Hello, here's a brand new chapter...YAY! For those of you who left their comments, thank you. It's nice to hear that there are people out there that likes this story. Enjoy reading.

FYI: I have another story that I will be posting later, so keep an eye for it cause I can guarantee you that you guys will also like this one!

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PART 9

Lucas felt a short dart of admiration course through him. She's not the kind of woman that easily shot down.

"About last night... ", they both spoke at the same time.

He smiled and gestured for her to proceed and finish what she was about to say.

Smiling, "as I was saying, let's forget about what happened and move on."

"I was pretty much going to say the same thing but was going to add let's start over."

A blush formed Riley's cheeks. She remembered telling him those words and he responded by kissing her. The memory of that kiss sent a wave of desire shocking her into action. She pretended to glance at her watch. "I'd better start cooking the filling for the pot pie."

He watched as she went around the counter. His gaze somehow intimidating as he watched her work in the kitchen.

"So, you love to cook."

"Yes, I love to cook," her cheeks were so damned hot, but she did her best to speak casually.

The knife she was holding kept moving back and forth. For all she knew she was cutting the counter. Riley made a frustrated gesture with the knife. Lucas leaned back out of range and she forced herself to place the utensil on the counter.

"Is there a particular reason why you're watching me like a hawk?"

Lucas tossed her a droll look. "Nah. Just want to make sure that you don't write me another note and take off."

"Funny," Riley muttered. It was hell to argue when you were at a distinct disadvantage. It took a lot of the fun out of it.

"Are you always so take-charge?" he asked.

"Are you always so long-winded?

"What does that mean?" he demanded, the brooding look back.

"That you are able to maintain breathing power during arguments."

"Takes one to know one," he said, a smile cutting through his uncompromising expression. The transformation was amazing.

Riley turned in the direction of the stove. She started cooking the chicken for the pie. She glanced at Lucas who was once again watching her through narrowed eyes.

"I wasn't finished talking to you."

"I know."

"Riley." He moved close.

Her stomach quivered and pitched. "You obviously have a few questions so asked away."

He snorted. "Few? Baby, try a lot."

This close to him, plus him calling her baby is overwhelming her. Riley needed to put space between them. Grabbing the pan she went back to the counter and prepared the crust for her pie. She needs to be busy. She needs to re-focus to stop her pulse from kicking up yet another notch.

"Why did you agree to this operation?"

She raised her chin and said, "Both the NSA and the FBI will go through with the operation with or without me. They gave me this assignment because I have the skill and the expertise."

"Your friend, is he your backup?" Lucas asked.

"No, I don't have a backup. I have a solid undercover persona and have been given other intel that is deemed useful to this mission." He finally turned his gaze away from her and Riley felt as if she'd been released from a choke-hold.

Lucas couldn't maintain his concentration when she looked at him with so much animation in her eyes. Earlier when she smiled briefly his heart slammed into his chest. Getting close to her was a dumb-ass move. But he needed some answers.

"All I know is that you'll be working at the US Embassy as part of your cover, what exactly is your job there?"

"I'll be working as the attaché for a division called International Military Education and Training, in short IMET. To everyone, my sole purpose is to review the combined military training and also the civil-military affairs and humanitarian project here in the Philippines," she answered.

Riley finished the chicken pot pie and placed it in the oven to bake. When her head came up their eyes met. "Lucas," she conceded, "This has been a crazy day - night - couple of days, I really don't know. Absolutely chaotic and we both haven't exactly made it better, except maybe for making sure that we both understand our roles." She paused, her jaw tightening for an instant. "I know that you're in this because of your uncle Jack and I've come to respect that, and I also know that by using you as part of my cover I am undoubtedly crouching in on your life. But you have to understand that this is my job and I need you to give me space and to trust me."

He stepped forward. "You have space. I'm not telling you how to do your job; I just need you to keep me in the loop, that's all. What about you, do you trust me?"

Trust him? Of course she trusted him. The thought was immediate, instinctive and totally wrong. "Yes, I trust you."

He slid his thumb along the edge of her wrist, feeling the silken softness of her skin. Bringing his hand up and smoothing his fingers along the curve of her jaw. He didn't mean to do it, but Riley pulled at him like a vortex. Before he could stop himself, he lowered his head and took her lips.

She let out a soft gasp, and her hand came up to press against his chest, warm and light. She might have been thinking of pushing him away, but she didn't do it. In fact, it only took two seconds flat for her to tighten her grip and sigh into his mouth.

Beep. Beep. Saved by the bell. More like saved by the chicken pot pie. Riley pulled away. For a few seconds he didn't move a muscle, only tried to catch his breath, shift his thinking back to his empty head.

They're moving onto dangerous ground. Okay, lethal ground. They need to keep their set-up as business like as possible.

"I have to go," he said, his hand stroking the back of his neck. "I just realized that I have an appointment with my manager. The chicken pot pie smells delicious. I'll have some later."

"Okay." She was transfixed, her pulse racing.

"Another thing, Nina will be back tomorrow." He gave his head a small shake and moved toward the door.

Lucas Friar sighed. What was he thinking? He thought that he can act casually around her. And why not? He's done that so many times in the past with other women. The thing is, with Riley he can't seem to bring himself to leave her the heck alone.

In a self-preservation move, rather than stay with Riley and have lunch with her, he lied about having an appointment.