Page 2 of Waiting to Love You

“Maybe.” Riggs winks at Walker before dropping into the seat beside me. “So, why exactly am I here again?”

“Didn’t he tell you we were taking a yoga class?” I ask, turning my body towards him. My eyes flick toward Brady and Walker standing a few feet away, deep in conversation.

“He may have, but the only thing I heard was Leia’s name, and I agreed immediately,” Riggs’ eyes flicking toward the back of the studio like he’s searching for someone.

“She isn’t here, man. She had to take my dad to the doctor,” Walker chimes in as Riggs’s shoulders sag slightly.

“Damn, you have it bad.” I snicker, clapping him hard on the shoulder. “Maybe if you stopped acting like a five-year-old, she might give you the time of day.”

“I’ve been in love with Leia Armstrong since we were kids. I made one mistake and instantly ended up on the top of her shit list. A place I’ve remained to this day.”

“What the fuck did you do to Leia to earn that position? And why the hell haven’t you kicked his ass for pissing your sister off that badly?” I question, wondering why I never asked this same question in the years that I’ve known them.

“Oh, I kicked his ass, all right, but then I got over it. Riggs is an idiot and has some weird idea that Leia would be miserable if they were together. However, that hasn’t stopped him from pining after her all these years either.”

“Yes, you did.” Riggs chuckles, gripping the back of his neck. His eyes look slightly unfocused, as if he’s lost in the memory of what happened. “He broke my nose, and I had two bruised ribs, but I deserved it.”

“You did, but that doesn’t mean she’ll never forgive you. You just need to explain things to her. I’m sure she’ll understand that you aren’t the same person you were back then.”

“I wish it were that easy.” Riggs scoffs before pushing to his feet and changing the subject. “When are we going to get this party started? Crawdaddy’s is calling our name.”

“Crawdaddy’s?” I question as my eyes narrow in my friends’ direction. “Strange name for a bar.”

“You’re in a town sitting right near the Tennessee/Alabama border, the home of the crawdad. It’s also Beckett’s pride and joy,” Brady smiles proudly. “That place makes the best crawfish dishes in the area, hence how it got its name.”

“It’s also the best place in town to grab a cheap beer and focus on something other than how much is going on in your life.” Riggs throws his arm over my shoulder motioning his chin toward Brady and Walker.“ We try to stop by whenever we’re into town. It has a great atmosphere. Definitely a good place to unwind after a long day.

“Bristol is here somewhere, probably in the back doing something.” Walker strolls through the glass door and into the open studio area before turning left and opening a door.

“Crawdaddy’s is a good idea. I’ve been dying for one of Beckett’s famous burgers,” I respond, my mouth beginning to water.

“I could go for a good local microbrew. The shit they usually have at the bar on base tastes like piss,” Brady chimes in, causing Riggs and me to laugh loudly.

We barely get our laughter under control before Brady shifts his attention over my head, a bright smile blooming on his face. “Look who finally graced us with their presence.”

“I was in the back the whole time with my headphones in. There’s no way I wouldn’t have heard your big mouth otherwise.”

I turn my attention toward the voice and freeze, my eyes connecting with the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on. Her red hair lays over her shoulder in an intricate braid, with a few stray tendrils of hair framing her face. As she comes closer, I notice there are streaks of blonde in her hair brought out by the halo of sunlight behind her head. My eyes continue to wander down her body, taking in the fitted green top covering her curvy frame and the way her apple bottom fills out a pair of black yoga pants. Images of sinking my teeth into that ass as I take her from behind fill my mind, creating a rising problem in my pants.

Her face lights with happiness as she throws her arms around Brady’s neck and squeezes tightly. He chuckles softly, lifting her in the air before placing her feet back on the floor. She doesn’t even get a second to breathe before Riggs wraps her in his arms and spins her around, causing her to let out peals of laughter. Jealousy shoots through my veins as I jump to my feet, my entire being vibrating with the need to rip her from Riggs’s arms. I’ve never had this reaction to a woman before, let alone one I just met, but my body is moving before I stop myself. I have no idea who she is, but I plan on remedying that as soon as possible and learning everything about her.

Unable to contain my desire to meet this woman, I step between her and Riggs, causing her to take a step back.

“Hello,” she replies as she raises her eyebrow in question.

“Hi,” I reply awkwardly, suddenly at a loss for words. Flecks of gold sparkle in her emerald-green eyes as she looks me up and down, probably making many assumptions about me and my manners.

I hold out my hand, shoving it in her direction. “Hello. I’m Seth.”

The gruff sound of my voice surprises me as I clear my throat loudly, causing all three of my friends to snicker softly. I’ve always been slightly socially awkward, but this time it’s different. It’s like I’ve forgotten how to speak. Words are stuck in my throat as I try to make sense of what is happening right now. I’ve never been a person who believes in love at first sight, but right now, I do.

“Hi, I’m Bristol,” she responds tentatively as she looks down at my outstretched hand before grasping it in hers.

As soon as our skin connects, an electric current sizzles up my arm. Her eyes widen in surprise as she pulls her lip between her teeth. The two of us remain standing there, frozen, staring at each other. My heart aches as my hand moves on its own, brushing along her cheek. Her eyes drift closed as she leans into my touch, a soft sigh escaping her lips as I tuck a stray piece of her hair behind her ear. We stare at each other, neither of us moving, trapped in each other’s gaze until Brady clears his throat and breaks the spell.

He gives her his trademark grin. “Excuse him, Bristol. This is my friend, Seth; we are in the same unit together.”

Bristol’s demeanor immediately changes, her eyes hardening in my direction before plastering on a fake smile. “Nice to meet you, Seth. Are you guys ready to get started?”

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