Gunning for the Groom by Debra Webb Page A

leaning close to kiss Paul’s cheek. “I’ll be back soon to finish that proposal.”

Chapter Seven
    Sunday, April 10, 12:45 p.m.
    Frankie’s gaze moved from her empty suitcase to the nearly empty closet in the bedroom of the corporate apartment leased by Leo Solutions. She was wearing the only dress she’d thought to pack, a last-minute item she’d tossed in. Her half of the closet held two pairs of jeans, an assortment of shirts, one pair of khaki slacks and only two pairs of shoes in addition to her runners.
    â€œProblem?” Aidan paused just behind her. “We can always go shopping or have a friend send you whatever you forgot.”
    â€œThat’s not it.” She shoved her suitcase into the closet and closed the door. “I guess we’re all moved in.”
    Her limited wardrobe was the least of her troubles. Currently at the top of her list of problems was the one bedroom apartment. They’d had more space—possibly more privacy—at the hotel suite. Aidan had made a valid argument when she tried to back out again: they had to make it look as if they were meeting Sophia halfway.
    As they were wrapping up brunch, Sophia had invited them once more to stay at the house. Again Frankie refused. Though she’d appreciated Aidan’s diplomatic backup, she wasn’t as enamored with his small touches, his chivalrous manners and the occasional chaste kiss.
    Sophia, however, was overjoyed with every gesture that affirmed Frankie and Aidan were happy together. Unfortunately, while he played the doting-fiancé role like an expert, she struggled against an urge to skitter away. Or worse, burrow into him.
    She had to focus, to stay angry with Sophia, but she was losing her grip on that bitter edge. Sophia had always been vibrant and outgoing, and being drenched in her mother’s warmth made something deep inside Frankie long for the way things once were. The life she’d worked toward, dreamed of and enjoyed so fleetingly had been ripped apart and scattered.
    Her family would never be the same, and not just because the Leones numbered two now instead of three. Frankie believed her mother bore the blame. She’d come all this way to prove it.
    Except they weren’t finding anything conclusive. She knew Aidan wasn’t working against her, precisely. It just didn’t feel as though he was working with her. Her mother’s passports were bogus and he kept casting doubts over the source of the statement and documentation on the flash drive.
    Now they were living together in an apartment that might very well be bugged. They couldn’t speak freely and couldn’t jam a signal without blowing their cover. They would go to the office each day and come back here. The engagement was working, giving them a reason to be together, yet Frankie felt trapped by her own scheme. She finally understood what he’d said on the plane about lying to each other in public.
    â€œI didn’t think this through,” she said, just in case the bugs were live. “Six months will be an exercise in restraint.” She sneered at the closet. “At least we’ll have the company gear for work.” Bags of Leo Solutions shirts and workout gear had been lined up on the corner of the furnished sofa when they walked in.
    â€œWhy don’t we head out and see about stocking the kitchen?” he suggested.
    â€œGreat idea.” She grabbed her purse, her smallest knife tucked inside. While they were out they’d have a chance to talk freely. Of course, that also gave their opponent time to search the apartment. On missions like this one, Frankie knew every choice came with a calculated risk.
    It made her feel marginally better when Aidan planted a wireless camera to catch anyone who might enter the apartment. When they were clear of the building, she caught him watching for a tail, because she was doing it, too. “We’re a pair,” she said