And what about Halia and Summer?
One way or the other, stay or go, how did he keep them safe? Adam may have put him back on full duty, but Jamie knew the dangers involved. He wasn’t healed. Mentally or physically. And in his current condition, he shouldn’t be trusted with keeping a cactus alive and well, never mind a prickly little pixie and her baby girl.
And yet, less than twenty-four hours after crawling into bed with Summer and snugging her sweet ass tight to his dick, he’d claimed them both. Proof he wasn’t thinking straight.
“That’s understandable,” Nalini replied. “Your call to duty gave your life meaning and purpose, and so much of how you define your self-worth is tied into being of service to your team and country. Your knee injury is forcing you to re-evaluate where and how you fit into the bigger scheme of things, and feeling like you lost such an integral part of yourself can be devastating. It’s another facet of the grieving process you’ll have to work through. I know it seems overwhelming, but it’s important to acknowledge your feelings of grief and loss. While at the same time, it’s equally important to recognize and accept the small joys and pleasures life sees fit to send your way.”
“So basically, what you’re saying is one day at a time.”
“You got it.”
“You know that’s not really how a team like ours operates, right?”
She huffed a laugh. “So I’ve heard.”
“Okay.” He inhaled a deep breath, held it in for several heartbeats, and then slowly let it go, along with some of the rage he’d been fueling. “What’s my homework?”
“No homework,” she replied. “Eat a healthy meal. Get a good night’s sleep. Focus on the here and now for the next twenty-four hours. I’ll put you in my calendar for the same time tomorrow, but if you need to reach out before then, call my emergency line anytime. Day or night. Doesn’t matter. Alright?”
“Yep, sounds good. I appreciate you taking the time to fit me in.”
“Happy to help, and remember, take pleasure in the little things, Jamie. Sometimes they offer the greatest rewards.
An image of Summer, eyes blazing, popped into his head, and he snorted. “Yeah, and sometimes they want to bash you over the noggin with a hoof pick.”
“Well, sometimes we need that too,” she replied, her smile too full of mirth to be considered professional. “Especially when it comes to alpha protectors with thick skulls.”
* * *
“Holy shit, your hair looks amazing!”Gray said, catching up to Summer at the top of the grand staircase and taking the baby from her arms.
“You think so?” Her hands free, she picked out a curl and held it up to the light.
Still seething long after Jamie had left, she’d dug out the discounted bottle of semi-permanent dye she’d bought on a whim and then held onto for eight months. And while she’d fumed and Halia had slept, she’d replayed every word of her argument with the bossysafety trumps discussiongrump and colored the bottom half of her hair.
“Fuck yeah, pink is your color.”
Woohoo. Take that, Mr. Snow-it-all.He’d ordered her to nap. She’d changed her appearance instead. Mature? Maybe not. Satisfying? Heck, yes. Would be even more satisfying if he hated it.
But his cane was pink. So what if he actually liked the color? What if he liked the color on her? Summer’s heart hit a speed bump, thumping hard against her ribs as she descended the stairs. Nope.Bad heart. Very bad heart!She didn’t want Jamie to like the way she looked. In fact, she didn’t want him to notice her at all.
Her own snort clued her into the lie. But whatever. He’d made himself clear. He didn’t want her or Halia here, which made him enemy number one in her eyes.
“I heard Jamie’s being a dick,” Gray said, kissing the baby’s head when they reached the landing.
Summer shrugged, faking an indifference she didn’t feel. “He doesn’t think it’s safe enough for Halia or me to be here.”
Steps in sync, they headed toward the great room. Eve had organized a game night, which meant she wanted everyone to get together, and spending time with the whole group had become one of Summer’s favorite pastimes.
“What doyouthink?”
“I think living with a black ops unit armed to the teeth is the safest I’ve ever been. I don’t know everything, but I do know who Jay is. I know the JTT has enemies. And I know there are risks in choosing to stay. But I’ve talked to Adam, and this is where I want to be.”
“Good. I like having you and the poop machine around. Reminds us, there’s more to living than fighting. I mean, what’s it all for if not for family, right?” Not someone who was comfortable with touchy-feely moments or prone to sentimentality, Gray taking the time and making the effort to say she wanted Summer to stay meant a great deal.
“Does this mean we’re best friends?” she teased, looking around the great room as they entered. With Jamie nowhere to be found, disappointment coupled with relief hit her, and she breathed a silent sigh of relief.
“Yep.” Gray grinned.
