Page 11 of Koa's Little Girl
Once inside the large gathering area, Koa stowed his phone and keys in his locker. He’d just closed the metal door when a special tone rang from his device. Rolling his neck in disbelief at the crappy timing, he ripped the door open and grabbed his phone to read the message. Blindly finding his keys as he scanned the notice, Koa ran for his truck to grab a go-bag he always kept ready to go as he sent a message to Giana.
Flame,
My team has been activated. I don’t know when I’ll get back in town. You’ll be my first phone call. I’ll miss you.
Daddy
As he ran back inside,he found Jerico texting a message to Aspen and Zale disconnecting from a phone call. Both looked at him and understood immediately that Koa was in the same boat—having to notify his little girl.
Jerico walked forward and extended his hand. “The fire captain?” he asked. When Koa nodded, Jerico said, “Congratulations on finding your Little. Want Aspen to reach out to her if we’re gone for a while?”
“Thanks.” Koa thought about the second question for a minute. He didn’t want to scare Giana. He didn’t want her to panic if someone else knew she was little. His phone buzzed in his hand, displaying Giana’s name.
“I’ll ask her.”
Koa stepped away. “Giana, I don’t have much time. Do you want me to give your name and number to my team leader’s little girl for her to contact you if we’re gone for a while?”
“Koa, I don’t want you to go.”
“I know, little girl. My team and I are determined to finish the job we’re sent on as fast as possible and get home safe. Would it help to have another little girl to talk to?” he asked.
“Is… Is she nice?”
“She’s very sweet. You’ll like Aspen. I’m sorry to rush you, Flame, but I have to get off the phone.”
“Yes, give her my name and number,” Giana said quickly. “Tell her I need this to be confidential.”
“Aspen will guard your secrets,” he promised without hesitation. “I’ll see you soon, little girl. Take care of yourself.”
“You, too, Daddy.”
Koa disconnected and sent Jerico Giana’s contact information. Jerico passed it along to Aspen with a message. Hanging his head, he allowed himself to lament the timing of this deployment. He’d just found her.
“Koa!” Caden called him from the doorway to the briefing room.
Fuck!Koa allowed himself to be pissed for a few seconds before forcing his brain into gear. Rule number one, don’t let anything mess with your mind. That was a surefire way to get yourself and your team killed. He shrugged off his worries and headed to find out what they’d face.
Three long weeks later,Koa walked back to his locker to grab his keys. The single members of the team joked and laughed, but Koa noticed he, Jerico, and Zale were quiet and focused. His only thought was to find Giana.
Walking out the door, he watched Aspen run to Jerico and Pippa smother Zale in a million kisses. His heart sank. No Giana.
“Jerico, I need to tell Koa something,” Aspen said, stopping her daddy from carrying her away.
She ran to his side. “We couldn’t get Giana on the base. She’s waiting for you outside.”
Koa’s energy skyrocketed, and he raced for his truck. Risking the MPs fining him for speeding, he drove as quickly as possible through the gate.
“Welcome home, soldier,” the guard called and pointed to the left.
Squinting into the late afternoon sun, Koa spotted her truck parked at the side of the road. He pulled behind her and jumped out of the cab. Gravel flew as he ran to her.
“Flame,” he whispered, gathering her into his arms. “I missed you so much. Are you okay?”
“I’m good, Daddy. My heart is so happy to see you,” Giana told him with tears in her eyes.
Koa pulled her against him and kissed her sweet lips. Instant heat swelled between them, pushing away the exhaustion from his mind. He forced himself to lift his mouth from hers. When she cupped his cheek with her hand, he turned his head to press a kiss to her palm.
“I’m sorry for the bad timing. Tomorrow, I’m getting you a base pass, little girl. I never want you to have to wait alone.”
