Page 34 of ELITE Justice
“Hello, Gwen. Did the boys show up again?” Alex asked.
Ignoring his question, she jumped right in. “Your men need good food in their bellies before they go out tonight. I’m sure it’ll be a long night.”
When Alex started to protest, she shut him down. “It’s my treat. We’re closing at ten tonight for a private party and that’s it. Youwillbe here. You can’t start a mission half-empty. I know the drill. Carbs. Spaghetti, meatballs, salad, and bread. That should hold you until you all get back here for breakfast. No matter what time, you are all coming back here.” Then she added, “Safe and sound.” She sent up a little prayer that her words would be true.
“Yes, ma’am,” She could hear the grin in Alex’s voice as he quipped, “Damn, Jonathan, she’s a feisty one, isn’t she? Reminds me of Katlin.”
“I can handle her,” Jonathan replied.
“On that insult,” she declared, “since I don’tneedto be handled, I’ve got work to do. Iwillsee all of you at ten.”
She flicked off the call so they couldn’t argue.
At exactly ten o’clock, Gwen looked up and down the street before she pulled the last shade ensuring privacy. There was no sign of them. For a moment, she worried that they would stand her up. All the food she’d worked on for hours would go to waste, or they’d have a baked spaghetti special for lunch the next day.
The door opened and twelve men in full battle gear, weapons strapped on duty belts and to thighs, walked in on silent boots. Black camo replaced the desert digitized tans but there was little difference between these skilled warriors and the ones she’d tended to in the secret Afghani USSOCOM camp.
These men were more clean-cut and handsomer than models. As they paraded past her, a calendar came to mind.He’d make a perfect January with that chilling don’t-fuck-with-me demeanor. Oh, but that one is so hot he’d have to be July.
She recognized several faces including Quin and Griffin.
Jonathan gave her a warm, but tired, smile. Inhaling deeply, his smile grew ear to ear. “Sweetheart, is that fresh-baked apple pie I smell?”
She grinned. “Your favorite.”
“I think I’m in love,” Jonathan announced. “Apple pie, men. This wonderful woman made me apple pie.” He picked her up and spun her around, giving her a loud smack on the lips before he set her down.
Feeling like a dizzy child, she assured, “I made plenty for everyone. And for those who don’t like pie, there’s cake.”
Gwen started toward the back of the counter and nearly tripped. Had she heard him right? Had he used the L-word? Did he feel the same way about her as she did about him?
“Gwen,” Jacki derailed the train of thoughts she was having about a future with Jonathan. “Should I ask about drinks?”
“Let’s start them with coffee,” she told the young woman and grabbed a pot in each hand.
To make it fast and easy, they’d set up a buffet with each chafing dish filled to the brim and more in the kitchen. She was well aware of how men ate, and these men would not leave hungry.
Alex brought up the end of the line as men heaped noodles onto plates and shoveled beef marinara or seafood Alfredo sauce over top. “Gwen, you know you didn’t need to do this, but thank you.”
“I would almost have preferred to go hungry than eat that fried shit Quin’s cook serves.” Griffin stepped from the line and gave her a one-armed hug. “Thank you, Gwen. My stomach thanks you, too.”
“I’m looking for a chef for the new place,” Quin retorted. He gave Griffin a sly smile. “I wonder if Sara would like to move to Texas?”
“No fucking way,” Griffin boldly snapped back. “She’s mine and loves it in Miami.”
“Sorry, Quin,” Alex added, “she’d never leave her grandchildren. I’m sure you’ll find someone here.”
Cups filled and two carafes left on the table, Gwen announced, “If you men are all set, I’ll go check on the kitchen.”
Luis was off and the two other cooks had their hands full, so her help was necessary. She scurried around, plating pie and cake, and ran into a hard body that didn’t belong in her busy kitchen. “Dessert will be out in a few minutes and Jacki can get you more drinks if that’s what you need.”
“I think I’d better test my blood and, just to be on the safe side, refill my pump.”
The voice sounded familiar but didn’t match the man in her way. “Excuse me?”
A deep chuckle made her look up into dazzling blue eyes.
“It’s me, Gwen. Kane.”
