Ally shook her head. Not really. They use me mostly for undercover work. Without makeup, I can pass for a teenager pretty easy.
Computers are a hobby then?
The smile on her face kept getting smaller. No, I just know stuff, she said, and once again started toward the door. She wanted to get out before he got to the part where he found out that her IQ was bigger than his ego. It always turned men off and she didnt want to see that happen again. Not now. Not with him.
But East wasnt going to let go. He caught her by the elbow as she started to pass.
Stuff? You call that stuff? It took three technicians two days to set up this system. Its complicated as hell and linked to Monarchs entire chain of resorts and you not only got into the system, but had it up and running within thirty minutes?
Ally stopped, her chin lifting as she met his gaze.
Actually it was about ten. I know things. Lots of things, okay? Can we leave it at that? Then she quietly pulled away from his grasp.
East hadnt realized he was still touching her and took a quick step back, aware that hed invaded her space and even more aware that she didnt like it.
Im sorry, he said. I didnt mean to be He sighed and started over. Look, I guess what I should be saying is thank you.
Youre welcome.
She was all the way to the door when his voice stopped her.
Ally.
She bit her lip, then turned. Yes?
Intelligence isnt something to be ashamed of.
Intelligence is hardly the word society uses to describe someone like me, she said, unaware of the anger in her voice.
East moved toward her, touching her shoulder, then dropping his hand. His voice was soft, his gaze compelling. She found herself unable to look away.
Exactly what do they call someone like you, then?
Freak of nature was the favorite phrase at my alma mater.
How old were you when you graduated?
Her gaze turned inward, remembering how ill-equipped shed been at ten years old to handle the social aspect of higher education.
From high schoolten. From collegeseventeen. But that was with three Ph.D.s and a minor in foreign languages, six to be exact. I was considering another semester or two when SPEAR recruited me. The rest is history.
East kept looking at her, trying to imagine what it would be like to live with so much knowledge and not go crazy at the rest of the worlds ineptitude. He gave her a long, cursory stare.
So, what youre saying is, if I asked real nice, you could do my taxes for me next year without breaking a sweat?
Her eyes narrowed as she stared hard at his face. Are you teasing me?
Yes.
Oh. She managed a smile.
He pointed toward the door with his chin. Still hungry?
Her stomach grumbled. Starving.
Then follow me. Ive got an in with the cook. He makes the best waffles this side of St. Louis.
Whos in St. Louis? she asked as they headed out the door.
Aunt Dinah. Hers are the best, but dont tell Pete I said so.
Whos Pete?
My fake French chef, East said. Do you like them with whipped cream and strawberries, or are you a syrup fan?
Actually, I favor peanut butter and grape jelly.
East grinned. Order it on the side or Pete will have himself a fit.
She pursed her lips primly. Pete needs to learn to savor the finer things in life.
East laughed aloud.
As they exited the office, a frantic young man in jogging clothes came running through the lobby. He took one look at East and started yelling.
My wife. My wife. They said she was in labor.
This would be the missing father, East thought, and took him by the shoulders, fixing him with a calm, steady gaze.
Take it easy, Dad. Shes fine. Theres a doctor and a couple of paramedics with her now.
The expression on the mans face went from shock to joy.
Dad?
I think I heard them say it was a boy, East said.
Oh man, oh man. Im a father. Im a father, he cried.
Yeah, so am I, East said. Congratulations.
The man bolted for the stairs, unwilling to wait for an elevator.
East was still smiling when he turned back to Ally.
Sorry. It isnt usually so hectic around here.
Compared to my job, this is nothing, Ally said.
The look on her face made him hurt. He remembered all too well what that job could be like, but before he could comment, his cell phone rang again. Within moments of answering, he began to frown.
Hang on a minute, please, he told his caller,
then touched Allys arm apologetically. Im sorry. I have to take this call. Why dont you head for the terrace. Theres a buffet set up, or you can order for both of us. Either way, Ill be there shortly.
Sure, but what do you want?
Just tell the waiter Ill have my usual. Then he added. Dont wait on me. I wouldnt want those waffles to get cold.
Actually, theyre better that way.
He shook his head and then chuckled. Do you have any other interesting habits I should know of?
I dont know, Ally said. Exactly what do you think you should know about me?
Easts smile slipped as his eyes suddenly darkened. Im not sure, are you?
Suddenly, his question took on a whole other meaning. She looked away, and then angry with herself for being so gutless around this man, made herself look at him.