Page 29 of Ace

Gianna came to stand beside him. “Wanna go for a walk?”

“Yes.”

They walked out of the hangar, leaving the others preparing for their next training session of the day.

“They seem like they got this.”

He looked back over his shoulder at Ivy, Omar, and Jed. “Yeah, they’re pretty awesome. You know, this Top Flight, it’s a great opportunity. Retired military can do some good in the world.”

“And make some cash?”

“Of course.” He grinned. “We have to live on something. Some of the guys—and women—come just for the income. Others want to keep using their skills. Others just miss the military but want a more relaxed atmosphere.”

“You’re doing a good thing.”

He studied her face, almost afraid to ask if she’d forgiven him for choosing this mission over their plans. “You are doing good things too.”

She nodded. “And now we’re working together.” She put her hand in his. “For now.”

His gaze lifted to hers. “What does that mean?”

“Nothing. I’m not trying to say anything here. Just that it’s good we’re working together now.”

He knew she had more to say, and he wanted to talk through whatever it was, but he didn’t know where to begin and the timing just wasn’t right. They had things to do. And right now? He just wanted a walk on the beach with a beautiful woman. Not just any woman. His Gi. He swung their hands together. “I know a place.”

“Oh yeah?”

He winked. “Let’s get out of here.”

She laughed, and they picked up their pace.

Before long they were standing at the end of a pier. “Best place on the island to watch the sun go down.” He sat down at the very end, his legs swinging over the edge. She sat beside him, and for a moment, he wanted to pretend all was right in the world.

“So…” The corner of his mouth lifted. “Remember that time capsule?”

She sucked in her breath, and her face turned red before she looked away.

“What’s this? Something in there you don’t want anyone to see?” He jabbed her waist, and she jumped. “Something you want to tell me, Gi?” He determined right then and there to unearth the time capsule.

“No. Nothing more than what you must have written in there. Didn’t we put your baseball card in there? Your lucky penny…”

“My life has been a shambles every day since. I should have opened it and grabbed that penny years ago.”

“You didn’t though, right?” Her eyes widened. And he had to laugh.

“What would be so bad if I did?”

“We had an agreement! Why make a capsule if you aren’t going to stick with the plan?”

“But this is the year, isn’t it?”

She nodded. “Yes, it is.”

They were quiet for a bit longer. And the sunset grew in purples and reds with a stream of orange across the middle. The ocean breeze lifted the hair on his arms and cooled his skin just the right amount. “This.”

She turned to him. “What?”

“This right here was actually in our capsule.”

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