Love & Deception (Agents in Love - Book 1) Read Online Free

always surprised the way Muhammad
had no problems asking for what he needed. Then again, he’d built
Compassion For All mostly on charitable contributions. He was used
to asking.
    Nick nodded, seeming unfazed by Muhammad’s
forwardness. “I’m more of a contributor than a hand’s on guy. If
Carlie thinks what you’re doing is worthwhile, I’ll think strongly
about writing a check.”
    “Every little bit helps.” Muhammad put his
arm around Carlie’s shoulder and squeezed her to his side. “Things
have been a lot easier since this wonderful lady moved to town. She
donates a lot of food and even bakes for us sometimes.”
    Nick’s mouth firmed into a thin line and
some of the warmth melted from him. “So you guys are close, huh?”
Although he directed the words at Muhammad, he glanced at the space
between Muhammad’s and her body—or rather, lack of space.
    Suddenly uncomfortable with Nick’s scrutiny,
Carlie ducked from under Muhammad’s arm. “Why don’t we grab the
food? I don’t have much bread left, but there’s a pot of soup that
needs to be eaten by Monday.”
    Without waiting for a reply, Carlie started
toward the kitchen. She didn’t know what to make of Nick’s
reaction. He seemed almost jealous of Muhammad touching her, but
that was crazy. She had to be reading him wrong. Why would Nick
care? They’d barely met each other, and she hadn’t even agreed to
go out with him.
    Though if Muhammad hadn’t walked in, she was
sure she would have. It was a nice dream, for a few seconds. By the
time she finished packing the food, she was sure Nick would have
come to his senses and asked Shelley out. He must even now be
wondering what possessed him to ask her.
    Muhammad followed her into the kitchen. “I
don’t think your new boyfriend likes me.”
    “He’s not my boyfriend.” She grabbed a
plastic tub from the cupboard above the sink and set it on the
countertop. “I think the soup is cool enough to pour in, but I’ll
let you do it. It’s pretty heavy.”
    While Muhammad busied himself with the soup
pot, Carlie bagged the small amount of leftover bread. Even though
Shelley didn’t understand the need Carlie had to help Muhammad, it
made her happy to know she was making a difference in other’s
lives.
    “One of my favorite trips was when I
traveled with my parents to Africa.” She twisted the bag closed and
secured it with a plastic clip. “It was their mission to distribute
mosquito nets to fight malaria and I played with the children
there.”
    “And where are your parents now?”
    Carlie jumped, startled. She couldn’t
believe she’d just told some of her past to Muhammad. It wouldn’t
do for anyone around here to learn enough information to lead to
her real identity. Not that she expected Muhammad to betray her to
anyone, but he might talk to someone without realizing it could
hurt her.
    “Forget I said anything.” She shook her
head. “I sometimes feel the need to justify why I enjoy helping
your charity. Certain people don’t understand.”
    Muhammad rummaged in the bottom drawer to
the right of the sink, long familiar with where Carlie kept things
after so many months working together. He pulled out the lid for
the tub of soup and snapped it into place. “You do realize
Shelley’s an employee, right? She has no say in what you do with
the leftovers.”
    “She’s my friend.” Carlie shrugged. “But
you’re right, she doesn’t understand.”
    “I’m glad you don’t let that stop you. A lot
of people are benefiting from your kindness.” Muhammad picked up
the soup and headed for the doorway, and Carlie followed behind
with the bread.
    They stepped into the dining room. Although
she expected Nick to be gone, he sat in the booth nearest the exit,
watching her. Shelley stood in the corner, flirting with her
adventure guys, and the rest of the customers had cleared out. Nick
jumped up to open the door, but didn’t follow them out.
    After they put the food in Muhammad’s