Page 83 of Caught in the Crossfire

“Ugh. That’s not what I want to do before the sun rises.”

Mason smiled as he returned to his seat in front of the monitor.

“I’ve been thinking.”

“Uh oh.”

She frowned. “Ha ha. I’m not that dangerous.”

He chuckled. “What’s on your mind, Nicole?”

“I hear you’re training with Bravo and Durango.”

“I wanted to be able to protect you. Why?”

“Did you know the teams train their wives in self-defense, too?”

He nodded.

“Do you think they’d allow me and Dawn to join the women?” She smiled. “Dawn admitted she and Linc are dating.”

“I’ll ask Rio about you two attending the next training session. Why the sudden interest?

“I want the ability to take care of myself and protect our children.” She sat up. “Plus, Rio’s job is dangerous. The danger might follow him to Otter Creek.”

“I can train with you.”

“Are you kidding? After training with Special Forces guys, you’ll wipe the floor with me.”

He chuckled. “I’ll be gentle.”

“After we’re married, we’ll make good use of the gym in your house. In the meantime, I’ll join the women if they don’t mind.”

“I’m sure it’s fine.” He tugged Nicole to her feet. “I’m brewing another pot of coffee which should be finished by the time you change clothes. If you want, I’ll toast a bagel for you, too.”

Nicole gave him a quick kiss. “You spoil me.”

“Then I’m doing things right.” He cupped her cheek. “You deserve to be spoiled.”

Was it any wonder that she was head-over-heels in love with Mason Kincaid? He treated her like a princess. “I won’t be long.”

Nicole hurried to her room, grabbed fresh clothes, and showered. Twenty minutes later, she sat beside Mason at the security console, sipping her coffee and eating her bagel. By the time Dawn emerged from her room, Nicole had finished her breakfast and was reviewing the day’s schedule on her phone.

She smiled at her friend. “Good morning.”

“Don’t talk to me until I’ve had at least two cups of coffee.” She eyed Nicole. “You look chipper for a woman who had a broken night of sleep.”

“That’s what happens when I get a head start on the coffee consumption. I’m two up on you.”

“Nice. No excitement overnight?”

Mason shook his head. “Linc left at 4:00 a.m. He’ll be at the salon by 2:00 this afternoon.” He glanced over his shoulder with a smile. “Congratulations, by the way.”

She smiled. “Thanks. Now, please tell me there’s more coffee.”

“A full pot.”

Dawn made a beeline for the kitchen.

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