Page 33 of Walking Red Flag

Maybe.

I was sure if I met the right man, that sentiment might fly out the window.

I’d bet money that if Cutter offered to have babies with me, my legs would just fall open.

“If you want to help me stock my cases really quick, I’d be forever grateful,” Maven called.

I pushed myself up to my feet, ignoring the way my calf seized, and limped my way to her.

We got the cases stocked.

However, I kept stealing glances through the window that we could pass food and coffee back and forth through to see if I spotted the man next door.

“Why don’t you just go over there already and check out what he’s doing?” Maven elbowed me, misunderstanding my desire to catch a glimpse of Cutter.

I let her think that I was worried about the project.

“I’ll do that,” I said. “Let me know if you need help tonight.”

Maven grimaced. “I sure hope not.”

I was exiting the bakery when my phone rang.

I smiled when I answered it.

“Hey, Dima. Where are you at?” I teased.

I always asked, and he always answered the same.

“Can’t tell you, dingbat,” he drawled. “What’s up with you? How’s the training going?”

We talked about everything under the sun for the next twenty minutes outside my open coffee shop door.

Dima was in the Air Force.

He was currently deployed to parts unknown and had done a lot of growing up in the nine years since he’d left.

Every time he came home to visit, it was like I was meeting a brand-new person.

I loved it and hated it at the same time.

“When do you get to come home next?” I asked, knowing he probably wouldn’t have an answer for me.

“Actually,” he hesitated. “I think that I’m getting out.”

I paused and screeched, “What?”

He laughed. “Seriously. I think it’s time.”

“But the last time I spoke with you, you were thinking about reupping,” I replied.

“I was, but they want to take me off of the planes. It’s a young man’s job, and I just don’t fuckin’ want to not fly. I’d rather get out and fly, than stay in and ride a damn desk. I’d be suffocated,” he grumbled.

“Well, I’ll support you in whatever way you need, baby brother. Just let me know what you want me to do,” I offered.

“I’ll talk to Shasha, Maven, and Nastya, okay?” he said. “Just not…yet.”

I smiled.

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