“And I’m grateful for it.” She finished her snack while she tried to find the words that wouldn’t also blow up their cover, just in case he was right about the truck being bugged. “Thank you for showing up so fast. Even with Keith on the radio, I wasn’t sure how to get everyone out of there. Lacy was petrified.”
He shook his head. Had she made another misstep? “Dean?”
Dean checked his mirrors and then suddenly, took a hard right turn and pulled into a gas station. Parking the truck, he cut the engine. The radio went off and the sudden silence was loaded with fresh tension. She could only stare as he stalked around to her side and yanked open her door. With a tilt of his head, she unbuckled and hopped to the ground. He took her hand and headed for the convenience store centered between the gas pumps on either side.
“I needed absolute privacy.” He stared at their joined hands. “Can’t wait anymore.”
“Okay.” She’d never seen him behave so erratically. Normally he was completely stoic and unflappable. She wanted to soothe him and it troubled her that she wasn’t sure how.
“Mel,” he began. “You never let the nerves show. I’ve always admired your ability to lock it down in the midst of danger.”
She treasured that compliment more than he could know.
“It’s a safe bet you didn’t let any nerves or uncertainty show back in your operations overseas either.”
“Pardon me?” He wasn’t making any sense. Or maybe she was too distracted by the rest of him again. They needed to clear the air about that kiss or they’d never get back to the easy partnership that had made them so successful.
“Mel, come on.” Dean stroked the back of her hand, scrambling her senses. Until she caught him scanning the area.
“We were followed?” Shame on her for not paying more attention to their surroundings.
“Not so far. I won’t talk about this in the truck until we can do a full sweep.” He scowled. “Right now, what I need…”
“Yes?” she prompted when he didn’t seem inclined to finish the thought.
He pinched the bridge of his nose, then shoved his hands into his pockets. “I need you to accept that Atwell is on to you. You, Mel. He needs Spalding alive to bring in the movie crews and revenue.”
“But—”
“But nothing.” Dean’s eyebrows dipped low, his voice lower still. “When you slide into that no-nonsense business tone, Atwell perks up. He knows who you are—were. Whatever.” He reached for her again, his strong fingers curling around her hands. “That shooter was in the park on his orders. Gunning for you. Had to be.” His gaze dropped to her ruined jacket collar. “And he nearly succeeded.”
Though it was a struggle, she forced herself to be objective. Dean was an excellent observer, so she had to concede to his assessment about Atwell’s interest. And the prying conversation at breakfast had been more than a little unsettling.
“I believe you,” she replied with care. “I’ll do better at keeping my mouth shut or using the happy-wife voice. But I’m telling you, I was a totally different woman in his view back then. And the whole no-nonsense thing happened after the shooting. There could be an entirely different reason for shooting that drone.”
“I know the timeline,” Dean ground out. Clearly frustrated, he raked a hand through his hair. “Trust me to know what I’m seeing.”
It was exactly what she’d just told herself. “Of course, I trust you.” She winced when he released her and turned away. A moment later, he spun back, bracing a hand on the concrete wall behind her. “Dean.” She rested her fingertips on his solid chest. “I trust you with my life. Just like you trust me.”
He didn’t respond. Although he’d given her the words easily enough before, something was different today. She wanted confirmation, preferably right this minute. His warmth and crisp masculine scent enveloped her, but couldn’t stop the chill rippling over her skin. Nothing had ever undermined her staunch confidence—not even death threats—like his current prolonged silence.
“You do trust me?” she pressed when she couldn’t take it anymore.
What if he thought she’d crossed the line with that kiss last night? In her opinion, they’d erased that line together, but something had been out of sync between them ever since. Was it her or him?
“What kind of question is that?” His blue gaze was equal parts bewildered and annoyed. He pulled her in close and brushed a kiss to the top of her head. “Mel, you’re the only woman I want at my back in a crisis. I rely on you more than anyone else.”
Rely. They were not on the same page here. Rely and trust were close enough that she probably shouldn’t push him. “Okay. Good.”
He sighed. “Don’t act like you don’t know.”
“Know what?” She leaned back, searching his face.
What was he was implying? She wasn’t the least bit comfortable with the more obvious possibilities. He must have figured out she was fighting her attraction to him. That she suddenly saw him as more than a partner and friend. Maybe that was for the best. If he called her on it, right here and now, she wouldn’t have to blurt it out.
No. That was wrong. She was responsible for her feelings and her self-control. Whether or not this was a bizarre passing phase, she couldn’t leave it alone. Talking about the way he tempted her would be embarrassing, but better to get it out than let it fester and make things weird. Clear communication was essential for their success.
“Come on, Mel.” His gaze roamed over her face. “Beck or Jake must’ve told you.”
Told me what? She had no idea what Beck or Jake had to do with this. “Not following,” she admitted.
“You are the reason I joined the Athena Project. If they hadn’t partnered me with you when all of this was getting underway, I would’ve joined Jake’s regular team.”
His eyes had been focused on her mouth and her lips were tingling with anticipation. All of that was news to her. “You’re serious?” she breathed. Those blue eyes lifted, locking with hers. His impatience was clear. She held up her hands in surrender. “I didn’t know any of that. It’s flattering.”