Page 53 of Make it Real
I laughed, trying to imagine making a major career decision purely out of spite. I could understand the impulse, just not seeing it through. “Obviously.”
“Pop was so proud, though. Hadn’t been expecting that, but he took it as a sign I was finally growing up a little. Learning a little self-control. And I did…eventually. Basic was tough, not gonna lie, but after that, I liked the hands-on work. Practical results, working on a team, the challenge of it all. I took pride in what I did. Whatever that teacher thought, it suited me well.”
“What was your rank?”
“Staff Sergeant.”
I couldn’t help giving him a hard time. “So I should call you Staff Sergeant Evans when I really want you to do something for me?”
He leaned forward, his eyes lit with pure fire. “Oh, darlin’, that’s not how that works. Only call me Staff Sergeant if you’re planning on following every orderIgiveyou.”
Heat unspooled in my belly, all my empty promises to not catch feelings for Jed burning to a crisp. Wasn’t sure what kinds of orders he might give me, but I had no doubt I’d like them all.
This was so wrong. Sitting in a family restaurant, making veiled sexy talk over Army rank. I was definitely going to Hell.
“Why’d you leave?”
“When my mom passed away, I realized I didn’t want to be away from my family so much anymore. So I came home.”
“Do you miss it?”
Relaxing back into the booth, he seemed to consider. “It’s more that I got used to it. It was easy, after a while, doing what I was told, completing tasks. I don’t want to go back, but I don’t always feel like I’m out, either. I moved around every couple of years, sometimes halfway across the world. I’ve been back in Magnolia Ridge three years, and I feel like I’m supposed to get my change of station orders any day now.”
“Do you like that kind of constant variety?” I couldn’t help thinking I’d circled back to theromantic interestsconversation.
He watched me a long time, like maybe he’d had the same thought.
“I used to. These days, I guess it doesn’t have the same appeal.”
SEVENTEEN
jed
I droveCallie back to her place wondering why I hadn’t thought to add something else to our evening. A movie, drinks—even going inside to try the pho sounded better than calling it a night when we reached her door. But I told myself we weren’t doing this for me—much—and I’d intended to follow her lead, letting her ask for what she wanted.
I had a feeling once I started asking for what I wanted with Callie, I’d never stop.
“Gran’s dead serious about game night—about the invite, and the games themselves. They weren’t joking around about betting, so definitely only bring as much cash as you’re willing to lose. They’ll sniff out anything you don’t ante up and pressure you to bet it, anyway, fair warning.”
“One question: Will they accept nickels?”
She waved a dismissive hand. “Sorry, cash bills only. But there’s always way too much food, so be prepared to eat.”
“Should I bring something? I remember you saying your gran was adamant you shouldn’t show up to places empty handed.”
“Please. I’m sure they’d make an exception for you. You’ll be the guest of honor.”
“Don’t need to risk it, though. Uh, speaking of being the guest of honor.”Super smooth there, Jed.“My pop wants to invite you to family dinner next weekend. He said Saturday, if you’re free. Honestly, if you’re not free, he’ll just move the date to whatever works for you.”
Pretty sure at this point, Callie could show up any night of the week without me and he’d welcome her in with open arms.
“He’s so sweet. I can go Saturday.”
“Perfect.”
I pulled in front of her house and walked around the truck to get her door. She climbed out using the running board, and I didn’t think I’d ever been quite so happy over anything quite so simple in my life. One small step for Callie, one giant leap for Jed’s dumb heart.
She turned toward the house but stopped, grabbing my arm to halt me, too. “They’re doing it again.”
