He tugged her body against his. “I’m never going to stop.”
She stretched up on her toes and brushed a kiss over his lips. “I promise to make it easier on you.”
“No more stunts like today?”
“Nope,” she murmured against his mouth.
“What the hell was that you were carrying anyway?”
“Oh, my gosh!” She scooted out of his embrace. “They’re El-Nino flowers. For Josslyn’s wedding. Come on.” She grabbed his hand. “Let’s take a break from this. I’m dying to see how they look in the rose garden.”
A shiver danced up his spine at her choice of words, but she was right, they could use a distraction right now. Even if it involved plants. And weddings. Glancing over his shoulder at Ronoff’s face splashed on the giant screen, he made a silent vow that, after tonight, Quinn would be safe from danger for good.
Chapter Sixteen
The El-Nino flowers looked lovely in the rose garden just as Quinn knew they would. Even Marin was gushing over them by the time the three couples sat down to an early dinner in the family dining room later that day.
“And,” Josslyn announced to the group, “Quinn is going to stay and photograph the entire wedding!”
Quinn waited for the familiar dread that making plans for the future used to bring, but none came. Instead, she felt a burst of pure joy bubbling inside her. She actually had a future to look forward to. A future with Ben. One that wouldn’t force her into hiding every few months. One where she could be who she wanted to be right out in the open. One where her parents could abandon their false identities and live their lives freely. It was so perfect. She almost didn’t dare believe it. As if sensing her tumultuous emotions, Ben covered her hand with his and gave it a gentle squeeze in a silent show of reassurance.
“I’m still trying to wrap my head around Ben being a spy, too,” Marin said.
“Why don’t you say it a little louder,” Adam teased. “I don’t think they heard you in Georgetown.”
Marin’s face fell. “It isn’t a secret any more, is it?”
“No,” Ben reassured her. “But I’d rather not broadcast it too widely. I’m sure I made a few enemies during my days as the Mariner.”
“Freaking brilliant if you ask me.” Adam raised his glass. “Congratulations, Bennett, on your excellent service to your country. And on finding your dream girl again. I never doubted for a minute she was real.”
Griffin coughed into his napkin.
Adam ignored him and continued. “Here’s to a long, happy future for you two.”
Everyone raised their glasses. Quinn’s heart squeezed when Ben smiled over the rim of his glass at her.
“To the future,” she added. “I’m so honored to be a part of your family of friends.”
“Ahh,” Josslyn said. “I like that. We are a family of friends. And you’ll always have a home with us.”
Griffin’s phone vibrated on the table. “The coast guard is calling. Excuse me. I have to take this. I’ll meet you in the Woodshed at seven.”
“I should probably get changed,” Quinn said.
“I had Terrie put your stuff in the room you used the other night,” Josslyn announced. “Do you remember how to get there?”
“You mean I don’t have to have an escort?”
Agent Groesch snorted behind them. “As if that would keep you where you’re supposed to be.”
Ben grinned as he helped Quinn from her chair. “I’ll show you the way.”
“Just don’t get lost up there, you two,” Adam called after them. “I want to run the tactical by you both before I leave for the harbor.”
Ben led the way through the West sitting area to the Center Hall and up the stairs.
“Marilyn didn’t get in too much trouble because of me, did she?”
“Nah. But I doubt she’ll leave her car keys lying around any longer.”
She made a mental note to apologize to the florist the next time she visited.
“The architecture in this house is so lovely,” she remarked as they strolled beneath the skylight illuminating the third-floor Center Hall. “I wish I had time to explore more of it.”
He lifted her fingers to his lips and kissed them. “There will be plenty of time after tonight. Trust me, Marin will be thrilled to regale you in the art history surrounding the White House.”
They reached her bedroom where Ben proceeded to lay down on the bed, propping his hands behind his head and crossing his feet at the ankles. She opened up her case and began sorting through her clothes.
“You’re awfully calm for someone who’s about to come face-to-face with a nasty criminal.”
She hated the fact he was put in this position because of her. And she found herself worrying about all the ways tonight could go wrong. Alexi was a ruthless man, not to mention unpredictable. Clearly, Ben had more training than she gave him credit for. She just hoped his ample brain was enough to outwit Alexi and flush out a traitor. If not, she’d be there to finish the Russian and the traitor off one way or another.
“I’m trying not to think about it.” He donned a wolfish grin. “I’d rather think about you naked.”
She tossed a shoe at him. “I’ll just be glad when this is all over with.”
“Mmm,” he murmured as his eyes drifted closed.
“Secretary Lyle seems very sure the traitor will show tonight.”
“Actually, I think she has an idea of who it might be.”
Quinn paused in her search for the right pair of shorts. “What?”
His eyelids popped open. “Did you ever meet the Phoenix?”
“No.” She shook her head. “I don’t even know if my mother met him—or her—face-to-face.”
“The secretary seems to believe your name being on the list is an important clue to the traitor’s identity.”
Her neck began to tingle. “As far as I know, my mother never told anyone I was working with her.”
“You’re sure?”
She crawled up on the bed. “I think so. But I guess I really don’t know.”
They lay beside one another, each of them quietly pondering the possibilities before she spoke again.
“The Phoenix—”
“Is well and truly dead,” he answered before she could finish her question. He turned his head so he was facing her. “He was the secretary’s husband.”
“Wow. Then this is personal for her, too.”
He rolled over her body, bracing himself on his uninjured arm as he gazed down at her. “I thought you came up here to change?”
“I did.” She swatted at his chest. “But you distracted me.”
“Then the least I can do is help you out of your clothes.” He snagged the shoulder of her shirt with his teeth.
She laughed at his antics. “I’m pretty sure that will be even more distracting.”
“Good.” He glanced at the clock on the bedside table. “We’ve got a half hour before we need to get ready for this op. I think we should distract each other until then.”