Page 42 of Salute, To Bravery
A throat clearing behind me stops him, and suddenly, the temperature in the room drops as all the color drains from the guys’ faces.
“Shouldn’t you all be working?”
Almost two years since I heard his voice, and it still sends shivers down my spine.
“Yes, sir,” the guys say, scattering to their workstations.
I turn deliberately to face the most handsome and unavailable man I’ve ever laid eyes on.
He’s gone silver around his temples, but everything else is exactly as I remember. Well, the tattoos on his arms are new and only improve his sexiness.
“Major.” I salute him, and his lip tips up into the smirk that still manages to ruin my underwear.
“Lieutenant Blake, my office. Now.”
Chapter Two.
Warren
Fucking hell, she’s still gorgeous.
I spent weeks believing I’d never see her again. It was the saddest day of my life driving to her parent’s house with the dreaded POW letter signed by the President.
I have never been tempted to break so many rules than the day that Jess walked into my life. I almost asked to have her transferred out of my unit, but that would have been a grave mistake. She is an incredible soldier.
Was, I correct myself mentally as we walk down the hall to my office. I open the door and hold it open for her to enter before following her in and closing the door firmly behind me.
“It’s good to see you. How’s recovery going?” I drop the pretence of authority once we’re alone.
“Slow,” she hisses with annoyance, and I chuckle as I take my seat.
“All good things are worth the wait.” My words come out a hell of a lot more flirty than I intended, but her reaction is worth it.
She clears her throat and nods, but my eyes are glued to the flush of her cheeks. I examine the way she won’t meet my eyes and the slight indent of her teeth on her bottom lip.
Interesting.
“What finally brings you back for this visit?” I cut to the chase and look away, tapping my fingers lightly on my desk.
“I needed to face my monsters.”
My eyes fly back up to hers, but hers are closed.
“No, that came out wrong. I mean to say that part of my healing is returning to my normal routines. I would never have avoided my friends and colleagues before.” Her lip trembles, and it takes all my willpower to stay seated.
If I could rewind time and give her another set of orders, I would. I’d give anything to trade places with her just so I never see this look on her face again.
“I see.”
Her head drops, and she takes three long deep breaths. “It’s getting better.”
It sounds rhetorical, so I don’t say anything until she looks back up.
“How can I help?” The offer leaves my lips quicker than my brain can tell me not to open that door.
“You already are. I need to immerse myself back into my life. I hear congratulations are in order.” She tilts her head to the side, and it makes me roll my eyes.
“Ethan has a big mouth.”
