I smile at my new companions as they take in Cade. He’s imposing. All muscles and attitude. He looks exactly how I’d imagined he did years ago as a major in the marines. Connor examines him closely, obviously he’s not shy.
“Cade, this is Connor, Vic, Tim, and Mason.” My arm sweeps out, showcasing my new friends.
Cade grunts out a greeting while wrapping his hand around my upper arm. “It’s time to go.” He’s done. I can tell. His voice is laced in aggravation as he pulls me to my feet.
With one last look, I offer my hand to Connor. “It was nice to meet you, Connor.”
Connor takes my hand, brings it to his lips, and with a sexy smirk, kisses it. “Anytime, Anniston.”
I’m enchanted with this one. His flirty behavior sucks me right in. I want him.
“Are you sure I can’t get you boys anything before I go?”
I don’t want to leave. I want to know more about these guys. What brought them to this place? My heart breaks as I think of Cade in that ditch. The thought of this charming guy ending up like that brings acid to my throat.
“Just your number.”
His quip has me laughing and pulling from Cade’s hold.
“No,” Cade growls low in my ear. “Don’t even think about it. Theo will kill you.”
I pull farther from his grasp. “I don’t know what you are talking about.” I do, but I’m choosing to ignore it.
“Yes, you do. You can’t save them all.”
Eh, maybe not all but I can some.
I turn, finding those emeralds I have grown to love and poke out my lower lip, allowing every ounce of sadness I have to seep into my words. “I don’t want them to end up in a ditch.”
I don’t need to say more, like, almost dead from hypothermia. He knows what I mean. And by the way he’s staring at me, he doesn’t either. Cade runs a frustrated hand through his hair in resignation. “Theo is going to kill us.”
I smile. Cade is a big ole softy. I rush him, wrapping my arms around his warm body. “You let me deal with Theo.”
With one more squeeze, I let him go. Turning to the foursome, I find the shaggy blond and with a wink, I offer, “How bout my address instead?”
My text to Theo went about as well as I could have hoped. I’m joking. He took it like a routine prostate exam. Stiff and awkward and filled with dread.
Commander:So, uh, guess what I picked up today?
Teddy:Do I even want to know?
Commander:Eh, probably not but I’m going to tell you anyway.
Teddy:I feel a rage coming on.
Commander:Don’t be dramatic.
Teddy:Tell me. Let me get it out of my system before I get home.
Commander:I brought home four more veterans. They needed my help.
No response.
Commander:Theo? Are you there?
Still nothing.
Commander:Theo, don’t be ridiculous. Cade is with me. Nothing will happen. They needed help!
