My eyebrows draw together when I realize he was completely aware of our surroundings while we were kissing, where I was utterly consumed by him.
Shit.
Worry bleeds through me, scared O’Brien’s now aware I’m attracted to him after I practically melted in his arms.
He gestures to his binoculars lying at my feet. “Button on the left lens is to zoom. On the right is to take a photo. Get the license plate.”
With my hands still trembling, I do as he says, taking a couple of shots of the car.
We keep a safe distance until the town car stops at a diner, and I use the time to gather my senses and calm my racing heart. O’Brien drives past while I snap pictures of the men getting out.
“Dobroshi’s diner,” he informs me, not one bit affected by the kiss we shared. Disappointment sinks into my gut, and it has me chastising myself, ‘You have to work together, and things are already tense. Shove your emotions way down before you make a mistake there’s no coming back from.’
O’Brien keeps driving, and it has me asking, “You don’t want to get photos of them meeting with Dobroshi?”
“We’ve already been spotted. They’ll recognize the car.”
True.
I tuck the binoculars back into the bag, and not thinking, I take the notebook and pen off O’Brien’s lap. My fingers brush against his thigh, way too close to a particular bulge that looks bigger than the norm.
Way bigger. He’s probably hung like a horse.
Almost touching his cock makes my nerves unravel until they’re nothing but frayed strings.
I shove the items into the bag, then sit still and stare out of the window, my heart once again a hammering mess. Knowing how quickly O’Brien picks up on things, I force myself to relax, focusing on keeping my breaths even.
If he’s an empath, like I think he is, then he can probably read every single emotion on my face. I’ll have to be careful around him.
I must be doing a good job because he asks, “You okay?”
“Yeah.” I shoot a smile his way. “So that’s it for tonight?”
He nods, keeping his eyes on the road. “The town car is new. Berisha usually drives around in an SUV. I’ll check the license plate tomorrow. We need to get tracking devices on all their vehicles.”
“You’re hoping one of them will lead us to the Bregu brothers?”
He nods again and brings us to a stop at a red light. His eyes flick to mine, and having his gaze on me feels more intense than ever now that I know what it feels like to be kissed by him.
Holy hotness. I’m so very screwed.
I force my smile to widen and inject a lighthearted tone into my voice. “Thanks for bringing me along. With a little bit of experience, I’ll get the hang of it.”
“If there’s a next time, you better bring coffee and snacks,” he mutters, but this time the usual sting accompanying his words is missing, and he doesn’t look as moody.
“Got it.”
O’Brien
My fucking heart stopped when JJ took the notepad and pen off my lap, her fingers brushing against my thigh, making my damn cock twitch.
It’s taking all my acting skills to hide how hot under the collar I am because of the kiss. I didn’t plan on adding tongue, but Troka and Idrizi walked right by the car, and I had to make it look real.
I’m impressed JJ just went with the flow, and even though it was a cover, having her tongue in my mouth was a rush that’s still simmering in my veins ten minutes later.
I’m highly aware of JJ, but I’m not picking up on any vibes coming from her. She’s relaxed as if I didn’t kiss her… or it didn’t affect her at all.
When disappointment settles in my stomach, it brings a frown to my face. I’ve only known her two days, and getting along is taking more work than I thought it would. Partly because I’m so fucking thrown by her, and partly because we’re still trying to get a read on each other.
Pulling up to her house, my eyes scan over the front yard. I turn off the engine, and after getting out of the Pontiac, which was the love of my dad’s life, JJ gives me a questioning look. “You don’t need to walk me to the door.”
Not-negotiable is written all over my face as I head by her and up the path. “I might not like being responsible for you, but it’s not going to stop me from doing my job.” Nodding at the door, I mutter, “Open.”
“You’re not responsible for me.” I’m given a scowl, or as close to one as she can get, because the damn innocent look she has going makes it no more aggressive than a puppy growling.
Needing to clear some of the tension between us, I ask, “I thought you wanted me to mentor you? Did you change your mind so quickly?”
JJ’s eyes widen on my face. “Are you saying yes?”
Tilting my head, the corner of my mouth lifts a little from the shocked expression she’s giving me. “You think I’d drag you around if it wasn’t the case?”
Sunshine explodes over her face, her smile radiant and fucking beautiful. “Thank you. I’ll do my best to learn as quickly as I can.”
“What did you learn tonight?”
“To give you your space.”
A chuckle actually slips from me. “Work-wise, Jefferson.”
“Don’t get distracted while on a stake-out.”
I nod at the door again, and when she unlocks it, I shove it open. Lindsay’s sitting at the kitchen table with her laptop open and earphones on. Walking up to her, I tug the one earbud out. She startles so badly she almost falls off the damn chair but catches herself, shooting to her feet.
“Don’t sit with earphones in your ears when you’re alone at home.”
Still catching her breath, she nods.
I pick up her phone from the table and take the liberty of adding my number to her contact list. “If you can’t get a hold of JJ, call me.” I add Uncle Carl’s number as well. “If we’re both not answering, then call Chief Archer.”
“Okay.”
I hold the device out to her, thinking how quickly someone could've broken in and killed her. The thought leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.
“With your sister joining the FBI, you need to be on guard, Lindsay.”
She nods again. “I’ll be careful.”
Turning my attention to JJ, it’s to find her eyes locked on me as if she’s dissecting a damn frog. “You have to work on the psycho-analyzing thing.”
“Yes, sir.” This time, her tone is playful, unlike the briskness that got thrown my way after we argued about her going undercover, and damn if it doesn’t make my blood heat up again.
Glancing between the two sisters, there’s a sinking feeling in my gut. The same kind you get when you’re given a dog that still needs to be trained.
Responsibility.
Fuck.
With a slight shake of my head, I walk to the front door. “Lock behind me.” I pull it shut and head to my car.
Just as I drive away from the curb, my phone starts to ring. Not recognizing the number, I answer, “O’Brien.”
“Just wanted you to have my number as well.”
I frown for a second. “Lindsay?”
“Yeah. Now you can call if you need anything.”