Page 6 of Served

I never knew his wife’s name—he always just called her “mi vida” when he talked about her. Never saw photos, either; Gordy was private like that. And I spent our entire deployment going by the name of Reeves, not Felix.

She’s looking at me, confusion spreading across her face at my sudden silence.

“Felix? Are you all right?”

No. I’m not. She’s my dead squadmate’s wife, and she doesn’t even know I was there that day when...

“I’m fine,” I manage to say. “Just... It’s hard sometimes, hearing about the fallen.”

She nods, her hand touching my arm briefly. The contact burns through my shirt.

“We should set up a time to meet for the project,” she says.

“Tomorrow?” I quickly suggest. “The Inn has a conference room.”

“Sure. Six o’clock? I can bring dinner?—”

“I’ll bring dinner. You’ve already made so many meals.”

She grins. “Fair. Okay, see you then.” As she walks away to speak with Zoe, I’m rooted to the spot, staring at the third name on my list. Jason Gordon. It pulses on the page, almost accusatory.

Jesus. What the hell am I doing?

I should tell her immediately that I knew Jason—Gordy. That I was there. That we served together.

But selfishly, all I can think about is seeing her again tomorrow night. About the way her hand felt on my arm. And about how her lips might taste if I ever got lucky enough to kiss her.

Gordy, old friend, I’m so sorry.

I think I’m falling for your wife.

CHAPTER 3

LETTY

“It’s just dinner, Ellie. Not a date. We’re working on the Memorial Day project together.” I lean into the mirror as I swipe mascara over my lashes.

“Then why are you putting on makeup?” My sister’s musical laugh floats through the speaker on my phone.

I set the wand down, scowling at my reflection. “How did you?—”

“I heard the little tube clicking open. You never wear makeup to anything work-related.”

“This isn’t work,” I say. “It’s community service.”

“Uh-huh. And…let me guess…this ‘community service’ has shoulders like a damn linebacker and gorgeous green eyes that could melt your panties right off.”

“Ellie!” I sputter, even as a traitorous pulse throbs between my thighs.

“Who the hell are you talking about?” I hear Kyle say from somewhere in the background.

“Just this guy that keeps coming back to the Mariposa because he has the hots for Letty.”

I groan, sinking onto the edge of my bed.

Why do I tell her anything?

Ellie and Kyle are talking back and forth until I hear the tell-tale signs of kissing.

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