Page 6 of Ground Zero

Chapter 4

Crockett

Staringinto Nina's eyes without the need to hold back how I feel about her has got to the most liberating experience of my life.

She is more beautiful than I remember. Her coffee-colored eyes bore into my soul, searching for a clue as to how to handle this impromptu reunion.

The air between us feels alive, and the grin that I've been wearing since I spotted her deepens as my cock gets hard at the thought that nothing stands between us now. I could pull her into my arms, slide my hands inside her shirt to feel her soft silky skin while I bury my nose in her neck and whisper how happy I am to see her again.

Yet, her expression is uncertain. This woman staring up at me isn't the tough as nails targeting officer that kept me at arm's length for both our own good. This hesitant woman is waiting for me to make the next move with a vulnerable expression that makes my balls draw up tight to hold the semen building as my cock gets rock hard with the knowledge that I am free to let my desire overwhelm me, and she won't push me away.

I smile as the mental leash I've controlled my inner beast with falls away. There is no need for my training and discipline to stop the storm brewing inside. I can relax and let my feelings for her show.

"Hey." The softness in my voice surprises me.

Her response is a breathless, "Rocket."

"Foxtrot, you look good."Man does she ever!

My gut tightens with the emotion, and I take a step closer. Her eyes dart back and forth from one to the other of mine, searching my soul, waiting for me to take the lead.

I don't ask how she is doing. I can see she is doing just fine.

I don't ask what she has been up to. It doesn't matter. She is here now.

I ask what is essential to know before choosing which path to go down. Friendship or lovers.

"Are you involved with anyone?"

She blinks, surprised, I suppose, at the directness of my question and asks, "Why?"

"Two reasons," I smirk.

She smirks back, knowing me well enough to know I am setting her up for something. "What are they?"

I take another step forward, and her head tilts, wary of my advance, but she stands her ground. My smirk deepens.

"One, I have a job offer for you."

The shock on her face is real, and it throws her off her game, which is why I went with it first. I take another step closer.

"After what happened yesterday, I've decided to start a private security company to fight human trafficking, and I'm going to hire as many former members of Bravo as I can. And, babe, you are at the top of the list."

Her jaw falls open. "What?"

"And two, I'm not."

She shakes her head to clear the overload, then she frowns, and I nearly laugh. Of all the things she and I have been through together, that frown is the most severe I've ever seen her pretty face wear, which makes the smirk on my face seriously hurt.

"You're not what?"

I look her up and down and say, "I'm not involved with anyone at the moment, so, if you're not, then there is no reason for me to stifle my feelings for you any longer."

The shock on her face returns, and I cannot help the chuckle that teases her. I am on fucking cloud nine right now. "Well, Foxtrot? Are you available for me to hit on, or are you still off-limits?"

As the implications of what I am saying to her dawn on her, the change in her expression is phenomenal and takes my breath away. Not only is she willing, but she is relieved.

I step forward, reaching for her face and tilt it up to mine. I stare into her eyes and caress her soul, for what I hope she feels is forever because that is what I am aiming for.

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