Page 41 of Key Of Dreams

“Yeah, baby. But don’t get freaked out if I don’t answer right away. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.”

“This is bad, right?”

“No more than any other mission I’ve been on. Wire and I have a solid plan, and if all goes well, we’ll be joining the others in the next couple of days.”

“Phoenix—”

“He’s on his way to meet Rebel and Falcon. We’re all in it.”

Her arms come around my waist as she presses herself close. “Please come home to me,” she says, her voice quiet. “All of you stay safe.”

I drop my head and brush my lips across hers. “I’m coming home. I’ll call you when I can. I promise.” I untangle myself, and when I lift my head, I notice Calvin and Josh peering through the window. “We have company, babe. You’d better get back in there.” She reluctantly walks away, looking over her shoulder and giving me a small wave.

I wait for the door to close, then put on my game face and focus on what’s ahead.

* * *

Maya

After returning to my students, I managed to get through the rest of the lesson, but barely. I’m glad when the day is over because I haven’t been able to get Bull out of my mind. I don’t know where Bull is going or what kind of assignment he’s on.

On automatic, I drive home, then hurry into my apartment. In my bedroom, I open the top drawer where Bull keeps his clothes. I pull out his T-shirt and bring it up to my face, inhaling his scent. It smells like Bull, and it soothes me.

I change into his shirt and grab the blanket from the end of the bed before I walk back to the couch. I flop onto it and snuggle into the corner. I know I should carry on like it’s just any other night, but I’m not sure I can eat. My stomach is tied up in knots. I try to do some reading, but ten minutes later, I find I’m on the same page as where I started.

Life is unpredictable. I understand that logically, but I’ve never been as happy as I am when I’m with Bull. He makes me laugh; he listens to what I have to say. He never dismisses my ideas, and when I have concerns, he doesn’t brush them off.

My phone buzzes, and I quickly look at the screen, hoping to see Bull’s name, but instead find a message from Kailyn.

Kailyn:How are you doing?

Me:Hanging in there. You?

Kailyn:I miss my man, but I know he’ll be back.

Me:I’m scared.

Kailyn:The Storm men know what they’re doing. The hardest part is waiting for them to come home. Want me to come over?

Me:I’m not very good company.

Kailyn:We can commiserate together.

Not long after her call, Kailyn is at my door with ice cream and cookies. We don’t bother with bowls and eat right out of the tub with big spoons. She gets what I’m going through because she’s been through it before.

“Does it ever get better?” I ask.

“In some ways, it does. I know what those men are capable of. I also know how much time they spend keeping their bodies in shape and continually training. They never go without a partner, and Phoenix has Rebel and Falcon. Bull and Wire are together, and don’t let Wire’s nerdy computer skills fool you. He’s a kickass partner and can hold his own with any of them,” Kailyn says. It does make me feel somewhat more at ease.

“It’s the unknown that I worry about,” I return.

“Yeah,” she agrees. “But isn’t the vast part of our world unknown?” I look at her in confusion, and she explains, “It was unknown that you’d come to live in this building and meet Bull. And remember, you also applied for a job and came to a city unknown to you to have an adventure.” She gives me a smile and crosses her legs on the couch to get comfy. “I’m so glad you ventured to the unknown, or I wouldn’t have a new, great friend.”

Kailyn’s a great source of comfort. I’m feeling better about it all, but I can’t help glancing over at my phone, willing it to ring so I can hear Bull’s voice.

Chapter20

En Route

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