“I just want to say that Mattie Logan was instrumental in the apprehension and arrest of the terrorist kingpin known only as The Jaguar.” Cutter’s gaze swept to the federal prosecutor. “This government at the very least owes her an apology.”
His gaze locked with hers. “She put her life on the line multiple times. When I sustained a bullet wound, she administered first aid. She had many opportunities to escape. Instead she chose to risk her life to do the right thing. That included hatching a plan that ultimately led to the capture of a vicious terrorist. Without Mattie Logan’s heroics I believe The Jaguar would still be a free man.”
He stared at her, unable to look away. Tears filled her eyes, but she didn’t make a sound. Even from fifteen feet away he could see that she was trembling. “I owe my life to her,” he said. But his voice was little more than a whisper.
The room went silent. Before he realized he was going to move, he’d rounded the table.
Mattie’s eyes widened as he drew near. Upon reaching her, he took her hand and gently pulled her to her feet.
Then she was standing so close he could discern the sweet scent of her perfume. He could feel the warmth emanating from her body to tantalize his. The sexual tension rising between them.
“I want you to know, I didn’t plan on using you or putting you in danger. I sure as hell didn’t plan on falling in love with you.” Raising his hand, he thumbed a tear from her cheek. “But I did.”
Tilting her head, Mattie pressed her face into his palm. She hadn’t known what to expect of this formal meeting, but this was not it. “Cutter, I don’t know what to say.”
“Don’t say anything,” he answered, and pulled her into his arms.
“We’ve got an audience,” she whispered.
“I don’t care.”
His heart pounded against hers. She reveled in the sensation of being in his arms.
Though Mattie was conscious of the other men rising and shuffling from the room, her attention remained focused on the man holding her in his arms
Martin Wolfe cleared his throat noisily.
Cutter pulled back and smiled down at her. Together they looked at the agency head.
Wolfe frowned, but Mattie saw the smile in his eyes. “This meeting is adjourned.” He looked at Mattie. “A representative from the Department of Defense will be in contact with you. If you want your job back, it’s yours for the taking. They can use all the talent they can get.”
She hadn’t yet decided how to handle getting her career back on track, but a phone call from her superiors was a good start. “Thank you.”
“Now you two get out of here.” Wolfe looked at Cutter. “You’ve got the next two weeks off. I suggest you make good use of it,” he said, and left them alone in the conference room.
Grinning, Cutter looked into her eyes. “You’re a free woman, Mattie.”
“Where does this leave us?” she asked.
“Together.”
“That’s a good place to be.”
“What do you say we check out the beach somewhere in the Caribbean for the next week or so?” Leaning close he brushed a kiss to her mouth. “I hear the water’s nice this time of year.”
Mattie closed her eyes and held him close. “I thought you’d never ask,” she said and kissed him back.
ISBN: 978-1-4592-2541-1
OPERATION: MIDNIGHT GUARDIAN
Copyright © 2006 by Linda Castillo
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