Page 20

CHAPTER 19

Two weeks later…

Cooper opened his eyes, wondering if he’d dreamed hearing the back door creak when he realized Nova wasn’t in the bed. While she’d been having fewer nightmares since he’d brought her home from the hospital, they still cropped up when she least expected it. And he had a feeling tonight had been one of those times.

He lifted the sheets then swung his legs over the edge of the mattress, searching for Whiskey, but the traitorous mutt had obviously followed Nova outside. Whiskey had been staying close to Nova, whether because she sensed Nova was hurt or simply because the dog had a sweet spot for her, Cooper wasn’t sure. And he would have been jealous if seeing them snuggled up on the couch together didn’t tug at his heart. The one Nova had claimed that first time they’d met. He just hadn’t realized she’d stolen it until he’d been faced with losing her.

He sighed, heading for the doorway as he tried to ignore the ten-ton elephant that had been living alongside them. That part about losing her he’d been thinking about. How every day brought Nova closer to when she’d have to decide what direction she wanted her career to take. If staying in Hawai’i was even on the table or if she’d be jetting back to Bogotá or maybe Tokyo to head up the mafia threat she’d uncovered here. All that unfinished business they’d been avoiding.

But, she’d been healing. Finally dealing with some of her feelings over Tate’s death. And asking her to map out the next twenty years of her life had seemed selfish. Not that he hadn’t been planning. He just hoped there was a solution that didn’t involve living thousands of miles apart.

Cooper paused at the door, watching Nova give Whiskey a long scratch as they both stared out at the darkness, her long auburn hair fluttering in the light breeze. She was stunning. From the tip of her stubborn head all the way to her sexy toes. And he was so fucking in love with her it hurt.

He’d tell her. Tonight. And if it meant he had to move, he could make that sacrifice, because as hard as it would be to leave his brothers — his family — he knew he’d never survive here without her.

The door stayed oddly silent as he opened it enough to slip through, smiling at the way she leaned over and gave Whiskey a kiss, using some weird voice to tell her what a good girl she was. How much she loved her.

“Should I be jealous, right now, or…”

Nova inhaled, practically tripping onto her ass as she stood and turned at the same time, losing her balance on one of the patio stones he needed to level. Cooper lunged at her, catching her around the waist and tugging her against him before she hit the ground, likely re-injuring her ribs.

Nova punched him softly in the arm, shaking her head as she fluttered the wispy hairs around her face with a huff. “Are you trying to kill me?”

“You got upset the last time I simply grabbed you so I thought I should let you know I was here.”

“By making the door creak or something benign. Not your voice a foot away when I’m sitting here, wondering if there’re mercenaries hiding in your rose bushes.”

“If you thought there were mercenaries creeping around, why are you out here?”

She gave him another swat. “Don’t use logic on me, Coop, or I might make it impossible for you to make it up to me after you carry me back to bed.”

Cooper tsked, dropping a kiss on her forehead. “We tried that the other night and even you had to admit your ribs were still too sore.”

“That was then. I’m better now.”

“You’re hornier, sure, but healed?”

Nova grinned, slipped her fingers into his hair then dragged him down until his mouth was level with hers. “Let’s put our theories to the test. If I’m right, you pick this up where we left off like you promised.”

“And if your eyes roll back in your head because of pain and not pleasure?”

“Then, I’ll just go to my knees and get my pleasure that way.”

“That sounds?—”

She kissed him. Just like that first night. Tangling her tongue with his, as she practically wrapped one leg around him. Cooper grunted, picked her up then spun, backing her into the wall. Mindful not to put too much pressure on her side. But if they were actually going to make it to the bed, this time, he needed to know she really wasn’t hurting.

Nova responded in kind, all but riding his thigh as she bit her way down his neck, over to his pec then back, mouthing his ear before claiming his mouth, again. Harder. More desperate than she’d ever been.

That did him in. Had him carrying her back to his room as she continued to eat at his mouth, whispering all the ways she was going to bring him to his knees.

Which seemed silly because she already had.

He didn’t stop until he hit the bed, moving onto it and placing her gently in the center. Her hair fanned out like a fiery halo against the cream duvet, those green eyes more jade than earlier. Nova smiled, smoothing her hands across his shoulders. Looking so damn beautiful it took all his focus not to tell her loved her. And not just because she was stunning. He loved her spirit, her honor. How she was often the smartest person in the room without even realizing it. He even loved her stubborn side, despite the fact it got her into more trouble than was good for his well-being.

She tilted her head, and he swore she’d followed his train of thought. Read the truth from how his breath stalled as his heart raced. Triple digits from nothing more than the promise of her spending the rest of her life with him.

“Something tells me we might need to talk before we get to the screaming part.”

Cooper grinned. She definitely knew he loved her. “I thought actions spoke louder than words?”

“Then, stop stalling, slugger and make love to me.”

He dipped down, kissing her as he reached for the hem of the tee she’d borrowed when Whiskey jumped on the bed, barking twice as she twirled around. Cooper stopped cold, wondering if he’d actually missed some tango hiding in his bushes when someone pounded on his door.

Nova groaned as she pushed her head into the pillow. “When I said I wanted to pick up from that first night, I didn’t mean this part.”

“I’ll kill them. It’s that simple. I’m just going to shoot whoever’s on the porch and we can get right back to riding each other into oblivion. Worry about cleaning up the blood later.”

He eased off, pushing out his next breath through clenched teeth before rising and offering her his hand.

She arched her brow, accepting his help. “Aren’t you going to ask me to come with you?”

“Not setting myself up to disappoint you, again, but yeah. You will be. Soon.”

He led her down the hall, her hand fitting perfectly in his as Whiskey raced ahead. And since the dog didn’t growl or freeze, Cooper knew it was another interruption that wouldn’t be easy to ignore.

He peered through the window, shaking his head before flipping the lock and swinging it open. “I’d say I’m surprised, Hawk, but this seems to be a habit, now.”

Hawk laughed, eyeing them both. “As is the way you both answer the door. Have you considered starting all the action before the clock hits midnight?”

“And eliminate the chance of you interrupting us? That’s crazy.” Cooper sobered. “Everything okay?”

“Aces, as Nova said last time. Except where the DEA doesn’t seem to understand the concept of time zones.”

Nova paled. “Oh god, please tell me Shaughnessy isn’t taking a play out of Cartwright’s book and calling at some ungodly hour.”

“He is a director.”

“I don’t suppose you’re willing to tell him I’m too injured to make the drive to your office?”

“I can. Or you guys can slip on some clothes, actually have a shot of Glenfiddich this time, and follow me back to the ranch so you can deal with this before it becomes a nightly occurrence. Just do us all a favor and bring Cooper’s truck, in case you decide to go on another sight-seeing tour across the wilds of Hawai’i.”

Nova flipped him off, but they were dressed and pulling up to Hawk’s office in record time. Just like before only this felt different. That elephant they hadn’t discussed weighing down the air.

Cooper snagged her hand before she had a chance to jump out. “Nova, I…”

How did he tell her he loved her without it coming across as a desperate act to convince her to alter her desires to suit his?

She leaned in and gave him a soft kiss. “I know. So, let’s get this over with.”

Then she was out and walking up to the door, waiting until he found the nerve to join her. She took his hand, heading inside as if she wasn’t the least bit afraid this would be the thing that broke them. That, no matter how much they cared, their professional lives just didn’t fit.

Seeing everyone who’d been involved in the op already standing in the room didn’t boost his moral any. Especially, when it meant they’d all witness whatever decision Nova made, first hand.

Nova nudged him. “You okay?”

He worked up a smile. “Aces.”

“Jackass.” She gave his hand a squeeze then took a few steps, glancing back at him with an arched brow.

He nodded, a genuine smile lifting his lips, this time. “Don’t worry. Your ass is still stunning.”

“Excellent. Showtime.”

This was it. The meeting she’d been dreading. Not because she was unsure how she wanted it to go. More because she hadn’t gathered the courage to actually tell Cooper she loved him, yet. And with all the emotions swirling around inside her from almost making love, she wasn’t convinced those three words wouldn’t somehow slip out.

Here.

In front of everyone.

Nova glanced back at Cooper. Is that why he seemed off? What he’d started to say in his truck but hadn’t finished because the timing wasn’t right. That she might think he was insincere? Or maybe attempting to sway whatever decision she suspected was coming her way?

That he loved her, too?

And just like that, everything settled. No fear. No doubts. Just an image of how she wanted the rest of her life to play out. The only uncertainty was whether the DEA would be part of it.

She nodded at Waylen, and he hit a few buttons. The monitor sprang to life, Shaughnessy’s image ghosting into view a second later. He didn’t look as if he was at the office, a photo of his family hanging on the wall behind him.

He leaned back in his chair, folding his hands on an old wooden desk as he nodded at her. “Special Agent Martin.”

“Director Shaughnessy. This is…” She paused, chuckling as she shrugged. “Honestly, I’m not quite sure what this is considering the time.”

Shaughnessy simply stared at her. “I’d say past when we should have had a chat. But I was under the impression you needed some time to heal.”

“Getting shot does tend to leave a mark.”

“I’m aware.”

And the man was. He’d been a Green Beret for several years before joining the DEA and working his way through the ranks. The kind of history she hoped meant he couldn’t be bought.

“Then, you won’t take it personally when I suggest we cut through the crap and get to all the awkward and uncomfortable topics of conversation. My recent status change most likely at the center of that.”

Shaughnessy sat there, eyes narrowed, hands still clasped together before he laughed and eased back in his chair. “Tate always claimed one of your best and worst attributes was your ability to cut through all the bureaucratic red tape and get straight to the heart of the issue. He wasn’t wrong.”

“With all due respect, sir, it seems pointless to dance around the subject.”

“I believe it’s called small talk, Agent Martin.”

“I’m sure Tate told you I’m not great at that, either. I believe Cartwright liked to phrase it as me not playing nice in the sandbox.”

Shaughnessy grinned. “Nicely done. You brought up his name without actually forcing my hand. Which is probably the reason you’re there and ex-Assistant Director Cartwright is handcuffed to a gurney in the hospital until we decide what the hell we’re going to do with him.”

“I doubt you’d like to entertain my thoughts on the matter.”

“Your team had a chance to remove him from the board. You chose not to, just like you chose to leave Detective Simmons still breathing. Seems to be a recurring theme with you, Martin. Choosing the high road.”

Nova braced her ass against the desk behind her, the stress of the past several weeks weighing on her. “I’d like to think that’s one line I haven’t crossed, yet.”

“Which would be far more comforting if you hadn’t crossed damn near every other one.” He picked up a piece of paper. “Failure to adhere to a federal warrant. Destruction of federal property. Vigilantism. You’ve been busy.”

Nova glanced at Cooper, rolling her eyes when it was obvious he and his team were trying not to smile. What she assumed was their way of easing the tension. “Extreme circumstances…”

“Require extreme measures. I understand the concept but damn, Nova…” He relaxed, again. “Of course, the fact you exposed dirty agents and put a significant dent in what’s shaping up to be one hell of a drug ring makes it difficult to know what to do with you, as well. Thoughts?”

“I’m assuming a promotion is probably not on the table?”

He laughed, shaking his head as he smiled. “Exactly what I’d expected you to say. And exactly what I plan to do. So… name it.”

Nova froze. Had she suffered a stroke from a blood clot on her lung? Because she could have sworn the director had just agreed to the promotion. “Excuse me?”

“I said name it.”

“Name what, exactly?”

“Your next posting. The obvious choice would be to return to Bogotá. They’re missing a senior agent and you’ve already established deep connections there. Or maybe you’d prefer someplace new. I understand that cell you uncovered might have ties to the Yakuza. Tokyo would allow you to meet that threat head-on.”

Was her mouth hanging open? Was she drooling? Because of all the outcomes, being asked to choose her next office hadn’t been one of them. “Can we back up to the part where you’re not carting me off to some hole-in-the-wall but are allowing me to pick my next assignment?”

Shaughnessy sobered. “It’s the least I can do considering all you’ve been through. Hell, you haven’t even asked for compensation.”

“I’ve got no one but myself to blame for walking into an ambush. But if you’re serious about me choosing my home base…”

“Like I said. Just name it.”

This was it. Either the DEA agreed to keep the Hawai’i office open or she walked. “It’s come to my attention that the Hawai’i office is also in need of a senior agent to run it. Someone who’s comfortable working alone and already has a report with local law.”

She’d definitely had a stroke because Shaughnessy was staring at her as if she’d grown another head. Cooper inhaled off to her right, looking from her to the monitor then back when she dared to glance his way. He mouthed something that looked like crazy or maybe baby. But his eyes… They gleamed like his sun when he shook his head then smiled at her.

Shaughnessy cleared his throat, scrubbing his hand down his face before meeting her gaze. “I’m sorry, but did you say you wanted to stay on the Big Island? What has been a profound failure in the eyes of our law enforcement partners?”

“I think failure is being a bit harsh.” She smiled at Emery. “And under the right circumstances, I believe Detective McClane would be willing to give our partnership another try. Look at it this way. I doubt I can make an even worse second impression.”

“McClane’s there, isn’t she?”

Nova waved Emery over, allowing her to take center stage.

Shaughnessy arched his brow. “Well, detective? Would you be willing to put your life in Agent Martin’s hands a second time?”

“I’d be happy to give it another shot. As long as I don’t have to let her drive my Jeep. She’s a bit rough on vehicles.”

He snorted, schooling his features. “Okay, Nova. Assuming the rest of her department no longer wants to shoot you on sight, give me one compelling reason why I should keep that office open.”

“Because this case isn’t over.”

“How so?”

“If Simmons is telling the truth and this involves both the Yakuza and Columbian forces, we both know this kind of setback isn’t going to deter them for long. I would like to think the DEA has the forethought to recognize the level of threat this scenario poses and would reconsider closing the office.”

“And if the DEA lacks that forethought and decides to close the Hawai’i office?”

Nova took a deep breath, allowing any doubts to slowly fade. “Then, this will be my official resignation, sir.”

“I see.” He drummed his fingers on the desk, looking off to the side before finally making eye contact again. “I just want to get this straight. I’m offering you any base in the world, and you’re telling me that it’s Hawai’i, which as of right now, is still in shambles, or you’ll quit.”

“A lot has been said about me and my career in this office over the past few weeks. And while I realize Cartwright was setting me up to fit the profile of a rogue agent who was on the verge of a psychotic break so I could be his fall guy, he was right about one thing. I have been undercover for a long time. And when I look at all the lines I’ve crossed these past few months, it’s obvious that if I don’t find something…” She looked over at Cooper. “Someone to help me balance my life — hell, so I can have a life beyond the job — I’ll end up the monster Cartwright wanted me to be.”

“You’re referring to Lieutenant Harris, U.S. Coast Guard, retired.”

“I am. But it’s also his team, Emery, Hawk. For the first time in my life, I feel like I have a chance at a real home.”

“And that’s your final decision? Hawai’i or bust?”

“I love being an agent, sir. I just love Cooper more.”

She turned when Cooper grunted, raking his fingers through his hair to the point she was surprised he didn’t pull some of it out. Which, seemed fair. Letting that slip while on a video call with her boss was definitely not her finest hour.

Bellamy whacked Cooper in the chest, holding his hand out. Cooper stared at her for what felt like forever before he chuckled, retrieved his wallet and slapped a couple of bills on Bellamy’s palm.

Shaughnessy arched a brow once she’d focused on him, again. “While I’m not convinced Captain Milligan won’t send me some kind of severed head in the mail as a ‘thank you’ for keeping the office open, you do raise a valid point. It would be wise to have a dedicated agent on the island while we analyze the severity of this new threat. You are planning on staying long term, aren’t you?”

“Very long term.”

“In that case, I’ll put in the appropriate paperwork to make your temporary satellite office a permanent one. And I’ll send over your reassignment documents, along with everything you’ll need to run the office. For some unknown reason, Captain Milligan has already sourced out a crew to make the necessary repairs, which should be completed around the time you’re able to return to active duty.”

Shaughnessy leaned toward the camera. “You are aware you need to send me the correct form signed by your doctor before you start chasing cartels again, right?”

“You, personally?”

“I’m not sure any other supervisor will survive overseeing you, so yes. Me, personally. And Nova?”

“Yes, sir?”

“Try not to blow anything up or shoot another cop for a while. Even if they deserve it.”

“I’ll do my best, sir.”

The monitor winked out, Shaughnessy’s approval still hanging in the air. She was staying. On Hawai’i.

Permanently.

Flint ambled over, holding Emery’s hand as he tilted his head. “I figure you’ve got another two weeks before you’ll be back out there. That sound about right?”

“That’s the best case scenario. Why?”

“It’s going to take me some time to install bullet-proof glass in Emery’s Jeep.”

“You mean, you haven’t already?”

Emery snorted. “Don’t encourage him.”

Nova smiled, shaking the rest of Cooper’s team’s hands along with Hawk when Cooper moved in beside her. She held her breath, waiting to see if he’d sweep her off her feet with a soul-searing kiss or ask her if she’d suffered a stroke.

Cooper glanced around the room, not a hint of what he might be feeling breaking through the surface. “Are you finished?”

She frowned. “Yes, but?—”

He took her hand then turned, practically jogging out of Hawk’s office and over to his truck. He helped her into the passenger side then jumped behind the wheel and took off. He didn’t speak, just drove in an odd silence all the way to his place.

Nova was working through all the ways the night might go when he appeared at her door. She inhaled, hating that she hadn’t even realized they were back, before accepting his hand, again, and following him inside. He walked through the door, then continued all the way to the back, leading her out onto the lanai before finally stopping.

She worried her bottom lip when he turned and stared at her, eyes narrowed. His lips pinched tight. “Cooper I?—”

“That was your play?”

“Excuse me?”

“We’ve been kicking around this house for two weeks and you wait to tell me you love me until you’re on a damn video chat with your boss?”

“It’s not like I planned it that way, it just slipped out.”

“Slipped out? So, you don’t really love me, then?”

“What? Of course, I love you. I’ve loved you since you showed up at that lookout and risked your ass to save mine. But with everything that happened, it never seemed like the right time to tell you. Then, Hawk interrupted us and… At least, I said it.”

The jackass smiled, closing the distance then backing her up until she hit the wall. “Hell, yeah, you did. But I’d like to hear you say it again.”

She relaxed, making it look as if she was considering her options before tiptoeing up and giving him a soft kiss. “I love you, Cooper.”

“About damn time. I’ve been biting my tongue for weeks trying not to scare you off by shouting it at you, because I love you, Nova Martin. Even if you are certifiably insane.”

He kissed her. Just like before with his hands in her hair and every inch of them touching. The scenery was starting to spin by the time he finally eased back and rested his forehead on hers. “You didn’t have to agree to stay in Hawai’i if you didn’t want to. I would have followed you anywhere.”

“Were you even listening? I want to stay. And not for a week or a month or a year, I want?—”

“Forever?”

She smiled. “Now that’s a plan I can get behind.”

“Good because I have another question to ask you… After we finally pick up where we left off. And in case you were wondering, I’m hoping there’s only one possible answer.”

Nova wrapped her arms around the back of his neck, holding him close. “Then, kiss me like you mean it slugger, so I can say I do.”