Page 113 of Protective Heroes

“We’re never certain. They’re talking about it, but until a command comes down, we don’t know. We could scramble tomorrow or in a year. Until then...”

She met his gaze, seeing uncertainty there too. “What?”

“I want you. This. You and me, Allison. I knew it would be perfect, and I was right. You fit me like a glove in every way. I need you in my life, woman. I don’t know how else to say it.”

She was silent, ingesting his words and letting them sweep her away on a wind of hope again.

After a minute, he said, “Does it scare you to be with a soldier who might be leaving you soon?”

She nodded, unable to lie.

“But you know there are ways we could stay in touch, right?”

“Of course, Lincoln.”

“I’d do everything in my power to keep you remembering me. Starting with this.” He swept his hand down her body again, right between her legs. Her pussy was still hot and swollen and needy—and he knew exactly where to stroke her to bring her off quick and hard against the deliciously rough pads of his strong fingers. When she was lying in the wreath of his arms again, he kissed her with so much tenderness that she forgot all about the what-ifs.

“When do you have to be at work?” he asked between kisses.

“O-seven-hundred.”

“Then I’ll have you standing at the door at six-fifty-nine. I’m not letting you out of my sight for a single minute more than I have to. Besides, I have great stamina.”

She laughed. “Oh, and I am guessing you’re wanting to test mine?”

“That is an affirmative Nurse Allison.”

She laughed again, and he covered her mouth with his, taking all her sounds for himself. Then he probed her clit with his forefinger again, and she forgot all about laughing and more about moaning.

Eight

Abouquet appeared before Allison’s eyes, and she gasped. Whirling to see Lincoln standing there, looking slightly more tanned from the last few days of burning sun. He grinned crookedly and held the flowers out to her.

She took them and buried her nose in them just as she had a week ago on their date. “You’d better watch it—I could get used to being spoiled this way.”

“Good, because I want to spoil my baby every day of the year.” He glanced around.

“What are you looking for?” She set the flowers aside to put in water later.

“Is there a broom closet or something where we can be alone?”

She laughed and then covered her mouth. The triage unit was hopping today. “I’m sorry, but no. You shouldn’t be here at all. I’m really busy.”

“Okay, but I had to see you to ask you something.” He looked like a kid hiding a big secret.

She cocked a smile. “Really? Okay, hit me. I’m ready for it.”

“I know you have two days off, and well, I’ve managed to swing two days off too. My buddy who owns the house on Willow’s Pond is away for the week, which leaves it open for some fresh blood.”

She blinked at him, not daring to hope what he was saying was the same route her brain had taken.

He nodded and caught her hands in his big, warm ones. “Will you spend your days off with me, Allison?” he asked, leaning in and whispering against her ear.

She felt herself nod before words even formulated in her brain. He yanked her off her feet and crushed her to him, half-swinging her. When he set her down again and looked into her eyes, they shared an excited smile.

“Be ready right after your shift.”

“I’ll have to go to my place and pack a few things.”

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