Page 10 of Home Coming

“Problem?”

He glanced up and saw a woman had approached him. By the official USO lanyard around her neck that displayed her name asBlessinghe could tell she was a volunteer.

His knee-jerk reaction was to say everything was fine, smile and wish her a nice day before heading inside. But something—he didn’t know what—propelled him to say, “It seems I’m the one surprised by my surprise trip home to see my parents. I just found out they’re away on a two week cruise.”

“Ah. I see.” She tipped her head to one side and seemed to look right into him as she smiled. “But it’s not a waste of a trip.”

He frowned at her repeating aloud almost the exact thoughts in his head.

“It’s good you’re going home. There’s someone there who needs you.”

His brow furrowed deeper as the truth of what she said hit home.

His sister—the problem child—was there and alone. He could use some time with her. Maybe get her straightened out. And who knew what trouble she could get into there all by herself.

But how had this woman guessed he was needed at home?

He decided it was a lucky guess, compounded by the facts that she was obviously a people person and he was shit at keeping what he was thinking from showing on his face when not on a mission. And this situation—his parents, his sister, his flight—was stressing him the fuck out.

Give him a weapon and a clear target and he was fine. But throw a family problem at him and he felt like he was spiraling.

He had no plans of discussing any of that with this stranger. No matter how kind she was trying to be.

“You're right. It’ll be good to be home,” he said, hoping to end further conversation that would delve into his personal life with this oddly intrusive woman.

Although, she seemed truly kind. Her smile looked warm and genuine, unlike his forced one.

“You don’t believe that yet, but you will. Now come. I’ve got the perfect place for you to wait in the library—that's were the comfy seats are.”

She led him to the doorway then paused and turned back to him.

“There are a few already seated there. Alex and Ian, both fresh out of the Army, and Danny. He was in the Navy, just like you. I’ll introduce you. I expect one more any moment now. I’ll walk you two back together. All of their flights were affected by the weather, just like yours.”

“Uh. Okay. Thanks.”

Had he mentioned his flight had been delayed? Or that he was in the Navy?

He didn’t think so. But just as he considered asking how she’d known, the woman’s eyes lit as she stared over his shoulder.

“Ah, here he is now. Welcome. If you’ll follow me, I’ll get you two signed in and show you to your seats. I know you’ll all have lots to talk about.”

The new arrival’s gaze shifted from Blessing to Quinn, a frown creasing his forehead as she moved toward the check-in desk.

“Did I miss something?” the new arrival asked.

“Easier to just smile and go with it, man,” Quinn said quietly with the slightest shake of his head.

The man’s brows rose but he tipped his head in agreement. “Gotcha.” He extended one hand. “Roan Thatcher.”

“Quinn Baldwin.” Quinn shook Roan’s hand quickly before they both turned to—for better or worse—check-in with Blessing.

It was going to be an interesting wait here at the USO, but apparently he wasn’t going to be in it alone.

CHAPTERFOUR

Stashed in the backseat of Xander’s company car, while his fingers flew over his phone, Bailey picked up her own cell and typed in a text to Axel.

Can you talk?

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