Romantic Ideas

Although Hunter's eyes were hidden behind his sunglasses, they were twinkling as he chuckled at Ryan. "Yeah well... you were pretty warm and cozy yourself."

He thought for a moment before he shook his head. "Don't be sorry... I'm not offended in the least." He reached over and took her hand to give it a playful wriggle before returning to hold the wheel again. "Honest." He really didn't want to admit aloud that...her company had been rather nice. Under any other circumstances, he'd be feeling awfully guilty, even if nothing had happened between them. But as it was, he knew Ryan had needed the comfort and he'd made the right choice. It just so happened that it was pretty nice waking up to a warm someone in his arms.

Making a stop or two along the way, eventually Hunter's stomach reminder him it was lunchtime. "Okay..." He started looking at road signs. "I'm hungry. Wanna see if there's anything close by?"


Garret's mouth twitched a little, almost forming a smile. He let his arms drop and straightened in his chair. He really wasn't sure if he had an answer for Sam. At least not an acceptable one. 

"Well, I can tell you I wouldn't be nearly as nice as you're being." He quirked an eyebrow. "But I understand the hard spot you're in. So..." He thought for a few moments, considering all the real options. "First off, I'd try to give him something more to keep him occupied. I wasn't lying about the door lock. Changing it will give him a new challenge. It sounds kind of cruel, but a mind like his needs something to work on. I'm sure your little gift has helped, but it only goes so far. He's used to mapping out complicated mission scenerios and building firearms from scratch. He's bored and all that does is make him more restless and angry."

He swiveled back and forth a little. "As far as his romantic ideas about the Agency...  I really don't know what would convince him unless he saw it straight from the Agency itself. But I don't see how that's possible unless you want him dead."


Pulling up to the curb, Carson put the car in park but didn't turn off the engine. Mackenzie looked over at him. "You aren't coming in?"

"Nope." Carson gave her shoulder a pat. "Go on. Misty will be glad to see you."

Mackenzie frowned. "Can you at least walk me to the door?"

"What? You're suddenly shy?"

"No, I just... well I..."

Carson wasn't sure where her timidity was coming from, other than she hadn't seen Misty in a while. Still he hadn't expected it. Maybe it was just the idea of the first time spending the night with her alone, even if she was looking forward to it. He sighed and turned off the ignition. "Okay. Come on."

Getting out and grabbing her duffel bag for her, Carson walked her up to the door and rang the doorbell. He wasn't sure he'd ever get used to not just walking right in.