Love Me if You Dare (17 page)

She felt certain the feds would give Pirro immunity in exchange for his help capturing the higher-ups in a New York City drug ring, but they hadn’t even met
with the DEA yet. There were no guarantees. And Rafe didn’t want his uncle’s dealing in drugs exposed to the world.

She pivoted and faced Coop. “When the sting is over, we’ll give you an exclusive. You’ll be the first to run the story that includes interviews with all parties, and you’ll see that Pirro is just a man who tried to help out his friends and ended up caught in an impossible situation.”

Coop narrowed his gaze. “I tell the truth in my reporting,” he warned Sara.

“I knew this was a bad idea as soon as you said it,” Rafe muttered.

Sara shook her head. “No, it’s fine. Because when Pirro tells his story to Coop, he’ll get that truth.”

“I still don’t know about this,” Rafe said, his defenses understandably high.

“Well, I do.”

Rafe didn’t know Coop as well as she did. “Trust me, this is a win-win situation for all of us. Coop gets the exclusive and puts out the information by which all other reporters will get their content. It will work in Pirro’s favor, I promise.”

Rafe turned toward Coop. “If you meet Pirro and agree with how naive he really is, do you promise not to portray him as some upstate drug dealer with no conscience? I admit I’m biased, but I’m also a cop, and the man was supplying Viagra to his friends so
they could enjoy their…uh…l-love lives,” Rafe stammered, searching a tasteful way to explain.

Sara willed Coop to agree. “Well?”

He strode over to Rafe. “Deal,” he said, extending his hand.

Rafe’s gaze darted from Coop to Sara, and though she knew Rafe was wary, he finally inclined his head and grasped Coop’s hand. “Deal.”

A wary truce had been declared.

By giving Coop a dream story, Sara had gotten them a modicum of control over how Pirro was portrayed in the news. Something they’d lose if another paper reported the story first. And she knew as well as Rafe did that a drug bust like this would be big news.

Now all that remained was for them to meet the DEA agent sent by her uncle Jack and hope all went as smoothly with the government agent.

It would also help their cause if Pirro proved capable of handling an undercover sting operation without panicking, or they were all in deep trouble.

R
AFE DROVE TO
A
NGEL’S
. He didn’t know much about the man in the backseat except that Sam Cooper was involved with a woman Sara liked a lot, and that Sara trusted him implicitly.

Sara didn’t extend her faith in people easily, so if she believed in him, Rafe would do his best to do
the same. He had no choice. His uncle’s future—his entire family’s future—was at stake.

“So, Coop, where are you staying?”

“I was hoping to get a room at Angel’s.”

Sara turned and faced Coop in the back. “Those rooms will be occupied by Amanda Stevens and her photographer. But if you could get a room at the Hilton where Biff and Todd are staying, maybe you could keep a subtle eye on them?”

“Works for me.” Coop pulled out his phone, called information and was soon confirming a reservation with the concierge at the hotel. “All set,” Coop said as he disconnected the call.

Rafe nodded. “Good. After we’re finished at Angel’s, I’ll take you back to my place for your car and you can follow me to the hotel.”

“Thanks,” Coop said.

“This is it.” Rafe parked on the street in front of the bed-and-breakfast and they all climbed out.

Nick’s car was in the driveway.

They reached the front door, which as usual during the day was unlocked. Rafe rang the bell and let them all inside. He was about to call for Angel when he heard arguing in the kitchen.

He met Sara’s concerned gaze. “You and Coop stay here. I’ll let them know we have company.”

Rafe headed for the kitchen and entered without
knocking first. “Hey, are you two looking to scare away guests?”

Angel turned his way, hands perched on her hips, fire in her dark eyes. “Would you please tell your brother that he no longer needs to stay here? Biff and Todd have moved into a hotel, and the only guests here will be from the newspaper in New York. Not someone who was here during the festival. I’m perfectly safe.”

Nick shot Rafe a pleading look. Luckily for his brother, Rafe had no choice but to take his side. “Angel, Nick does need to be here.”

“Why?”

Rafe thought of and discarded a bunch of reasons that didn’t involve him revealing her father was involved with drug dealers.

He finally settled on the one he thought she’d find the most believable. “They haven’t caught whoever’s after Sara yet, which means whoever she’s close to is in potential danger. Look at what happened to your booth. You don’t want to risk someone breaking in here to send a message to Sara and you being alone and caught off guard.”

She opened her mouth to argue, then closed it again.

Nick wisely remained silent.

“Fine. He can stay.” She turned around and walked up the back stairs that led to the upstairs bedrooms.

“What’s got her so worked up?” Rafe asked.

Nick groaned. “Our first marriage-counselor appointment is in a couple of hours. I think it’s clicking that she’s going to need to talk and open up. And she resents me for putting her in that position.”

“Well, then. I’d say you’re making progress.” Rafe slapped his brother on the back. “Good luck.”

“Thanks,” Nick said wryly.

“I take it the newspeople aren’t here yet?”

He shook his head. “Angel got a call saying they’d arrive around dinnertime.”

“Okay. Well, I had someone from the city I wanted her to meet, but all things considered, I think it can wait.”

“Who?”

“Another news guy. He’s Sara’s neighbor, and he’s here playing a hunch.”

Nick rolled his shoulders. “Whatever that means. Look, I’m going to see if Angel’s okay and make sure she’s calm before this appointment.”

Rafe nodded. “Stay close to her,” he warned his brother.

“I will,” Nick said, but Rafe caught the curious look aimed his way.

Rafe wasn’t about to get into details about Angel’s father, Viagra, drug deals and the DEA. Even if he wanted to fill his brother in, there was every chance Nick might not believe the story, anyway.

“Good luck at the marriage counselor’s,” Rafe said, heading back to where Sara and Coop waited in the front hall.

“And good luck to you with whatever you’re involved in,” Nick shot back.

“Thanks.” Because they would definitely need all the luck they could get.

L
ATER THAT NIGHT,
Mark Lopez, the DEA agent from the Buffalo field office and a member of the local task force, arrived at Rafe’s house. Agent Lopez appeared more boyish than the youngest beat cop back in New York City. Rafe knew looks could be deceiving and hoped the man was up to the job.

Because nobody knew if Pirro would be.

Over the next twenty-four hours, Agent Lopez arranged the sting. He’d instructed Pirro to set up a meeting between Biff, Todd and Pirro’s
distributor.
It had taken a while for Pirro, in his agitated, panicked state, to understand he didn’t really have to get in touch with his Canadian contact. Agent Lopez would play that role.

The sting operation was set for ten o’clock. All Pirro had to do was get wired, show up, meet the men, make the introductions and let Biff and Todd incriminate themselves.

Rafe and Sara wouldn’t participate in the actual bust; they’d be monitoring the situation from a nearby truck set up with surveillance equipment. Once money
exchanged hands, Agent Lopez would arrest Biff and Todd, and, with a little luck, they’d roll over on their ringleader in exchange for some kind of deal.

The sting was set for later tonight. Pirro was under strict instructions to keep his mouth shut and get through the day. He only had to lie to his wife one more time, and this would all be over.

Unfortunately, before the bust, they were all invited to a get together at Angel’s Bed-and-Breakfast. She wanted to impress the people from the
Daily Post
visiting from New York. And Coop wanted to tag along with them and surprise Amanda, his coworker, so he could observe her reaction to Rafe and Sara’s lovey-dovey performance. Any way Rafe looked at it, it was bound to be a long evening.

“How are you doing?”

He jerked at Sara’s touch on his shoulder. Sitting on his front porch, he’d been so preoccupied he hadn’t heard her open the door and step outside.

“I didn’t mean to startle you.” She sat down beside him. “Nervous?”

He shrugged. “I do this for a living, but Pirro doesn’t. He’s fragile.”

“And well coached. He knows what’s at stake. He can handle it,” she reassured him.

“You don’t think he’s in over his head?” The thought had kept Rafe tossing and turning all night long.

“I think he’ll be fine,” she insisted.

He appreciated her certainty—even if she was agreeing with him and lying in order to keep him calm. It was working. Rafe leaned back and, with his foot, kicked the swing into slow motion. He enjoyed sitting out here with her, talking about things that mattered.

“Agent Lopez called while you were out here.”

“What’s up?” Rafe asked.

“First, we’re both cleared for backup tonight. Medical leaves waved by special dispensation,” she explained.

Rafe nodded. “One issue down. Besides, it shouldn’t require much from either one of us to cover Lopez and Pirro.”

“Agreed. Even I should be able to handle it.” She leaned down and patted her bad knee.

Rafe knew her wry tone covered serious concern, but she was right. Tonight should be a routine cover. Anything more, and he’d be healthy enough to handle it. “You said
first.
What else did Agent Lopez have to say?”

“Right. He said he ran the name of Pirro’s Canadian supplier by the task force east of here working on closing distribution lines between the U.S. and Canada. Turns out he’s someone they’ve been after for a while. They don’t want us stepping on their investigation, so they’ll handle him…” She trailed off.

“But?” Rafe asked, sensing there was more.

“But they may call on Pirro down the road for information or to identify him in person.” Her eyes conveyed her regret about that.

But Rafe nodded in understanding. “One thing at a time. Let’s get through tonight’s sting first.”

She nodded. “We’re almost there.”

“We just have to survive Angel’s get-together first.”

“Speaking of Angel’s, did you reach Nick and find out how the marriage-counseling session went?” she asked, hope in her voice.

“In other words, are we in for a nice time or a war zone?” Rafe asked wryly. “I wish I knew. Nick’s not returning my calls.”

“Which means we’ll find out in…” She glanced at the stainless-steel watch on her wrist. “Half an hour.”

Rafe said a silent prayer that both of the night’s events would go off without a hitch.

O
NCE INSIDE
A
NGEL’S
, Rafe singled out his brother and pulled him outside for a talk. Rafe might be overwhelmed with Pirro’s situation and Sara’s safety, but he was still worried about his brother and his marriage, and Rafe wanted to know how the counseling session had gone.

“Well?” Rafe asked Nick once they were alone outside. “How’d it go?”

“I am so not a talker,” Nick muttered. “But I still picked up the slack for both of us.”

“I know it’s too soon to ask if you made progress, but do you think you’re on the right track?”

Nick leaned against the side of the house. “She listened. She heard me say I missed my wife. She heard me say that without facing the loss, there was no foundation on which to go forward. And she heard the doctor agree. Next time, I’m going to sit in silence even if it kills me, and hope she joins in.” He shrugged. “Otherwise, I’ve done all I can do.”

Rafe nodded. “I have faith. She’s loved you for too long to throw it all away.”

“I hope you’re right, but she seems pretty fulfilled with what she has now.” He inclined his head toward the house—the B and B—and the source of their friction.

“She doesn’t want to lose you. Keep the faith.”

“Are you doing the same?” Nick tossed back at Rafe.

They both knew Nick was talking about his relationship with Sara and whether it would sustain itself beyond this short summer fling.

Rafe shrugged. “Beats me. We don’t have the same foundation you and Angel have.” And Sara didn’t have the faith Rafe did, either.

“Everyone comes at a relationship from a different place. It’s all a question of how hard both parties are willing to work for it.”

Rafe shook his head and laughed. “Every once in a while you surprise me,” he said to his brother. “I never pictured you as philosophical.”

“What can I say? Separation does funny things to a person. And unfortunately, I have plenty of experience with the notion to know it can make—or break—the best of relationships.”

And on that warning note, Nick turned and headed inside, leaving Rafe to wonder if the foundation he and Sara had started creating this summer would be enough to sustain them when this forced proximity came to an end.

A
NGEL HELD THE
gathering in her foyer. Sara had noticed on entering that the house smelled warm and welcoming, like apple pie and family, making her smile.

Rafe had immediately caught sight of Nick and excused himself to go talk to his brother. Sara, meanwhile, had mingled with different people in the room, beginning with Aunt Vi, who kept insisting Sara taste her chocolate chip cookies, because they were the best. She explained how she used to bake them for Rafe when he was a little boy and wanted Sara to sample them, too. After biting into one, Sara
discovered they were indeed warm, gooey and the best she’d ever had.

The only family in the room consisted of Pirro and Vi, and Rafe and Sara. The rest of the guests appeared to be friends of Angel’s. Apparently, she was sticking to her rule of not celebrating occasions with Nick’s parents.

Sara immediately caught herself, realizing she’d grouped herself as family. Because she felt as if she really belonged here in Hidden Falls. It was going to be hard to leave them when it was time to go back to the city to testify. Hard but necessary, since this wasn’t her hometown, nor was this her family.

Keeping the harsh reality in mind, she made her way through the room toward the small bar area where Pirro played bartender for his daughter. At least he had a job that would keep him busy talking, his mind occupied, so he wouldn’t have time to worry.

Coop waved to her from across the room, and she walked over to meet up with him.

“How’s it going?” she asked.

“Nice people in this town,” he said, a grin teasing the edge of his mouth.

She shook her head and laughed. “You know that’s not what I meant.”

“Amanda was surprised to see me here, but I think she bought the story that I came to see you.”

“Good. Are you at least relaxing while you’re here?” she asked.

He shrugged. “With all the action here, my mind is going nonstop.”

“Now
that
I understand. So, when are you going to introduce me to your friend, the editor?” Sara asked, tilting her head toward where a blonde with long, wavy hair was talking to Angel.

“I will. As soon as I can introduce both you and Rafe together. Speaking of Rafe, where did he disappear to? Because you two promised to give me some PDA, remember?” Coop tilted his cup back and finished the last of his drink.

Sara glanced around, but she didn’t see Rafe. “I think he’s outside talking to his brother. He’ll be back soon. In the meantime, you and I can catch up. So, how’s Lexie?”

A warm smile took hold, transforming Coop’s entire face at the thought of the woman he loved. “Busy with Web site updating and making sure her grandmother takes her blood-pressure medication.”

Sara smiled. “You like her grandmother, don’t you?”

Coop nodded. “She’s a piece of work and a very special woman.”

“And house-hunting? How’s that going?”

“Still looking. Lexie’s not used to having a place of her own, since she’s always stayed at her
grandmother’s when she’s in town. She’s having trouble narrowing down what she wants, but we’ll get there.”

“Spoken like a patient man, head over heels in love. I’m really happy for you, Coop.”

“Thanks. So…what about you? Have you and Rafe—”

“Have she and Rafe what?” Rafe asked, coming up beside them and wrapping his arm around her shoulder.

He pulled her tightly against him, cocooning her in his warmth.

Well, Coop wanted a public display of affection,
Sara thought. Rafe was providing one, and to Sara it felt so right.

“Coop was just asking if you and I were having a nice summer,” she quickly improvised.

“We’re having a great summer.” Rafe leaned close and pressed a kiss against her cheek.

Her knees trembled, and she reached for and squeezed his hand. “That’s right. We are. So, when do we meet Amanda Stevens?”

“Right now.” Coop turned and gestured toward the reporter across the room.

Amanda walked toward them, and Sara took in the attractive woman with wavy blond hair and porcelain skin.

“Coop! I still can’t believe we’re both here at the same time.”

“Well, since we are, I’d like you to meet my friends, Rafe Mancuso and Sara Rios,” Coop said.

“From the Bachelor Blog!” Amanda exclaimed. “It’s so nice to see you both together.”

“You recognize us?” Rafe asked.

Amanda smiled. “Of course.”

Sara wondered if the words that fell so easily from the woman’s lips could be true and the only reason she knew of them. Not because she was secretly chronicling their lives.

“How do you feel being the subjects of the blog?” Amanda asked.

Sara felt Coop’s eyes boring into the woman as if he could find answers that way.

“Can I be honest?” Sara asked.

Amanda nodded. “I wouldn’t want it any other way. It’s off the record anyway. I’m just curious. I know Coop complained about his experience as the bachelor, but he certainly ended up with the right woman for him. So the blogger scored in that relationship.”

Now Sara flip-flopped in her musings. Amanda gushed about the idea of the blog in a way that made Sara wonder if Coop was right, and the other woman had an agenda and she really was the blogger.

“I met Lexie because she had an interest in a ring I was given as a reward, not because the blog paired
us together,” Coop pointed out, just as he had when Sara made similar comments back in the city.

“Details,” Amanda said with a laugh. “Now, back to you two. You never answered my question,” she said, wagging her finger in a chiding motion toward Sara and Rafe.

“I think we’d prefer privacy,” Sara said honestly. “But when I look into his eyes, I’m so happy sometimes I don’t care if the whole world knows!” she exclaimed, pulling Rafe into a spontaneous hug.

Over her shoulder, Coop’s eyes filled with laughter and gave her an invisible thank-you for playing along with his game.

“And I couldn’t agree more,” Rafe said with more restraint than Sara had shown.

“That’s sweet. I don’t think there’s anything better than true love,” Amanda said.

Sara settled in back at Rafe’s side, and he slipped his hand into her back pocket, pulling her close. The gesture had the effect of cupping her behind in his hand, resulting in a rush of arousal that nearly had her sighing in pleasure.

Somehow she managed to refrain and cleared her throat.

“I agree. Love is wonderful.” Sara looked up at Rafe with adoration before turning back to Amanda. “So, how is your article on Angel’s going?”

“This place is so charming,” Amanda said, her
gaze taking in the small family room area where Angel was entertaining. “The home cooking is divine. I really think Angel’s is a hidden gem in Hidden Falls. That’s a great tag line, don’t you think?”

Sara nodded. “I’m glad you can give Angel the recognition she deserves. It’s so lucky that you found this place in the blog.”

“Isn’t it?” Amanda agreed. “Oh! There’s Stu, my photographer. I want him to take some shots of everyone gathering around at the end of the day. Nice and homey. It was great to meet you.” Amanda waved and took off after her photographer.

“Great performance. I’d applaud, but that would call her attention back to you,” Coop said, obviously pleased.

“Do you think it was enough that she’ll give herself away?” Sara asked.

Coop shrugged. “It’s a start.”

Rafe had been uncharacteristically silent, and Sara realized he wasn’t paying attention to them but to Pirro. “Why don’t you go talk to him?” she suggested. “I know you’ll feel better, and maybe he will, too.”