screened-in porch, Gabe sat next to Macy on one couch, Whitney and Max on another, and Isabelle rested in a chair, with her husband on the floor in front of her.

“It’s beautiful back here,” Macy said of their home in Maryland. “Thanks for inviting me.”

“About time we met you,” Nick groused. “Gabe talks about you and Simon all the time.”

As this was a family affair, the group had dressed down in casual pants and shirts. They seemed so ordinary, but they were anything but that. Four of them were Secret Service agents and Isabelle was the US president’s sister. Macy was the only ordinary one in the bunch.

Conversation about work began among the siblings and their cousin. Macy watched as Isabelle placed her hand on Nick’s shoulder and he covered it with his. A small gesture but an intimate one. She longed for that, and more, with Gabe.

When Whitney said something, Macy noticed she and Max sat with knees touching, despite the broad expanse of the couch. She knew they’d been partners, but her feminine instinct told her something more was going on between them.

Three boys appeared at the entrance to the porch. “Can we go outside?” Jamie, one of Isabelle’s twins, asked the question.

“Sure,” Nick answered. Though he wasn’t their biological father, Gabe had told her that they were already calling him dad. “Simon, are you having fun?”

“Yeah, they got awesome rooms.”

The boys scooted away. She noticed Max rose and followed them. No one said anything, but Macy remembered that he and Whitney were guarding them still.

A buzzer sounded in the kitchen. Isabelle stood. She wasn’t showing yet, of course, but she had that maternal glow on her face. Others had told Macy she’d had it, too. “I have to check the garlic bread.”

“That’s spaghetti sauce I smell, right?” Gabe asked his sister-in-law.

“Yes, Gabe, your mom’s recipe.”

“Wow.” He gave a slanted look to his brother. “You lucky bastard.”

“That I am.”

Macy wanted to jump in and say she’d love to have the recipe for the dish, but she caught herself before she made a gaffe. She wasn’t part of this family. Instead, she rose and followed Isabelle to the kitchen. “Can I help?”

“We’re eating inside. Even though it’s September, the weather’s too warm out for this meal and the air is on in here.” Isabelle might be the president’s sister, but even being with her this early evening, Macy could tell she was totally real. “You could pour water into the glasses, though the beverage of choice with this group is beer. They get their own before they sit.”

Macy filled a pitcher at the rectangular farmhouse sink and went into the dining room. Because of the large archway, the two of them could still talk. “I love how open your house is. Every room flows into the next.”

“My home in upstate New York was big but more chopped up. Of course, the place was older and on the water. I love this one as much.”

“Gabe said you have another house on a lake nearby.”

“Nick bought it and surprised me. We were lucky to have the money for two places.”

“Those are great investments, though a house is more than that.”

“Yeah, but we have to decorate.” She rolled her eyes at the sparse decor. “I’m not even halfway done here, and nothing’s completed at the lake.”

“You’ll get there.” When Macy returned to the kitchen, she eyed the wall which faced the stove. “You should paint a mural on this one. Something from Tuscany. It’s known for its food.”

“I’d like that. But I have no artistic talent and I wouldn’t know how to begin.”

“I could do it.”

“What?”

“In my other life, I was a graphic artist. I’ve painted some murals on my walls. I could do one for you.”

“Wow, Macy, what an offer.”

“Gratis, of course.”

“I couldn’t ask you to do that.”

“You didn’t ask. I volunteered. It’d be fun, and I’d like to get to know Gabe’s family.”

“Then I accept your offer.” Isabelle crossed her arms over her chest. “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“You and Gabe seem close.”

“We are. He was wonderful to me after my husband died five years ago.”

“Oh, wow, my husband died five years ago, too.”

“Hard thing, huh?”

Isabelle nodded. “Gabe said you two were just friends.”

“Getting involved with another Secret Service agent wasn’t on my most-want-to-do list.” She hated to lie to Isabelle, but she certainly couldn’t confess what had happened between her and Gabe.

“I understand that. Still, I have to say, you seem more… intimate than friends.”

Time to deflect. “Funny thing, I was thinking that about Whitney and Max. Gabe said they were partners at work, but they act like they know each other really well.”

Isabelle chuckled. “Maybe it’s something about the porch.”

Macy finished with the water, and Isabelle asked, “We usually feed the kids first. They’ll rush us otherwise.”

“Fine by me. Simon’s enjoying your boys.”

Nick called the trio. Max and Whitney sat with them while they ate in the kitchen, then the rest of them set up the buffet table. Soon, all the adults were seated with plates of steaming rigatoni covered in spicy sauce and accompanied by meatballs, pepperoni and steak.

Macy stared down at her meal. “I’ve never seen pepperoni used in marinara sauce.”

“Wait till you try it.” Whitney sniffed. “You’ll never have sauce any other way.”

“I talked to Mama and Pa today,” Nick said. “She told us again not to visit unless it’s social.” Macy knew their mother had a TIA, which could be serious, but she was doing fine.

“Sounds like Mama.” This from Whitney.

After that, they ate in silence broken mostly by toasts to their mother and her recipe for sauce. When he finished, Gabe lifted his beer. “To the cook,” he said, acknowledging his sister-in-law.

Isabelle lifted a glass of water. “To family.” She glanced at Macy, then at Max. “And friends. Close friends.”

Gabe hesitated a minute, then drank. His gaze shot at Macy. You didn’t tell her did you?

Subtly, she shook her head.

She hadn’t said anything to Nick’s wife. But it didn’t matter. The die, as they say, was cast. She couldn’t wait to bring their intimacy to fruition.