Page 14 of Brazilian Surrender
“Okay.”
She opened the door for him, and he walked into the break area. A small window reminded them there was still a vibrant world outside. Inside, a couple of tables and several chairs occupied the space, with a small kitchenette comprised of a microwave, refrigerator, and a sink. Three interns talked to one another, then looked toward Camila and Jaeger.
“Hi, guys.”
“Hey, Camila,” said one of them, and he continued to ask about a patient. Jaeger tuned him out, scanning the room, then focusing on the devices charging on the counter. How in the hell was he supposed to know which one was Jeffrey’s?
“Have I seen you around before?” one of them asked.
“I’m showing him around,” Camila said. “I just came to see if my phone was done charging,” she said, walking up to the charger area. She pulled one of them from the dock and slid it in her pocket. “What do you know? It’s ready.”
Very smart. She’d recognized Jeffrey’s cell, so she picked it up. A smile curled his lips. They made a good team, didn’t they? Now all they had to do was leave the area, give it to Tony, who should be waiting in the lobby, and he’d work his magic. Quickly, so she could return it without Jeffrey noticing.
“See you guys later.” She waved and headed to the door, but halted when someone new stepped in, blocking her way. “Oh. Jeffrey. Hi!”
Jeffrey was a medium-built guy with brown eyes and a scar on his neck. “Hi.”
“I wanted to talk to you about something in private,” she said. “I need your help with a case.”
“Can we do it some other time? I’m kind of busy,” he said, and motioned to move.
“I really need your help. Please? I’ll cover your shift whenever you ask. Promise.”
“Okay, fine,” he said.
“Awesome. Let’s go to the cafeteria,” she said, and maybe then she realized she still carried the cell phone Jaeger needed. She turned to Jaeger, but before she opened her mouth, he said, “Thank you for everything,” and leaned in to kiss her cheek.
The kiss should have been quick, but he lingered, enjoying the softness of her skin. She sighed, and he moved a bit closer to her lips. What would it be like to kiss her? Pulling her to him, Jaeger slid his hand into her pocket, discreetly grabbed the cell phone, and jammed it in his. Gently, he moved away from her and walked past them.
What would it be like to kiss her? The question echoed in his ears as he headed to the emergency exit and flew down the flight of stairs. His body roared with frustration, asking—no, demanding more. And a part of him knew it wouldn’t be long until he found out…
…
Four more days. Can’t wait to see you.
Camila read the text from her soon-to-be sister-in-law, Erika Lancaster. With the craziness involving her current situation, she hadn’t given much thought about her bridesmaid role in Emanuel’s impending wedding ceremony in the Hamptons.
Given her crazy morning, it was a wonder she remembered much at all. She’d distracted Jeffrey in the cafeteria for thirty minutes to be on the safe side, giving Jaeger ample time to complete his task. When he’d returned upstairs, he’d put the device back in the charger. Thankfully Jeffrey hadn’t suspected a thing—though he asked her who the guy who kissed her was.
The kiss. Growing up in Brazil, she was used to pecks on the cheek, but his lips on her flesh had been so much more intimate. They’d sent a current of arousal through her faster than she could say “crazy attraction.”
Her phone pinged again with a heart emoji, and she shook her head.
Yes, I’m super excited, too.The idea of being a bridesmaid seemed a lot more appealing a couple of months ago when Erika had asked her. Since her brother and Erika lived together in Brazil and were flying in to celebrate the big day at her family’s Hampton estate, she hadn’t had to perform a lot of the duties traditionally expected. Addison, her other sister-in-law, had already thrown a bridal shower in Rio a few weeks prior.
Good. Will there be a plus one? Are you seeing someone right now, or bringing a friend?
Camila tossed the phone on the other side of the bed. The guest room in Jaeger’s apartment reminded her of a hotel suite: functional, impersonal, and clean. She never knew so many variations of beige existed until she saw those walls, armoire, bedsheets, and nightstand. If only her life were as uneventful as that room.
How could she attend the wedding with someone on her tail? Maybe her stalker wouldn’t go as far as the Hamptons, but on the other hand some time away from NYC might give whoever wanted to hurt her an edge. She’d be away from her surroundings. Sure, her family would be in tow, but why would she ruin her brother’s special day by telling them someone had threatened her?
Her phone pinged again, but she decided to ignore the text. First, she’d have to figure out what she’d tell everyone.
A knock startled her, and she rushed to open her door.
“So far Jeffrey Morgan is clean. Nothing on his cell phone incriminates him or gives us a clue,” he said, curling his fist. “We’ll finish going through those videos tonight.”
“Sure.”
