Page 76 of The Soldier

It’s such a weird, out of the blue comment, I can’t help my smile. “No. You?”

“No. But if I did, I’d have a dog.”

“Same.” I press my hip into the bar and turn a little. At least he came up with something original, so I’ll give him a few minutes of my time. “What breed?”

“Something big. Intelligent. A husky probably.”

“They’re a lot of work. Do you jog?”

“Do I look like a jogger?”

I run my gaze over his body and notice how built he is. There doesn’t seem to be any excess fat, so I figure he’s a gym guy. Definitely not the slim lean body of someone who runs.

“Nope.”

The bartender arrives with my drinks, and I start to gather them.

“So, what do you recommend?” he asks, like he’s trying to keep me there talking.

“Going to a pet store and talking to an expert. And getting a better pickup line.” I sip my drink and shoot him a smile.

He laughs.

Like really laughs and it’s contagious. I giggle and decide to go easy on him. I put my drink down and reach out my hand.

“I’m Trina.”

“Roger.” He shakes it and holds on a little longer than is appropriate. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Trina.”

Has the universe just dropped a solution in my lap?

I glance over at my colleagues and nod their way. “Want to join us? It’s just after-work drinks. Most of them will be leaving soon.”

Roger watches them and takes another sip as he slowly makes his mind up. I’m a little taken aback. Most men would jump at the opportunity.

I like that he didn’t.

When his eyes meet mine, he shakes his head.

“No. Go enjoy yourself. If you want to join me for another drink after, I’d love to chat with you again.”

Oh.

My face must fall because he leans in a little closer. “I’d rather have you all to myself.”

This strange feeling comes over me.

I want to tell him I’m taken. That I have a boyfriend. I can just imagine Marshall’s enormous frame surrounding me as he stakes his claim, gripping my hips.

But I don’t.

I’m single. Yet it already feels like someone possesses my heart. Which just makes me more determined not to keep feeling like this.

“Well, let’s see if you get lucky.” I wink, then grab my drinks and head back to my colleagues.

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NINETY MINUTES LATER, after feeling Roger’s eyes on me the entire time, I glance over. It’s not the first time, but I’ve been trying to make a sensible decision.

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