Page 67 of The Soldier's Homecoming

“You were wearing a leather skirt and a silky top,” he said, leaning in close. “And heels that almost made me choke on my drink when you walked in.”

Penny tilted her head back. “That skirt waswaytoo short. My roommate made me wear it.”

Daniel’s index finger stroked the top of her hand. “I wasn’t complaining.”

The music was loud and the crowd was getting more intense. Penny found herself pressed up against Daniel as someone bumped her from behind.

His chest was firm as her hand slid between them to push back slightly. Penny was light-headed and it had nothing to do with the half-glass of champagne she’d downed.

“Want to head outside?”

She nodded.

Daniel gripped her hand tight and led her through the people surrounding them. No one stood in his way, and she liked it, tucked behind him as he moved.

Even though she was respected by her unit and superiors, size wasn’t what made her tough. It was her mind and her attitude that had seen her succeed, not the fact that a crowd would part if she put on a tough face and strode ahead.

Daniel, on the other hand, had the brainsandthe brawn.

Cool air hit her face as she stepped out the door behind him.

“That’s better.”

Daniel kept leading her, out onto the patio and to the far corner where there were fewer people.

“It never used to be this packed full of people ten years ago.”

Daniel’s face was suddenly serious.

She took a step toward him that stopped as the band finished their song and the place was silent.

“We could have stayed inside after all if they’re taking a break for a while.”

Daniel shook his head, reached for her glass, and set both of them on the low ledge nearby. He returned and took her hands in his.

“Listen,” he said, the word little more than a breath of air.

“Daniel…” He held one finger to her lips to stop her from talking, then turned her around, toward the bar from where they’d come.

Daniel pulled her back against his chest, so she was leaning into him. “Listen,” he whispered again.

“We’ve had a request for a different kind of song this evening,” said the lead singer, voice gravelly, the microphone squeaking as he spoke to the crowd. “I’ve been reliably informed that it’s a firm favorite. An oldie but a goody.”

Penny shut her eyes, her body at peace against Daniel’s, immersed in the music of their special song.

She’d never imagined he would even remember the littlest of details. But he did. Hehad.

His lips touched the back of her head before he murmured to her.

“Do you want to dance?”

She bit downon her bottom lip, resisted the urge to grin at him.

“You sure know how to make a girl feel remembered.”

His hands traced across her shoulders then settled on her hips as she tucked her face into the hollow between his shoulder and collarbone.

“What I want is to make you feel loved.”

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