Page 4 of Make Me Unwind

“Good.” Good is always my pat answer if I happen to be asked an inane question about my health or my mental well-being.

“Right.” Cade chuckles as if he doesn’t believe a word I said. “I didn’t realize you were out of the military until Lucas told me.”

I was in the SEALs with both Lucas Foster and Cade, but they were injured months before I was in a different shitshow.

“Nah, I’m good.” It’s a lie. I rake a hand through my hair. Three years ago, life was good for all of us. Cade and Lucas were my teammates. The day all hell broke loose, I was three blocks away conducting surveillance when the building blew. I got whiplash from the impact. They got a lot more than that.

“I’m glad to hear it.” He’s quiet for a beat. “I’m sorry I didn’t call sooner. I was messed up after the attack, both mentally and physically, and didn’t get into a decent place until a couple of years ago. I’m sorry I didn’t check on you when you got injured.”

“You said you didn’t know, so how could you have checked on me?” My jaw is tight as visions of the building exploding meld into a missile screaming toward the military truck I was inside. The impact flipped over the vehicle, pinning me underneath. My breathing is erratic as I fist and un-fist my hand.

It’s fucking hot out here. I walk toward the row of trees that line the side yard, hoping that the shade doesn’t feel like it’s trying to drown my lungs like the sunshine does. It’s easier to pretend it’s the heat bothering me than the memories.

“If I hadn’t wallowed in self-pity for so long, I would’ve kept an eye on my team. Even after I was discharged.”

“It’s fine.” I rotate my shoulders to ease the tension settling on me like an oppressive blanket. “I appreciate the call.” And a part of me does. Cade was an amazing team leader; when I stepped into his shoes, they were big ones to fill.

“We should get together sometime. You, me, Lucas, and Jack.” Jack Parker was another member of our team. We went up in the ranks together, spending not just our working days alongside each other, but also hanging out during our free time.

“Sure. That sounds like a good time.” I shrug, knowing the distance between us makes the statement more of a platitude than a truth.

“Where are you working?” Piper and the two kids file out of the waterpark and my mouth dries. Somehow, her being covered with water dripping down her body makes her look stunning when compared to everyone else.

A long braid caresses her back, and the slim fit of her clothes hugs every inch of her covered figure. But it’s her face that has me mesmerized. Strong cheekbones. Slightly slanted chocolate eyes that suck in your soul. And a smile curving her lips upward. An expression that she didn’t show me once.

Not that I blame her. I acted like a pouting ass because my older brother told me what to do. Lord. I spin away from her and focus on our conversation. “I’m working for my brother.”

It's mostly the truth. Sort of. Actually, I’ve been holed up in my parent’s basement, playing video games and pretending I don’t give a shit about anything.

“That’s handy. Still at the resort in the Lowcountry?”

“Yes.” The fact that he remembers details from a conversation years ago is a testament to the man’s intelligence. “You?”

“I’m working for Truman.”

“Martin Truman?” My eyes widen in surprise. The man was a legend, with most people assuming he’d become a saint upon retirement. He was my commanding officer before he received his honorable discharge.

“Yes.” Cade chuckles. “The one and only. He owns a security company in Kansas City.”

“That’s nice.”

“I got married two years ago. We have a son and a daughter on the way.”

My heart constricts in pain. A part of me wished for that when I was younger. But when I joined the military, it was essential to avoid relationships. Women complicate things. No sane woman wants to spend weeks or months at a time worrying herself sick over a man on a mission he couldn’t tell her about.

And now? Now, those same women would be repulsed by my scars.

“Congratulations.” The word is bitter on my lips.

“I’ll let you go….” Cade paused for a second. “Don’t be a stranger now that you have my number, and if you ever need anything, let one of us know. Just because we’re not on a mission together doesn’t mean we don’t have each other’s backs.”

While I’m trying to think of a proper response, the little girl with Piper runs up to me, braces her hands on her hips, and stares. Her pink swimsuit matches the bow in her hair. My eyes widen as I study her intense gaze. What in the hell? Her perfect bow mouth thins.

“It was good to hear from you. Thanks for calling.” I shove my cell phone into my back pocket.

“Why you wearin’ jeans?” Her brows arch higher.

“Well….” I cough and clear my throat. “I like jeans.”

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