Code Name Desire Read online

  “Meaning…?”

  “You know my name, but I don’t know yours.”

  He seemed so at ease. She wondered if he pretended, as she did. “Okay, Mr. Jameson. My name is Ms. Bennett. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Amazed he hadn’t yet commented on her American accent, she held out a hand.

  He didn’t shake it. Instead, he slid his fingers along hers, gently bent them at the knuckles, and placed a soft kiss on the back of her hand. “Please, Ms. Bennett, call me Teague.”

  “Teague? What an unusual name. But I imagine it’s fitting, isn’t it? An unusual man like yourself couldn’t well call himself Tom or Charles or Bernard, now could you?”

  His eyes narrowed a fraction, but his smile grew. “You're charming.”

  “Am I? Well, Teague, since we’re moving toward a first-name basis, I suppose you may call me Jaeda.” Warning bells went off in her head but she ignored them. This assignment afforded her first opportunity to exchange names with a target. Her training had taught her to use truths where possible to avoid giving off body language associated with lying. She had no reason to lie to Teague Jameson…yet.

  “Jaeda. And here you were teasing me for my unusual name. I’ve never met anyone named Jaeda. It’s as beautiful as you. I suppose that gives us something in common, wouldn’t you say? A name that fits so well?” He tilted his head a bit.

  “Your drink, Mr. Jameson,” said the bartender, sliding it across polished wood.

  “Thank you.” He took it and held it with both hands but didn’t sip. “I find myself at a loss,” he admitted with a crooked grin.

  “It’s nice to know I’m not the only one,” she said, offering him her practiced smile. “Have I ruined you, then? The way you’ve ruined me?”

  His grin melted. “You have, I’m afraid.”

  Afraid? Did she blow it? Her mind began calculating an alternative to gaining access to his house. But the director had given her a direct order. Capture his heart. There had to be more in this assignment than gaining documents. They must need something from his memory… something he would share only with someone he trusted. She had to push him into a commitment. Now.

  “I suppose it would be best if we part ways immediately.” She reached for her coat. “All the better to get over one another sooner so we may move on.”

  “Move on…” He grew thoughtful. “And what’s to say we’re meant to move on?”

  “A chance meeting in a bar? Hardly the making of the world’s greatest love story, I shouldn’t think.” She raised a hand to indicate her readiness for the bill to the bartender.

  Teague took her wrist and lowered her arm to the bar. “I’ve heard worse.”

  “Have you? Such as…?”

  “A chance meeting at the fruit market.”

  Jaeda nodded sagely. “Not a great story, but still better than a seedy bar meeting.”

  “Seedy, you say? Hmmm. What would you say to two members of a wedding party shagging at the reception then falling madly in love?”

  “That’s seedy, I’ll grant you. And you know people who did this?”

  “Not exactly.” He grinned. “Okay, no. Not at all. But it shows there are worse ways of meeting. Let’s think up other ways worse than meeting in a bar.”

  Jaeda still detected doubt in his demeanor. She had to take him a step further. Grasping her coat, she swiveled on her stool and hopped off. “Let’s not and say we did.” She raised her hand for the bartender.

  “Wait.” Indecision played across his features. “Tell me you’re not racing home to a boyfriend or husband.”

  “I’m not racing home to a boyfriend or husband.”

  He glanced at the ring finger on her left hand. He didn’t trust her. Good man.

  “Tell me you’re not returning to America any time soon.”

  Jaeda sighed and flung her coat to cover her shoulders. “I’m not returning to America any time soon, that I’m aware of. I’ve been here five years, so I can’t imagine I’m headed across the pond for quite a while.”

  “You’ve been here five years and I’ve never met you? How is that possible?” He appeared genuinely perplexed.

  She fought the urge to giggle. “I imagine we don’t run in the same circles. I just happened to be in this area tonight and not looking forward to a trip home in this weather. It can be so depressing to walk into an empty place. I don’t even have a pet. It’s enough to drive a girl to drink.” She hadn’t meant to tell that much truth, but he really appeared to want a reason to ask her not to leave. It flattered her.

  Okay, maybe she should go. He had begun to get past her guard. Perhaps she needed a night to gather her wits and come at him again in the morning. The bartender placed a bill next to her half-full martini, and she reached for it.

  Teague put a hand over the scrap of paper before she could reach it. “Don’t go.”

  Success!

  Chapter Three

  Jaeda’s mind worked overtime. She had to get him out of the club and alone. The more she associated with the people around him, the more easily they could identify her when the assignment ended. Of course, the agency protected her…to a certain extent, but she always endeavored to minimize complications. It increased her value and reputation in the field.

  Teague looked over his shoulder toward the men who had come with him. “Would you like to join me with my—”

  “It’s been a long day,” she interrupted. “Oh, I’m sorry. What were you saying?”

  He studied her a moment, his gaze landing on the coat draped over her shoulders. “Nothing. You know what? It’s been a long day for me, too. Fridays always are. What do you say we take a drive?”

  “That sounds lovely.” She beamed her toothiest smile, delighted when his face lit.

  “Don’t move,” he said, holding up a staying hand. “I’ll be right back.” He pulled a bill from his wallet and tossed it on the bar. “I’m serious,” he said, scooting off his stool. “Don’t go anywhere.”

  She chuckled and shook her head. She liked his concern. It let her know she had secured his interest – a job well done. Not that she would give him the slip, anyway. She had acquired her target and achieved her first goal. He’d have a tough time getting rid of her.

  As he headed for the dining area, she admired the tapered cut of his suit jacket, the way it showed his broad shoulders and slim waist in the most complimentary way. Mmm. This would be her most fun assignment yet, only to rival her very first assignment in excitement.

  He spoke to the men who appeared to ask him questions, and when they glanced her way, she turned her back. The less they saw of her face, the better. To play it safe, she meandered toward the short hallway leading to the exit. In order to keep her face concealed, she pretended to adjust her curls.

  From the corner of her eye, she noticed the coat check man open his mouth to say something. He didn’t get a chance, however. A thick-skinned hand with long fingers and manicured nails reached around her and took her coat. Jaeda jerked, afraid he would question the weight of the gun, or worse, brush against its hardness. He said nothing, though, as he held the trench coat. She straightened her arms behind, and he slid it onto her. Brushing her throat, his fingertips sent prickling awareness up and over her scalp. She shivered deliciously.

  Fastening the tie at her coat's waist, she led the way to the door, enjoying the feel of his hand at the small of her back. No man had made that protective gesture since her father when he had accompanied her into college graduation. Stiffening her spine, she shook off the nostalgia.

  She needed her wits about her.

  Teague Jameson impressed her. She admired his confidence, his intelligence and his savvy. And the fact that she found him sexy and good-looking made her head spin a bit. Yeah, she had to keep her wits about her.

  Outside, he raised an arm and a silver Rolls Royce rolled around the corner to pull alongside the curb. The driver, a tall man in a smart gray tweed suit and black bowler, stepped out and came around to hold the doo
r to the backseat. “Ma’am,” he said, acknowledging Jaeda with a touch to the brim of his hat.

  “Good evening,” she said. She clutched her coat pockets to keep the fabric from traveling as she slid across butter-soft leather.

  “Mr. Jameson,” the driver greeted. “And where would you like to go, sir?”

  “Take us for a leisurely rove, Caster.”

  “Certainly, sir.”

  The door closed and heat surrounded Jaeda – heat from the car’s heater, and heat from Teague’s heavy stare.

  “You’re quite the most beautiful woman I’ve met in a long time.”

  She resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Right. Teague Jameson probably surrounded himself with beautiful women. She’d likely suffer a complex by walking into his office at the financial firm. With a great effort, she summoned a demure simper. “Why, thank you, Teague. I should tell you I find you easy on the eyes, too.”

  “Well, beyond the obvious, I meant more than your lovely appearance. I speak of your stimulating repartee and your restraint. I like your calm.”

  Did he seek to flatter her? “Stimulating? I like your choice of words.” Unsure of her ability to pull it off, but using her training to control her nerves, she relaxed her lids to a droop then ran the tip of her tongue over her upper lip. His gaze dropped to her mouth and she sent him a knowing smile.

  His features hardened. “Please tell me I didn’t just pick up a lady of the night.”

  Damn it! She pulled that off too well. Allowing real dismay to cross her features, she surrendered her seductive expression. “I’m not a prostitute. You think I want to sell my body? I couldn’t sell a puppy to a little boy.” She had to change tactics and quickly.

  His tension reduced, but his expression didn’t soften. “Caster, hold for a moment if you would.”

  “Yes, sir,” said the driver from the front seat.

  Time to pull away. It had worked in the club, so it would work here. “Teague, there has clearly been a misunderstanding. I don’t want anything from you other than some time and a chance to get to know you. I apologize if my flirt made you uncomfortable. I didn’t mean to.” She put fingers on the door handle, stared at her lap, and whispered, “I’m sorry. We should call it a night.” She ventured an innocent, wide-eyed glance his way. “It was a pleasure meeting you and I wish you all the best.”

  She gave the locked door handle a tug, and the driver scrambled to exit.

  “One moment, Caster,” said Jameson with authority. He softened his tone. “Jaeda, don’t be so hasty. You caught me by surprise. Nothing more. I am a success in my work for two reasons. I have an uncanny ability to predict market trends, and I’m a very good judge of character.”

  She dropped her hand from the door to her knee. “Is that so? And how do you judge my character?” This ought to prove entertaining.

  He cocked his head sideways and raised a clear partition that separated them from the driver. “You’re an enigma. I see genuine interest. You’re attracted to me, you’re smart and you’re funny. I would guess at a wholesome upbringing, higher education and world travel. You speak two languages besides English?”

  “Five,” she answered honestly. So far, he had nailed it. The man’s perception could rival the most experienced agent, and it worried her. He read every look, every word, every move she made. She went into testing mode to make sure her guard wouldn’t lower for an instant.

  “Indeed. And yet you have this sense of purpose I find mysterious. And the way you look at me...”

  “How do I look at you?”

  “Like you’re undecided. As if you can’t figure out if you want to kiss me or run.”

  So much for control and discipline ruling her features. She had shown too much, and denying it would give her a semblance of guilt. She couldn’t afford it. She had acquired her target, and she had three days to capture his heart. She couldn’t do that if they separated.

  Jaeda sighed and let real emotion shine from her face. “You see everything, don’t you? It’s true. I am torn. I like you. A lot. But I’ve been hurt.” Not a lie. “I met you ten minutes ago and already I’m sitting in your car, prepared to go wherever you take me. What if you’re married? What if you’re insane? A serial killer? I’m not an impetuous person.”

  He visibly relaxed. “You make sense, and I understand. I owe you an apology for calling you a lady of the night.”

  She laughed, more from relief than amusement. “Apology accepted. So, are you married, or what?”

  He cracked a smile for the first time since getting in the car. “I’m not married and I have no nefarious intentions. I work for Finance UK, I chair a number of international charities, and I’m basically just a guy.”

  Just a guy sounded ridiculous when spoken in his privileged accent. “Somehow I find it hard to believe you’re anything less than remarkable, Teague.”

  He knocked on the partition, and the driver pulled into traffic. “The impression is mutual. Jaeda, tell me about yourself.” He took her hand.

  Reclining against the seatback, she gave his warm fingers a squeeze to let him know she approved the contact. He could read her, so she could tell him no more lies. On the other hand, she couldn’t be forthright, either, so she chose her words with care. “Well, you seem to know a great deal about me without my saying much.”

  He bowed in a single nod.

  “Okay, let’s see. What can I tell you that you haven’t already figured out on your own? I work for the American government. Computer work, mostly. They send me around the world, but for the most part, I’m based here in London. I’ve been here for five years, but I already told you that. I stay at the Arms Hotel in King’s Cross.”

  He groaned. “King’s Cross? That’s atrocious. Why haven’t you left the dregs of London and rented a flat?”

  She shrugged. “If I had known I’d be in London this long, I would have.”

  “You mean they could remove you at any time?” He frowned.

  His pout made her irrationally happy. “Yes. I go where they tell me.”

  “You have that look again.”

  “What look?” Uh-oh.

  “The one where you can’t decide whether you want to kiss me or run.”

  She grinned. She couldn’t help it, damn him.

  “So what’s it to be? Will you kiss me or run?”

  Chapter Four

  Jaeda licked her lips, but this time, she didn't contrive the movement. If Teague knew her position, he would understand she had no choice. She had to kiss him. Not that she minded. Kissing him had consumed her thoughts from the moment she first set eyes on him.

  “I have no plans to run,” she said, her palms sweating and her heart racing.

  His eyelids went to half-mast, and he slid an arm along the cresting leather at the top of the backrest. When his fingers went into her hair and cupped the nape of her neck, she shuddered. She wanted to jump in his lap and throw her arms around his shoulders, but she had to maintain her façade – a woman of the world. Sophisticated. Calm, as he put it.

  He leaned toward her, and she met him halfway. Ever so tenderly, his lips touched hers. Soft as a butterfly’s wing, he brushed her mouth with his. She sighed.

  She lifted her free hand and wrapped her fingers around his wrist. Crisp, wiry hairs played at her knuckles. She adored the way he filled her grasp. No desk-bound business boy kissed her. No, he was all man.

  She pressed into the kiss, and he didn’t pull away. His lips moved sensually across hers yet didn’t force contact. Though unspoken, she understood she could end it at any time. But she didn’t want to.

  He released the hand he’d held earlier then released her neck. Not once did he stop kissing her. With another sigh, she closed her eyes and allowed the kiss to envelop her. It overran her senses and made time stop. The car didn’t move. The world didn’t spin. Her assignment didn’t exist. In that moment, her entire world consisted of him and his heavenly kiss.

  His hand returned to her neck,
and she hooked her fingers over his forearm. Her fingertips skimmed silk-smooth cotton covering rock-hard, corded strength. Oh, my. He’d removed his jacket and she hadn’t noticed.

  Without breaking the contact of their lips, he pushed her coat from her shoulders. She didn’t want to let go of his arm, but she complied, wanting closer to him. As he leaned further to send her coat down her back, he deepened the kiss.

  His breath puffed along her check and stirred her hair. He smelled so good. The scent of sandalwood swirled around her head and filled her nostrils. Whatever he used on his skin held a hint of vanilla and made her want to lick him. Mmm. Everything about this man was delicious.

  With her coat on the seat behind her, she rested a palm on his surprisingly muscular shoulder. His arm had been sinewy, but his shoulder sported sheer bulk. Behind her closed lids, she imagined him without his shirt, and she trembled.

  He wrapped an arm around her middle and pulled her closer.

  Yes, closer. She couldn’t get near enough. Sending fingers into the hair at the back of his head, she pressed harder against his mouth. More, more. She whimpered and it startled her.

  He groaned then broke contact. “My God, you taste good.” He licked his lips.

  She couldn’t take her gaze from his tongue. She wanted it. She wanted him.

  As if reading her mind, he bent to capture her mouth. They met with open lips. Hungry. Impatient. Delightful.

  His tongue dipped inside, and she caressed it with her own. He tasted of mint, a suggestion of dry gin, and something manly and distinctively him. Exploring her, he sent his tongue along the inside of her teeth, glided along the roof of her mouth, and met her tongue in a sensual dance.

  Moisture seeped from between her thighs and wet her satin panties. Gripping his shoulder, she clung to him with desperate longing. She hadn’t realized how lonely these past five years had made her until this moment. The assignment held first priority, and she would do everything in her power to do as the agency instructed. But for the moment, this moment, she wanted nothing more than his arms around her and his kiss to last forever.