Page 8 of A Soldier's Destiny
“But you’ll do it for us?”
“Yes,” Rori said but exasperation colored her words. Raptor hid his smile. That was his girl. Wait, what? His girl? He’d only just met her, and he’d never been the possessive type. But then Rori was different and he’d never spent two years searching for anyone before.
“I guess you’re stuck with me for a bit. Do I call you Raptor or Jasper?”
“Whatever you prefer, ma’am.”
“I like Jasper better, you don’t look like a bird of prey to me. I hope you don’t mind early hours and long days.”
“After spending the last ten years in the military, I don’t think it will be an issue, ma’am.”
“Good to know. Oh and please, stop calling me ma’am. There’s really no need, Rori is fine.”
“Yes, ma’am…I mean Rori.” She hadn’t recognized him, but she’d probably tried to put that night out of her mind. But should he tell her who he was? It was probably better to leave it alone, she’d been injured, in shock, and lost her whole family. He would just bring back all the bad memories. Instead, he could start new, and see how they meshed, and see if the feelings he’d tried to suppress for so long were real or just because she’d been the one to get away.
Besides, he had a job to do and it looked like he’d be her protector once again. But this time he’d make sure she stayed safe.
* * *
The men who worked for Chase were ex-military, and even though Rori had been impressed by their sheer size, none of them affected her like Jasper. Intense was a good word. Sex god worked too. He’d melt chocolate just from standing next to it. If the heat rising up her neck was any indication, she was ready to melt. What was wrong with her? And why did she get the feeling he was trying to see inside her head?
“You okay?”
“Huh? Oh, yeah. A bit distracted.”
Lily laughed and elbowed her in the side. “Really? I couldn’t tell.”
“Craptastic.”
“If I wasn’t so fucking head over heels for Alex, I’d be drooling too. But maybe it’s just these freaking hormones.”
“I’m not drooling.” Rori wasn’t positive Lily was teasing, and she used the back of her hand to check.
“No, you’re not. But you should be.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Besides, he’s working for me, right? Sort of anyway. And I’m still in mourning.”
“Fuck that. It’s been more than two years. Jim wouldn’t have wanted you to end up a blue-haired old lady baking all day and spending all night alone. Not from what you told me about him.”
“True. But…”
“I’m not telling you to jump his bones tonight. Just see where it goes.”
“It’s not going anywhere. Why would Mr. sex god want anything to do with me? Have you looked at me lately? I’m sure half the women in Willow Haven follow him around like lost puppies.”
“Nope. Alex told me when he’s not working he keeps to himself. He doesn’t even hang out with the guys. You need to stop hiding behind the fucking counter. I bet you two would be good for each other.”
“I don’t mean to interrupt, but when’s dinner? I’m starving, and Raptor’s stomach growled as soon as he walked through the door. Steele has to get back to the station and write up the report.”
“Ethan can handle most of it, but he’ll be pissed he’s missing out on dinner.”
“Bull shit. He’s practically a chef himself.”
“Yeah, but still…”
“We don’t need everyone over here tonight. Lily and Rori have been through enough today,” Alex said.
“I know. I was going to order pizza but then she started cooking. I’m pregnant, and if you think I’m going to turn down food, you’re crazy.”
