Page 37 of Metal & Mud

"What's that?"

Instead of answering Sabby, Logan looked at Sergeant Adams, who raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"

"Does this mean I can call you Sarge now?"

Sergeant Adams laughed. "You could have done that starting three days ago. Goodnight, Hollywood."

She went inside, and Sabby gave him another quick kiss. "Goodnight, Logan."

As he returned to his truck, Logan acknowledged that Sergeant Adams was right about his uncomfortable condition.

But despite that, and the strange twist this evening had taken... he felt oddly content.

* * *

18

SABBY

In all her years in Virginia, Sabby couldn't recall having a better few weeks. First, the weather was perfect. Late summer in Virginia was typically humid and scorching, but offshore weather systems had pulled the heat into the ocean, leaving behind blue skies and cool breezes.

This meant Sabby had plenty of date options with Logan. Sometimes they had a "quickie" hangout at the alley after his duty day. When schedules aligned, they enjoyed picnics by the lake, sharing simple sandwiches while exchanging music recommendations from their playlists. They'd even sung together, and Sabby loved his strong, powerful tenor voice.

More than anything, she enjoyed his company. Even spraying down rental shoes was enjoyable with him around. He always knew how to make her laugh, and his flirtations left her heart racing.

What impressed her most was his respect. When she declined dinner on Thursday to finish a class assignment, he was completely understanding. Despite Thursday being his "short day," he didn't pressure her. He simply said they'd make it up later and even texted before bed asking about her homework.

*Were you able to get that logo completed?*

Sabby smiled, relaxing on the couch as she replied:

*Yup. I won't say it's on the level of Coca-Cola, but it's pretty good.*

*Can I see it?*

Sabby sent the image, and Logan quickly responded:

*I like it. Good flow, easy to see what it's about. Very effective.*

*Thanks.*

*What're you doing now?*

Sabby shifted, wondering if Logan was thinking about sexting. The idea intrigued her, and she glanced toward the other room where Jess was doing her nighttime "mobility" stretches—too tough to call it yoga, naturally.

*Just laying back on the couch, dressed for bed and sort of wishing I'd taken up your offer to hang out.*

It wasn't an outright invitation, but Sabby did miss Logan's touch. They hadn't been intimate since that first night, but she thought about it often. His perfectly toned body, courtesy of Army training, was incredibly attractive. Running her hands over his washboard abs while making out left her burning for more.

And his kisses? They turned her brain to pudding. The thought of cuddling with him on the couch right now had her feeling distinctly warm.

His reply came quickly:

*I know what you're doing. Naughty girl.*

Sabby grinned. He was perceptive, almost reading her mind at times.

*Me? Naughty?*

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