Page 6 of Gwen's Delta
“So you get a lot of orders?” Merlin could listen to her soft, Southern drawl forever. She was small-boned but not skinny, and she had soft curves in all the right places. Her silk blouse clung to her, accentuating the curve of her breasts. If he leaned forward just a little, he’d be able to see a hint of cleavage.
She shrugged her shoulders. “Sometimes, it seems to happen in waves. But trying to get all the items in the store cataloged, photographed, and uploaded has been a bear of a job. Plus, my parents are off on another buying trip.”
The wistfulness in her voice caught his attention. “Do you ever go with them on the trips?”
“I did go a few times when I was in high school, but it didn’t go well. My parents prefer to go by themselves,” Gwen said, regret lacing her words.
Merlin figured there was more to the story, but they were just getting to know each other. If he asked a lot of personal questions, he would probably scare her away.
“That sucks, I mean, unless you don’t want to go.”
“It would be nice to go sometimes, but I don’t mind taking care of the store.” She seemed to shake it off as she turned the full fire of her gorgeous, emerald eyes on him. “All we’ve done is talk about me. It’s your turn. All I know is your nickname and that you collect rare books.”
Merlin knew she’d have questions. It was only fair since she’d answered his. Still, he wasn’t sure how much he wanted to divulge. The team knew his background, but he hadn’t shared it with them until they already knew and respected him as a soldier and brother. Would she look at him differently? He decided on a partial truth since they’d just met, even if she did light him on fire.
“You’re right. But I’m lucky. My granddad loved books as much as I do, and we used to shop for books together. That’s where my love of reading came from.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I can’t even imagine how I’d feel if I lost either of my grandparents. But what a wonderful thing to share with him.”
“Yes, it was. He was an amazing man, and I still miss him. It’s been five years, but it still feels like yesterday.”
“What was your favorite book when you were a kid?” Gwen asked.
Relieved that she’d let the family stuff drop, he smiled. This was a no-brainer. “Robinson Crusoe. I remember the first time my granddad read it to me. And the quote, ‘It is never too late to be wise.’ I try to live by that, though it hasn’t stopped me from my share of stupid.”Damn.When did he become a Chatty Cathy? The guys gave him crap all the time for being quiet, and here he was, spilling his guts over a cup of coffee and a blueberry scone.
She smiled and dropped her hand onto Merlin’s and squeezed, sending a jolt of desire up his arm and straight to his groin. But before he could do more than register the feel of her hand, she pulled away.
“I seriously doubt you’ve ever been stupid,” Gwen said, her voice a little breathless.
“I try not to now that I’m an adult, but when I was in high school, all bets were off. I spent a lot of time in detention. My parents had the principal on speed dial,” Merlin said with a grin.
“A bad boy? Maybe I should have thought twice about coming with you for coffee,” she teased.
He should have left it there, lighthearted and easy, but he couldn’t. Something kept telling him not to let her get away. “I’m glad you did come. You’re a breath of fresh air after spending so much time with my team.”
Her gaze met his for a moment before lifting her cup for a sip. “Me, too.”
He guessed she was in her late twenties, but her innocence was palpable. His brain told him to back off, that she wasn’t like the women he usually dated. Gwen was a keeper, the ones he’d avoided dating. But that didn’t stop him from wondering how her lips tasted, and how her naked body would feel against him. He was in way over his head.
His phone saved him as it vibrated. As he pulled it out of his pocket, he adjusted his jeans so the zipper wouldn’t leave a permanent mark on his flesh.
He checked the message. So much for time off. Maybe it was divine intervention. After sending a quick reply to Commander Rouvin “Roe” Turano, his CO, to let him know he was on his way, he looked over at Gwen. They hadn’t been sitting there long, but he was more relaxed than he’d been in months. He’d even laughed—not usually part of hismodus operandi.
“I’m sorry, but I’m afraid I have to get going. I really enjoyed chatting with you.” He hoped she knew he meant it. There was something special about Gwen. Even though it would be dangerous for him to let her into his life, especially after what happened with Zip, he wouldn’t be able to stay away from her.
“Work?”
“Yes, unfortunately. It happens. So much for my week of leave.”
“It’s okay. I probably should get back anyway.” Gwen gave him a shy smile.
“I’ll walk you back to the bookstore. I saw a book I’d like to get, too.” He could have waited or even bought it online, but he wasn’t ready to leave yet. It wouldn’t take him that long to get back to Ft. Hood. Another few minutes shouldn’t matter.
“Which one?” she asked as they put their cups in the dirty dish bin by the café’s door.
“Life of Merlin,by Thomas Heywood. I’ve been looking for it for ages. Do you know if it’s the first edition?”
“Yes, it is. Excellent choice. The book has some light foxing and tiny holes in the text, but considering it was published in sixteen forty-one, I’m not surprised.”
