Heart-Shaped Hack(84)
Ian: Yeah, HE OPENED WITH THAT.
Kate: You are so screwed, man.
Ian: I’ve only been here for forty-five minutes, and his face has turned red twice. He went into the den a while ago. Pretty sure he’s drafting some sort of legal contract that says he’ll have my balls if I ever fake my own death again.
Kate: If you ever fake your own death again, I’m the one who will have your balls (and not in the way you like).
Ian: I’m thankful you have not lost your sense of humor.
Kate: It’s only recently returned and is still a bit skittish. Please don’t do anything to scare it away.
Ian: As soon as your dad calms down a little, I’m asking him for your hand in marriage.
Kate: I’ll take Victorian mating rituals for eight hundred, Alex! Also, did I hit my head or something, because I don’t remember discussing marriage with you?
Ian: A beautiful woman once told me that when it comes to men, you either break up with them or you marry them. We did not break up. And I’m fully aware that you’re a modern woman, but I’m not positive your dad won’t actually veto our union. This is a sticky situation and needs to be handled… carefully.
Kate: Aren’t you putting the cart before the horse? You haven’t actually proposed to me. I AM NOT A SURE THING, IAN.
Ian: You will have a proper proposal, but first your dad and I need to conclude this extremely uncomfortable meeting.
Kate: Ask him how much my dowry is. I’m just curious.
Ian: How about I don’t poke the bear right now? The only reason your dad might actually ENTERTAIN the idea of having me for a son-in-law is because I’m kind of a big deal at the FBI. I’ve done too many good things in the name of national security for him to completely discount me.
Kate: Oh! Tell him about the time you got arrested for hacking the Pentagon.
Ian: I’m going to save that particular anecdote for another time.
Kate: Like the holidays.
Ian: I hear your dad coming. I should probably put my phone away in case he’s not done yelling. If he did draft a contract, he’ll probably make me sign it in blood.
Kate: I’m certainly going to.
Ian: I can’t wait to kiss that smart mouth of yours. Drive carefully (but please don’t dawdle). I’ll be tracking you and eagerly awaiting your arrival. Love you.
Kate: Love you too. Here I come. xoxo
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
Kate was two hours from home when she spotted the first message. It was on one of those electronic Department of Transportation signs mounted over the highway.
I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU KATIE
All she could do was shake her head and laugh. Fifteen minutes later, she drove under the next one.
YOU’RE GETTING CLOSER
Kate couldn’t wait to see Ian. She still had moments when she wanted to kill him herself for what he’d done, but then she’d think about the miraculous turn of events that had brought him back to her, and her anger would dissipate. She couldn’t wait to fall asleep in his arms tonight, and every night after that.
It was another forty miles before she spotted the next sign.
HI KATE IT’S YOUR MOM
Kate reached for her cell phone. When Ian answered, she said, “Exactly how long did it take you to bring my mother over to the dark side?”
“Not long at all. I have to tell you, she is fascinated by hacking. I convinced her to open a bottle of wine, and after her second glass she insisted we hack into something.”
“Does she know hacking road signs is a felony?”
“I’m going to go with no. But don’t worry, they’ll never catch us.”
“How’s my dad?”
“Still a little frosty. I tried to give him his own special phone. That did not go well at all.”
“Give it to my mom. It sounds like she won’t have a problem with it. And please tell me you haven’t checked out of your hotel yet. I’m really looking forward to our reunion, but I’d like it to take place somewhere other than my parents’ home. I don’t think my dad could handle overhearing us, and I’m telling you right now I plan on being loud.”
“The hotel room is waiting for us, and I will definitely be giving you something to yell about. I thought we could take your parents out for breakfast tomorrow and then hit the road.”
“I think that sounds like an ideal plan.” Kate noticed a sign in the distance but couldn’t yet make out the words. “Still hacking, I see.”
“This next message is my favorite,” he said.
As she got closer, a smile spread across her face.
I’VE GOT A NUMBER SIX WAITING HERE FOR YOU SWEETNESS
“Do you see it?” he asked.
She laughed. “I see it. The six is my favorite.”
“Mine’s the seven.”
“That does not surprise me at all.”
“I can’t wait to see you, Kate.”
“It won’t be long now. Tell my mom not to drink all the wine.”
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
The two-bedroom cottage on Roanoke Island was aptly named the Endless Summer. The exterior was sunshine yellow with white trim and a picket fence, and four Adirondack chairs sat grouped together on the small brick patio.
“What do you think?” Ian asked after he unlocked the door and they went inside.