Page 58

At the appointed time, Knox and Thea materialized out of shadows. They exchanged information quietly, and then he and Jolie headed away from the pond.

Following Knox’s directions, he found the sleeping bags set up under a tree. “Keep your boots on in case we need to move quickly.”

She sighed and sat down. “We’re going to have to wash these sleeping bags tomorrow if we’re wearing boots.”

He chuckled. “There are worse things than wearing boots to sleep in.”

She smiled. “I know, it just annoys me. Who knew that staying still and silent could be so exhausting? I’m completely worn out, and we did nothing except watch.”

Knox and Thea had zipped two sleeping bags together to make one large bag. He slipped in beside Jolie and tugged her into his arms. “Surveillance and waiting suck.”

She laughed, but kept it quiet. “They really do.”

She twisted a bit and then rested her head on his chest. He wrapped his arm around her and breathed in her scent, enjoyed her curves against him. “This, however, doesn’t suck at all.”

She turned her face into his chest to muffle her laugh. “You’re right. This is very, very nice. Although it would be nicer without the boots.”

He squeezed her as he laughed. “Agreed. No boots would be better.”

Her voice was quiet. “And a few less layers of clothing.”

His body reacted predictably to her words. “That sounds perfect. Not for tonight when we’re on a mission, though.”

Her sigh was content. “No, not tonight. But, soon, Ford. Really soon.”

He kissed her hair and rubbed his hand softly up and down her arm. “As soon as you’re ready.”

She yawned and patted his chest. “I’m ready when you are.”

Hell, yeah.

Chapter17

You Sure Know How To Pick 'Em

Jolie woke at the quiet buzz of Ford’s alarm. She hadn’t expected to sleep at all, but Ford’s presence had chased away all of her worries.

She’d slept well, her dreams full of the sexy man holding her close and keeping her safe.

It was still dark, but lighter than when they’d fallen asleep. Dawn wasn’t far off.

She patted Ford’s chest. “Morning.”

He kissed her hair. “Good morning. You feeling okay?”

She lifted her head to grin at him. “Waking with a sexy man offering himself as my pillow? I’m great.”

He grinned. “Good to hear.” And then he kissed her until her brain forgot everything but the feel of him.

When he pulled back, he sighed. “Okay, let’s check in with the others. I’m guessing nothing happened or they would have woken us.”

In moments, they were up, chewing breath mints, and heading back to the pond.

They found Knox and Thea leaning against a tree. Her brother held Thea in front of him as they watched the space.

Knox nodded at them. “Good morning. Boring watch. Not a damn thing moved. Except Hemsworth, who changed where he slept a couple of times.”

Ford sighed. “Might as well head back to the farmhouse now. I can’t imagine them coming in the light when they’ve seen we’re working here at the pond during the day.”