Page 15 of Undercover Hearts
"Thank you," Michelle replied. "We've been searching for a community like this since relocating to Phoenix Ridge."
"Then I hope you'll join us for our more intimate gathering next Friday," Sienna said. "We reserve these special sessions for members we believe have particular potential for leadership roles within PWC."
"We'd be honored," Michelle answered, feeling Jenna's hand slip into hers and squeeze slightly, a silent acknowledgment of their first significant win.
"Excellent." Sienna's gaze was evaluative despite her smile. "Nicole will send the details. It's at my home rather than headquarters—a more relaxed environment for deeper connection."
As Sienna moved away to speak with other members, Jenna leaned against Michelle's shoulder. "Entry to the inner circle already. That's faster than expected."
Michelle nodded slightly. "They're either very impressed or very suspicious. Either way, we need to be prepared for more intensive scrutiny."
But beneath the professional assessment, Michelle was increasingly distracted by Jenna's proximity, the lingeringmemory of her hand on Michelle's thigh, and the growing realization that maintaining emotional distance was becoming unexpectedly challenging. What had seemed like a straightforward undercover assignment was developing complications she hadn't anticipated—complications centered entirely on the woman beside her, whose fingers were still intertwined with hers in a grip that felt dangerously natural.
The drive back to the safe house was silent. Michelle gripped the steering wheel tightly, her mind replaying moments from the meeting with professional detachment that kept faltering when she remembered Jenna's hand on her thigh.
Only after securing the apartment and checking for surveillance did Michelle speak.
"Let's document while it's fresh," she said as they settled at the dining table.
They cataloged observations efficiently—security measures, restricted areas, key personnel—and Michelle kept her focus on the laptop screen rather than on Jenna beside her.
"Your performance was..." Michelle paused. "You drew significant attention."
"Too much?"
"I was supposed to be the focal point given my cover as the senior partner," Michelle said, irritation edging into her voice. "And the physical contact seemed excessive."
"The hand on your thigh?" Jenna's eyebrows rose slightly. "You were doing the same thing when Nicole approached."
"That was different," Michelle insisted. "Strategic responses to specific situations."
"And my touch wasn't strategic?" Jenna studied her, something knowing in her expression. "It worked, Michelle. They believe we're together."
Michelle couldn't argue with the assessment. Their cover had been convincing enough to earn Sienna's invitation. But successfelt overshadowed by her growing awareness of Jenna as more than just an undercover partner.
"Just coordinate with me before initiating that level of contact in the future," Michelle said finally.
They returned to their report in silence. When they finished an hour later, the professional structure had helped restore equilibrium, though tension lingered beneath their interactions.
"I'll finish up," Michelle said. "You should get some rest."
Jenna nodded, gathering her notes. She hesitated, as if considering saying something more, then simply said, "Goodnight, Michelle."
After Jenna disappeared into her bedroom, Michelle exhaled slowly. The day had been successful. They'd established their cover, gained entry to the PWC, and secured an invitation to the inner circle.
Yet as she sat in the quiet apartment, Michelle found herself preoccupied with the memory of Jenna's touch, the warmth of her smile, the ease with which they'd fallen into their roles as a couple.
These were precisely the kinds of distractions that Michelle had spent her career avoiding. Emotional entanglements on operations led to mistakes, compromised judgment, and potential danger.
She moved to her bedroom, closing the door firmly behind her. She would regain her professional perspective overnight. She would reestablish appropriate boundaries. She would remember that everything between them was just a performance.
But as she prepared for bed, Michelle couldn't help wondering which was more dangerous: the criminal organization they were infiltrating, or the growing feelings for her partner that she was failing to keep contained.
4
JENNA
Jenna closed her bedroom door and leaned against it, exhaling slowly. Through the wall, she could hear Michelle still working in the living room—the soft click of laptop keys, the occasional rustle of papers. The evening's tension lingered like a physical presence, following her into the sanctuary of her room.
