Page 17 of Cruise

“I was still a growing boy when you last saw me at sixteen. I hit a huge growth spurt at nineteen and bulked up while I was serving. I might have to up my workout regimen for the covers because Bluff Creek has filling, delicious food down to an art form.”

He was absolutely delicious. He was a man now. A man who had seen so much. She wondered if it was rude to ask about his service.

“Okay, ask away. I know that look on your face. Yourshould I ask this or notface has not changed one bit.”

He kept his arm around her but turned a little closer.

“C’mon. I can tell you’re dying to know something.”

“I don’t want to bring back bad memories if you have them.”

He dropped a kiss on her nose. “Not bad memories per se but things I wish could have turned out differently. You plan, plan, plan, but you can’t account for every eventuality. I lost friends. And crap soldiers that shouldn’t have ever made it survived. Sometimes nothing makes sense. But I did my duty to my country. I still believe in fighting for what is right. I just wish so many didn’t have to pay the ultimate cost.”

He breathed deeply and settled back against the bench. There were so many things to talk about, but he was probably tired. He’d beenontoday for all the readers and authors. She’d seen multiple times how he smiled and made the person he was talking to feel special.

“It’s almost time for us to head out. What would you say about heading to IHOP for breakfast and more talking?”

She smiled. She wasn’t quite ready for the night to end yet either. She was tired and invigorated. Her feet hurt from standing all day, but each minute with Booker was a gift.

Chapter Four

Booker led Lexi back into the hotel. When they’d realized they’d talked all night and the sun was getting ready to come up, he’d decided to see if she wanted to take a short drive. He’d driven to Lewisville Lake. He and Lexi had watched the sunrise off Trotline Road. It was a gorgeous area, but it was wonderful because she was there with him. The high school crush that he’dthought was gone from his life forever had somehow come back into his life.

Standing there with her had made him realize that this had been the best twenty-four hours in years. He hadn’t even had her in bed yet, but he knew he had to have her in his life. Not that he doubted how hot it would finally be when they made love. Just holding her and the kiss they’d shared after the sun rose let him know they were fire together.

He’d wanted to just stay there all day with her, but he had a job to do for his President. He’d shared a little of Compass’s story so Lexi wouldn’t think he was ditching her. They were heading back to their own respective rooms to shower and then he was going to text Compass and Twist about breakfast.

“What floor are you?”

“Fourth. What about you?” Lexi asked.

“Fifth. I’ll walk you to your room and then head up to mine. Today’s the next day, so I want to figure out when we can chat.”

They boarded the elevator, and he pushed her floor number. They were alone in the elevator, and he so didn’t want this night to end.

“Do you all have any plans after breakfast?” Lexi asked.

“No. We’re playing it by ear. What are you thinking?”

“Well, we’ll get packed up and then how about after you guys have breakfast, Mom and I will treat you to lunch a little ways away? Any of the guys from Cider Creek who are still here are welcome to. Might as well let everyone know my story.”

He followed her to the door. He didn’t even want to let her out of his sight for even a couple of hours. He leaned closer and kissed the lips he hadn’t realized how much he missed. He poured everything he felt into the tamest kiss he’d ever given a woman. As he finished, he pulled away. Her gorgeous eyes were tired but showed how happy she was.

He waited while she swiped the card and then pushed the door open. He heard her yelp right before the door closed. He stopped the door from closing and followed Lexi in to check on her.

Lexi was standing there blushing with her hand over her eyes. He glanced around her. Compass was lying beside Maureen in bed. Compass flicked the cover back. Booker chuckled.

“They’re both dressed,” he whispered.

Lexi took her hand away. “Give a girl a heart attack why don’t you?”

Maureen laughed. “We didn’t quit playing poker until four a.m. Compass and I crashed because I guessed if my daughter wasn’t home by four, she wasn’t going to come home.”

Booker laughed. “I’m heading to my room for a quick shower before we have breakfast, Compass.”

“Let me grab my bag, and I’ll borrow your shower after you if that’s okay,” Compass said.

“Perfect. I’ll see you later,” Booker said, dropping a quick kiss on Lexi’s lips. “Bye, Ms. Maureen.”

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