Page 23 of Salute, To Bravery
I hesitated again. Telling Ian all the juicy details would make me seem absolutely insane. Most of the people at work didn’t even know my last name. I’d made sure to put distance between me and my rich family. “I just really needed it to happen,” I mumbled. I didn’t understand why, but I had to fight the tears that threatened to spill over.
I could feel Ian watching me, so I blinked away the tears quickly. I took a deep, shaky breath before meeting his bright green eyes. The way they stood out against his tan skin and sandy blond hair was always one of the things my coworkers commented on.
Ian averted his gaze first, looking down into his now empty glass. He nodded his head again like he understood.
If only he knew.
“I’m also a little bummed that this may be the last time we do this.” I gave him a small smile as I gestured to the room. “Your contract is up at the end of the week. Then you’ll be off on your next great adventure.”
Ian laughed, but it sounded hollow. “Yeah, about that.”
It was my turn to tilt her head to the side. “What?”
“My contract is up, I don’t have another one lined up, and the hospital won’t extend the contract I have.” He sighed before meeting my gaze again.
“What are you going to do? Just go home?”
Ian’s small smile faltered, and for an instant I saw pain flash across his face. “Uh, home isn’t really an option.” He chuckled lightly and did his best to put a smile on his face.
I frowned. “You know, you can stay at my place if I leave.”
Ian laughed.
“What’s so funny? I was serious.” I scowled before throwing a small fry at him.
Ian caught it in his deft hands and popped it into his mouth without hesitation. “What happens if you don’t go on your trip? We gonna get cozy in your studio apartment?” He waggled his eyebrows at me.
I couldn’t help but blush. I hadn’t thought that through all the way.
“Hell, there’s probably more space on that RV you rented than there is in your studio.” Ian laughed again as he wiped off the table in front of him.
I laughed this time. “Yeah that’s probably true. The RV at least has a bed and a couch.”
“And no ridiculous neighbors that cook that awful food at two in the morning.” Ian rolled his eyes. He’d come over a few times and had the unfortunate experience of meeting my neighbors. “I mean, I’ve eaten some questionable things in my life, but whatever they cooked could not have been safe to eat.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at the memory of him using air fresheners to get the smell out. And when that hadn’t worked, he took us out to a diner down the street to avoid the smell.
Ian shook his head, probably thinking of the same memory. He chuckled and opened his mouth like he was going to say something, then quickly shut it. He pursed his lips together before meeting my gaze again.
“Okay, what was that thought?” I cocked my head. He could read me, but I could read him too.
Ian shook his head and raised his eyebrows.
“Ian.” I tried to put on my best stern face.
He sighed and looked around, almost nervous. He opened his mouth and shut it again, shaking his head.
“Oh, come on, spit it out.” I playfully shoved him, barely moving him an inch.
“Okay, okay.” Ian put his hands up in defeat. “I’m not trying to be weird, just hear me out.”
I let out a nervous giggle. “Weird? Okay, this I gotta hear.”
Ian pursed his lips one more time. “What if I go with you on your trip?”
Chapter Three.
Ihesitated. “Wait, what?”
