Page 9 of Gwen's Delta
“It is him. Look at her pink cheeks,” Grams said.
Gwen ignored her as she typed. Was she happy he’d texted? Oh, hell yeah. It was one more point in his favor. He was checking a lot of boxes on her list for the perfect man, but just because he’d acted like a gentleman and had been considerate didn’t mean she had to fall head over heels for him.
Gwen:I enjoyed it. I’m glad we went. I hope you enjoy the book.
“What did he say? Is he asking for another date,” Grams asked, sounding like a child about to get ice cream.
“No, not yet. He just said thank you for coffee. He was called into work. I think he might have to go away for a while.”
“Well, damn.” Disappointment made her cross her arms and pout.
“Grams, don’t you think you’re overreacting a bit?”
“No, not this time. There’s something about him. Don’t tell me you didn’t feel it. I saw the look on your face. It’s the Dedmond Blessing. I know he’s the one for you.”
Gwen knew this was coming and didn’t even try to hide her eye roll. “He is nice, he was polite, and he loves books. But that doesn’t mean he’s my ‘one.’ It will take a lot more than that to convince me.”
Merlin:I know I will. Got to go. I can’t wait to see you again. Later.
Grams pulled her close and looked into Gwen’s eyes. It always surprised her that they were the same height, since her grandmother had always seemed larger than life.
“I understand, but please, Gwenie-Bee, promise me you will keep an open mind and an open heart.” Determination set in Grams’ jaw.
How could she refuse? Besides, there was definitely something between them—only the beginning of a something—but a something just the same.
“I promise.”
“Thank you.”
“Now that you’ve forced her into compliance, Becca, can you let her get back to work?” Then Gramps dragged her grandmother toward the kitchen at the back of the converted store area.
Camelot Rare Books had started out as a dilapidated farmhouse, and after years of arduous work by Gramps, it served as their home and the bookstore.
While trying to concentrate on getting the last of the items entered into the computer, Gwen’s mind kept straying to thoughts of Luke. Was he serious about seeing her again? It seemed like it. Why would he have texted her at all if he weren’t? Shaking her head, she giggled to herself. Thinking about him made her giddy. Maybe Grams was right, and she’d really find her prince.
* * *
After heading home to drop off the book and change into his uniform, Merlin made it back to post in less than ten minutes. He’d had to hustle since he was sure the rest of the team was waiting for him. Based on Roe’s text, it appeared they’d be heading out. He’d hoped they’d have more downtime before they had another mission. He’d been looking forward to spending the evening relaxing with the book and a beer or two. They’d only been back in Texas for two days after a rescue mission in Turkey.
“Sorry to hold you up, Sir,” Merlin said to Roe as he entered the briefing room where the team waited.
He grabbed the empty chair next to Trent “Zip” Dawkins and nodded to the others around the table. Merlin was the oldest by a couple of years, and the gray hair at his temples made him look even older. He was also their unofficial team leader, not only because of his age but his uncanny ability to sense danger. As he’d told Gwen over coffee, they thought he was part warlock.
“No problem, Merlin. I was hoping not to have to call you in on your day off, but there’s been a development in Egypt.” Commander Turano stated.
“It’s been quiet there for a while. I guess our luck ran out,” Merlin commented.
After removing Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood from office in two thousand thirteen, the years of rebellion had finally seemed to stabilize. It figured that just in time for Ramadan, the shit would hit the fan.
“Apparently, it’s not as quiet as we thought. The CIA contacted command and shared that one of their deep-cover agents reported a surge in activity.”
“Fuck. Do we want to know which group he’s with?” Merlin asked. That left several choices, and they went from bad to worse, with Daesh being the worst.
“Daesh,” Turano answered.
Fuck. He hated being right. Even though the Daesh-Sinai had been quieter since late last year, they were gaining followers as ISIS had grown in power. Merlin had researched the distinct groups, always hoping to find out something that would help them.
“Any idea what they’re planning?” Heath “Woof” Davis asked.
