Something inside her melted as she realized that. Most men would just as soon leave a girl than be stuck with the responsibility of supporting a child, even just financially, much less being an actual father. But David had offered to adopt a baby that didn't even exist yet.
It was at that moment that she realized her mistake. Despite her keen intelligence and years of advanced education, despite her warnings to herself that she would keep her distance from David, despite the fact that his career and her principles could never mesh, Noelle had done the most stupid thing in her life.
She'd fallen in love with David.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
David sat on the steps in front of the cabin the next morning, drinking coffee with Caleb and Grant in order to give Noelle time to work in peace. She'd said she was close to a solution and he prayed she was right.
The ari was cold and crisp with frost and smelted faintly of pine and fallen leaves. There was littlebreeze and only the tops of the trees swayed as they were brushed by cold wind.
"I keep forgetting how much I love this place," said Caleb.
"Sure as hell beats the desert," replied Grant. "There's nothing worse than getting sand in your shorts."
David eyed Caleb, taking in his solemn face. Something about Caleb had changed since they had worked together two years ago. He was more serious than he used to be. Quieter.
David thought about what Grant had said about Caleb taking too many chances with his life. "Have you thought about a change of career? You're one hell of a carpenter. Why don't you take up cabinetmaking or something and make this place your permanent home?"
"That's an idea," said Grant, his eyes glittering with excitement. "We could help you expand the place. Put on a real bathroom and maybe a bedroom. We could even see about getting power lines run up here so you don't have to use the generator."
Caleb didn't even blink. He sat there, coffee cradled in his huge hands, staring at the forest in that patient manner of his that made David want to shake him to see if he even knew they were talking to him.
"I bet you could get satellite TV up here," continued Grant. "Between that and a fridge full of food and beer, what more could a man want?"
One side of Caleb's jaw twitched, but he remained silent.
David knew Caleb well enough to see he was suffering, but from what, David had no idea. Whatever it was, the conversation was hard on Caleb, so it was time for a change in topic. Caleb would talk about whatever was on his mind if and when it suited him, which David hoped would be soon.
"One of us is going to need to make a trip mto town tomorrow," said David.
"I'll go," said Caleb.
"I'll go with you," offered Grant, a little too quickly to be casual.
David frowned at Grant, who gave him an apologetic stare.
"I'm not suicidal," said Caleb. His mouth pressed flat into an irritated line. "Stop acting like I can't take care of myself."
"I know you can take care of yourself," argued Grant. "I also know that Monroe has labeled you as a man with limited self-preservation instincts."
Caleb's black brows rose at this news. "Has he? Huh."
David looked at Grant to see if this was one of the lean man's jokes. Grant had a wicked sense of humor, but right now, he was dead serious. "What the hell happened?" asked David.
Caleb turned his head and studied the forest. Grant's face darkened with anger. Neither man said a word.
A low buzzing sound came from Grant's pants, and he reached into his pocket to pull out a phone. Looking at the display, he let out a resigned sigh. "It's Colonel Monroe," he said as he pressed the button to receive the call.
"Lieutenant Kent speaking."
Grant listened, then winced. "Yes, sir. The desert is damn hot. Sandy, too, sir."
David could hear the faint rumble of Monroe's voice.
"No, sir. Were we expecting Captain Wolfe on this op, sir?"
Grant shot David a frustrated look. "Yes, sir. If I see him, I'll make sure to pass on that you are looking for him."
The rumble coming from the phone got louder.
"No, sir. I'm fairly sure your boot will not fit that far up my—" Grant lifted the phone away from his ear and all three men could hear Monroe's deep, enraged voice booming out of the tiny speaker.
There was a vile string of curses followed by the command, "Hand Wolfe the goddamn phone, Kent!"
"It's for you," said Grant.
David took the phone and started talking before Monroe got the first word in. "Don't blame Caleb and Grant for coming here; I ordered them to leave their posts and give me a hand."
Monroe's voice was low and pissed. "The hell you did. I know those two men and neither one of them had to be ordered to give you a hand. The only reason they got away with leaving is because I wanted them to track you down. I knew they'd find you no matter how deeply you'd buried yourself. It worked, too."
"Yes, sir. I suppose it did."
"Why the hell haven't you been answering the sat phone?"
"I didn't want to be tracked. I don't like using this one either, so make it quick."
"Don't push your luck, son. You're still under my command for as long as she's with you."
David bit back a disrespectful phrase, just barely. "What do you want, sir?"
"We found the informant. It was one of the CIA agents. The Swarm has his son held hostage in exchange for information, though by now, I'm sure the boy is dead. We've had the agent under interrogation for forty-eight hours and I don't think he knows anything. He's just the Swarm's tool."
Shit. David couldn't bring himself to ask who it was for fear it would be someone he knew. Someone he liked.