Page 58 of Last Chance

“Sweetheart, as you heard in Brent’s office, any distraction could be fatal. Are you willing to take that risk?”

“One hundred percent ready. I trust you, Sawyer.”

“Even after what happened a little while ago?”

“You protected me. That’s what happened. So, yes, I’m good with you doing more of the same.”

He cupped her cheek with his palm, reveling in his right to touch her. “You’re a special woman, Janie. I’m honored to be part of your life.”

“Even if I come with a guarantee of trouble?”

“So do I. Will you reject me because of it?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Then we’ll be fine. You might want to hold off on committing to a relationship with me.”

“Why?”

“My team is on deployment rotation every other month. That means I will be gone much of the month that we’re on duty. The month that we’re here, we train hard. When Brent is shorthanded, he might have to activate us for a short-term assignment.”

“All right.”

He stilled. “You’re okay with that?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“I may be out of the country for holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and funerals.”

“I’ll stay busy while you’re gone. Will I have a way to speak to you during those deployments?”

“I can arrange that.”

“Good. Do it.”

Sawyer eased closer. “Are you sure? I’ll understand if you want time to think about it.”

“I’m sure. Sawyer, I’m a grown woman. I can call a home repair professional if something breaks that I can’t handle alone while you’re gone.”

“I’ll leave you a list of people Fortress uses for home emergencies like that. If anything else comes up that’s not covered by the people on the list, call Brent or Zane. Both of them have a complete list of vetted repair people we trust inside our homes.”

“Problem solved, then.”

He couldn’t believe how accepting Janie was of the challenges that came with a relationship with an operative. Of course, she hadn’t dealt with the long absences yet. “My teammates’ wives and Jesse’s girlfriend spend a lot of time together when we’re deployed. They’ll invite you to join them. The loneliness can be difficult to handle.”

“I’m looking forward to meeting and spending time with them.” She nuzzled his palm. “Stop worrying. I have a business to run. If I have a problem with the separation from you, I’ll spend time with your teammates’ women and work more in the shop so I can spend time with you when you return.”

He couldn’t help himself. Sawyer slid his arms around her and hugged her. “You are such a gift.”

“You’re an unexpected blessing,” she murmured. “I never expected to survive the hijacking in Mexico, much less meet someone who wanted to start a relationship with me. I have dated little recently.”

“Lucky for me. I’ll make it worth your while.”

She squeezed his middle.

A sharp knock sounded on the door, and Brody peered inside the room. His eyebrows soared when he saw Janie in Sawyer’s arms. “Breaking news for the class, buddy?”

“We’re officially dating.” He could make of it what he wanted. Sawyer knew this was the right woman for him. Whether Janie felt the same about him was anyone’s guess.

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