Ashton nodded at the other man, then turned to Summer.He pulled her close.“I’ll see you soon.Call me as soon as you get there.”
She touched his cheek.“Be careful.”
“Always.”
He kissed Chloe on the nose, brushed Summer’s lips with his, then was gone, sprinting down the hallway.
Summer realized this was how life would always be with Ashton.He could be called away at a moment’s notice when his SWAT skills were needed.
But she was willing to live with that.What Ashton did—what all of Omega did every day—was important.Of course, she and Ashton hadn’t even talked about the future yet.
But she couldn’t imagine hers without him.
Summer turned and faced the big, young agent who’d been assigned to her.
“I’m Tyrone Marcus, ma’am.”
“Thanks for doing this, Tyrone.I’m sure it can’t be too exciting for you.”
He took her bag and began walking with her and Chloe back toward the main exit.
“It’s no problem.Agent Fitzgerald and the other SWAT members have really taken me under their wing.They’re role models for us all.”
“How long have you been an agent?”
“Three years.And I’ve just been accepted into the SWAT training program.Pretty excited about that.”
They were almost to the door when they passed another man, who seemed to be staring at Tyrone.
Tyrone gave him a short wave.“Hey, Saul, they announced the new SWAT training acceptance group starting in the spring.You in this time, man?You were so close the last couple of times.”
Saul, young and muscular like Tyrone but with sandy blond hair that made him look like a surfer, pulled tightly on his tie as if it bothered him, then shook his head.“Nah.I withdrew myself from consideration.I’ve decided to go another route.”
Tyrone nodded.“That’s cool.Everybody has to do what works for them.”
“Exactly.I think I’ve finally found something that works for me.”The two men shook hands.Tyrone’s smile definitely seemed more sincere than Saul’s.Probably jealousy about the SWAT acceptance.Sour grapes.Summer felt a little sorry for the guy.She tried to give him her friendliest smile as he walked away.
Tyrone led her to the car in the parking garage.“Omega SWAT competition is tough.And it’s not just physical.They’re looking for the whole package.Even going through this training doesn’t guarantee I’ll be selected for the team.”
“I’m sure you’ll make it.”
“It’s all I’ve ever dreamed of doing.I’ve been practicing some with the team for the last couple of weeks.No missions yet, but still absolutely fantastic.”He flashed her a toothy smile.“Heard a little bit about you and some muffins.”
Summer rolled her eyes.“Don’t get Ashton back on my bad side.”
Tyrone chuckled.“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
He’d make a good fit for the team, Summer could already tell.She hooked Chloe’s car seat into the back seat of the car.Chloe was climbing all over the front seat with Tyrone next to her attempting to keep her from doing any damage to herself.
“I’m going to sit back here with her if that’s okay,” Summer said.“Try to stop her from falling asleep which she normally does as soon as we get in motion.I want to keep all her sleeping for the plane, if possible.”
“That’s fine.But it’s hard to believe anyone with this much energy could fall asleep so quickly.”
Summer rolled her eyes.“Believe me, it’s like a light switch.And she won’t be happy that I’m keeping her awake.The drive to the airport will not be pretty.”
She got the car seat situated and stepped out of the car.A shriek escaped her when a man moved out from the dark shadows of the garage too close for Summer to feel comfortable.
Tyrone immediately shot out of the car, weapon in hand.
