Huffman - Suddenly a Spy

Suddenly a Spy

by: Heather Huffman

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2010 Heather Bodendieck

Cover Image Copyright 2010 Emily Stoltz

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* * * * *

To Christine Tatum Brake: Your strength andbeauty amaze me. Your kindness humbles me. You bless all you meet,and I am forever grateful to call you friend.

Words seem so feeble, yet theyre all I haveto give, so these words are yours. Thank you for who you are, andmay Gods blessings shine down on you and your family.

* * * * *

by

Heather Huffman

Chapter One

If life had taught Veronica Talbot one thing,it was that the perfect moments are the ones to be the most waryof. So when all was exactly as Veronica wanted it, from her VeraWang wedding dress to the sprays of gerbera daisies that wouldadorn the tables at the reception, she should have known troubleloomed on her horizon. With one hand resting lightly on herfathers arm and her eyes fixed on the man at the other end of theaisle, she remained oblivious of what was to come.

Her hands were in his now. They were smilingat each other. She tried to read his gray-green eyes. Was theresomething else there besides devotion? Just a shadow maybe hewinked at her playfully and she flushed. The vows were a blur.Suddenly they were being introduced to the crowd. She was Mrs.Richard Sinclair.

Together, the newlyweds greeted the droves offriends and family that had shown up to wish them well. It was allsuch a blurthe endless stream of well-wishers, the photographs,the bridesmaids forever fussing over her blond curls and the lay ofher gown.

Come on, her perfect groom stood and heldhis hand out to her. Dance with me, Mrs. Sinclair.

Arent they supposed to tell us when todance? Veronica hesitated.

I dont know who they are, but it is ourwedding, Rick countered, still waiting for her to take hishand.

You have a point, she conceded, sliding herhand in his.

He motioned to the orchestra conductor, whogave a barely perceptible nod.

Veronica was only vaguely aware of the firstdance being announced or the eyes on her. Rick was pulling her intohis embrace. They twirled around the dance floor in a waltz.

I know that look, he dipped his head towhisper against her cheek.

Veronica merely raised an eyebrow inresponse.

Dont make this reception feel any longerthan it does already, Ronnie, his words didnt stop him frompulling her even closer or from grazing her lips with a featherykiss.

Being in Ricks arms always left her stomachfeeling like warm butter. Veronica was glad there was a short breakbefore she was expected to dance with her father. She would haveliked the distraction of her brothers gentle teasing to take hermind off Rick and the way his breath tantalized her skin when hewas so near, but Jeff was nowhere to be found.

If Veronica had to guess, he was surroundedby bridesmaids somewhere. Who could blame them? Her brother wasgood looking, charming, and an FBI agent. He was the kind of manwho made women daydream about being the one to tame him.

Jeffs antics with women might be eye-rollinducing to someone like Veronica, but she adored him anyway. Sincechildhood, hed been her tormenter and her protector. She didntthink that would ever change.

Of course, vying for the role of Veronicasprotector was her father. When Jeff had joined the FBI, he wasmerely following in their fathers footsteps. As a little girl,Veronica had been ridiculously proud of her Daddy and his decoratedcareer. As a teen, she bemoaned being the daughter of a man so wellknown for his expertise with a gun.

Maybe thats why shed fallen so hard forRick. He treated her like a grown woman fully capable of takingcare of herself.

Are you sure hes good enough for you,Ronnie? Sean Talbot asked the moment the father/daughter dancebegan. You can always get this annulled.

Daddy, Veronica rolled her eyes. Stop it.You know Im crazy about him.

Sean tried not to frown too deeply butcouldnt keep the worry from his bright blue eyes. I dont thinkhes good enough for you.

Is anyone? she teased.

Not really, his face softened as he lookedat his little girl. Im so proud of you, Ronnie. Just remember, ifit doesnt work out with this joker and you need a change ofscenery, I can always get you transferred to one of the fieldoffices.

Daddy, stop talking about my marriagebreaking up. At least wait until after the wedding. And Im awriter, not a field agent.

I just want you to know the offer is outthere.

Duly noted, Veronica sighed. Now stopharassing me and go dance with Mom.

Veronica looked for her brother again, but hewas surrounded by a group of women. No surprise there. She gave uphope of seeing Jeff anytime soon, and Rick was quick to reclaim hisbride for another dance.

Veronica loosened up a little in his arms.The night was nearing an end; she and Rick could begin theirhappily ever after soon. It would all start to seem more real oncethis night was over.

They performed the rituals of the weddingceremony. The cake was cutthey both adhered to the previouslyagreed-upon pact to not smash it into the others face. AlthoughRick cheated and dabbed just a little frosting on her nose.

The single women gathered to catch thebouquet, which Veronica gave a good toss, hoping it would sailright over the heads of the overly-eager ones at the front of thepack. She tried to tell who caught it from everyones reaction.

Confusion covered her pretty face when sheturned to find someone she didnt know holding her bridal bouquet.The crowd had parted for her and the entire room openly stared atthe woman with the brightly colored daisies in her grasp. How couldthey not? She was stunning, in a hardened kind of way.

The brunette moved towards the young couple,her movements reminiscent of a cougar stalking its prey. Veronicacast an anxious glance at Rick, wondering if he shared herconfusion. The instant her eyes met his, she knew.

He knew this woman. He knew this woman andsomething about her presence here was unnerving him. It didnt takeVeronica too many guesses to figure out what that might be. Angerbubbled through her.

Richard, the woman practically purred. Ilike the new last name. It suits you.

Adrianna, he nodded curtly but said nomore.

As much as Id love to meet your friend, weshould probably toss the garter, Veronica gave Rick a look thatspoke volumes. Because everyone is going to keep staring at usuntil we do.

Right. Youre right, he turned back toAdrianna. Whatever you need will have to wait a few minutes.