Page 33 of The Soldier

All of that said, growing up around this world and losing Dad, I have a strong understanding about the dangers and risks to these men and women.

Sorry, that’s classified.

I might have sworn off military men in general but that doesn’t mean I’m not attracted to them, or that Marshall’s ridiculous flirting and our kiss didn’t affect me.

It did.

When I’m not thinking about him, I’m thinking that I’m not thinking about him.

My job as a sales consultant isn’t enough of a distraction, unfortunately. I’m out on the road driving around Los Angeles meeting customers and suppliers.

That’s a lot of drive time to think and think...and think about all that muscle, those blue eyes, and the way his mouth totally possessed me.

Imagine if I’d been sober and could remember it all.

Goddamn him.

Yes I wanted to avoid him, but now I know he’s out on a classified mission all I can do is stare out the window and worry. I don’t even care about the Saint Laurant dress anymore. That’s significant.

I swear, if Marshall doesn’t come home I’ll kill him.

CHAPTER EIGHT

MARSHALL

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I jump out of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and take in the US military base located in Kuwait. My boots hit the ground, and I hoist my duffel up onto my shoulder more securely then run with my head down toward the two men waiting to greet me.

I slow and take in their rank.

One of them salutes me, the other doesn’t. I figure he’s the base commander.

“Welcome to Kuwait, Sergeant Adams.”

It doesn’t matter that I’m a veteran, my rank— Master Sergeant at the time of leaving the Army—is still recognized and will be used for communications during this mission.

“Colonel Rockingham.” I salute, then nod at the private.

We begin to walk.

“I’ve been briefed on some details. Asked to give you our full support to fulfill your mission. Which you have.” The colonel says as we step inside his office. A tent.

“Thank you, sir.”

The heat hits me despite being in the Middle East for over four hours now. I’m drenched. It always takes time to acclimate and hopefully I won’t be here long enough for that to happen.

Once you’ve done a few tours you don’t want to spend much time in this part of the world.

I drop my duffle bag.

The colonel rounds his desk and nods to the private who disappears, but I suspect hasn’t gone far. Then he presses his fingers into the desk, leaning as he looks me right in the eye.

“Is there anything you want to tell me before we go any further?”

“No, sir.” I shake my head. He will have been told all he needs to know and I’m not in any position to share more.

Hell, even I only know the instructions I’ve been given. He knows that.

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