Obsessed by Angela Ford Page B

Mike. She’s way out of your league.
    To Mike’s surprise, she asked him to join her for lunch. He wondered if her intention was business or personal. Either way, he knew he’d enjoy the conversation over lunch.

    He did enjoy their conversation that day. Her intention, both business and personal, led to their inseparable relationship of three months. The miles in between them never affected their relationship. Mike met her on his days off, in-between cases with trips to L.A. The team teased him about seeing someone, but he said nothing. He didn’t have to. He worked with a group of profilers; the best and well-known within the FBI. The team, especially Eric, teased Mike constantly, but he kept Nikki well-hidden. Jess asked but never pushed. Mike respected her for it, though he knew he couldn’t keep his private life hidden for long. Jess had always been the protective big sister he’d never had growing up.

    You know, you could get into trouble hacking into my computer.
    Mike laughed after he typed the instant message to Nikki. He read her response and felt that sudden rush of adrenaline flow through his veins. The rush only she could create. He messaged her back and shut down his computer. She not only hacked into his computer at work, she’d done so by using his laptop in his bed. Nikki promised she’d accompany him to Jessica’s daughter’s graduation the next day. She’d surprised him with an early arrival. Her last message told him she waited in his bed, wearing only a smile.
     
    “Am I in trouble, Agent?” Nikki’s tone screamed out seduction.
    Mike shook his head and swallowed hard.
    “You are. I’m placing you under house arrest.” He not only teased her with his words but with the cuffs that dangled from his finger. Mike leaned against the bedroom door and enjoyed the view. She lifted the corner of the sheet and slowly moved it across the bed. Mike liked what he saw. It made his heart race faster.
    “Are you waiting for an invitation, Agent?” She winked at him.
    Mike moved slowly toward her. With each step he took, he began to undress. He said nothing further. He’d show her how much trouble she was in.

Chapter Three

    Two days before the crash.

    “Heat wave temperatures have scorched the Bay Area.”
    Jess heard Tom enter the room. She looked over as she frantically fanned her face with her hand.
    “The radio said we reached the high nineties for the past two days now. I hope it breaks soon.” Tom loosened his tie.
    For once Jess could tell being ‘suited-up’ tortured him. She turned back to the task at hand and sighed loudly. “Between this heat and my swollen feet, I’m not going to survive this graduation.” Jess pouted with another attempt to jam her swollen feet into the fourth pair of shoes she’d tried. 
    “Wear the flats you bought the other day. You said they fit perfectly and are comfy,” Tom spoke patiently.
    Jess rubbed her belly. She knew her feet were two sizes bigger like the rest of her. Tom embraced his pregnant wife. “You are the most beautiful expectant mother.”
    He kissed her cheek. Jess forced a half-smile. Pregnancy had thrown the most fearless agent of serial killers for a loop. The first trimester kept her in and out of bed with morning sickness. The next trimester seemed to be a hormonal one. Jess snapped at everyone. And now the third trimester put her on an emotional roller coaster between bouts of tears and laughter. 
    “You are so patient with me.” Jess buried her face under his chin. 
    “I love you Jess. I love our baby.” His hand rested on her enlarged belly. He lifted her face to meet his lips. A soft kiss ended with a short peck at the tip of her nose. “I can’t believe someone convinced you to retire from the field. I hope you won’t regret your decision.”
    Tom looked down at his hand rested on her bump.
    Jess smiled with confidence. “I’m certain. It’s time. I will miss the team.” She placed her hand over Tom’s on her