Page 71 of No Regrets

“Trust me, my friend. It’s you.”

Dex stole another look. She was pretty. Long blonde hair, full lips, her tight top showing off just a little too much cleavage. He hadn't been with anyone since Kelly. Initially he had been hanging on to the hope that she would come change her mind, then he’d just not been interested.

Signaling Jerry, he got another round for the team. He’d drunk more than usual tonight, but it had been a rough couple of days, and they were all letting off steam. The team’s reaction and Sam’s reaction weighed on his mind. Things seemed OK with the team now, but he wasn’t so sure about Sam. He’d talk to him as soon as he had the opportunity, clear the air.

Another hour passed and the guys started to split. He and Ryan remained at the bar.

“Been a tough few days, huh?”

“Few months, more like.” Dex glanced at him.

“I hear you. Any word on Lazir? Is Khalini talking?”

“Not heard.”

“I’m sure Sam will tell us if he hears anything.”

“I’m not exactly in his good books.”

“Maybe not, but we’re still here.”

Dex took a swallow of beer. “I hate that you had to call me out like that, but I’ve learned my lesson.”

“That’s what brothers do. If we can’t call each other out and then move past it, then we’re not really brothers, are we?”

“And the team are good?”

“They’re good. It’s done. This is new for all of us.” He squeezed his shoulder. “Alright. I’m going to head out. Want a ride? You shouldn’t be driving.”

“No, but thanks. I’ll finish up this beer and catch a cab.”

Ryan slapped him on the back as he slipped from the stool. “See you tomorrow.”

As soon as Ryan left, the blonde came and sat next to him. “Wanna buy me a drink?”

Dex looked her up and down. “Sure.” He nodded at Jerry who uncapped a beer for her.

“I’m Sally.”

“Hi, Sally.”

“So, you live around here?”

“Not far. Not seen you around here before.”

“I'm on vacation.”

“Alone?”

“No. With a girlfriend, but she’s er, busy tonight.”

Dex mentally rolled his eyes. Yeah, he knew what that meant. “So, you decided to come to the bar alone.”

“Well, the island is full of Navy guys, so I figured I’d be safe. You’re Navy, right?”

“What makes you think that?”

“The tattoos, the body.” She was openly raking her eyes over him, which he found amusing. Girls like her were a dime a dozen on the island, looking for the thrill of bedding a Navy man. It wasn’t like he hadn't been propositioned before. Girls wanting a one-time thing, a story they could take back home. Mackie was all over them. But Dex never looked at anyone else. It was always Kelly. That little shooting pain zipped through his heart for the millionth time. Would it ever get easier?

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