Page 24 of Inevitable

“Yeah, I’ve heard that about Langley. I had about the opposite experience. I was on the front lines for most of my career. If I wasn’t fast-roping out of a helicopter, then I was doing a HALO jump out of a plane. Every time I put my life on the line, I knew what it was for.”

“I never put my life on the line, and all my hours spent inside the building never gave me much of a feeling of satisfaction. If I had spent my career there, I might’ve eventually found out what I was working toward.”

“Two very different approaches with two very different environments,” Brady responded. “Still, it’s cool that you worked there.”

“Yeah, I guess so.” Shrugging, she looked across the patio. The waitress approached and they ordered their meals and drinks. After the woman left, she saw that Brady was studying her. “What?”

“Nothing,” he replied as he picked up her hand and held it. “It’s just that I’m glad we met here and not up in Virginia.”

“Why?”

“Because I wasn’t ready to be in a relationship when I was up there and I am now. If I’d met you too soon, I might’ve blown it.” Looking around the small restaurant, he grinned. “But here we are, back home, and I’m more than ready to make sure you fall for me.”

A nice, soft, swoshy feeling filled her chest as she stared into his eyes. “My goodness, Brady.”

“Don’t fight it, Claire. Just accept it and enjoy the ride.”

Their drinks were delivered, and she lifted hers and waited. “Here’s to coming home and finding someone unexpected.”

He clinked their glasses together and winked. “I’ll drink to that.”

As she took a sip of her drink, she thought about the possibilities and wondered if any of them were going to come true. It sure would be nice to think she had a chance at something with Brady that could last.

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