Read Online A Spy Like Me by Laura Pauling - Free Book Online Page A

mind.
    “What’s wrong?” he asked.
    His cocky self-assuredness was gone and in
its place was genuine concern. For me.
    I managed to swallow. “Just waiting to hear
back from a friend.”
    He took his mug over to the sink and rinsed
it out like he’d been living here for a year, then he rubbed his
hands together. “Anything I can do to help?”
    “Not really. Unless you have a crystal ball
or a magic wand.”
    “Sorry.” Malcolm shrugged. “Where do we go
from here?”
    “ We are not going anywhere.”
    I wouldn’t consider me almost getting him
killed the start of an epic romance. The silence grew heavy with
expectation as I struggled to find the right words. Maybe if I
apologized he’d forget about my impulsive actions. I was sure he
was trying to lure me in for some sort of big revenge.
    “Hope you don’t mind spending a lot of time
with me,” he said with mischief in his smile.
    I remembered the kiss. Again. His soft lips.
But I don’t date anyone based on a kiss. Okay, screw that. A hot
kiss totally makes me want a second date. It was what happened
after the kiss that ruined everything. But who was he to waltz into
my kitchen at this time in the morning? And why did he keep acting
like we worked together?
    “Why are you here?” I asked.
    His eyes widened and understanding flashed
across his face. I waved the knife in the air to show I meant what
I said. I mean, I really didn’t know anything about this guy.
    He stood and took a step closer. “The note
explains everything.”
    Trust in my knowledge of the situation
disappeared.
    “I thought you knew I was here.” He glanced
at his watch. “It’s almost ten o’clock.”
    “Oh.” How could I have slept that long? And
with Aimee missing?
    He smiled and glanced down at my lack of
clothing. “That explains the outfit.”
    “You think I entertain all guests this
way?”
    He smirked and opened his mouth to speak, but
I cut him off. “Don’t answer that.”
    His face grew serious. “Your dad was supposed
to leave you a note.”
    “I’m sure you noticed by the way I stumbled
into the kitchen I’m not in the habit of looking for notes by my
bed.”
    He raised his hands as if to show his
innocence while closing the gap between us. My hand shook.
    “I met with your dad this morning. One of his
employees left suddenly and he needed a quick replacement. I wanted
an exciting job for some extra cash and it sounded perfect.”
    He might as well have taken the knife and
plunged it into my heart. A replacement for Aimee already?
    “Well don’t sign any contracts yet,” I said.
“Because we still don’t have confirmation she really left. Hate to
disappoint you.”
    “I already signed on the dotted line. I start
training today. With you. Mornings only because most afternoons I
still have to work at Les Pouffant’s .” Then he took the
final step and grabbed my wrist. With his other hand, he gently
eased the knife from my grasp and laid it on the table. “Sorry
about your friend.”
    I tried to pull away, my hopes crashing. How
could my dad sign someone so soon? He didn’t even wait a day.
    Malcolm pulled me closer, his fingers
loosening their grip. My eyes lingered on the tiny flecks of
charcoal in his eyes, the faint blush to his cheeks, and the way
his hair fell just below his eyebrows. Okay, working with him might
not be that bad.
    “I could really use your help with this whole
spy thing. Please?”
    Damn. He was good.

 
     
Twelve
    I found the note confirming Malcolm’s story.
Fine. I’d train him but I’d look for Aimee too. The first stop
would be Les Pouffant’s to sign up for that Extravaganza
thing. And even though she’d never texted back, I clung to the
small shred of hope she’d be waiting for me with the sun sparkling
off her hair, smiling and waving.
    At the café, Malcolm and I hovered at the
edge of the outdoor patio. I searched the flow of customers but
Aimee was nowhere to be seen. Malcolm babbled on about espionage in
a