Page 31 of Betrayed

“Thanks, man,” Jay said when I handed him the coffee I’d grabbed in town. We stood beside his car, enjoying the early morning sun as we talked. The forecast called for perfect spring weather, with sunny skies and warm temperatures.

“Anytime. All good here?”

“Quiet night.” He sipped his coffee. “I’ll be glad when I get to see some real action.”

My anger flared, because in this instance action meant a threat to Blake, but I choked it down and reminded myself he didn’t mean it that way. He was young, and used to the action that came with being in the Special Forces in a war zone. Overnight security duties would seem boring in comparison.

“Give it time, we all started out doing the boring jobs,” I said. “And remember, in our line of work, boring is good.”

“That’s what everyone keeps telling me,” he said. “If you’re good, I’ll take off.”

“Yeah, I’m good.” I clapped him on the back and said, “Go get some rest.”

Thankfully, Jay didn’t ask me why I was early. He didn’t need to know it was getting harder to leave Blake's safety in anyone else’s hands, no matter how much I trusted them.

An hour later, my phone buzzed.

“Janerek,” I answered.

“Jay says you relieved him early?” I could hear the laughter in Jack’s voice.

I should’ve known he’d mention it.

“Is that a problem?” I asked.

“No. Not as long as we’re providing the coverage we promised.”

I grunted and scanned the area to remind myself I was there to do a job, not to see Blake.

“You got it bad, dude.” Jack didn’t bother to hide his laughter. “I’ve never seen you look at or react to anyone the way you do to Blake.”

“Fuck you, Sheppard.”Great come back, idiot.I had a better chance of being crowned Miss America than I did of convincing Jack I wasn’t falling for Blake.

“That’s what I thought.” He paused. “Listen, I’m the last person to tell you not to get involved, but you have a job to do. Don’t let your emotions be a distraction.”

“Yes, sir.” I was being an ass to my best friend. “Sorry, man, I don’t know what’s gotten into me.”

“I do, you’re in love.”

Fuck.

“Hell no.” That couldn’t happen. Not only would she never feel the same way about me, but I’d vowed to never get married or have kids. I couldn’t turn out like my father if I didn’t have a wife or kids.

Of course, Jack didn’t know that. He only knew the lame excuse I’d given; there were too many beautiful women in the world to settle down.

He laughed again. “Let me know if you need anything.”

“Will do.” I disconnected the call before he could say anything else.

Not wanting to be alone with my thoughts, I stared at the front door, willing Blake to come out early. When that didn’t work, I walked the driveway, making sure I never lost sight of the door.

After what felt like a million years, the door opened. I started to move before seeing Blake, eating up the distance to the steps in a few long strides.

“Good morning,” I said as I waited for her at the bottom.

“Morning.” Her sad smile made me want to swoop in and destroy whoever or whatever had caused it.

I stepped in behind her and escorted her to the sedan. “Front or back today?”Please say the front.

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