Page 44 of Code Name: Atticus

“And Castellano is all about the money,” Kodiak continued. “Investment strategies, liquid assets, risk tolerance.”

“So we need to be consistent but show some pressure points,” Atticus said.

“Exactly. Emma and I established ourselves as having DoD contracts but facing procurement delays,” Kodiak said. “You two should have similar frustrations.”

We spent the next hour running scenarios, testing each other on our covers, and synchronizing our stories. By the time we finished, our backstories were bulletproof but believably flawed.

“We should take separate cars to the restaurant,” Atticus suggested. “Less obvious than arriving together.”

“Agreed,” Emma said, standing. “We’ll see you there.”

Kodiak packed his gear. “Remember, they won’t make explicit offers tonight. This is still an evaluation.”

Before leaving, Emma caught my eye. “Quick word?”

Kodiak’s jaw tightened, but he nodded. “I’ll be in the car.”

“Walk you out,” I heard Atticus say before both men left the room.

“So, are you two officially a couple now?”

Heat flooded my cheeks. “Is it that obvious?”

“Only to someone who knows you. You’re practically glowing.” She grew more serious. “Be careful tonight. Morrison’s smart. He’ll be watching for any cracks in your cover.”

“We will be.”

Emma stood to leave, then paused. “For what it’s worth, Kodiak’s actually been very professional. Annoying, but professional. The suite arrangement is…interesting.”

After she left and Atticus came back inside, he snaked his arm around my waist. “So, we have a few hours before we need to get ready.” He kissed my neck. “Any thoughts on how to spend them?”

“You are insatiable.”

God, there were times when I swore I was dreaming. I’d spent most of my adult life fantasizing about Mason Finch, and now, here we were, with him unable to keep his hands off me.

I put my hand on my stomach when it growled.

“You need to eat,” he said, reaching for the bakery box Emma and Kodiak had brought with them.

I hated to turn up my nose, but the thought of all that sugar made me nauseated.

Atticus stood from the stool and held his hand out. “Come on. I’ll take you to breakfast.”

“Wait. No. We don’t have to do that. I can just make something here.”

He cocked his head and smiled. “Because going out for breakfast is no longer your favorite thing in the world?”

I smirked and reached around to squeeze his bottom. “Something else has moved into first place.”

“Who’s insatiable now?” he teased, pulling me to my feet.

God, I loved this man.Wait. No.Where had that thought come from? I mean, I did love him. He’d been my brother’s closest friend since they were eighteen. He was practically already part of our family. My parents adored him. But love him? It was way too early for me to be having those kinds of thoughts.

Atticus leaned forward and pressed his forehead against mine.

“What are you doing?” I asked after several seconds passed without him saying or doing anything else.

“Hoping that whatever is rolling around in your head, which you’re not ready to talk to me about, seeps into my brain.”