Marine's Mission - Rebecca Deel Page 0,87
indicated the floor to ceiling bookshelves on the far wall. “I love to read.”
“Oh, of course not. I’ll just be a minute.”
Hopefully, she’d take longer than that in case Zane’s program didn’t load as fast as he claimed.
“No rush.” As the guard followed Maria from the office, Gigi walked to the bookshelf and grabbed a book written in English. After checking to be sure the guard and Maria were occupied, Gigi circled the desk and sat in the office chair. Thankful the tower sat on the floor under the desk, she slid the flash drive Owen had slipped to her into the computer port.
Immediately, lights on the drive indicated the program was loading. “The drive is in the port,” she whispered.
“When the program loads, leave the office,” Brody murmured.
She opened the book and scanned through a few pages. Gigi’s father had a copy of this book in his own library, and they had discussed the book at length.
When the light stopped flashing on the drive, Gigi removed it and slid the drive into her pocket, then returned her attention to the book. “I don’t see a tablet,” she whispered.
“Doesn’t matter. Zane will have access to everything now,” Brody said.
Maria walked through the doorway. “You found a book that interested you?”
“I did. I’ve read this one before. It’s a favorite of mine.”
Her eyebrows rose. “A book on the History of Mexico?”
“My father and I both read the book and enjoyed it. The history of your country is fascinating.”
Maria’s forehead wrinkled. “It’s a history filled with blood.”
“Every country has difficult periods. The United States is no different.”
“I suppose not. Are you ready to continue the tour?”
She nodded and returned the book to the shelf. “Lead the way.”
“Good job, Gigi,” Brody murmured. “Return to Owen as fast as you can.”
Gigi followed Maria from room to room, resuming the commentary for Owen and his friends. All the while, she listened for Owen’s voice as he spoke to other men.
Maria led her to the hallway after closing the door to the last room. “Well, what do you think of the house?”
“Your home is beautiful, Maria. Thank you for taking me on a tour.”
“What was your favorite room?”
“Honestly, my favorite place is the patio. I love that your home is close to the beach. The ocean breeze is wonderful, and with the strings of lights around the patio, the atmosphere is truly magical. If you didn’t have a houseful of people milling about, the patio would be the most peaceful spot in and around your home.”
Maria beamed. “I agree. Come. We’ll return to the patio. The view is what sold me on the house. Salvatore bought it for me for my birthday, and we moved into the house the next week.”
“What a lovely, thoughtful gift.”
“He’s wonderful. I don’t know what I would do without him. How long have you and Owen been married?”
“Five years. Every day is better than the last.”
“You love him.”
“I do. He’s the most wonderful man I know aside from my father. Owen treats me like a princess. No matter what else is going on, his first thought is of me and what I need. Owen is a gift I’ll never take for granted.”
“You are a lucky woman.”
“Yes, I am.” When Maria remained silent, Gigi studied her face. “Is something wrong, Maria?”
“I wish my own marriage was like yours.”
“You seem happy with your husband.”
She shrugged. “I’m his hostess, not his partner, not like you and Owen.”
“I’m sorry.” She felt bad for Maria, especially knowing what was likely ahead before the night ended.
“Salvatore married me for my beauty. I married him for his money.” She sighed. “Within a year of marrying my husband, I fell in love with him.”
“And he doesn’t feel the same?”
“I’m a trophy to show off.” Maria squared her shoulders and patted Gigi’s arm. “Don’t mind me. I have hope. He’s attentive to my every wish. I’ll win his heart one day.”
Gigi’s heart hurt for the other woman. Gigi wouldn’t marry a man who didn’t love her, not even Owen Montgomery as much as she loved the handsome operative and cop.
She and Maria returned to the patio where Gigi found Owen with a group of men. As soon as she stepped outside, his gaze shot to hers. Although his face gave nothing away, his eyes blazed with relief. Was it any wonder that she loved this man?
Gigi thanked Maria again for the tour and made her way across the stones to Owen’s side. Immediately, his arm curved around her waist.
“Missed you,