Page 84 of The Soldier

Roger did message me and I met him outside Aidan’s house. It didn’t even feel like a date, but the moment we stepped inside the door his hands were on me.

I was a little miffed, but this was the whole point. To let Marshall know I’d moved on.

If Roger thinks I’m a sure thing at the end of the night, he’s wrong.

He’s proving a popular “date.” There is zero chemistry between us, despite enjoying some of our flirting the night before, but a bunch of girls are showing a bit of interest.

My eyes keep wandering over to my alpha toy solider. My god, the way he towered over me when he came over when we arrived, I wanted to melt into his big hard chest.

How he makes my body sing just by being near me is nothing short of magic. I could feel my nipples hardening and core clenching even as he was glaring down at me.

Truth is, I didn’t like seeing him so upset.

Roger, well he’s driving me a little nuts.

“Where did you meet him?” Alice asks. “He’s funny.”

Oh crap. I hope she doesn’t fall for him. That would be awkward as hell.

“At a bar after work last night. He’s new in town so I thought he might like to meet people.” I lie.

Alice is too innocent. Well, not really, but she’s an angel compared to me. Someone like Roger would chew her up, gargle with her goodness, and spit her out.

I won’t let that happen.

“Hey, let’s dance,” I say, tugging on his arm and separating them.

After all, he’s here to stop me running across the room and asking Marshall if his arm is sore. If he needs anything. If he could please kiss me again like I’m the only woman in the world. If I could fall asleep in his arms again.

But please don’t let me fall in love with you.

“This dress, goddamn it’s hot,” Roger says while we dance to an upbeat song.

He’s a good dancer. I’ll give him that. I spin around knowing my dress will lift a little and wiggle my brows.

“Thank you.”

“Let me guess. Marshall is an ex.”

I shrug and wiggle my hips. “Not really.”

It’s true. We haven’t exactly dated.

“He works for Briar’s boss.” Who he met earlier and had a long conversation with.

“Ah. The Marine.”

I nod.

“Are they all military here?”

I glance around at the fifty-something people at the party. Some I recognize, some I don’t. Actually quite a few I don’t. I spot Savannah, who is sticking close to Ryder, and her bodyguard who is in casual clothes. It’s so unnecessary with all the guys here, but then again, what do I know? I’m a sales rep.

So, I don’t know the answer but I suspect they are.

“I don’t know everyone but probably, yes.” I sing along to the song wondering why he’s so interested. “Hey, I haven’t asked. What do you do?”

I’m a bitch.

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