A Second Chance (The Publicist, Book Four) (7 page)

Chapter 22

Mac woke up before Sydney and watched her sleep as he relived the night before. Mac had known a lot of women in his life, but Sydney rocked his world in a way that went beyond anything physical. She challenged him in extraordinary ways. Though she was, clearly, way above his pay grade, he couldn’t help but wonder if by some odd twist of fate, they might end up together.

“What are you thinking about?” Syd asked, her voice heavy with sleep.

“That you are magnificent,” he pushed himself up on his elbow, smiled and kissed her.

“You’re just saying that because you know you just slept with a CIA agent and you’re hoping that I don’t have your phones and emails tapped.” She teased.

“You can do that?” He narrowed his eyes playfully.

“If we suspect you of activities that could endanger the homeland, yes. Have you participated in such activities Mr. Ellis?”

“I’ve published some bad books, does that count?”

Sydney laughed, “Doubtful, freedom of speech and all.”

“But I have had a lot of sexy thoughts about one agent in particular.” He brushed a lock of hair from her face and kissed her again.

“Really? Do tell…”

“I want to spend the day making love with her, and I thought yesterday about taking her in the kitchen.”

“Oh, really? Shame on you. I’ll definitely have to punish you for that.”

“Promise?” He kissed her again, this time with more urgency.

“How about a shower?”

Mac didn’t need more invitation than that, in one movement he sat up and flung his legs out of bed. He stood up, naked in front of her and Sydney had to contain herself to keep from dragging him back into the bed.

What the hell was happening to her? Her relationships since Joe hadn’t been stellar, but they weren’t bad, per se. They were more comfort than anything, a warm body to wake up beside, but she’d always been able to control her desire, to table it enough to keep her wits about her. Mac set her off her axis, and it was both exhilarating and frightening. Even her beloved Joe hadn’t affected her the way Mac did.

Chapter 23

After making love in the shower, they agreed it was time to get up and get something to eat. Mac also needed to work on the book, so while Sydney made breakfast, Mac sat at the kitchen table and asked her questions to help expand the story.

“Syd,” Mac said looking up from his laptop, “I think we’re pretty close to having everything we need to finish this the right way.”

Then this will be over
, Syd thought and realized suddenly she was in dangerous territory, because a part of her, a large part of her, didn’t want this to end.

Everything ends.

She slid some eggs onto a plate, added bacon and toast and handed it to Mac. He reached for her hand. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine.” she smiled, but her words held the faintest hint of hesitation.

Mac stood up. “What’s wrong?” He reached for her hands and held them in his own.

“It’s okay, Syd, it’s okay to feel something here. We had an incredible night together.” He bent his head, kissed her and drew her in for a hug.

“I can’t, I mean this won’t work.”

Mac stepped back slightly, his eyes fixed on her: “What are you afraid of? Falling in love? Is that so horrible?”

“I am in no position to be in a relationship. My job makes it ….”

Mac held her face in his hands, “Sydney, I get it. You’re off to save the world tomorrow and it’s simpler for you if there isn’t someone at home, waiting for you.”

She nodded. Yes it was that, but there was more to it—more she couldn’t explain to Mac. He threw her off her game, he made her question her life, and he made her want more. Wanting more had never worked well for her; it always led to disappointment.

“We can’t build our hopes up based on some long ago fairytale we both experienced. Things change, people change and I…”

“You’ve lost a lot,” he said softly, “I get that. And if we’re being totally honest here, then I need to tell you that I will regret seeing you go, but I understand that you need to. Just know that I will miss you and I’ll think of you, often.”

He kissed her then, a soft, sweet kiss, “But I will not force you into a life you don’t want. For now though, we have a day and a night. Let’s promise to just enjoy that, okay?”

She nodded and he kissed her again.

Chapter 24

Three days later, Mac was sitting in his big office and wishing that he was back in Vermont with Sydney. Sharing a bottle of wine, sharing dinner, sharing a bed.

He missed her.

A lot.

It was an odd sort of realization. Mac had known a lot of women in his life. They were all significant in their own way, but something about Sydney made her remarkable and challenging in a way that he hadn’t experienced. Something took root inside of him, something he hadn’t expected.

Love.

At the thought, the emotion swamped him.

Mac realized that for all of the years that had passed between them, and for all of the misunderstandings that had driven them apart, one thing had never ceased.

He loved Sydney.

He always had. The problem was, she had a very different life agenda. He was publishing books while she was out saving the world.

She was definitely too good for him. She was also pretty clear that she didn’t want a relationship.

Mac swiveled in his chair and looked out his window across the city. Its funny how the tables have turned. He used to be the one giving “the talk” about not wanting a relationship, or not being ready to sign up for any commitment. Now, he was on the receiving end of that talk and he realized how it felt.

Not good.

Mac’s cell rang, he looked at the display and it read “unknown number.” He picked up anyway—you could never tell with some authors, too paranoid to reveal their phone number.

“Mac Ellis.”

“It’s Syd.” Hearing her voice, Mac felt his heart kick up a beat. He leaned back in his chair and smiled.

“You know I normally never pick up blocked calls, but I guess I should expect nothing less from super spy. Are you back?”

“Not quite, just a couple more days, but I got an invite to something and I wondered if you would like to go?”

Mac smiled into the phone, “What is it?”

He could tell she was hesitating, “It’s an award thing.”
“Wow, nice! Of course, I’d love to be there. When is it?”

“Friday, but Mac there’s something else. I’ll need you to go through a security check.”

“Where is this event?”

“At the White House,” she said, her voice almost too matter-of-fact.

Mac nodded and almost laughed, of course she’d be getting an award from the President. She was, after all, Wonder Woman.

“It’s okay if you don’t want to go. I mean, I get it, it’s intimidating and a hassle.”

Mac’s lips creased into a broad smile, “Not at all intimidating, just make sure you don’t tell him I didn’t vote for him.”

Sydney was silent for a moment and then asked, “How are you?”

Mac leaned on his desk and said, “I’ve missed you, Syd.”

More hesitation, he could tell. Finally she said quietly, “I miss you, too.”

“Has the trip been successful?” He said, changing the subject. He could sense she was getting uncomfortable.

“So far, yes, very. I’d say I’ll tell you about it when I see you, but you know I can’t.”

“As long as you’re safe—that’s all that matters, Syd.”

Another space of silence and then she said, “Mac, I need to go right now, but someone from the White House security will get in touch with you about a background check.”

“See you Friday, Syd,” he said as he clicked off and set his phone down. He thought about Sydney, wherever she was, doing whatever she could to help make the world a safer place. All he cared about was seeing her again.

. . . .

After Sydney hung up, she stared at her phone for a long moment. She had missed him, though she’d tried not to. Spending just two nights with Mac had colored her world in a way that she never thought she’d see again.

When the invitation came from the White House, she couldn’t think of anyone she’d rather take than Mac. One more time, just once more, she promised herself. Loving anyone, especially Mac, was too big and too deep to get lost in. She couldn’t bear to get lost again, because it was too hard to climb back out after it ended.

Chapter 25

Mac flew into D.C. Friday morning. He hadn’t assumed she’d want him to stay with her, so he booked himself a hotel room for the weekend.

Mac carried his garment bag, headed out of the terminal and grabbed a taxi. He sent a text to Syd:

I’m in DC, see you in a few hours?

A few minutes later his phone rang and before he could even say hello, Sydney interrupted him with, “You should have told me when you were arriving,”

“It’s fine, I’m a big boy. Besides, I figured maybe we could grab a bite before the Oscars?”

He heard Sydney laugh: “Turns out the award includes dinner with the President, the First Lady, and a few senators.”

“Of course it does. Sydney, you amaze me. You say this like it’s not a big deal.”

“It’s really not. I hate this kind of stuff, actually. I’m hoping you’ll keep me from running screaming from the dinner table.”

“I’m sure I can think of something to calm you down.”

Sydney felt her thighs heat up almost instantly. Wow, this was such a bad idea. Good, but bad. How did her life get so complicated?

“Great, so, why don’t you come by here and I’ll leave the keys to my place downstairs. I’ll meet you there a little later.”

“Syd, I got a hotel, I didn’t want to assume.”

She licked her lips, of course he didn’t. She’d been pretty clear in Vermont, now she was inviting him to stay with her. Confused much?

“Mac, it’s fine, it’s silly to get a hotel. Stay with me. I, eh, there’s a spare room.”

“Sydney, if I stay with you, I won’t stay in the spare room. I’m fine staying at the hotel.”

“This is silly,” yes, it truly was, “Just stay. It’s just…”

“Confusing?”

Sydney nodded, even though he couldn’t see her, “Very,” she told him.

“Then let’s not make it more confusing by talking about it, I’ll see you later.”

Chapter 26

By the time Sydney arrived at her apartment, Mac was there and in the shower. Her timing could be better. She stood for a moment in her hallway, holding her purse, wondering if she should go say hi or just hang out like some nervous idiot in her own house, but she wanted to see him. Actually, she craved seeing him. From the moment he’d landed in D.C., she’d thought of nothing else. Finally, setting her purse down, she slipped out of her jacket and walked to her bedroom. Mac had left the bathroom door open and she could see him through the shower glass.

Naked and wet.

She watched him for a minute until the door slid open and he peered out.

“I thought I heard someone. Hi Syd, you stalking me?”

“I-I, no, I just.”

Mac held out his hand and smiled. He wanted her in the shower. She wanted to be in the shower.

“How much time do we have?” He smiled.

Time.

She wasn’t even sure, and it didn’t matter. Her body screamed for him, his arms, and his mouth. In an almost instant reflex, she started undressing, slipping out of her skirt, kicking off her shoes and letting her silk blouse fall to the floor. She could see him smiling as he watched her, and growing erect. Even at fifty, Mac had the stamina of an eighteen year old. She walked over to him and took his hand.

“God, I’ve missed you,” he whispered and pulled her into the hot, steamy shower. He kissed her hard, pressing her up against the wet tile. She felt her whole body respond. She needed him, to feel him inside of her, making love to her. Mac’s mouth dropped to her hard nipples and sucked on them, as he did, she ran her fingers through his hair. He stepped back, took her hands and placed them on her breasts.

“Touch yourself,” he said seductively, and she began to roll her nipples between her fingers. Softly, gently she touched her own body as he watched and smiled. Then he took two fingers and slid them inside her. She threw her head back and gasped, still playing with her nipples. In one swift movement, he picked her up and slipped her over his penis, pushing her up against the tile as the water continued to spray down on them. He held her up as he thrust himself into her, first slowly and then faster. She felt her orgasm start to overtake her body and her legs go weak. Her mind splintered in pleasure and Mac kissed her as she came and his own orgasm grew and released inside of her. He stood there for a moment, just holding her, his breath coming out hard. He wanted to say it, to tell her he loved her, but he held back. He couldn’t, not yet.

She wasn’t ready.

But what if she never would be?

Chapter 27

“You take my breath away.” Mac whispered in Sydney’s ear as the limo pulled up to the White House. She wore a shimmering long blue dress, her hair pinned up to highlight the delicate diamond earrings dangling from her ears. Sydney was the picture of elegance.

Mac wore an Armani tuxedo and looked, well, good enough to eat. Sydney eyed him and smiled as the driver opened the door of the limousine. She was glad he was with her; there was a part of her that was still that shy girl and nights like this made her nervous. Sensing that, Mac put a hand on the small of her back and said, “It’s going to be all right.” She leaned back into his hand and felt the comfort of it there, of Mac with her, having him in her life.

The President and the First Lady were waiting to greet them and welcome them inside.

. . . .

Some other members of Sydney’s group were there with their spouses, and Sydney introduced Mac around.

Jack, one of her co-workers and someone she often went on missions with, shook Mac’s hand. “Nice to see that Sydney is finally getting a life. It’s very nice to meet you, Mac. How did you two kids meet?” Jack smiled, holding his wife’s hand.

Mac looked at Sydney and said, “We grew up together, we just recently, eh, reconnected.”

“That’s great. Well, I hope that you take her away from work more. No one should put in as many hours as Sydney does.”

Mac smiled, “I’ll do my best,” He put his arm around Sydney and pulled her to him.

“Well,” Jack said, “we should take our seats. I think they’re serving dinner first. We have preassigned tables, so I don’t know if we’ll be sitting together,” he held out his hand, “very nice to meet you, Mac, hope to see a lot more of you.”

“Me, too.” Mac said, then turned and looked at Sydney as he walked away, “You work with some great people, Syd.”

“I do, I’m very lucky.”

“So am I.” Mac said into her ear, sending a sensual shiver up her spine.

. . . .

There were awards and speeches, with Sydney getting most of the attention. Mac could tell she was about to crawl under a table. Even now, the girl just didn’t like the spotlight. After saying their goodbyes, they slipped back into the waiting limo.

“What an extraordinary evening.” Mac said as he sat down next to Sydney. In her hands, she held a box with a medal the President had given her.

Sydney waited a beat and then said, “There were so many other people involved in this. I wish they could have all been honored as well.”

Mac took her hand, “Syd, you don’t get it, do you?”

She looked at him and blinked.

“You are extraordinary.” He smiled and kissed her. Then leaned forward to the driver and said, “Can you stop here just for a minute?” They slowed to a stop at the Lincoln Memorial.

“Let’s get out.” Mac opened the door and took her hand, “Come on, just a minute.”

Sydney slid out of the car and looked around. Even at this late hour, there were people milling about, taking pictures. The memorial was particularly stunning at night and drew a lot of tourists after dark.

“Why are we here?” She asked.

“This,” Mac held out his hand, pointing to the memorial, “and all of this.” His arm gestured around them, to other memorials that dotted the area. “You say that you haven’t done anything extraordinary, but you have, and I think it’s time you realize the magnitude of what you have done. You like to say ‘it’s just a job’,” He took a gentle hold of her arms, “I publish books, my job is just a job, but your job saves lives, Syd.”

A bus pulled up just then, the sound of it distracting them both. The doors cranked open and a flood of teenagers trickled out. The excited sounds of their voices wafted over to them. Two teenage girls walked up, taking pictures of the memorial.

“Isn’t this amazing,” one of them said to the other. An older man, perhaps a teacher, walked out with the kids.

“Your parents have already been very understanding about the delays today, guys, keep it short, I have to get you back in 30 minutes!” he said as the kids spread out, snapping pictures.

“This is so incredible,” one of the girls said to her teacher, “I can’t believe we almost lost all of this.”

He nodded and then said: “We have a lot to be thankful for, all of the people who prevented this.” he replied.

“Do you think they know,” the girl said, “that we appreciate it?”

The man smiled, “I’m sure they do, but coming here and enjoying the fact that we still can, is a great way to thank them.”

“Syd, you okay?”

She just looked at him, her eyes were filled with overwhelm from the kids. “I am, I just. I never stopped to think…” She bit her bottom lip and then said, “Let’s get to the car.” And Mac knew he needed to get her out of there.