SOS Agent Nicole Steele, who preferred to go by her nickname of Tazer, shook her head. We need to go another size larger. You cant move in that jacket. Good Lord, Ben, what do they feed men in Montana? She waved to the attendant and asked him to bring another size larger. We have a seamstress on standby to make the alterations quickly.
Seriously, I dont need but one suit and a pair of casual pants.
Not if you want to blend in with the rich and politically elevated, Tazer said. Now quit bellyaching. How did you ever make it through BUD/S training?
I sure as hell didnt have to wear a suit and dress shirt. I only had to worry about drowning in the sea or falling flat on my face in the mud. For that matter, it was a cakewalk compared to this.
Big baby. Youll be happy when it fits properly, Tazer said. Hurry up. We still have to get Kate tricked out.
Kate sat beside Tazer, her lips twitching.
Montana pointed a finger. Dont say a word.
She held up her hands. Did I?
No, but I can feel you want to.
She drew a line across her lips. My lips are sealed. Her gray eyes flashed. But if I were to say something, it would be along the lines of think of these clothes as a uniform.
Not helping, he said, and yanked the jacket off his shoulders.
The attendant handed him another jacket and quickly stepped back, as if afraid Montana would take a swing at him.
Montana shrugged into the garment. The sooner he got through this, the better. He knew what size jeans he wore and the brand that fit best. When he needed a new pair, he walked into the store, picked them out of the stacks and headed straight for the checkout counter. The end.
As the jacket settled around his shoulders, Montana hated to admit Tazer was right. This one wasnt nearly as constricting and actually felt good on his body.
Much better. Now, button the jacket. Tazer and the attendant converged on him. While Tazer tugged, the clerk pinned. When they were done, Montana was afraid to move for fear of being stuck by one of the hundreds of pins sticking out of the material. He felt like a cross between a voodoo doll and a dressmakers dummy.
Then they went to work on the trousers, tugging and tucking the hem and the waistband. When they were done, Montana was hot, cranky and ready to be out of the building.
Let me have the jacket. Tazer held out her hands.
Montana started to take it off and was jabbed by a pin. Ouch!
Here, let me. Kate stood, eased the jacket from his shoulders and handed it to Tazer.
Tazer handed the jacket to the attendant, who hustled out of the room, presumably to take the garment to the seamstress.
Now, out of those trousers. Tazer held out her hands again.
Kate backed away. Sorry. Cant help you there.
Hurry up. Tazer snapped her fingers. We dont have all day. Trust me, you dont have anything I havent seen before.
Montana glared. You havent seen my anything before.
Kates lips stretched into a wide grin and she turned her back, chuckling.
Montana stripped out of the trousers and slipped into his jeans.
Ill be back shortly with the clothes youll wear out of here. Tazer left the dressing area.
Montana buttoned his jeans. You can turn around now.
Kate faced him. I would have thought a SEAL would have no trouble stripping in front of a woman.
My mama
Kate waved her hand. Yeah, yeah. Your mama taught you better. But youre a SEAL. You fight hard and play rough.
He shrugged. Its just who I am. I was taught to respect women, no matter how young or old.
Kate shook her head. You can take the cowboy out of Montana, but you cant take the Montana out of the cowboy?
Something like that. He tipped his head toward her. What about you? Where did you grow up?
She shook her head. I was a military brat. We moved fifteen times before I turned eighteen. Im not from anywhere.
What about your folks? Did your father retire somewhere you call home? he asked.
Kate nodded. He passed away. My mother has a condo in Wisconsin and she now works for a pediatrician.
I take it you dont see her often. Montana sat in one of the chairs and shoved his foot into one of his cowboy boots.
She stared in the direction Tazer had gone. Not often enough. What about you?
I havent been back to Montana in two years. Just never seems to be enough time.
Where in Montana? Kate turned toward him, her gaze capturing his.
On a ranch south of Bozeman.
So youre the real deal, then.
If you mean Im a real cowboy, then yes. Ive done just about everything that needs doing on a cattle ranch. He pulled the second boot on and stood. Enough about me. What about you? Why did they demote you in the CIA?
She turned away, her mouth thinning into a firm line. Id rather not talk about it.
Suit yourself. But the more we know about each other, the better we will be able to work together. If I didnt know my buddies on my SEAL team as well as I do, I wouldnt be able to anticipate their reactions to different situations.
Fine. She faced him, a frown pulling her brows together. I screwed up. I fell for my partner, and he just happened to be a double agent for Russia. She sighed. I was a green rookie. I thought everyone who signed on with the CIA had been fully vetted and loved our country as much as I do. Kate lifted her chin and stared straight into Montanas eyes. I learned my lesson. Dont put your full faith and trust in anyone. And dont fall for your partner.
Montana nodded. Im sorry that happened to you. Must have hurt pretty bad. He stepped toward the door. You dont have to worry about this partner. Im a confirmed bachelor, and Ive never even been to Russia. He winked at her. Lets go find Tazer. Its your turn to play dress-up.
Montana had asked the hard question, but hed rather know who he was working with and what made her tick. When the crap hit the fan, he wanted to know what she was made of and how she would react.
Kate McKenzie had taken a hit. More than likely, she wouldnt trust him easily. Hed have to ease into her confidence a little at a time. He sure as hell hoped they had time to make that happen. In a life-and-death situation, Kate needed to know he had her six. He already knew she had his, based on the flying tackle shed initiated earlier.
While the seamstress worked on the suit jacket and trousers for Montana, Tazer led them to the exclusive shop next door. Where the mens shop was all dark wood and masculine, this one was light and airy. What amazed him was the lack of clothes racks. Are they hiding the ladies clothing? he whispered into Kates ear.
She glanced around. No idea. Normally, I cant afford to walk into a shop like this. Royce must have one helluva budget.
The beautifully dressed and tastefully made-up attendant in high heels and perfect accessories shot a glance at Kate and Montana and then turned her attention to Tazer. How might I help you?
If the woman had thought to have an attitude about finding clothing for Kate, Tazer set her in her place quickly.
Tazer took Montanas arm, pointed to a cushioned seat and ordered, Sit.