Page 3 of The Captain's Little Girl

CHAPTER2

Everyone stood as Cricket and River appeared at their table in jackets ready to head home. Jax’s and Doniphan’s large bodies cleared a path for Mark to steer the three women out of the bar. The other couples faded into the darkness as they emerged into the parking lot, leaving Mark and Cricket alone.

“So, what are we doing?” Cricket asked before biting her bottom lip.

“I’d like you to come home with me.”

“I’d like that,” she answered immediately, before adding hesitantly, “I probably smell like beer.”

“I smell worse than that. I can promise you a warm shower and snuggles in my arms. I need to have you close. Will you follow me home?”

“I walked here tonight. My car is acting up.”

“A buddy of mine will check it out tomorrow. My truck’s over here.” Mark steered her to the large, heavy-duty truck that he used to haul around the group’s training gear.

“You don’t have to do that,” she protested.

“Indulge me. I need to know you have reliable transportation.”

“O-okay.” Cricket stumbled over the word.

Mark opened the passenger door and lifted Cricket effortlessly into the seat. Her hands covered his at her waist as she leaned forward to look into his eyes.

“You’re not going to change your mind, are you, Mark? My heart won’t take it,” she admitted honestly.

“I’m not going to change my mind, little girl. I’m sorry I’ve fought this for so long. I wanted to protect you and all I’ve done is make us both miserable.”

“You’ve been miserable?”

Mark slid his hands from under hers to cup her jaw and kiss her sweetly. “Yes,” he confirmed.

He stretched the seatbelt around her and clicked it into place as he mentally kicked himself for leaving her in limbo. What kind of daddy made his Little question his feelings about her?

They had played a cat-and-mouse game with each other for too long. Mark had been sure that Cricket would find someone else her own age who would be a better fit. To his surprise, she hadn’t wavered from her interest in him. Finally, on this mission, he’d realized that Cricket’s youth wasn’t keeping her from knowing what she needed.

“Worse. Let’s go home, Cricket. I just want to be alone with you.”

When she nodded, Mark stood back to secure the door. Circling the car, he climbed inside and started the engine. Reaching his right hand across the console, he silently asked to hold Cricket’s. To Mark’s delight, she linked her fingers with his, holding onto him tightly.

“I’m glad you’re home,” she whispered as he headed out of the parking lot.

“Me, too, baby girl.”

They drove in comfortable quiet. Mark’s last vestiges of energy evaporated as he pulled into the garage. He dragged himself from the cab and around the truck to help her out.

“I’m going to crash hard, Cricket. I’m sorry. There were so many things I’d planned for our first night together.”

Cricket took one look at his haggard face before answering, “Shower and bed for you.” She steered him inside through the inner door. His furniture was minimal, with no decorating touches. Her heart ached for him. Mark lived for work only. Cricket made an instant vow to change that.

Aware that his bedroom was in the rear of the house after attending gatherings at Mark’s house and using the hall bathroom, Cricket helped him down the hall, passing a door in the hall that was always closed. She guessed he must have a master bathroom, even though Cricket had never dared to explore his room. Once inside, she guided him through the only other open door into the Spartan master bathroom. Without pausing, she steered him toward the sink and propped him against the vanity.

“Let’s get these clothes off you, Mark.”

He pulled his battered T-shirt over his head and threw it toward a hamper. “I can take it from here, baby girl.”

“Of course you can. I’m just helping,” she assured him. Sinking to the floor, she untied his combat boots before standing back up. “Step out of your shoes.”

As he braced himself against the marble top, Mark slowly followed her directions. Without hesitating, she unfastened his belt and slid the zipper down. Before he could protest, she pushed the filthy garments over his hips and pulled them off his feet, along with his socks.

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