Vortex (SAI Book 1) by Lea Hart Read Free Book Online Page B

smile pulled at the corner of his mouth, and he glanced up and stared into Vivi’s eyes. “We wouldn’t want that to happen.”
    “No, we wouldn’t,” Vivi replied.
    Straightening up, he cleared his throat. “It seems that we better get something accomplished before everyone goes off. What do you have on your schedule today?”
    Vivi poured him a cup of coffee. “I have an appointment with the FBI and DEA down at Gideon’s precinct at one o’clock. The girls are going over to the clinic today.”
    Taking a gulp of coffee, Joel nodded. “I’ll go with you and send Dane and Ben to the clinic. They can start installing the security system and see if they can gather any intel. I noticed that you don’t have anything here, so I’ll install one for your house today.”
    “I don’t think I need one.”
    “Oh, I know you need one,” Joel replied firmly.
    Vivi shrugged and started cleaning up the kitchen. The charm was short-lived and likely not to return any time in the near future. As she leaned over and started loading the dishwasher, she felt a pair of eyes glued to her. Well, Joel could stare all he wanted, because that was as close as he was going to get. She might have spent the last three years in mourning, but even she wasn’t that desperate.
    ***
     
    Vivi stepped out of her bedroom and noticed Joel up on a ladder, installing something on the wall. “What are you putting up there?”
    Joel peered down at her, and she almost fell over from shock. He was smiling at her…a real, genuine smile. He was a good-looking man. Adding a smile made him a heartthrob. What the hell was going on?
    “I’m installing a camera for the hall. You’re going to be able to see every part of your house from your phone or iPad.” He secured the last wire and placed the cover over the camera. Stepping down the ladder, he then stood next to her and adjusted his cap. “You look pretty, Vivi.”
    Swiveling her head, she glanced around. “Wait, has the earth stopped rotating? Is the end in sight?”
    “Funny, Vivi. Just because I gave you a compliment doesn’t mean that the world is ending.”
    Smoothing down her dress, she shrugged. “I kind of thought it might.” Placing her hand on his arm, she balanced while she slipped her sandals on her feet. “Even rusty metal will shine if you scrub it long enough.”
    Before she could step away, he held her hand loosely and gave her a once-over. “You were never rusty metal, Vivi.”
    “I know. But I haven’t put any effort into shining myself up in a long time, and according to the girls, it’s time. It’s all Ben’s fault.”
    “How is it Ben’s fault?”
    “Ruby fell for him, so now Trinity and I have to make an effort and try to go out with someone. It seems that it’s time for the widows’ club to end.” Sliding her hand out of his, she moved toward the staircase. “If it were up to me, I would stay just as I am, but I have some empty rooms, and they need to be filled with children.”
    Joel followed on her heel and asked, “So you’re going to find a husband and make some babies?”
    “I don’t have…” The doorbell rang, and she moved toward the door. “I’m not expecting anyone.” She walked down the stairs quickly, with Joel hot on her heels. “Why are you following me?”
    “Because we don’t know who it is, and it’s time that you started being cautious.”
    Looking through the glass of the front doors, she waved to the man standing there. “It’s just Gideon.”
    Swinging the door open, Vivi noticed Gideon frowning at her. What the heck?
    “Hey, Vivi. Who’s the big ol’ mean bear behind you?”
    Stepping around Vivi, Joel stood at his full height and introduced himself. “I’m Joel McDade, and I’m responsible for Vivi’s safety.”
    Vivi hip-checked Joel and realized that it wasn’t going to work. There was no way to move a man who was built like a brick wall. “Put a smile on your face and say hi to Gideon. We’ve known each