Page 28 of Just Like This
We left her building and headed toward the water and Pike Place Market. Our hands were clasped together as we made our way through the popular area that was teeming with people. Out of habit, my body went on high alert. I let Cami lead the way, partially because I was unfamiliar with the city, but also because my eyes continuously scanned the crowd for invisible threats. I only started to relax when Cami glanced back at me with her bright blue eyes and smiled.
We turned just before the famous market and walked down a narrow street that was only open to pedestrian traffic. “I know you said beer, but I thought …” Her voice trailed off as we stopped. I looked up and noticed that we were standing in front of a wine bar. “I really like this place,” she added shyly.
“You like wine?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at her.
She smiled, a bright, delightful expression that lit up her entire face. “The jammier, the better.”
I extended my hand as if to say, “After you,” and followed her into the cozy, comfortable room that was heavily decorated with wood. We sat down at a small table, and someone brought over menus.
“So. Nikki?” Cami arched one eyebrow and sat back, crossing her arms over her chest.
I laughed softly. “You’re not even going to wait until I’ve got just the slightest bit of alcohol in me?”
“Nope.”
“Okay.” I drummed my hands on the table in front of me and looked around the room for a moment, searching for how to begin. “Palmer and I met her while we were out having drinks. We were back on base between deployments. She lived close by and was out for the night with some of her friends.”
“So, she’s what, like, some kind of military groupie? Like a base bunny or something?” I howled with laughter at her term—BaseBunny. But Cami wasn’t laughing; she just looked at me with expectant eyes.
“Sorry. I wouldn’t call her a groupie. We hung out with her for a few months before Palmer and I were deployed again. And then, sometimes when I was on leave and headed to the States, I’d call her up.”
“Jesus,” she muttered. “So, it was pretty serious?”
“No. Not at all. I was clear with her from the very beginning that I didn’t want anything serious. Too many of my brothers have had their hearts broken because their wives or girlfriends left them while they’ve been deployed.”
“And what about me? You’re willing to break your own rule for me?”
“Cami, I’m willing to do just about whatever it takes to keep you.”
