Catch (Coronado Series Book 4) Read online

  They wandered off down the hall, hand in hand, and Rory nodded in approval. Another couple at SAI—that was always welcome news. Now if she could just get her sister to give Frank a proper chance. Then she would truly be satisfied. “Well, Princess Gemma, let’s go search for your brother. It seems that he’s inherited your daddy’s charm and is wooing the ladies.”

  ***

  Several hours later, Rachel stood in front of Chris’s desk. “I can’t go to lunch today because I’m behind on getting my project done. Can I take a rain check?”

  “Sure, honey. I’ll go and pick something up, and we can eat in the kitchen.”

  “That’s sweet of you, Mr. Ellis. I had no idea that you were so chivalrous.”

  “Ms. Miller, I have many hidden talents, and I can’t wait to share them with you.”

  Laughing, she said, “Mr. Ellis, how can you make something so innocent sound so dirty?”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m innocently flirting with my girlfriend at work. I have nothing but pure thoughts in my heart.”

  She patted his chest. “That’s too bad. I have several thoughts about you that have nothing to do with purity.” She spun around and walked out of his office.

  He stood up and followed her down the hall and waited in the doorway. He waited as she ran her hand down her dress to straighten it before she sat down. His head was filled with the vision of Rachel in her bits of lace, and he cleared his throat and strode away before things became uncomfortable. Did she do that on purpose?

  “Mission accomplished.” She smiled at her monitor as she pulled up the document that she’d been working on. “Never underestimate the power of a woman’s mind.” She nodded and got back to work.

  ***

  Later that evening, Chris watched Rachel lean over and pull out the cake pans and thought he was pretty much in heaven. The woman of his dreams was in her yoga pants, bending over and pulling a cake out of the oven. “Looks great, honey.” She placed the pans on the stove and noticed that she had three. What’s the extra one for?”

  “That’s for you. I’m going to put a little frosting on it, and then you can have it tonight.”

  He came around the island and hugged her. “How did you know that I wasn’t going to make it until tomorrow night when my brother shows up?”

  “Because who can wait a whole day for cake?”

  “That’s true,” he said.

  “Can I ask you a question?”

  “Of course.”

  “Why did you turn David down today? I thought going on hostage ops was your specialty.”

  “It is, and I do enjoy them. But I’m not leaving you alone when Dean is on the loose. This is much more important.”

  “I don’t want you to compromise your professional career for the nonsense going on in my life.”

  “Honey, it’s not a compromise. I’m doing what I want. My priorities are clear, and I’m exactly where I need to be. Your safety is my number-one priority. Nothing is ever going to come before that for the rest of my life.”

  “This is exactly what I was afraid of. I didn’t want anything to take away from the important cases at work.”

  “You’re just as important as anything else at SAI. Why do you think what’s going on with you isn’t?”

  “Because I feel responsible. It’s my poor decision that created this situation.”

  “It absolutely fucking isn’t. It makes me crazy that you think you are in any way responsible for Dean’s behavior. He’s unstable and probably has several undiagnosed conditions. It’s just bad luck for you and nothing more.”

  “I wish I could believe it. But I can’t seem to.”

  “Well, we’re going to figure out a way for you to believe it.”

  He held his arms open, and she walked right into them and buried her face in his chest. His big arms encircled her. Maybe if she could remain within his embrace for a while, then she could figure it out. She had things to give him, and he gave her this. And it was starting to mean everything.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Tuesday

  They stood in the elevator going up to the office. “What time are you picking your brother up today?”

  “His plane is due around two. He’s going to give me an update once he’s wheels-up.”

  “He’s not flying commercially?”

  “No, he’s got this time-share thing with one of those private jet services. He’s got a lot of endorsements, so he often has to fly during the season.”

  “Is your brother a big deal in football?”

  “Yes, honey. Jack’s been really successful and has just been offered a guarantee for the rest of his contract.”

  “I have no idea what you just said.”

  “Just think of him as my baby brother.”

  “That’s all I was going to do. I have no other frame of reference for him.”

  “He’s going to love you.”

  “Yeah. He probably is. I made him his favorite meal and chocolate cake. What’s not to love?”

  “That’s true. You make a man his favorite meal and cake, and he’s pretty much putty in your hands.”

  She glanced up with big worried eyes. “I haven’t made your favorite meal yet.”

  “Yes, honey. You have. My favorite meal is you.”

  She hit him in the arm and shook her head. “Mr. Ellis, that’s not something you can say.”

  “Yes, it is. And I just did. If you would like to make me a big steak dinner with all of the fixings this weekend, then I will consider myself a happy man.”

  She tapped her foot. “You said you were happy this morning. Now I have to add steak to it?”

  “No, honey. We can just do what we did this morning, and I’ll be plenty happy.”

  “I just want to understand your happy.”

  He kissed her hard and held on. “This is my happy.”

  The elevator doors slid open, and Frank smiled at them. “Good morning. But I guess it already is for the two of you.” He smirked as he waited for them to step out. “Carry on. Don’t let me interrupt you.”

  They both walked out and turned toward the office. “Cat’s out of the bag.”

  “The cat was never in the bag,” Rachel said.

  “You might be right about that.”

  “I’m going to my office, and I’ll try to pretend that I’m a professional.”

  “Let me know how that works out for you,” Chris replied.

  She turned and smiled before making her way to her desk. Chris whistled at her retreating figure. Today, she wore a set of pink matching lacy bits under her clothes. He’d picked the color out this morning and helped her get into them. He felt his body respond at the memory and shook his head to clear it. Back to work.

  ***

  It was lunchtime, and Chris walked down to Rachel’s office. “I’m going to meet my brother’s plane, and we’re going to grab lunch. I’ll come and get you after we’re done.”

  “Okay,” Rachel answered. “Take your time. I can get a ride if you want to visit.”

  “We’re going to be here around four thirty to pick you up. Then we’re going home and enjoy the meal that you’ve made for us.”

  “Okay, Captain Bossy. I’ve received my orders, and I’ll obey.”

  “You’re funny.”

  “I know. I’m glad that you’re finally starting to realize that.”

  He gave her a big, sloppy kiss. “I’ve fallen for you, and I don’t expect to recover.”

  “Mr. Ellis, I find that happy news. Because my heart is ready, and I hope you’re going to catch me.”

  “Ms. Miller, do you see these big arms of mine? Well, they are built specifically to catch you. I hope to hold you in my embrace for the rest of my life.”

  “Oh, Chris!”

  He picked her up, held her close, and ran his nose against hers. “I’ll catch you, honey. Anytime, anyplace, and anywhere.”

  He felt her tighten her grip and took that as a positi
ve sign. “Be back in a couple of hours.” He gave her a quick kiss and then made his way out of her office.

  Zoey walked in, sat at her desk, and studied Rachel for a moment. “You seem to have it bad for the Iceman.”

  “I do. It’s probably fatal. It’s a thing you don’t recover from. I thought he was attractive a year ago when I met him. Now that I know him, he’s devastating.”

  “I always thought he was stoic and lacked a personality.”

  Rachel stared at her and frowned. “I never thought that. He has a great personality. He’s actually pretty funny.”

  “I never would have guessed that.”

  “I think he’s a dream.”

  Zoey studied her and shook her head. “Hope it works out.”

  “Me, too.” Rachel turned around and started working on her computer. She’d always thought Zoey was one of those women who was nice/mean. It just depended on the situation which way she was going to go. Though they shared an office, they had never really become friends. As she opened a document, she thought it might be David’s good luck that things had never worked out between him and Zoey. Under all of David’s bravado, he really was a good man, and he deserved a woman who recognized it.

  Zoey interrupted her thoughts. “Is it true that Chris’s brother is a football star?”

  “Yes, I guess so,” Rachel replied.

  “I wouldn’t mind meeting him.”

  “Are you a big fan of football and the team?”

  “Not really. But I wouldn’t mind meeting a man who’s rich.”

  “Zoey that seems like something that’s destined for disaster.”

  “I guess it depends on your definition of disaster.”

  Giving her a faint smile, she focused on her computer. David was definitely a lucky man. She couldn’t believe what Zoey had said. But maybe it was more common than she realized.

  ***

  A commotion at the other end of the office made Rachel glance up. She figured that Rory must have returned for a visit with the babies. She continued to work because she wanted to get done with the project before Chris came to pick her up.

  The noise died down, so she returned to her project, quickly got absorbed, and didn’t hear anyone come in. Zoey gasped, and Rachel turned to look at her questioningly. Following her gaze, she saw Chris standing in the doorway. She fell into his smile and didn’t notice the man standing next to him right away. Standing up, she walked over and smiled at the brothers. “This must be your baby brother.” She put her hand out to shake his and was surprised when he pulled her in for a hug.

  “Sweetheart, we’re practically family. My big brother has fallen hard for you, and I figure it’s just a matter of time before we’re related.”

  She grinned. “It’s nice to meet you, Jack. I look forward to getting to know you.” Chris pulled her against his side and squeezed her waist. These Ellis boys were sure physical. One was hugging, and the other was squeezing. Rachel saw Zoey step up next to her and insert herself next to Jack. She did an inward eye roll. This might prove to be embarrassing. “Jack, this is Zoey.”

  Jack pleasantly greeted her. He must have had a ton of experience dealing with people who fawned all over him. He kept his distance and was gracious. “Rachel, I understand that you made my favorite meal, and I can’t wait.”

  “I did. I just need about fifteen minutes to wrap up. Then I’ll be ready to go.”

  Chris dropped a kiss on her head. “Come and get us when you’re ready.” The brothers strode out of the office, and Rachel noticed that Zoey let out a big breath.

  “That is one good-looking man. Can I come over to dinner tonight?”

  “No. Are you crazy? They want to catch up and relax. I’m sure Jack isn’t interested in hanging out with a fangirl this evening.”

  Zoey gave her a nasty glare. “Thanks, Rachel. That’s really nice of you.”

  “You’ve never wanted to hang out with me before today. It’s not as if we’re friends.”

  “We could start hanging out.”

  “I think I’ll pass.” She turned around and went back to her desk and started saving her work. It didn’t take long for her to finish everything up. She gathered her stuff and said good-bye to Zoey as she left the office. She didn’t hear anything in response. She shrugged and walked down the hall toward Chris. She wasn’t going to worry about it. They had never managed anything more than polite office chitchat, and she was happy to leave it there. She wasn’t going to be any part of Zoey’s schemes to get to know Jack.

  ***

  Rachel worked in the kitchen and finished the prep for dinner. She was darned happy when she’d discovered Chris’s Crock-Pot yesterday. Dinner was almost done. There was nothing more satisfying than coming home from work and having dinner ready. She finished putting the biscuits in the oven, set the timer, and looked out over the island at the brothers. She could see the similarities when they were talking to each other. They had the same voice and used the same gestures. Physically they were different, but their personalities were a lot alike. It was the exact opposite of her and her sister.

  She made the salad and then got the green beans ready to steam. Lost in thought, she stared out at the table and tried to think of what else she needed to do. Her deliberations were interrupted when Chris smiled at her and their gazes locked.

  “Honey, what can I do to help?”

  “I don’t think there’s anything else to do. We should be ready to eat in fifteen minutes. I hope you both are hungry, because I doubled my recipe.”

  Jack gave her a big smile. “I’m so happy that my big brother was smart enough to go after you. I’m really looking forward to having you as a sister-in-law. The only person who cooks for me is our mom.”

  “Since we’ve been dating for only a week, your dreams make take longer than you think. But I’ll cook for you any time you show up in San Diego.”

  “If he doesn’t marry you, then I will. After all, you may want a younger, less banged-up version of the Ellis man.”

  Laughing, she responded, “I like the version I have. I wouldn’t trade him in for the world.” She winked at Chris before she turned around to check the biscuits. She heard Jack tell his brother that he was a lucky bastard and he’d better treat her right. Rachel already knew that he would.

  She heard Chris’s chair scape across the floor as he got up. He walked into the kitchen and waited until she placed the pan on the stove. Once she had, he scooped her up and kissed her hard. “Honey, you could’ve had a big, famous football player who’s rich. Are you sure that you want to stick me with?”

  Framing his face with her hands, she said, “I couldn’t be more sure. I choose you.”

  They heard gagging noises from the dining room as Jack watched them kiss. “Is this the price of dinner? Do I have to see you two make googly eyes at each other? Pretty soon I’m going to hear the word snookems, and I don’t think I’m ready.”

  They both laughed and kissed once more. “This, baby brother, is the price of admission. Take notes, because this is what love looks like. When it happens to you, I want you to remember that you saw it here first.”

  “I’m glad there is cake at the end of all of this. Because I may not be able to take it otherwise.”

  Rachel smiled sweetly at him. “Should I call David? Because I know he’s dying for a home-cooked meal, and he would be happy to take your spot.” He hugged his plate closer and shook his head.

  “We don’t need to invite David. He eats a lot and sometimes has bad manners. I’m family, and you should feed me first.”

  “As long as all of this ooey-gooey romance isn’t too much for you.”

  He shook his head. “Nope, it’s fine. Just make me a plate, and I’m happy to see the show.”

  Nodding in approval, Rachel responded, “That’s what I thought.”

  Chris glanced at his brother and smiled. “That is your first lesson. And it’s free. The next one will cost you. I’m happy to eat the chocolate cake she made
all by myself.”

  “You all can make out at the table if you want. I’ll take the cake to my room and leave you both in peace.”

  Rachel laughed as she filled their bowls with pot roast and all of the fixings. “Good answer.” She handed them to Chris to take over to the table and followed him with a basket of rolls and the salad. She went back and made her bowl and then returned with the green beans. “Anything else?”

  They both shook their heads as they ate.

  “There’s plenty more, so don’t be shy.” She smiled and decided to start eating. It was a new experience for her to actually taste the food and a welcome change. She didn’t take it for granted. The brothers ate, and she said a silent prayer of gratitude. She was safe, happy, and probably in love. She studied the man who had made it possible and fell into his heart. This is it, Chris—you’re probably the one for me.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Wednesday

  Chris hung up the phone and looked out over the backyard at the pool. He didn’t like the information that Robert had given him. The fact that Dean was still out there made him uncomfortable. He had a feeling that the guy was going to do something desperate soon. Apparently, his brother wasn’t much better. He had a record of assault and battery and one charge of domestic abuse that was somehow dismissed. Who knew where it came from? He really didn’t care. He was concerned only with keeping Rachel safe. He decided to carry his weapon until this thing was solved. His hands were usually more than enough, but he liked the security of having backup. Two crazy brothers were not going to get anywhere near Rachel.

  He heard her quiet footsteps, turned, and smiled into her eyes. “Good morning, honey.”

  “I think you already said that this morning.”

  “I said it with my body. Now I’m saying it with my mouth.”

  “I remember your mouth saying it as well.” She stood next to him, wrapped her arm around his waist, and leaned her head against his chest. “Good morning to you.”

  “Any morning that I wake with you is a good one. It’s only been five days, but I can’t imagine it any other way.”