Author's note: Wow, thank you for all the reviews I have been getting for this story. And I especially want to thank Koxie and Scasfra for continually reviewing. You guys are the reason I didn't scrap this story.
11.
The evening air was comfortable; it had the perfect mixture of chill and warmth to those who walked the streets this evening. The woman that was enjoying this particular night walked with haste. She had just left a gala affair for some foreign dignitary. Who he was, had no relevance to her; what he had however, was the object of interest. She had worked the room, catching many an attendee's eye with her stunning good looks. She flirted through the men, making herself only slightly memorable; just another pretty face, She knew the rules of grifting and took great care to ensure she thrived in her profession. She had taken a cab to the party and was considering another one. Her original plan was to find a good looking man for some afterhours activity, but she was not impressed with the lot. Besides, she didn't need anyone noticing she'd stolen the pretty ruby that wasn't hidden very well. As she was inching closer to the sidewalk, a black Ferrari pulled up in front of her.
She was apprehensive at first, but when the passenger-side window rolled down, she saw a familiar face sitting in the driver's seat. He did not look like himself though; it was a little unsettling. His eyes were deep, cold, and devoid of thought.
Hardison: You may want to get in. They may not have noticed yet but I did.
The woman got into the car when she noticed the start of a commotion at the party.
Hardison: I'll take you home.
With only an extra second of hesitation, she finally got in the car, and off they drove.
Hardison: How have you been Tara?
She couldn't get over the sound of his voice. It was more mature; not like the talkative hacker she remembers. It hasn't even been that long since she last saw the team.
Tara: Oh, you know me; Just making a way in the world. (Excited) What about you? how is Sophie, and everybody else? Are they here with you?
Hardison: No, I'm on my own for a while; taking care of a few matters.
The way he spoke was definitely out of his character. It was not Hardison. As she looked at his face, while he drove, she noticed something else in his features. There was nothing there that she could latch on to, no way to read him. A small part of her actually found him attractive in his new visage. Thinking of Parker took that thought right out of her head.
Tara: Okay, I'm at the Palazzo Hotel, do you know where that is?
Hardison merely nodded, not taking his eyes off of the road. They drove in silence, partially because he didn't say a word, and because she was a little tired. After a while they had made it to her destination.
He found a reasonably close parking space, pulled in, and turned his car off. Tara got out adjusting her dress and turned to look at Hardison. He was wearing a very classy Armani suit; his facial hair was neatly trimmed, and his hair was cut low. He was indeed a very handsome man. His entire demeanor was something to enjoy. "Is this what he looks like when he's being serious?" The thought loomed through her head.
Tara: Wanna come in and take a load off?
Hardison: Yes, I have a couple of things I need to check out anyway.
Tara: Well good then, let's have a drink in the hotel bar, I need to wind down.
Hardison: I have no problem with that, but, can I see your room key?
With no reluctance whatsoever, Tara handed her room key to Hardison. He walked away while she ordered a white wine, from the kindly bartender that stood across from her. She sat there taking light sips and thinking about Hardison. His entire demeanor as he walked away was purposeful. She was enjoying the "no games" attitude he was displaying; it showed how much he'd grown up in a short time. She found herself missing the old hacker when he returned a few minutes later.
Hardison: You can't stay here tonight, we've got to go and find another hotel.
He was holding her suitcase as he spoke to her. She could see that Hardison was not toying with her, his eyes didn't betray him; she just had the feeling he is right. She paid the bartender and left with Hardison out the front doors. When they arrived at the car, he threw her suitcase in the trunk. They got in and took off into the evening. She was nervous.
Tara: You wanna tell me what happened?
Hardison: I went to your room, found a couple of guys waiting for you. They attacked me, I took care of it.
Tara (surprised): Did you kill them?
Hardison (eyes facing the road): it wasn't necessary. You have a safe house or something around here?
Tara: Do you?
Hardison: We're coming to it right now. I just wondered if you needed a ride somewhere.
Tara: I'll just come with you if that's okay.
Hardison drove into a nice looking, gated community. After parking his car, he and Tara headed for the house. He told her there was no need to bring her suitcase in, so she did not protest. Upon entry she realized that this place was well decorated, but none of these things inside matched his tastes. No electronics loomed around; there wasn't anything in here but very nice furniture.
Tara: How long have you been staying here?
Hardison: Not very long at all. It's one of those display houses. None of it is really mine. I figured it would be a good spot. It has power and working plumbing, that's all I really need.
Tara took a seat on the couch while Hardison went away. She sat down and started rifling through her purse, pulling out a ruby necklace after her search was complete.
Tara: How did you know, they were after me?
He reentered the living room, wearing only a plain black t-shirt, and black jeans.
Hardison: why do you think I picked you up? I hacked the cameras at the party. I saw you there, ruby necklace in hand; I figured you were stealing it for somebody. So I picked you up.
Tara (puzzled): What were you doing there without the rest of the team?
Hardison (unflinching): I had my own job to do.
Tara, looking at Hardison, realized how cool he was about the whole situation. He wasn't sweating or even nervous about anything that had been gone on. But one thing lingered in her mind.
Tara: How did you get my suitcase back, if there were people waiting for me? I've never seen you fight. I didn't even think you could.
He looked at her in a way that both chilled her spine, and made her tingle. When he spoke, it was sensual yet completely serious.
Hardison: I can do a lot of things that people aren't aware of.
Tara (softly): Okay I was just asking. So what are you going to do next?
Hardison: Get some sleep and then leave here. I still have some things I have to take care of. You're welcome to stay the night if you'd like.
Tara: Can you give me a ride in the morning? I have to meet with my client.
Hardison: I'll make sure you make to your destination. If you want to take a shower, use the one upstairs.
He walked out of the front door. She was taken aback by his confidence; it wasn't the cockiness he displayed when she was on those jobs with him. It was a different kind, a quiet reserve. A part of her would not be averse to having an evening with him. He walked back in with her suitcase.
Hardison: I don't have any clothes that would fit you.
Tara: it's okay Hardison. (Walking towards the stairs) I don't know if I ever said it. (Looking at him) thank you.
Hardison nodded to her and she went to take a shower. While she was away he looked at his phone. It said that everything was complete. He stared at a wall and thought. Tara came back down the stairs after a half an hour. She was wearing a simple white t-shirt and pajama pants. Hardison was eating Chinese take-out when she came back to the living room.
Hardison: I've got plenty here if you're hungry.
She thought about it for a second.
Tara: I think I'll turn in. I've got an early morning to worry about.
Hardison: You can sleep in any of the rooms. I'm going to sleep on the couch anyway. When you wake up, the car will be started and we can go.
Tara: Right then.
She walked over to Hardison, sat down next to him on the couch, and gave him a hug. He wrapped his right arm around her. The slowness of his breathing, the muscles she could feel through his shirt, the way he spoke.
Hardison (whispering): Good night Tara.
Tara (shakily): Good night Hardison.
She went to find a room. It was a good thing that she did. She felt that certain sensation course through her body. Something about him made her have unusual thoughts. Rather than doing something she'd regret, she went to a nice, simple bed and lay down. It was deceptively soft and comforting.
Halfway through her sleep, she woke up. She walked down to the refrigerator to see if there was anything to drink. There was only water; she poured it and took a drink. She looked around for Hardison. He was nowhere to be found. She checked every room in the house, nothing. She went outside and saw that the car was still there. She had no idea where he went. She looked at the couch and saw only a piece of paper laying there. On it was a note:
Told you I'd make sure you made it to your destination.
Tara looked at the table and saw his car keys sitting on it. She was sure he was gone; there was no way she'd know where he was going next. She went to the room she was sleeping in, and looked through her purse. She pulled out her cellphone, and dialed a number.
Tara (smiling): Hey, I don't know how late it is but, can we talk?
Sorry if this chapter was uneventful, I was trying to show how other people are currently seeing him, when he's not being the Hardison they know. I still have a while for this story, but I'll post chapters as I write them, thank you.
