It was hard to say how long they sparred, but soon, they’d lost track of points and were both laughing and sweaty from the effort. Eventually, they shook hands, bowed out, and found some water. Stefanie pushed her sweaty hair off her face and took a moment to enjoy the camaraderie. “No offense, J, but I think this might be the first time I’ve seen you smile that big since you’ve been here.”
“None taken.” Joey took a sip of water. "This was fun.”
“Me kicking your butt or tricking you into herding a bunch of five- and six-year-old cats?”
Joey laughed, the smile crinkling his eyes. “First of all, they were far less easy to herd than cats. Second of all, both, I think. It felt a little bit like being home. It’s been too long since I went back to visit. I haven’t felt that way for a long time.”
Stefanie tried to keep it light but her inner scientist couldn’t quite dampen her curiosity. “Why haven’t you been home?”
“I was dealing with some stuff and I didn’t want to air it out around them.” Joey ran a hand over his head.
Stefanie cleared her throat. “Didn’t want to or couldn’t?”
Joey studied her for a moment. “There’s that filter again.”
“Sorry about that.”
“Don’t be.” Joey shook his head. “It’s kind of nice, actually. My family is wonderful, supportive, and more than anything else, we are all in each other’s business. I had to handle this one on my own. It took a little longer than I expected, but I’m supposed to see everyone again in a few weeks. It’ll be good.”
“You’re very emotionally mature for someone I thought was going to be kind of an arrogant jerk.” Stefanie nudged him.
Joey put a hand to his chest. “Just ‘kind of’ an arrogant jerk? I’m so flattered. I didn’t think you liked me at first.”
“Hey, I’m admitting I was wrong here. I think I’m being the bigger person.”
Joey turned to face her and suddenly, Stefanie became aware of how close he’d gotten while they were speaking. Her heart began to pound. He met her eyes, and she wondered if she imagined a question just behind them. Their breath mingled in the shared space. The urge to do something foolish got stronger. Fortunately, the creak of the steps behind her snapped her out of it. Master K poked her head in the doorway. “I’m closing up, Stef. Just lock up when you leave.”
Stefanie jumped away from Joey and cleared her throat. “Yes, ma’am.”
Master K looked knowingly at Joey. “And you, young man, are welcome back any time. Thank you for your help today.”
“Of course.” Joey nodded, his mannerisms easy. “Thanks for letting me tag along with Stefanie.”
“Do you want to stick around for a little bit or leave with Master K?” Stefanie rose and brushed invisible dirt off her uniform.
Joey surveyed the equipment. “Let’s take off, but if Monday is a dead end, we’ll come back, okay?”
“Deal.”
Soon, Stefanie was back at her little house, making a late lunch and dancing to music while she cooked. A strange soup of worry, deep thinking, and attraction to the CIA operations officer was making her head a very uncomfortable place to be. Music was a good distraction. Hopefully, Alexis and Matt would help bring some clarity. At the very least, they would get a little backup. Her phone began to play a ringing tone, interrupting her favorite song. She smiled when she saw the name and answered the video call. “Ree, please tell me it’s just you this time.”
Ree laughed. “It’s just me. Parker is out mowing the yard and I was grading papers. I needed a break and therefore decided my little sister must be worried sick and need me.”
“This is a weird gig, Sis.” Stefanie put a hand to her forehead. “How many times have you done this?”
“Trust me. You do not want to know. But…seriously, are you doing okay? It’s beyond stressful your first time. How is Joey? He’s a mystery to all of us except Quinn and Cam, who have reassured me several times that he’s actually great.”
Stefanie let out a breath. “Your first time. Oh, sister. I have so many questions for you I’m not sure I want the answers to.” She plopped on the couch. “Where do I start? Joey taking me to the shooting range to make sure I wasn’t helpless with a gun? Or when I surprised him by asking him to help me teach a bunch of little kids karate?”
Ree gasped. “You are so bad. How quickly did the kids break him?”
“He actually had fun.” Stefanie smiled. “Then we sparred for a little bit, and I came back home to cook lunch.” She sighed. “I reiterate. This is weird.”
“You said weird twice now. You can handle anything. Oooh, you still like him. He’s single. Is he cute? I need the details.”
Stefanie closed her eyes. Ah, yes, she was a successful professional spying for the CIA, and just like that, she felt like she was in seventh grade and her family realized she had a crush on a boy. Her sister would see right through any BS and denial would only make it worse. “He’s a little rough around the edges, but he’s got a personal connection to all of this.” She couldn’t explain why, but she didn’t really want to share Joey’s personal business with her sister without his permission. It was his story, not hers. “He’s my intern at work, so hitting on the guy the CIA sent who might not be interested in me could make things pretty awkward. Holding that
