Page 20 of Two Hearts Reunited

Chapter Nine

At sixteen back in high school, Eric had been a little scrawny, despite the fact that he’d played baseball and hockey.

That had definitely changed, Anya couldn’t help thinking as he walked her onto the deserted dance floor, wrapping his arms around her and moving into motion with the music. When she hadn’t noticed that he’d somehow scooted closer to her in the booth, gazing into those deep green eyes of his had thrown her. Was she imagining the slew of emotions that she was seeing deep inside?

Everything felt like it was happening too quickly as Eric tugged her closer. She could feel every inch of him—his big broad shoulders, the tightness of his abs, the thickness of his arms, and if she wasn’t mistaken, he was becoming just as turned on by her as she was by him.

No, she wasn’t wrong, she realized as he pressed her even more tightly against him.

“If you only knew how many times you pulled me through some of the most horrific situations in my life,” Eric whispered.“The only time I was at peace with myself was when I was thinking of you.”

Not daring to believe what was suddenly happening, Anya just clung to Eric, not saying a word.

He sighed. “I guess you should know that I don’t just work in search in rescue. I’m a CRO—short for combat rescue officer.”

She inhaled an unsteady breath. “Is that as bad as it sounds? You do rescues of those of you who are injured in combat situations, then?”

“That’s exactly what I do,” he replied. “And sometimes in special circumstances, I can be called on to work covertly.”

“How many times have you nearly been killed?” she asked, trying not to let the panic sound in her voice.

He cleared his throat. “A few.”

Anya slumped against him, feeling lightheaded.

“Come on. I suppose I should have saved this conversation for after we ate,” he said softly, wrapping an arm around her and walking her off the dance floor. “Have you had anything to eat at all today?”

“I…” she grimaced as she eased back into the booth. “Not much, I guess. I got wrapped up in work this afternoon.”

She’d been thinking abouthim.What an idiot—she’d forgotten to eat.

“Let’s order right away. We can talk more after dinner,” he said, giving her a grin.

She cocked her head, saluting. “Yesss…I suppose you have a rank?”

He winked. “Lieutenant. First Lieutenant, actually.”

“I’m impressed.”

Eric must have been really good at what he did. But why did that make her feel like she wanted to cry?

“But concerned?”

She nodded.

She just didn’t know if she could handle losing another person that she loved.

Chapter Ten

Eric wasn’t sure why he’d revealed everything he had to Anya. Maybe he’d wanted to get everything out in the open right away. She’d haunted him from the day he’d been forced to leave town, and now that he’d returned, he realized that there was no way he was ever going to let her go again.

Although he knew so little about her anymore. But something he’d seen in her eyes made him believe that she’d never stopped loving him either.

When Allie returned to the table, they put in their order. Eric ordered a French Dip. If it was even half as good as it used to be, he would be happy.

“I’ll have the grilled scallops, with a salad and blue cheese dressing,” Anya said, handing over the menu to Allie.

“They’ve added a lot to the menu,” Eric observed. “Next time I’ll have to try something else. I haven’t had a French Dip in a long time. It seems like I’ve been craving one forever.”

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