202Joan waited until her husband finished his call. She perched on his chair arm and leaned in for a kiss. He relaxed into the leather, one hand stroking over her knee.
"No one has picked up any chatter involving the Sri Lankans, or anyone else. The FBI are running down leads and tracking possible suspects that might be headed for the Canadian border. Mercer is safely on the other side of the globe. I think it's safe to let Anderson and Annie out of their hole."
The director of the DPD shook her head. "No, I'll give it another twenty-four hours."
"You're too cautious where those two are concerned."
"I'm cautious with all of my people. This isn't caution, though. Auggie was shot and Annie was the cause, however inadvertently. They need to decompress."
"Softie," Arthur teased.
"It's a strategic move. If Annie has something tying her to the Agency, she's less likely to run off in an attempt to save Mercer. And we both know he will need saving at some point."
Arthur scowled. "I hope the FBI do find the shooters. I want to know who's behind these attempts. This is part of something bigger and I don't like being operationally blind."
Auggie turned his body, moving Annie so that she was pressed against the counter. He did it all without breaking away from kissing her. She tilted her head, angling her mouth against his, while her hands clenched at his shoulders. He moved his hands to frame her face, thumbs stroking over her cheekbones. She moaned in response. Manicured nails trailed over his shoulders, making him shiver. Then her fingers delved into his curls. They both hung on as if the other was a lifeline.
Auggie pulled back slightly. He sucked on her tongue before letting her go. He murmured against her lips, "Hear it?"
Her response was half whine, half questioning.
"That soft wet sound your tongue makes."
Mock-irritated, she tugged on his hair. "I hate you SO hard."
He stole a quick kiss even as he pressed his hips to hers. "How hard?"
All she could do was gasp. He released her face to slide both hands down her body. Annie arched her back, pressing her breasts into his open palms. His kisses fell on her neck. Working his way up to a sensitive spot behind her ear, Auggie whispered, "Steady there."
"Now who's teasing?"
"Not me." He nibbled an earlobe. "I intend to take my time. This is a very difficult lesson and I want to make sure you master it."
"Arrogant ass." She punctuated the insult with a squeeze of his very fine, arrogant, ass. "Auggie. Hey." She cupped his face, turning his sightless eye to face her. "Are you sure about this? I mean, there doesn't need to be a this, but I..."
"Worried?"
"A little." She released him, wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head on his shoulder.
He rested his cheek against her hair. In soft, even tones, right next to her ear, he asked, "What do you do when you're in the field and the op is blown? When you're worried and unsure of your footing?"
Annie smiled. "I listen to the voice in my ear."
"You trust this voice? Trust that he'll bring you home safe and sound?"
"To bring me home, listen to me over-think everything, and to know when I need to just sit and listen to him talk about his day."
His nose nudged her cheek until he felt her lift her head. He kissed her slowly and deeply. "Stop worrying. I'm right here to talk you—both of us—through this."
Annie took her time kissing him, savoring the taste of coffee that lingered in his mouth and the feel of being held by him. "I don't want to screw us up," she finally admitted.
"Annie Walker, since when have you been cautious? Let go. Have some fun and don't worry about tomorrow. I'll still be here."
"K." She traced the sculpted muscles over his chest. He moaned. Her body pressed against his, she sucked on the skin above his collarbone. She let him bend her back against the counter. She let him devour her lips and neck and skim his hands over her breasts.
Auggie had the edges of her tank top in his hands when a knock on the door interrupted them. "Oh yeah, pizza."
"Do we have time?" Her voice was tinged with laughter.
"Just because you don't feed your dates before removing their clothing, doesn't mean I've forgotten how to treat a lady. You should probably answer the door, though." He waived his hand between them, indicating his shirtless chest. "Best not to shock the protective detail."
Annie tossed her hair. "I'm sticking my tongue out at you, Auggie."
"So noted. Now get the food, Walker."
A/N
As I'm not really into writing explicit erotica, I'm going to leave the rest of this "working date" to the imagination of the reader. Of course, I reserve the right to change my mind and write another five chapters, if the mood strikes. :P
Thank you all for sticking around, chivying me into updating, and leaving your wonderful comments. I hope you enjoyed the ride. -Krasny