Page 15 of Soldier Cowboy
After seeing her lying on the floor, her sheer nightgown hiked up over luscious legs, he’d had a good long look at his fake fiancée. Spending time guarding her wasn’t exactly going to be a hardship.
“She looks like that woman…who was that singer you crushed on so hard? She wasn’t even a country singer if I recall.”
“Katy Perry.” Colton hung his head.
Damn brother knew where all the skeletons were buried.
“And I still think she’s hot.”
“No argument from me even if I prefer redheads.” He grinned.
“So, what else has changed around here? Because it feels like…pretty much everything.”
“You’ll get used to it. The important things remain the same. Delores still makes the best fried chicken in the state. Riggs is still cranky and ornery but now he has three children so he’s less of a curmudgeon. You should see him when Mary makes him wear a princess crown. I laughed so hard I almost split a rib.”
“I’ll have to get over to see him today.”
“I’m sure he’ll be at breakfast.”
“I hope he remembers me.”
“Are you kidding? No one has forgotten you, bud. We were just waiting for you to come back. And every time we thought you were finally done, you re-upped.”
“They make it tempting. I’m only thirty-five and I can officially retire with a pension that starts in two years.”
That didn’t explain why Colton had rarely taken any of his leaves at home. Sean was kind enough never to ask or pry too deeply. The short story was that he had a fear if he came back, he’d never want to leave. This town…well, it made him feel vulnerable. Weak. Wonderful things had happened to him and his brothers here. Wonderful and horrible. He’d come back for his mother’s funeral, then his father’s not long after. Those were the only times he’d been back, which might have something to do with the vulnerability associated with the trips. And then there was the betrayal involving Taylor, his oldest friend. Though that hadn’t kept him away, it hadn’t encouraged him to run back home, either.
But there were good memories, too.
The first time all three brothers had arrived at the foster home of Calvin and Marge Henderson they were dirty, hungry and abandoned by their drug-addicted parents. It could have been temporary, but once his mother laid eyes on them, she swore she’d never let them go. All three were adopted. There was biological family, and there was found family. He’dfoundhis parents and then lost them again. But he’d lost a lot of friends, too, along the way and learned to live with grief.
“Hey, where’d you go?” Sean elbowed Colton, who snapped out of his daze.
He knew. Of course, he did. They were practically twins. Both raised by an older brother who practically took on the role of father. Riggs. Colton had disappointed him so many times it became another reason coming back was going to be tough. But it was time.
“I’m okay. It’s just…a lot to take in.”
“Then do it slowly. One step at a time.”
Colton wouldn’t mention he had a job to do while he readjusted to life. A job to protect Jennifer, his so-called fiancée. Let Sean believe he was happy and settled. The expression on his face said it all. And maybe it would be a nice distraction. Later, he’d explain, and Sean would understand why Colton chose to keep him out of the loop.
He always did.
CHAPTER5
In the bright light of day, Jennifer breathed in the clear and fresh morning air. As she’d known, the house they were staying in was set on a hill, but outside the land stretched as far as the eye could see. Mostly beautiful flatland, accompanied by the occasional hill dotting the landscape in the distance. There were the boonies, and then there was thecountryside. This beautiful patch of land fell on the peaceful side of country. A person couldn’t feel alone and stranded out here. The beauty of the white cotton clouds so fluffy in the achingly blue sky seemed to show off. Not a hint of smog in sight. Heaven.
It took only three minutes to walk the several yards down the hill to Sean’s home, passing live oaks, pecan trees, and abundant colorful spring wildflowers. Sean’s home had a wraparound porch, complete with a porch swing and decorative pillows. Beautiful potted flowers were hanging from the porch ceiling, sitting along the rail, and on each step leading to the front door. Blue hydrangeas, birds-of-paradise, and columbine made up the landscape of their lush front yard. Jennifer had been walking side by side with Colton, talking very little and trying to mentally prepare for this meeting. He still hadn’t told her much about his past. There’d been no time because she’d dominated the conversation. But their cover story at least fit the fact that they might not actually know each other well. Whirlwind romance, he’d said, and she’d repeated like a parrot.
Maybe not aromance, but this arrangement was definitely hasty and impetuous. Wonder what her father would think if or when he heard they were pretend engaged. Would he wonder in awe at Colton’s brilliance under pressure, or have him court-martialed?
Sean stood on the porch watching as they approached, his arm around a beautiful redhead who must be his fiancée, Bonnie Lee. She looked oddly…familiar. Jennifer had the annoying skill of never forgetting a face. So, whether it be her grocery store clerk, her dental hygienist, or the stewardess on a flight, she had perfect facial recall. Names she forgot, but someone’s face was forever imprinted on her mind. Both a goodanda bad thing. She kept thinking she might know a person, when really, she’d run into them once in her life.
Colton grabbed Jennifer’s hand and pulled her a bit closer. They’d been walking about a foot apart, which didn’t exactly give them the appearance of being in love.
“To make this look real,” he said, answering her unasked question. “Sean knows I’m affectionate with my girlfriend.”
His hand was warm and strong, and she struggled not to feel like she was on a first date with a man. Because essentially, she was.
