Dare Me (Take Me 2)

Garcia then checked on a few other people, ensuring everyone had what they needed—before getting back into line to collect plates for her and Nikki.

“Have you disappeared on me again?” Kate asked with exasperation.

“No,” she absently said. “I was just thinking… You know how I have a sixth sense about people in the disaster-relief field? How I can spot someone who has a gift to contribute to the cause?”

“Jude and I—”

“I know,” Nikki was quick to say. “You’ve been doing everything you can from Mexico City, and still helping whomever needs it in that area, while having your hands full with adopting Sophie. I’m not making mention of all you’ve got going on that precludes you from physically being in Switzerland, Kate.”

“I do wish I could provide more assistance, other than via telemedicine.”

“That’s amazingly helpful, and you know it. And I’m grateful you’re still so committed to my network. But I’m thinking more in terms of a physical presence of someone who’s really good at looking out for others, quick on her feet and pretty much fearless. Not a psychiatrist, but…”

Someone who was about to lose her job. Someone who might be looking to repurpose her skills. Someone who might be looking for a different calling. Someone like—

“So, about you,” Kate interjected.

“I’m currently fine. In Virginia/D.C. With Damen. My laptop is likely about to be obliterated, but there’s something new that’s cropped up that might take my mind off that for at least an hour.”

“Nikki! What the hell! Your laptop is—”

“Gotta go, Kate.”

Garcia was heading her way with two plates of sizzling fajitas and not only did Nikki’s stomach flip, but her brain suddenly churned with some very intriguing thoughts.

“Know that I’m perfectly fine for now,” Nikki assured Kate. “I’m with a special ops agent and surrounded by the FBI and former military and other people who are all packing, so… I’m locked down tight. No worries.”

“Oh, my God,” Kate murmured. “How did this get so bad?”

“How, indeed?” But what could Nikki do other than keep playing the cards she was dealt? “I’ll call you a little later, I promise. We’ll really catch up. I could use a little Kate-time.”

“I miss you, too. Just—please, please—be safe.”

“You, too. Talk to you soon.”

Nikki hung up as Garcia approached and laid out a lovely spread on the coffee table.

“Those smell like they’re on the spicy side,” Nikki commented as she inhaled deeply.

“I’m guessing you can handle it.”

“The spicier the better,” Nikki averred.

“I knew I liked you.”

They returned to the sofa, brushing off the fresh dusting of powder that had covered the cushions while they’d been away.

Garcia had brought more forks and knives with her so Nikki could eat with her gloves on, but that seemed like sacrilege when the aroma from the fajitas, and the sight of them, was so extraordinary.

She whipped them off and stuffed them in her pocket. Garcia’s brow jumped. She was clearly impressed.

Once again, the agent let Nikki devour the food. Seriously, she could eat her way through the courtyard at this point. Primarily because she was famished, but also because her emotions were running high.

Trying not to focus on that, she swallowed down a bite that was a true flavor explosion—so much so, she savored it for several moments, then asked Garcia, “What’s your first name?”

“Fiora.”

“That’s beautiful,” Nikki said around another bite. “And…fierce.”