Page 58 of Her Marine
“I see Journee not only had you take a six-week vacation, but you’re staying for Thanksgiving. It’s getting pretty serious, but then again, you’re never one to beat around the bush,” Axel said.
“What’s the point in doing so?” Killian questioned.
“What happens when you leave?”
“Nothing changes. This works two ways. If she’s willing to make the distance work, so am I.”
They talked about it in the middle of the week when she’d cooked for him. After he’d taken her to bed and indulged a few times, they agreed that as long as they were both willing to put the work in, as long as they both wanted it to work, it would. It would take effort, but they were willing to put it in. He knew some things would be out of his control regarding his profession, but he’d put in even more effort during those times.
The women returned to the table a few minutes later with their prizes. The plush Tweety Bird hugged against Journee’s chest.
“Do the two of you want to play more games?” Axel asked. Both women shook their
Killian watched Axel look at his watch, and he glanced down at his own. It was a quarter past eleven, and they agreed it was time for them to go. Their tabs had already been paid, and they walked out, saying their goodbyes, and going their separate ways.
He followed Journee to her car, and she handed him her keys as he opened the passenger door for her.
“I packed a bag. We can go to your hotel.”
Killian glanced at her as he pulled out of the parking lot. “You trying to keep my room neighbor up, Tigress?”
“Definitely. Besides, you’ll be checking out on Tuesday. It’s my last chance to do so if you think about it,” she responded teasingly, and he chuckled.
“Who am I to deny you the opportunity then?” he asked, placing his hand on her thigh.
Her bringing up that he would be checking out soon reminded him that he had five days before he left. Five days, and he planned on spending every one of them with her.
15
“What time is Killian’s flight tonight?” Kaydence questioned.
Journee turned her attention from where she was rearranging the plates, glasses, and cutlery on the island. “Ten-forty. We’ll leave here at about eight; that way, he has plenty of time to get through security checks. Though, I’m hoping it isn’t too busy at that time of night.”
Kaydence nodded as she took out the ingredients to make some tea cakes. “How do you feel about him leaving?”
“Honestly, at first, I was a bit upset. The reality hit me all at once, and while I knew he would eventually have to leave because he has a job and a life, I wasn’t prepared to deal with it.” Journee paused for a moment as her stomach again tightened at the prospect.
This time not nearly as much as before; it didn’t plummet into her feet. She felt better about the situation, but Journee had never been in a long-distance relationship before and knew they seldom worked. Even with that, she planned on being optimistic.
“But Killian and I talked, and I feel better about it. So, we’re going to try to make it work.”
“I’m sure you will. As long as both of you want it to work, you’ll find a way,” Kaydence responded.
Journee was sure Kaydence was right, and she’d learned over the last month and a half that Killian didn’t do anything halfway. She also had no intention of not putting the work in. The conversation also reaffirmed the fact that Journee was going to miss him. She’d gotten used to seeing him several times a week.
Journee told Kaydence she would be back and went into the living room. She found Killian sitting on the couch, flipping through channels. When he’d left out of the kitchen a few minutes after they’d gotten there, it’d been to take a phone call from his mother. They arrived first, but Journee knew the others would come shortly.
“Will you come help me for a minute?” she questioned when he turned his attention to her.
Killian placed the remote down. “Sure, baby.”
Journee led him down the hall and to Kaydence’s guest bedroom. She allowed him to enter first, closing the door behind them.
“What did you—” Killian cut himself off as he turned to look at her.
“This,” Journee replied as she unbuttoned her coral-colored shirt.
“You know everyone will be here soon.”
