Free Explosive (The Black Opals) by Tori St. Claire

really.”
    “But you suspect something.”
    McTavish shook his head. “Sorry, Jayce.” He sighed heavily. “I’m afraid I have to pull the confidentiality card here.”
    Son of a bitch. If he had any kind of idea the level of security clearance the Black Opals held, or just what sorts of secrets they were expected to keep, his confidentiality clause wouldn’t amount to crap. The man knew something. Something that had him suddenly reevaluating his own personal security.
    Alyssa’s too.
    A chill wafted down Jayce’s spine. He wasn’t dealing with a simple break-in gone awry. No kids pilfering through desk drawers in hopes of finding the night cash drop. This was the kind of shit made for Black Opal work, particularly given it might include Delfranco or Parker. Only Jayce was the wrong man for the job. McTavish needed someone who specialized in security, not someone who knew bombs. Time for a phone call to Clarke.
    “Tell you what.” Jayce set his empty bottle on the table. “It’s getting late. I haven’t eaten all day, and I’m starved. I’ll come back in the morning. There’s a guy I know—I’d like him to take a look at your setup with me.”
    “Why?”
    The speculation in McTavish’s quiet stare was enough to make Jayce want to fidget. He resisted the urge to wipe his palms on his jeans and forced a chuckle. “Someone will have to maintain it when I leave, right?”
    “I guess I thought—”
    The opening of the front door silenced whatever McTavish had intended to say. He stood, a grin spreading across his face, and tossed Jayce a wink. “Hungry, you said? Looks like the spa didn’t happen.”
    Alyssa.
    Her perfume hit Jayce before her shadow ever neared the doorway. His gut cinched into a knot. His heart stalled, then stuttered into an unsteady rhythm. He couldn’t sit here and watch her walk into the room, greet McTavish like the lovers they were, and pretend nothing had happened in her office. He pushed to his feet, prepared to make a speedy exit.
    Alyssa stepped through the entryway. The warm smile that softened her expression rested briefly on McTavish, before her gaze skidded to Jayce and her smile vanished. Awareness sparked in the depths of her rich brown eyes. Unspoken acknowledgement of the desire that had raged between them…and still glowed like abandoned embers on a field of dry grass. Silent truths flowed between them, confessions Jayce felt certain McTavish could hear.
    One look. One not-so-simple stare, and Jayce burned for her all over again. He looked away, only to find McTavish glancing between the both of them, one eyebrow arched. Aw hell. Jayce cursed inwardly.
    “I thought that was your truck outside.” A veil tumbled across Alyssa’s expression. Her smile returned effortlessly. She crossed to McTavish and placed a chaste kiss on his cheek.
    “No spa?” McTavish asked as he returned the affectionate gesture.
    Jayce stuffed a hand into his pocket and pulled out his keys. Enough—he refused to be party to this. He was damned if he’d be part of this particular deliberate duplicity. Whatever arrangement they might have, he refused to participate and wound a friend who’d never been anything but loyal.
    “Decided I’d rather take my frustrations out in the kitchen.” She turned to Jayce once more. Again, her eyes sparked knowingly. She gestured at his empty beer bottle. “I see you’re nursing yours. Can I get you another?”
    “I was just leaving.” Jayce gritted his teeth and pivoted toward the doorway.
    “Why don’t you stay for dinner?” McTavish suggested.
    Jayce shook his head, avoiding the challenge that glinted in Alyssa’s gaze. Damn her. She was doing her best to make him uncomfortable. “Nah. I’ll let you two enjoy your evening.” He struggled to keep his tone casual.
    “Oh, join us, Jayce.” Alyssa let out a light laugh as she toed off her heels, making herself more comfortable. “You don’t have to run off just because I’m