Love & Compromise (Agents in Love Book 3) Read online

  “Hell yes, I do.” He flashed another grin. “Do you know how bad it sucks being the mayor’s son, then the governor’s son, then the congressman’s son, and finally the President’s son? We were always attending social outings, raising Dad’s profile and approval ratings in the polls. The people surrounding us wanted to catch a drop of Dad’s fame, and they’d never say what they truly thought.”

  She nodded. “You’re used to ass kissers.”

  “Exactly. I hate it, and apparently, I picked up some bad habits. I’m always the biggest dick I can be, trying to get a real reaction out of the robots who pretend to be people.”

  “I promise to never be that kind of person,” she said. “At least, not when we’re alone. I have a part to play in public but you know that isn’t really me.”

  “I’ll try to stop egging you on, trying to piss you off.” He made a cross sign over his heart. “I promise. Other than clients of my PI firm, I’ve totally avoided people the last five years, and I assumed you’d be just like the rest. I can’t say I’ll never say something rude or hurt your feelings, but I’ll try not to.”

  Jenessa shrugged. What more could she ask? At least the man had a sense of humor lurking under the asshole persona. Plus, she suspected the reason Kole avoided people had more to do with his ex than he’d like to admit. She could understand he wouldn’t want to let another woman come into his life. Even if they were merely partners on this case and not love interests, she was still a woman living in his house and acting like a gold digger. No matter how nice Kole tried to be, she needed to remember that was bound to bring up some deep-seated issues about his past.

  Ready to move on now that she had a greater understanding of Kole’s personality, Jenessa picked up her notebook and passed it over to him. She closed her laptop and set it aside, sitting upright so she could look at her notes with him.

  “I’ve been investigating everyone in your father’s direct secret service detail,” she said. “Most of them seem beyond reproach, but a few of them have unusual deposits being made into their banks or are living beyond their means in other ways. I think we should check them out.”

  A crease formed between Kole’s eyebrows as he looked over the list, but when he looked up he smiled. “We’re already a great team. I was going to ask you to do this. Carter pointed out one of them could be the mole.”

  “Your brother’s smarter than he looks, I guess.”

  That set Kole off in another gusty laugh. “I don’t think anyone’s ever bad-mouthed my brother.”

  “If he’s running for president in a few years, he’d better get used to it.” Jenessa shrugged, glad she could finally express the irritation she’d felt since meeting Carter. “He’s ruder than even you, and he has less reason. I didn’t appreciate his attitude last night, and I like his girlfriend even less.”

  “Tanya.” Kole nodded. “She’s a frigid one and thinks she’s better than everyone, or at least it seems that way. Please remember her father was murdered not too long ago. Maybe we’ll warm up to her.”

  Heat crept along Jenessa’s face, and she hoped the makeup would help cover her embarrassment. She needed to be more charitable in her assessment of these people. Tanya had been rude and haughty, enough so that Jenessa wasn’t thinking about the fact that the woman lost her father. Maybe Tanya hadn’t tried to be rude, but was simply grieving.

  “You’re right,” she said. “If she’s at the charity dinner tonight, I’ll be friendly.”

  To her surprise, Kole shook his head. “Don’t worry about getting friendly with women. She’s a rival as far as any social climber is concerned. If you could land my brother, the likely next president of the United States, he’s a much bigger fish than me. You need to treat Tanya like she treats you, and flirt shamelessly with Carter whenever I’m not around, even in front of Tanya.”

  Jenessa’s eyes felt as round as baseballs, and she shook her head. “I can’t do that. It’s disgusting. It’s lower than low. It’s—”

  “The way a social climber would act.” Kole let out a long sigh, setting down the notebook and clasping his hands over his tight stomach. “Nessa, someone suspects why we’re here, or they at least don’t like that we are. Whoever broke in yesterday was searching for something, maybe information on why I returned. I don’t need to tell you how dangerous Paul will be if he figures out who you really are.”

  A grin twitched at the corners of Jenessa’s mouth. “You’re worried about me?”

  His eyebrows ticked upward. “You thought I wouldn’t be? I’m sorry that I’ve been such a jerk that the information surprises you. I don’t want Paul figuring out who you are and you ending up hurt.”

  “I don’t want you hurt either,” she said softly. “I feel like, for the first time since meeting you, working together could be a good thing. We can help people, especially your father and brother who are in major danger from S.A.T.O., but at the same time we can have a friendship.”

  “A friendship?” He let out a soft grunt. “I haven’t had many friends lately.”

  “With the way you treat people, I can see why.” She giggled and punched his shoulder lightly. “But let’s change all that.”

  “I’m game to try.” He glanced at his watch. “But for now, we need to get ready for Mom’s party. What are you wearing? I trust you aren’t going in your FBI slacks.”

  Jenessa stuck her tongue out, liking that his tone was playful and joking now instead of judgmental. “It’d serve you right if I did, but then all my hard work to get beautified would be wasted. This hair and makeup needs a killer dress. Bethany picked three out that she said were suitable. You get to make the final decision.”

  Kole stared at his dinner companion as the next speaker droned on and on. It wasn’t that the charity wasn’t for a good cause, considering his mother was passionate about working on ways to feed the nation’s hungry citizens, especially children suffering from inadequate food supply, but it felt like the people talking had all repeated the same thing. Contemplating Jenessa’s transformation was more intriguing than listening to rich folks who’d never gone hungry a day in their life talk about the horrors of not having enough food.

  It was ironic that they ate their $10,000-a-plate meals while discussing starving veterans. He understood the necessity to raise the funds and why his mom invited the richest people she knew, but he wondered if he was the only person who noticed the hypocrisy of the dinner.

  Jenessa, on the other hand, was a vision of beauty. The fact that she was blunt and direct made her physical looks even more intriguing. It had been a long time since anyone, male or female, called him out on his bullshit. Jenessa was stronger than he’d given her credit for.

  Add in the fact that she was also highly intelligent, coming up with the plan to investigate the secret service agents before he told her about it, and Kole had to proclaim himself satisfied. He’d expected a pretty face who would get in his way and hinder the investigation. Instead, she had a pretty face, a brain, a sense of humor, and would most definitely help him in the coming days or weeks it took to catch the culprit.

  Jenessa shifted in her seat, cupping her hand over her lips. “You’re staring at me,” she hissed in a low whisper.

  Kole took her other hand in his, leaning toward her ear. “People need to see me looking love sick if this is going to work. I have to stare.”

  That was true enough, and hopefully Jenessa wouldn’t pick up on the real attraction Kole felt. It wasn’t as if anything could happen between them. He rather liked the idea that they could become friends though. As long as he didn’t continue pissing her off, of course.

  Her eyes met his and she batted her sexy long lashes, letting out a low giggle that nevertheless carried around their table. “Pay attention, lover.” She extracted her hand from his and looked back toward the platform where the guest speaker still droned on.

  Not only did she undergo a physical transformation today, Jenessa must have spent some time practicing her womanly wile
s. Kole tried to not be frustrated, but the way she acted was exactly what Clarissa had done time and again when they were out together. Clarissa had made it all seem perfectly reasonable, but she’d found ways to pull away and not show him affection in public. He should have seen what she was doing sooner and dumped her before she destroyed his heart.

  At least he knew Jenessa was putting on an act, an act he needed her to perform. She was nothing like this in private, and Kole could only be happy for that fact. He’d never survive if Jenessa were truly a social-climbing bitch.

  Not wanting to make her nervous by his continued staring, especially since he wasn’t staring strictly for their lover act, Kole did a visual sweep of the room. He needed a plan of attack on who Jenessa needed to meet, especially since several of the board members were attending the dinner.

  Surprisingly, Kole’s number one suspect, Charles Tessier, was seated two tables from the presidential group. Last Kole had heard, Tessier couldn’t even afford a fast-food hamburger, let alone the cost of the charity plate for tonight’s event. Had he come into money recently? Did that money have S.A.T.O.’s grubby fingerprints all over it?

  Kevin Meyer sat at Kole’s table. As a long-time friend of William’s, he always sat with the family. Kole had made quick introductions before his mother took the stage, but it would be interesting to see what Jenessa thought of the man.

  The younger member who Kole had met that afternoon was also in attendance. Kole had spotted Caleb Harrington a few tables behind them before the dinner’s first course was served. Having no idea what Caleb did for a living or what his financial state might be, Kole wasn’t sure whether he should have expected the man or not.

  The last guest speaker finished their plea for the attendees to open their hearts and their pocketbooks as dessert was served. Kole was unable to stifle his sigh of relief.

  Jenessa flashed him a wink. “You keep that up, and your mom’s going to hear you.”

  He scooped a small bite of chocolate cream pie onto his fork and brought it toward Jenessa’s mouth. “Here, baby,” he said loud enough for other people to overhear. “There’s nothing more I like than taking care of you.”

  Jenessa gently took the bite, letting out a soft moan as she did so. “You’re so good to me. I’ll have to reward you later.”

  Even though Kole knew the moan and the promised reward were a part of her act, he couldn’t stop the rush of adrenaline that spiked through his blood. What would it be like to take her back to his room tonight?

  Keep your mind on business.

  It wasn’t an easy task when Jenessa leaned her head against his shoulder, the whisper of her sweet perfume tickling his senses. “Thanks so much for bringing me here, love,” she said. “I know you didn’t want to come back to Washington, but it’s wonderful.”

  Kole turned his head, placing a kiss against her forehead. “I’d do anything for you, baby.”

  Across the table, his mom caught his eye and flashed him a brilliant smile. She looked so thrilled he’d found a girl, and Kole dreaded the moment she learned it was a farce.

  “Why don’t you introduce me to your friends once dessert’s finished?” Jenessa suggested in a casual tone. “I get the feeling we’re surrounded by powerful men.”

  “Powerful men?” Kole allowed his voice to carry a bit, and his brother’s head whipped his direction.

  “Powerful people, love. That’s what I meant.” Jenessa’s voice had transformed to being so sweet and loving, she’d give everyone at the table a toothache.

  He might have worried about her ability to pull off this role, but it seemed she was a quick learner. “Of course, you did.” Kole flashed his brother a dirty look, telling Carter to mind his own business. “I can introduce you to some of my parents’ friends. There will be dancing and mingling while Mom raises more money, so we have time to get you acquainted with our new life.”

  “I always wanted to meet important people.” She moved away from his shoulder, continuing to eat pie while a happy smile played around her lips.

  Carter made a disgusted grunt and started talking loudly about idiots. Not that Carter could convince Kole to leave Jenessa—even if this wasn’t all an act. After what his brother did to him last time Kole lived in D.C., he would never completely trust Carter again.

  As the meal ended, his mother made an announcement inviting people to enjoy the live band and move the party to the dance floor. When people started approaching the table, Kole was happy to see he wouldn’t have to force introductions for Jenessa.

  Caleb Harrington made a bee-line for them. “I didn’t know you were attending this party, Kole.”

  Standing, Kole offered his hand to Jenessa and helped her to her feet. “I’d never miss one of my mother’s events while I was in town. Besides, the money is going to a good cause.”

  Caleb inclined his head in apparent agreement before looking at Jenessa. “And this must be the lovely Jennifer Fleming you were going on about today.”

  He remembered her first and last name? Caleb was really paying attention to Kole’s love life. That seemed suspicious. Maybe the man simply had a great memory, but maybe he had taken notes so he could report back to Paul.

  Jenessa held out her hand. “Please, call me Jen.”

  “I’m Caleb.” As though unaware she meant for him to shake her hand, Caleb twisted it sideways and placed a kiss against the back of it. “You’re absolutely enchanting, Jen. How did Kole get the pleasure of being your date?”

  Jen let out a flirty laugh. “Oh, Caleb. You tease. I’m sure you have a woman way more beautiful than me waiting for you to dance.”

  “No woman in my life, unfortunately.”

  “Oh, really?” Jenessa stepped away from Kole’s side to move closer to Caleb. “What do you do for a living, Caleb?” Her voice practically purred as she focused all her attention on the man.

  It was the way Clarissa had acted. How had Kole not seen what his ex was up to? Watching Jenessa, Kole was certain everyone in the room thought she was ready to jump Caleb’s bone if he was remotely important.

  The man smiled widely at her. “Oh, I do a little of this and that,” he said, not helping to figure out the mystery that was Caleb Harrington. “I’m fortunate enough to be independently wealthy and able to work as an advisor for some prominent figures here in D.C.”

  “That’s impressive,” Jenessa breathed, sounding awed.

  “If only I had a woman to share all my money with.” He sighed dramatically.

  Kole tightened his hands into fists by his sides and tried to control his facial expression. While it was true Jenessa wasn’t truly his girlfriend, Caleb didn’t know that. It was one thing for Jenessa to act the part of social climber, but how dare the man hit on her right in front of him? Girlfriend or not, Jenessa was his date.

  Oblivious to Kole’s genuine growing frustration, Jenessa slipped her hand inside Caleb’s. “You should at least get to dance.” Turning back to Kole, she batted her eyelashes. “You don’t mind, love, do you? I’d like to get to know some of your friends better. You and I can dance any old time.”

  Kole gave a significant glare at Jenessa’s hand tucked inside Caleb’s. “I thought you came here to be with me.”

  “Sure, I did,” she said, using her fake, honeyed voice again. “But I know you have to meet people with your parents and all that boring stuff you told me about on the way over. I’d rather dance. Please say it’s okay. Pretty please.”

  Her wheedling tone irritated the hell out of Kole. It was the way Clarissa had always sounded when she tried to talk him into something he didn’t agree with. “Fine,” he said, “but don’t tire yourself out. I thought we had plans for tonight.”

  “Yay! I knew you couldn’t resist me.” She blew a kiss and then turned away, chatting with Caleb as he led her to the dance floor.

  Chapter 8

  Kole tried to hold back his irrational surge of jealousy while watching Jenessa. She’d spent the entire evening flitting bet
ween men, dancing with anyone who looked remotely prosperous. She’d spent a lot of time with Caleb but eventually made her way to dancing with Charles Tessier. They’d seemed to have a fabulous time before yet another available bachelor had taken her away from Charles.

  Now, she danced with Kevin Meyer. Kole ground his teeth at the adoring way Jenessa stared into the older man’s eyes, hanging on his every word while Kevin twirled her around the dance floor.

  Carter appeared out of nowhere, leaning against the wall next to Kole. “This doesn’t look good for you, brother. If anything, she’s worse than Clarissa.”

  “Don’t you dare talk to me about Clarissa,” Kole said tightly.

  “Are you still mad?” Carter snorted. “It’s been five years, brother. Besides, I didn’t marry her. Give me a break.”

  “I notice you haven’t married anyone,” Kole shot back, struggling to keep his voice low. “Waiting for me to bring another girl home so you could steal her away?”

  Carter stayed silent for a few moments, staring off at the dancers. “Jennifer is certainly a looker. I bet I could make her scream with ecstasy. Have you even done that yet? She doesn’t seem that into you. Clarissa said I was much better than you in the bed—”

  “Shut your damn mouth before I shut it for you.”

  Carter gave a bitter-sounding chuckle. “Like I’m afraid of you. How about we have a friendly competition, little brother? The best man wins.”

  “Stay away from Jen,” Kole warned, getting riled even though he knew that was exactly what his brother wanted. Carter always could piss him off.

  “I do need a wife,” Carter said musingly, as though it just now occurred to him. “I’ll never win the presidency without being a proper family man. Jen knows how to schmooze with people. She’s much better at it than Tanya. She’s the kind of a wife a president needs.”

  “She’ll never touch you.” Kole was certain about that. Jenessa had developed a strong dislike of Carter the moment she met him. All the more reason Kole knew they could form a good partnership. She was a great judge of character. “I’m trying to make peace in the family by coming back here. I never told anyone what you did, letting you keep your perfect son image for Mom and Dad. Don’t make me regret that.”