“Not all guys are overbearing.”
“Why chance it?” She picked up a card, slid it into her hand, and put an unwanted card on the pile. “Despite the danger, I’ve never felt more alive. What I’m doing will make a difference in the long run. History may not remember my name, but it will be remember Americans came here to help wipe out the evil in this land.”
“Your attitude would make you a good soldier. That’s the sentiment most have. We’re not seeking recognition, but we’re driven to protect our country’s way of life.” He picked up a card, glanced at it, then laid it down. She had her heart set on winning. He’d wait for the four of diamonds. “Fascinating how being an agent doesn’t seem much different.”
She picked up the discarded four of spades and narrowed her eyes. “You’re really going to let me win? I’m quite capable without your help.”
“What?” He pinned what he hoped was a look of innocence on his face.
“I’ve been watching your moves, and I’m fairly certain you only needed one four to complete your hand. I may be new to the game, but you, of all people, know how high I scored on observation skills.”
Gerard threw his head back and laughed. She was a smart one, and as usual he’d underestimated her.
Emily crossed her arms, her expression mulish. “Did you honestly think I’m dumb enough not to notice?”
“No, your intelligence has nothing to do with my actions. You wanted to win so badly, and I wanted to make it happen.” He tossed his cards on the table. “Forgive me. I meant no harm. Let’s start over, and I promise to allow you to beat me fair and square.”
She wagged her index finger then pushed her cards toward him. “You better. Now, your turn to shuffle, and it’s time for a change of topic. What were you doing before you joined the military?”
He fiddled with the cards to stall as his mind searched for innocuous information he could share. “Well, I’m half Canadian, and I attended the University of Montreal. Everyone in my family does. My brother and I were the fifth generation. No pressure there, huh? I majored in economics for my folks and political science for me. Did pretty good, too.”
Her eyes widened. “I don’t know why, but I hadn’t figured you for a military man at heart.”
“You figured right. I’d rather serve as an ambassador, an opportunity to study justice and liberty in countries around the world. To try to understand where their schools of thought came from in order to better work together.”
“To go from spying on a country to working with them will be an interesting transition, don’t you think?”
“Definitely.”
“Do you have a preferred region you’d like to serve?”
He raked his fingers over his scalp, a habit he hadn’t broken since shaving his head. “France.”
“So, you would go from spying on them to collaborating.”
“Yes, ambassador is a prime assignment. I’d have to work my way into the position. I’m willing to take what I’m given.” He steepled his fingers. “What about you? Back to teaching after the war? You could do more with our experience.”
“Except I can’t tell anyone what I’ve done. Classified, remember?”
“Right, but you didn’t answer my question.”
She looked off into space, her brows furrowed in concentration.
Gerard willed himself not to rub out the wrinkle and have her turn those hazel eyes to him. He ran a finger around the inside of his collar. The night was becoming too cozy. All that was missing was a fireplace and wine. He needed to break the mood. Now. Who was he fooling? He was a military man, and he’d done things no respectable person did. She was beautiful, smart, and gracious, and in a different time and place, he’d try to win her over. But she deserved someone better than he could ever be. Someone who hadn’t compromised his principles to win a war.
“Are you all right? You’re flushed.” She smirked. “Nervous about the rematch?”
“What? Uh…no.” He stacked the cards then shoved back his chair and jumped to his feet. “But I’m no longer in the mood to play. I think I’ll go outside and check the perimeter.”
Her face fell. “Oh…uh…okay. Should we split up and share the reconnaissance?”
“No. Stay inside.” His voice was harsh, and he winced when uncertainty then anger settled onto her face.
She rose. “Do you think I can’t handle the task? We’re in this together, or have you regressed into your damsel-rescuing-soldier self?”
He’d upset her again. What did he know about relationships? Good thing this one was fake. Wasn’t it? “No. I just need some air. That’s all, and I don’t need help.”
With a growl, he pivoted and marched out the door. He’d take the cowardly way out and remain on watch all night.
Chapter Fourteen
Emily jolted upright in the bed. She tugged aside the blackout curtain and sunlight streamed into the room. Her gaze shot to the nightstand, and she grabbed her watch. Five minutes after six. That wasn’t possible. She held the timepiece to her ear and frowned. No ticking. In her anger at Gerard, she’d forgotten to wind it before retiring for the night. A rookie move if ever there was one.
She rolled her eyes and slapped her forehead. Gerard had every right to get testy with her. She continued to take one step forward and two steps back. Why on earth had she been selected? Did all the new agents make these kinds of errors?
With a deep breath, she swung her feet over the edge of the bed then closed her eyes. “Dear God, what have I gotten myself into? Is this really your plan for me? I know failing to wind my watch isn’t a major mistake, but if I miss the small things, the big things are in danger of not succeeding. I don’t want Gerard to lose his life because I messed up.”
Be strong and of good courage, fear not. I will not fail nor forsake thee.
Warmth filled her, and tears sprang to Emily’s eyes. She’d run ahead of the Lord again, and anxiety was the result, but He poured out His peace as soon as she’d asked. Would she ever learn to rest in Him, no matter what?
“Forgive my unbelief, Father. Help me trust in You today.” She took a deep breath and changed clothes. She tucked her feet into her boots and clomped down the hall to the bathroom. A quick wash of her face and brush of her teeth, and she was ready to apologize to Gerard for last night’s reaction. How would he take her words?
She pressed a hand against her stomach that buzzed as if a swarm of bumblebees had taken flight, then headed down the stairs and entered the kitchen.
Gerard sat at the table, his nose buried in Le Temps, one of Paris’s most important newspapers that managed to remain in circulation even during the occupation, although the reliability of its content was debatable.
“There’s a plate of ham and eggs warming in the oven. I thought you might be hungry.”
Her stomach gurgled, and her face heated.