53. Epilogue
I knew there was a reason I wanted to plan our first official date. But then Amelia looked up at me with those big blue eyes…and she kissed me until I relented and let her have free rein. Although I may have still planned something. At exactly 7:15, which means we need to eat fast.
She told me to, and I quote, “dress like the star of a sexy action movie.” Then handed me a fake beard, even when I assured her I could grow one. (Not thick, but it’s something).
Ten minutes of making out later and here I am in an itchy fake beard, white dress shirt, unbuttoned up top and rolled up to my elbows, and a pair of slacks, standing outside of the place where we first met.
I’m out of my bandages and healing great. Having Amelia hover around and kiss me anytime the pain flared up worked miracles. Her help with the physical therapy was even better. And I thought I needed to be alone.
The last two weeks have been the best of my life. Minus the gunshot wound, of course.
I glance around to make sure no one I know is around.
And that’s when I see him. At least I think it’s him. I pull out my phone and aim the camera in his direction, as he walks into a restaurant across the street.
I send the image to Cruz. Her response is immediate.
Cruz: That’s Liam!
Cruz: Don’t engage. Enjoy your date, I’ve got this. Two minutes away.
She’s been miserable the last two weeks since Liam escaped. We thought for sure he was in the wind and Supervisor Ford was upset about it. But Cruz has taken the brunt of the lashings for me, even though it was my fault he got away. She’s been trying to prove herself ever since.
Exactly two minutes later a black sedan pulls in front of the restaurant and two agents hop out. Serena and Hadley rush inside the restaurant. I hate that I’m not Serena’s partner right now. But I’ll be back soon. And then I’ll help her catch Liam. But tonight, I’ve got a hot date.
“Sir, are you coming in?”
I startle at the voice of the doorman.
“Yes.” My voice is even more muffled through this stupid beard.
I step into the restaurant and the young hostess greets me. “Name?”
“Frank Fancybottom.” Another reason I should have taken over this date.
The woman hides her snort behind the iPad.
Maybe it’s a good thing I’m wearing this facial wig.
“Right this way, Mr. Fancybottom.” She barely refrains from laughing as she says it.
I follow her to the same table where Amelia first sat down by me. But she’s not here yet. I’m tempted to order because I know how late she can be, and apparently, she wants a reenactment.
There’s a small box waiting on the table and I pick it up. On the lid, it says, “You know what you need to do.”
My heart rate spikes. What did she get me? Black fabric is all I see. I pull it up.
A ski mask? Underneath is…a knife?
I drop it on the table. What on earth?
Did I sit down at the wrong table?
“Sir, what do you plan on doing with that?”
I jump. A man is standing above me. I know this man. How do I know him?
“Uh,” I swallow. ”Truly? I have no idea.”
He frowns. “You have no idea how you came to be in possession of a ski mask and knife?”
I chuckle. “Well, if you knew my girlfriend—”
“I don”t, that”s why I’m asking you. Are you planning to rob the bank down the street?” He pulls his suit coat to the side, revealing a gun and a badge.
I’m going to kill Amelia.
I put both hands to the sky. “I’m sure I can explain everything.”
“I hope you can. Get up. Let’s talk.”
Okay.
I stand and he pushes my shoulder, nudging me to the back of the restaurant. When we are clear of tables I turn ready to explain the situation.
“I’m an FBI agent.”
“Really? Where’s your badge?”
And that”s how I know him. Of all the luck.
“We’ve met before. In Amelia Quinn’s apartment. The dead guy in the tub.”
He purses his lips and I take off the stupid fake beard.
“I never did find out who killed him. Was it you? Is that why you’re wearing a disguise tonight?”
“No.” I scrub a hand through my hair. This is ridiculous. “Look,” I reach for my phone in my pocket, but before I can grab it the guy has me pushed up against a wall.
“Don’t move.”
I freeze, only because I’m still a little sore from my gunshot wound. “I’m not moving.”
“You have the right to remain silent.” Metal rings dig into my wrists.
“This is a huge misunderstanding th—”
“That we can sort out at the station. Come on.” He pushes me forward and at this point, I realize it’s probably better to go out the back with him than have to tramp through the dining area being arrested as Mr. Fancybottom.
He holds open the door for me and shoves me outside. I stumble over a loose piece of pavement and whirl around.
“Hey! You coul—”
Amelia is leaning against the brick wall next to the door, looking dead sexy in a skintight red dress.
“I’ll take it from here, Frank.” Amelia grins.
Frank nods once then shuts the door.
I raise a brow. “His name is Frank?”
“Yes. He and his lovely wife will enjoy our reservation.”
I shake my head and stalk toward her. “You little menace.”
“It’s not very fun getting thrown out of the emergency exit, is it?” Her hands slide down my shirt, lighting a fire from my chest to my abs.
“On the contrary, I’m quite enjoying this,” I whisper into her smooth neck. All I have to do is get these handcuffs on her. Which I’m working on right now. I slip my wallet out of my back pocket and find the pin I keep there.
“Then you’re really going to enjoy what we do next.” Her soft lips graze my cheek.
My pulse thrums to life like I’ve been rebooted. All systems on Amelia. I am going to enjoy this.
“What’s that?”
“We’re going to karaoke night.”
“Uh.” All systems shut down.
“Come on, it will be fun.”
“If that’s what you want to do, I’ll get up on that stage and sing Taylor Swift at the top of my lungs for you. But can we take the handcuffs off?”
“No.”
I slip my hands out from behind my back and have hers locked up in the cuffs in seconds. “New plan.” I trail kisses down her neck. “I’m kidnapping you instead.”
Her breath escapes in short bursts. “I mean… if you insist.”
“And we’re going…” I press a kiss to the corner of her mouth. “On a stakeout.”
“No! Kill me now!”
“I brought snacks.” I kiss the other corner of her mouth.
“Totally back in.” I can feel the spike in her pulse where I’m still holding her wrist. “Who, um, are we stalking?”
“An actor who goes by the name Shawn Spencer.”
“What?” she screams.
“He may be in town. I may have asked him if his biggest fan could buy him a drink tonight.”
“This is the best day of my life!” She jumps up and down, her arms still locked behind her back. She arches up on her toes and presses a kiss to my lips. “I love you.”
I take the moment to enjoy an extra slow kiss with her. “I love you.” I kiss her harder, signing my heart over to her kiss by kiss. Every day it”s easier to stay, easier to want more. Every day I fall more in love with her. There seems to be no end. This is what my dad missed out on. This is what my mom tried to teach me. I’m finally learning.
I pull back, watching her dazed eyes and delicate lips that are more swollen than they were ten minutes ago.
Man, that”s a long time to kiss in a nasty alley. We should get out of here.
“Since we’re in love, can we skip the drink with the celebrity?” I ask.
“Not a chance! Come on, son!” Then she takes off down the alley. Running, in a dress and heels and her arms handcuffed behind her back.
I’ve never loved anyone more.
THE END