Honor Under Siege

agents. They understood about shopping.

Nevertheless, three hours later, Blair found that even Paula was as

grumpy as any of the male agents who had ever accompanied

her on a shopping excursion.

“Im just going to try on these dresses. She gave Paula a

winning smile. “I need something for the fundraiser this

weekend.

“It feels like divine punishment that were shopping at a

place cal ed the White House, Paula said with a sigh.

“Maybe its cosmic destiny, Blair said as she carried another

stack of clothing into the dressing room. “If you see Diane, tell

her Im in here. She went to check out the shoes.

“Fine. Great. Paula turned her back to the dressing room door

and folded her arms. It wasnt that she minded shopping so

much, she just didnt like to do it for hours on end. And

when she went shopping, it was always with something specifi c

in minda new pair

of shoes or a suit to replace one that got torn up or soiled

during work. It was never just to check out the latest styles. She

scanned the dress department, automatical y reviewing the faces

to see if any seemed familiar from other stores, other

departments. She didnt recognize anyone and was comfortable

that they were not being fol owed. Felicia, posted in the aisle

between the dresses and accessories, was doing the same thing.

Hara had drawn the short straw and stayed with the vehicle.

Idly, Paula watched a woman pull a white halter dress from a

rack and hold it up in front of her body. The unexpected mental

picture of Renée in that dress stirred a hum of arousal in the

pit of her stomach, and she swiftly looked away. Felicia was

right. Shopping was dangerous duty.

* * * * *

Diane lifted a Louboutin black lace and suede pump with a

peep toe, thinking it would go well with the dress she was

planning to wear to the fundraiser Blair had invited her to.

Ordinarily, she would have looked forward to a gala event, but

it was hard to be excited about a night out now.

“Would you like to try those on? a saleswoman asked with a

polite smile.

“Yes I Diane caught her breath as she glimpsed a fi gure slip

from view on the opposite side of the room. She went on

hurriedly, “Not just yet, thank you.

“Of course. Just let me know.

Diane dropped the shoe back onto the rack and walked quickly

across the

seating area toward the sign marked exit. She pushed through the fi re

door and into the stairwel .

Valerie stood on the

landing.

“Oh my God, Diane breathed. She extended one hand, but didnt touch

her. “I wasnt sureI thought I saw you once earlier, but I told myself it

was just my imagination. She let her fi ngertips drift down Valeries

cheek. “It is you, isnt it?

Valerie caught Dianes hand and kissed her palm.

“Yes.

“How did you know where I

was?

“I cal ed the gal ery and asked for you. They know me as an art

dealer, remember? Valerie kept hold of Dianes hand, stroking the top

with her thumb. “They told me you were in DC, and it wasnt hard for

me to fi gure out where.

“But how did you know I would be

here ?

Valerie smiled softly. “The Suburban is hard to miss. Ive just been

waiting until you werent with Blair.

Diane touched the loose curls at the base of Valeries neck. “Youve

cut your hair. She fi ngered the soft blond strands. “Its nice. She

was used to seeing Valerie in stylish slacks, silk blouses, and designer

jackets. Today she wore a navy T-shirt, low-cut Levis, and scuf ed

brown boots. Her worn brown leather jacket was over-sized, hiding

her ful breasts and slender torso. She looked younger. And she

looked very tired. “Are you al right?

“Yes. Valerie drew a shaky breath. “God, I want to kiss

you.

Diane smiled. “Thats good, because I feel the same way. Do you think

we could get out of the stairwel ?

Valerie shook her head. “I shouldnt even be here, but I just hadI just

wanted to

see

you.

“Youre in trouble, arent

you?

“Im not sure. Valerie leaned forward and brushed her lips over Dianes.

“Im so sorry.

“For what? Diane gently caressed Valeries face again, then drew closer

and kissed her softly. Shed left her coat in the car, and the heat of

Valeries body penetrated her silk blouse and slacks as if they werent

even there. Dianes nipples tightened instantly and she moaned softly.

“Oh, Ive missed you. Where are you staying? Can I come to you?

Valerie shook her head. “No. You cant right

now.

Diane slid her hand inside Valeries jacket and clasped her waist. “Then

come to me. We need to talk. I need to understand whats happening.

She kissed her again, harder. “I need you. Please.

Valerie skimmed her fi ngers into Dianes hair, her body trembling. “You

cant. It might be dangerous, and I wont have you hurt.