Siren in the Wind Book One of the MIT Series

Chapter Four

Max Andersen used Hansen as a cover name. A background check by potential targets revealed a fully developed Max Hansen entity in the field. Max expected her reluctance—gaining her confidence or trust would almost be futile given what they suspected she was. Now as Evans stood in front of him, Max saw a glimpse of something else, uncertainty or interest maybe? Couldn't be, but he could try his level best at charming the fuck out of her. Give it the old heave-ho and see where it led.

Evans was distractingly flawless in person. He'd seen a dated photo in her file and observed her at a distance but this close...sooty lashes framed ivy-green eyes and her skin glowed. A refreshing and mutely elegant tall drink of water. Dark blue jeans molded her ass beautifully, a white blouse clung to perfect curves. Two delicate gold chains adorned her slender neck, tangled and fighting for rights to her exquisite cleavage. He clasped her hand firmly, and the jolt of awareness was unexpected. Her hand jerked indicating she had felt it too. Fuck.

Evans shifted. "Um, excuse me?"

His gaze shot up and collided with hers. "Did I say that out loud? Double fuck."

The corner of her mouth quirked, and she slid her hand out of their electric grip. Lizzy flitted off to grab menus, as they stared awkwardly. Time to play.

Evans slipped past, and Max touched her hand with the back of his. She froze, and he leaned in, speaking above the din. "Here's the thing. I was caught unawares, just as you were. John told me about the blind date as you walked in. I'm not looking to hook up in any capacity—work is my priority." Max stroked his thumb over the edge of her wrist, feeling a tremble, she liked that. "You're beautiful." His warm breath feathered her ear. "But I'm no idiot; I see you have no desire to meet someone. How about just a friendly meal and you need never see me again."

Max let go. Her pretty lips parted, and her tongue darted out to lick a shapely lower lip. His eyes tracked the movement and rose to hers. Desire flashed before her walled serenity slammed back in.

"Max, is it? Thanks for clearing that up. Now, if you'll excuse me." She politely smiled and headed to the ladies' room.

Max paused to get his shit together. He'd deliberately tried to rattle her and succeeded, yet his own reaction pissed him off. Her silky skin and delicate scent drew him in, and that look in her eyes...

"Yo, Max, you gonna order or what?" Johnny yelled over the table.

Max lowered himself onto the bench as Johnny shot him a questioning glance.

***

The toilet cubicle felt safe, super safe. Abby had never been this shaken by a man and in such a short amount of time. One minute of conversation and she was ready to toss all caution to the wind.

Breathe, Abby. Don't think about him. Focus on getting home and preparing for the mission ahead; you don't need or want a man. Especially not a man like him. There's no future for him in your existing world. He'll end up very dead. Abby took another minute before heading back.

Max sat next to her open seat, his capable-looking hands playing with the paper from his straw. Her stomach did a flip. Abby slid in and opened a menu, studying it solemnly. She knew La Coraggio well and occasionally grabbed a bite to eat during the week when the place was quiet. Still, the menu gave her an excuse not to look to her left, at that rugged profile and sensuous mouth with that nibble-inducing, full lower lip.

Max glanced over at the menu she held up like a shield. Abby surreptitiously hid a stained fingernail.

"What's good here?"