Repata: A Love Story

We Can Do It Together

Chapter 6: We Can Do it Together

Reade was the first to wake up before his alarm went off. Scenes from the night before flooded his thoughts. He couldn't believe that the woman he as loved for so long is now sleeping curled tightly into his side. The feeling is indescribable. He remembers the last thing Tasha said to him before she fell asleep: "Reade, can I tell you something?" "Sure, what is it?" "I love you so much..." He hugged her close. He never intends to let her get away from him again.

He had dreamed of a night like that. Even when other women were in his bed, his thoughts always traveled back to Tasha Zapata. Where was she? What was she doing? Who was she with? Did she miss him?? None of that matters now. She is lying next to him, not someone else.

He told her he had an idea that could help her in her deep cover assignment. What he really meant was he had a way to keep her safe by knowing her every move, at least enough to intervene quickly of necessary. But as he lay there, he had to ask himself if he really wanted Tasha to take the assignment. He didn't want her to leave and he really didn't want her life to be in jeopardy. But he knew Natasha Zapata. Yes he believes that she loves him. That's not something she would pretend. She could have kept silent like she has done all these years. But she is stubborn and she is ambitious. He's always loved her competitive spirit. He also understands that she took a huge risk in disobeying a direct order from her boss and telling him about the deep cover op.

Damn Jake Keaton. Reade hated him for luring Tasha to the CIA, although he had to admit he bore some of the blame for her leaving the FBI. Still, Keaton took great pleasure in telling him that Tasha accepted a spot at Langley. The arrogant look on Keaton's face was unforgettable and unforgivable. And it felt personal. Reade promised himself that if he ever had the chance to bring some of that pain to Keaton, he would take it. Now Reade had information that would wipe the smile off Keaton's face.

Reade was completely lost in thought when Tasha opened her eyes. She hadn't slept that well in years. She found herself smiling because it wasn't a dream. He's right here next to her. She reached out a put her hand on his chest and caressed his abdomen. That immediately brought him back to reality. Reade let out a satisfied groan at her touch. "Good morning papi, what are you thinking about this early?" "Good morning beautiful." His voice was still husky with sleep and it sent electricity through Tasha. "I'm thinking about the only thing that matters to me, and that's you." Tasha pulled him into a kiss that he would not soon forget. The temperature between them heated to a boiling point and they rekindled their passion from last night. As they were breathing heavy from recovery and cuddling (yes, Reade discovered that Zapata does cuddle) the alarm went off. Reade suggested they take a shower together and then get ready for work. Tasha laughed and said, "We'll never leave this apartment today if we do that." She pushed him out of the bed and told him to go shower while she started breakfast. While they ate Tasha thought back to what Reade said about helping her with her deep cover op. Then they both got a text from Patterson. They were going to be late for Patterson's briefing if they didn't leave soon so she decided to wait until later in the day. She was also anticipating a call from Keaton today giving her more details about her next steps.

Patterson, as expected, cracked Vanessa Baker's laptop and opened the file that would give the team information about the gala. As the team stood around Patterson's screens she told them that Roman was now head of security for HCI Global and he's Blake Crawford's boyfriend. He's been working with the meeting planner to set up the party in Croatia with secure access to and from the island. They needed a way to get invited to, or at least get in the gala. Jane's newly found daughter, Avery, is friends with Blake Crawford, who is always trying to get Avery to come visit. She could get them in. Patterson would get team id's that would give them access. Although Tasha had not yet heard from Keaton, he told her in their last conversation to find a way to get close to Blake and gain her confidence. Tasha saw the gala as that opportunity and told the team that the CIA should have a presence at this event because of the international terrorist. Reade had just suggested that he, Tasha and Patterson stay behind and run the gala op from the office. He raised his eyebrows slightly when Tasha said she should also go to Croatia. But he didn't object because he couldn't think of a legitimate reason. He knew he needed to talk to Tasha and he had to find a way to meet with Keaton for coffee or drinks. That conversation should not take place at the FBI.