Page 8 of CJ

“Hey, I know it might feel fast to you, but I have a wedding to go to this weekend back home. Would you like to be my date?”

“Oh, CJ, I would have loved to, but strangely enough, I have an interview for a new job.”

“Really? You’re leaving the Navy and the Pentagon?” he asked.

“I think so. My contract is up in June, but I’ve received the okay to end it early should I find something I really want, and I think this is what I really want. I don’t want to jinx it, so I won’t talk about it just yet.”

“Okay,” he smiled. “Well, whatever it is, I’m sure you’re going to knock it out of the park. And wherever it is, I’ll be there to cheer you on.”

She cuddled close to him as they watched their movie. CJ had been an absolute gentleman, not making any moves at all other than sweet kisses to the cheeks or forehead. She was ready for something different.

“When we both get back next weekend, how do you feel about maybe planning a weekend away?” she asked. “Just you and me.”

“I think that sounds fantastic.”

With plans in place to meet up upon their return, CJ headed out to the private airstrip where Savannah was picking up several of the team members from the area. It was good to see his old friends.Maverick Stanton, Pax andBrax Pechkin, andPatrick Humphreyswere all SEALs stationed in Virginia Beach.

“Brother, it’s fucking great to see you,” smiled Maverick as he slapped his back.

“Great to see you, guys. Ugly as ever, I see,” he smirked.

“Fuck you,” laughed Pax. “How is the new assignment? Ready to be done?”

“Man, do I have a story for you guys.”

By the time they landed, the men knew everything about Jill and more than they wanted to know about Tim. Aligning with CJ’s feelings, they were just as suspicious of Tim and what he was doing.

“Do you think he had anything to do with the husband’s death?” asked Brax. The others all stared at him in horror. “What? Stranger shit has happened. If he’s shitty enough to fuck around with a brother’s wife and get her pregnant, then maybe something else was going on.”

“I don’t know,” said CJ. “I didn’t know him really at all, but one of the Marines at Quantico said he was a real asshole.”

“Might be worth looking into,” said Maverick.

“Maybe,” he nodded.

Being back home was like breathing fresh air after living in a steel box. Everything seemed brighter, happier, healthier at Belle Fleur. His parents were the first to rush and hug him, welcoming him home.

“I swear you’ve grown,” said Lia, looking up at her only son.

“Mom,” he laughed, “I haven’t grown at all in the last ten years. You’re just still really small.”

“Well, we don’t have a lot of time,” said Milo. “Get changed for Khloe’s wedding.”

CJ knew that Khloe wanted all the active-duty men to wear their uniforms, and he was happy to oblige. She’d been one of the dozens of friends that he grew up with, although she’d come much later in their childhood. She was still one of them, and they were thrilled to have her on the team.

Taking his seat, he watched as the ushers led people down the aisle to their row, although it seemed everyone sat wherever they wanted. Then he caught sight of something. Someone.

Standing, he walked toward Garr, who had the woman’s arm.

“I can take it from here,” he said, smiling at his friend.

“CJ?” she whispered. “What on earth?”

“This is the family wedding I was telling you about. What about your interview?” he asked, walking her to the seat beside him.

“I think I’m supposed to be over there,” she said, pointing to the other side of the aisle.

“You’re supposed to be right here,” he smiled. “Your interview? How did it go?”

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