Friday evening arrives fast. I’m picking Katie up soon.
I’ve changed my shirt three times, trousers twice, and redone my hair. I’m ready to go.
It’s a date, whether I admit it or not, no matter how many times I tell Dog it isn’t. He’s not fooled in the slightest.
The truth is—I want it to be a date.
I haven’t wanted anything this badly in a long time.
My heart hammers as I drive up to Eden House. I swear I was calmer in Baghdad.
Pulling up in front of the little cottage, I spot a candle flickering in the window. I grab my phone and send a quick text.
Remember to blow the candles out.
Her face appears. She waves, then leans forward and blows the flame out.
My cock reacts like an adolescent teen. I adjust myself, swearing under my breath.
Her front door creaks, and she steps out dressed in fitted jeans, knee-high boots, and a pale-blue wool sweater. Everything clings to her. Her hair is a riot, like every time I’ve seen her. Full makeup. No glasses; she must be wearing contacts.
I watch, mesmerized as she strides down the path, hips swinging like sin. I lower the window. She leans in.
“Going my way, soldier?” she purrs.
And I almost shoot my load in my pants.
Chapter nine
Katie
What the hell am I doing?
How the hell did this happen?
The restaurant he booked is small, low-lit, intimate. This feels like a date, but it can’t be. This beautiful man in front of me is young enough to be my son. I must be reading this all wrong… but the way he looks at me says otherwise.
‘Why are you acting like a whore?’the devil on my shoulder hisses. I close my eyes for a second, blocking her out.
Lance is in full flow, talking about his time in the army. He’s animated and passionate, full of witty stories about his comrades and all their escapades. His housemate, Dog, sounds like an entertaining menace who keeps him on his toes. They’ve traveled the world together and had each other’s backs for years.
“So, tell me about your daughter.”
He gives me the most spectacular smile. The love pours from him before he even opens his mouth.
“Hannah’s my world. She’s sassy and fun. I’m sure she’s going to give me gray hairs in a few years. An absolute firecracker.” He rolls his eyes fondly. “She’s struggling with my separation at the moment. She doesn’t like the idea of living between two homes.”
“And you don’t think you’ll be able to save your marriage?” I try not to sound hopeful; I have no right to sound hopeful. We’re friends and nothing more. This man is the first person I’ve clicked with since I moved here, and I can’t be stupid enough to jeopardize his friendship because I think he’s hot.
He shakes his head. “No, Ainsley’s moved Hamish into the house. To be honest, I think they’ve been together a long time. Possibly the whole time we were married. I can’t really blame her. Me being away for months at a time... a woman has needs, you know.”
“Don’t you bloody dare,” I snap. He startles at my venom. “Did you ever cheat on her?”
“No, but...”
“Exactly, Lance. Don’t you ever make excuses for her behavior. Men have needs too, and you managed to stay faithful. Kept your snake in your pants.”
He bursts out laughing. “Yes, ma’am.” He salutes me and winks. “No excuses. She’s a cheating, lying bitch.”