Barefoot with a Stranger (Barefoot Bay Undercover #2)(14)

“You’re going in the field.”

She lifted her glasses and peered at him like that might help her make sense of what he was saying. “I know you’ve been away from the Guardian Angelino offices for a while, Gabe, but I’m the computer girl, remember? If it’s digital, it’s my domain. I don’t go in the…”

Her voice faded as she realized he was serious. She looked at Nino for help, and Nino gave her his infamous one-shoulder shrug that had a million interpretations. This one said, Tough shit, kid. You’re going to Cuba.

“Nino!” she exclaimed.

“Chessie, it’s a new member of the family,” he said, as if that covered all things holy.

“We think,” Gabe added. “I have to find out for certain, and that has to be done on the ground.”

“By me?” Chessie’s voice rose, not exactly in fear, but with the tension that thrummed through her when a curve ball came her way. “How can I go to Cuba?”

“Easily. It’s all arranged. I even have a great cover for you.”

“I’m going undercover?”

“That’s kind of what we do here, Chess.”

She let out a breath. Or maybe hyperventilated. “Am I going alone?”

“No, no. God no, I wouldn’t do that to you.”

He could see visible relief on her face. “Thank God. So you’re able to get into Cuba now?”

“I wish, but no. Never.” Or he would have blown out of here a few weeks ago, minutes after Chessie discovered the existence of a four-year-old Gabriel listed as the child of Isadora Winter.

Chessie canted her head with a questioning look. “Nino’s going?”

Their grandfather puffed up. “I’d love that!”

“And come back with a recipe for arroz con pollo and no word on the kid?” Gabe shook his head. “No, sorry. I have someone assigned to go with you, Chessie, and—”


A solid rap on the screen door silenced him. “Gabe?”

At the sound of his friend’s voice from the front door, Gabe grinned. “And there he is. Come on in, Mal,” he called.

Chessie startled. “Mal?”

“No worries, kid,” he whispered. “Malcolm Harris is the perfect partner for you on this job.”

All the color in her face drained, leaving her pale and wide-eyed.

“It’s going to be okay, Chess.” He gave his sister a hug. “I promise you’ll love this plan. You don’t have to be afraid of the field.”

“It’s not the field I’m afraid of,” she whispered.

Just then, Mal Harris came into the kitchen, looking bigger and tougher than before he went to Allenwood. He started to smile at Gabe, but his gaze snagged on Chessie, and suddenly he looked as shocked as she did.

For one long second, they stared at each other, and Gabe could have sworn the lights flickered with the power charge that surged through the room.

What the f*ck?





Chapter Five





How the hell had she beat him here? Why wasn’t she boarding that morning flight right now, still hours away? That’s what Mal had been counting on, giving him plenty of time to get here, get briefed, and get going without ever having to bump into Gabe’s little sister.

But here she was, just as pretty and desirable as before he knew who she was and why screwing her was such a bad idea. He’d likely lose his balls and a few teeth when Gabe found out what they’d done. He might even lose a valued friend, which was worse.

Mal managed to tear his gaze from the woman whose scent still clung to him and reached out to shake Gabe’s hand, copping a look of complete innocence that he hoped the other spook couldn’t see right through. “Good to see you, Gabe.”

“Is it?” Gabe returned the shake, but then added the quick man-hug that their friendship—and Mal’s four years in the house—demanded.

Mal gave Gabe’s back an easy punch, guilt tamping his enthusiasm. “Of course it’s good to see you.”

Gabe backed away, still giving Mal the stink eye. “You look like you just pissed on an electric fence.”

Mal didn’t laugh or even steal an uncertain glance at Chessie. If she was as smart as he thought she was, she’d pick up the cue and stay silent. “Just shell-shocked by a long trip.”

“This is my sister Chessie,” Gabe said. “She’ll be your mission partner.”

Holy sweet mother of Jesus. The slightest flash of horror crossed her expression, which probably matched his.

Mission partner.

Mal extended his hand to Chessie and finally made direct eye contact, long enough to see the infinitesimal flicker of surprise and, shit, hurt. Maybe some really pissed-offness, too.

“Nice to meet you, Chessie.”

It certainly pained her to take his hand and offer the most lackluster shake in history, pulling away before he even had his fingers around hers. “Hello, Malcolm.”

He could have sworn Gabe looked from one to the other with the crooked frown that meant he smelled something. And in this case? He’d smell sex. On both of them.

So Mal seized on the other person in the room, reaching his hand to the older man’s shoulder. “And this must be the famous grandfather who goes by Uncle Nino.”