Page 90 of Trapped with the Covert Ops Soldier

“You’ve cut yourself off from everyone. You have to blow shit up to feel any kind of emotional relief at all, and you’re working yourself toward an early grave.” He gave her a tiny shake. “That stopsnow.”

“I...” Why did it feel like she couldn’t get enough oxygen into her lungs? What could she say to make him justgo? If she gave in and let him help her, support her, even love her, what would happen when he left? “I... can’t do it.” She tried to suck in more air, but her throat was too narrow. “I can’t do it... alone.” Dizzy, she blinked, then couldn’t open her eyes.

When she finally managed to get her eyelids up again, she was on her bed and Smitty was coming into the room with a wet cloth. He placed it, cool and refreshing, on her forehead.

She made a questioning noise.

“You passed out,” he said, that angry growl at the edge of his voice.

“Sorry,” she said, in a croak.

“Shut up.” He frowned at her. “You’re taking a week off to recover from all the crap.”

No way.

He stuck a finger in front of her face. “Argue with me and I’ll have the other doctor in town do a checkup on you. I wonder how much time he’ll force you to take off?”

Abby closed her mouth.

Smitty put the cloth on the side table, then lay down next to her. “As for your last comment...you’re not alone.”

“But—”

“I’m leaving the military.”

“What?” Stress speared through her body like lightening. “You quit?” She couldn’t quite believe it. She’d been certain he’d stay in until they retired him out.

He studied her with a gaze that saw too much. “I got a better offer.”

“Oh.” She swallowed hard. “That’s great. Where? What will you be doing?”

“Deputy sheriff, Bandit Creek, Montana.”

“What?” Abby stared at Smitty. He was wearing his determined face. “Why would you take a job here, in such a small town, without talking to me first?”

“I planned to.” He broke eye contact to run his hands over his short hair. “But as soon as I got here that jackass started shooting at you, and everything went sideways.”

He paced away a few steps, then came back.

“I thought the town hired you to keep me out of trouble.”

“They did, but I was coming here anyway.” He grunted. “Besides, all I charged them was a dollar.”

“One dollar?”

He nodded. “Which I used to tip the coffee shop staff.” A crooked smile spread across his face. “I missed you like crazy.”

“Yeah?” Heat filled her cheeks.

“I missed your smart remarks and intelligence. I missed your smile and the way you roll your eyes when someone says something stupid.”

She snorted.

“And that reaction.” He grinned at her. “It’s your bullshit meter, and you can’t seem to keep it to yourself.” Some how he’d ended up standing right in front of her, his body dangerously close to hers.

“I missed you too,” she said, stroking her hand over his shoulder, brushing away some non-existent dust. He was warm and solid under her hand, and she was done fighting her need for him. If he loved her...

She opened her mouth and let the words fall out in a rush. “I haven’t had much luck with anyone sticking with me for the long haul, and I’m terrified to depend on anyone.”

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