Free Hidden Threat by Sherri Hayes Page A

hand over his head. “That’s why we’ve kept it quiet.”
    Matthew gave a little snort. “Kept it quiet? That’s why Cali Stanton figured it out her first week here.”
    Jason grimaced. “That was…unfortunate.”
    Matthew laughed. He didn’t know how else to respond. “Unfortunate? Is that what you call getting caught fooling around in the office with the boss’s assistant?”

    A hard edge crept back into Jason’s voice. “Nothing happened, and you know it.”
    “Do I? I’m beginning to wonder. The Jason I know changes women like they’re a pair of shoes.” He could see his brother’s defenses begin to rise again. “Obviously, this one’s different. But Jason, this is dangerous. What happens if whoever our mole is finds out, huh? What if you have to choose between her and the job?” 
    Matthew sighed and rubbed his face with his hands. “I want you to be happy, Jason. I do. But,” he paused before he asked, “is this really something you should be doing right now? With everything we have to deal with?” Matthew watched the emotions play out on Jason’s face before he finally answered. 
    “I don’t know, man.” He shook his head. “I don’t know.” He looked his brother right in the eye. “But I won’t give her up.” 
    After a minute, Matthew nodded his head and stood. “Are you hungry? The burgers are getting cold.”
    The side of Jason’s mouth curled up into a smile. “Good, I’m starving.” 
    ***
    Cali spent her Sunday afternoon enjoying what was left of the fall warmth by taking a dip in the pool. She loved to swim, and it had been forever. There really weren’t many occasions to swim in Africa, and the heated water felt wonderful on her skin.
    She floated effortlessly on her back, enjoying the sun beating down on her when a sudden crash coming from only a few yards away caused her to jerk upright. Her eyes searched for the source of the noise, but didn’t find anything. Backing up against the opposite side of the pool, she held her arms out as if to protect herself from an unforeseen danger.
    Just as she reached the side, she saw movement. Turning to look, she found herself staring at a big orange cat. He had what looked to be a piece of garden string in its mouth. Cali’s eyes followed the string back to the shed, the door standing open. Apparently, the gardener forgot to close it after leaving for the weekend. She’d have to talk to Jessie about that.

    Breathing a sigh of relief, she pulled herself up and out of the pool, wrapping a big towel around her waist and another around her hair. She picked up the book she’d been reading earlier, and she shuffled toward the house. Reaching for the patio door, she felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. Holding her towel closer to her body, she quickly looked around but didn’t see anything; even the cat was gone. Convinced she was paranoid, she shook her head and went inside to grab a shower before dinner.

Chapter 16
    When Cali walked into the office on Monday morning, Lisa was already at her desk. The smile her assistant sported left Cali with no doubt as to Jason’s safe return. “Good Morning, Cali.”
    “Morning. Did you have a good weekend?”
    A slight blush tinted Lisa’s cheeks. “Yes, thank you.” She paused, changing her focus to some paperwork on her desk. “How was your weekend?” 
    Now it was Cali that felt uncomfortable. “Good.” As she turned toward her office to make a quick retreat, she asked, “Did you have my schedule for today?” 
    Glad for the change in subject for reasons of her own, Lisa answered, “Yes. Already on your desk.”
    “Thanks,” Cali said as she disappeared behind her door.
    Once safely inside her office, she walked to her desk and looked at her schedule.
    There were only two meetings lined up for the day. First was a morning meeting with one of the board members, Nathan Reese. Cali remembered him from her teenage years. He was the board member closest to her