Page 56 of Home Coming

Quinn groaned. “That part wasn’t my intention. I was just helping out a friend.”

“And by friend, do you mean that hottie you’re escorting to fancy restaurants and spending the night with at five-star hotels? That friend?”

“Nothing’s going on. She’s a good friend of the family. Nothing more.”

“All right. Sure. I believe you.” The lack of sincerity in Rich’s tone had Quinn sighing.

“So tell me, was that the only reason for this call? To badger me?” he asked.

“Actually, there is something else. I got a call from a buddy on base. Things are starting to ramp up there. They’re stepping up trainings. One of the teams has been put on one-hour recall. I’m thinking our days of leisure on this leave are numbered. Thought you’d like a heads up so you can plan accordingly. You know, as far asgood family friendsare concerned.”

He hated to admit it but Rich was right. If the team got recalled, he’d have to be on the next flight out. That would leave Bailey without protection.

Bailey and Josie would both be here all alone if he left. It wouldn’t be hard for someone to locate them here. Not with Josie’s habit of posting everything on social. She probably tagged the exact damn location.

That familiar burn in his lower esophagus kicked up. He realized he hadn’t felt it since arriving home, but now he’d need some antacids to go along with his coffee this morning.

Cell still pressed to his ear, he pivoted toward the door to head to his room and saw Bailey hovering in the doorway. “Hey, Rich. I gotta go, but keep me informed if you hear anything more.”

“Will do, brother. I’ll see you in the papers!” Rich disconnected before Quinn had a chance to respond to that, which was for the best.

“Hey,” he said, pocketing his phone and focusing on Bailey.

“Hey,” she said, so softly he barely heard her.

“Want coffee? It’s made.” He swung a hand toward the machine on the counter and the mug he’d just poured for himself.

She gave him a half-hearted head shake. “No. Thank you. I’ll make myself tea.”

“Don’t know how you drink that. It’s like dirty water, but okay.”

He smiled. She didn’t.

She’d probably seen the headlines already on her phone. That would explain her mood.

Right now he needed antacids and a plan to protect her if he had to leave. In that order.

He’d get done what he needed tothenhe’d deal with cheering up Bailey.

CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO

“Good morning.” Josie practically sang the greeting as she padded into the room.

She was dressed already, wearing an oversized snowflake sweater, stretch pants and furry boots. Meanwhile, all Bailey had done this morning was throw a hooded sweatshirt on over what she’d slept in—namely pajama bottoms, socks and a long-sleeved T-shirt.

“Mmm-hmm,” Bailey mumbled as she buried her face in the oversized mug she’d snagged from the shelf for her tea.

Coffee pot in hand, Josie glanced over her shoulder and frowned. “What’s wrong with you?”

Besidesthe fact she’d walked in on Quinn telling someone on the phone she was just a family friend and nothing more?

Bailey let out a snort. “Let’s start with these.” She gave the newspapers a little push with one finger. “Do your parents’ subscribe to all these papers?”

“No. I ran out to the store and grabbed them this morning.”

“Um, why?”

“Because it’s all part of my plan for you.”

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