on the table he’d stood in front of. “You said I should tell them everything.”
“I did. Your time with them was important, interesting and succinct.”
“Whew!” The last thing Derek needed now was to lose his job.
“I have a job offer for you when you come back from your leave.” He’d taken some time off to regroup.
Derek’s brows raised. “I said no more undercover.”
“You did. But I’m proposing you head an undercover division at the training academy in Quantico.”
“Hmm. I’ll have to think about moving to Virginia.”
Grant crossed his arms. “It didn’t work out with Ms. Benatti?”
“Doesn’t look that way. I’m thinking of throwing in the towel.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” His blue-gray eyes twinkled some. “Did I ever tell you I met my wife while I was undercover?”
“You gotta be kidding me! After all the grief you gave me about Alessia?”
“Like you told the group, Do as I say…”
Derek sobered. “You tricked her, too?”
“Uh-huh. But she eventually gave in.”
“Lucky you.”
“My best advice is don’t give up. Love finds a way.” He stood. “And if you ever tell anybody about all this, I”ll deny it.”
Derek appreciated Grant’s honesty. He left headquarters but was still pessimistic. He’d sent Alessia gifts with his Brooklyn address and his cell phone number inside. No contact. He took out his phone and checked again to be sure. Nothing.
He hadn’t sent a gift today. And was flummoxed about what to do. As it was early evening by now, he decided to go home. Maybe he’d see if Hayley was free. She might have some insight into her cousin.
Or she might slap him across the face, too.
He drove to Brooklyn and parked in the side lot. He’d just reached his front door when he heard someone come up behind him. He reached for his gun, but forgot he didn’t bring it to the classes today. Ready for an attack he whirled around, keys in hand. And dropped them. “Alessia.”
“Hello, Derek.”
Oh, God, did he dare hope? “W-what are you doing here?”
“I’ll tell you if you let me inside. I’ve been waiting in the car and I’m cold.”
Stooping over, he picked up his keys and told his singing heart not to calm down. This could be bad news. She could have come to tell him to get lost for good.
Once inside, he hung up both of their coats.
“Come into the living room.” They sat down, him in a big leather chair, her on a matching couch. They faced each other. “Just tell me straight, honey. I have to know either way.”
She watched him for interminable seconds. Then she smiled. “I’ve missed you terribly. I didn’t think I could feel as bad as when Billy died, but I do.”
“I’ve been miserable, too.”
“I love you, Derek, and I want you in my life.”
The proclamation made his eyes well. He hadn’t cried since his mother died years ago. He battled them back. “You mean it?”
“Of course. I have some issues to work out, though.”
“Issues?”
“Yeah.” She stood and crossed to him. “Later.” She held out her hand, he took it and stood. She said simply, “Where’s the bedroom?”
“Really?” He was reacting like a teenager, but she was here…she wanted him in her life.
“Really.”
He led her down the hall. His room was expansive with, thankfully, a king size bed. She turned to him. And started to unbutton the cute little blue cardigan she wore.
“Let me.”
“Nope. It’ll be quicker if we underdress ourselves.”
He kicked off his shoes, whipped off his sweater, t-shirt, pants and briefs, then stood naked before her. She finished with her clothes and looked at him. “You’re beautiful.”
“You’re beautiful. Just like I knew you’d be.”
He crossed to her. Grateful, so grateful…but, “You’re trembling. Why?”
Alessia put her hand on his chest. “It was one of my issues.”
His brow furrowed. His dark hair was tousled from removing his sweater and his blue eyes concerned. “What is it, sweetheart?”
“I…I’ve only ever been with one man. I started dating Billy when I was seventeen.”
“Ah. He died seven years ago. You haven’t had sex in all that time.”
“I’m afraid not. I’ve had dates, but none serious.”
“Hmm.” He brushed his knuckles down her cheeks, making her shiver even more. He whispered in her ear, “I’ll have to take my time.”
She whispered back, “Just so you know, I’ve used a vibrator so nothing should hurt.”
He threw his head back and laughed. “You always surprise me, Alessia Benatti.”
“That’s good.” She slid onto the bed and stretched out. He got a condom from his pants and climbed on facing her. She smiled.