Page 27 of Relentless Surrender

“Um, yeah I know Conner. I’m sorry. I…I gotta go,” said Sage as she hung up.

She turned to face the disapproving look from Melissa. “I’m a dumb bitch, aren’t I?”

“Yes, but you’re cute so it’s okay,” soothed Melissa. “Have a drink.”

* * *

Conner hung up the phone more pissed than ever. It was ridiculous of course. She was a grown woman. Out with her friends. Drinking. Around other men. Probably in another version of that flimsy dress. “God Dammit.”

Then he remembered something her drunk friend said and took a shot. Two minutes later he was in his truck racing to Arlington, Va.

* * *

Sage was finishing her second margarita and finally feeling a nice pleasant buzz when she swore she was seeing things. It wasn’t possible. Absolutely not. It wasn’t possible that a very angry Conner was making his way through the crowd directly for her. Nope. Not possible. There must be more tequila in these margaritas then she thought!

Soon he was standing directly before her. Sage had to tilt her head way back to catch his gaze.

“Boy am I glad you are a figment of my imagination because otherwise I could be in real trouble,” she chortled.

“You are in real trouble,” he growled.

“But…but…it’s not possible!” she whined. “How did you find me?”

At that moment, Ashley sauntered up. Giving Conner a lascivious once over, she commented, “Beauty and brains. I see you got my hint.”

“The El Paso in Arlington. Thanks,” said Conner. “Sage will be leaving now.”

“I must certainly will not! And another thing…”

She didn’t get another word in. Conner shouldered her mid-section and lifted her up.

“Oh no you don’t! Not again!” she shouted, as he proceeded to carry her out of the bar. “Conner this isn’t some deserted street!” she warned. Sage started to wave her hands. “Hey Bouncer! Bouncer! Mr. Bouncer! Help!”

Conner stopped for a moment as the Bouncer blocked his path.

After a brief pause, the Bouncer said, “Second Division, Lejeune, Private.”

“ACE, Warrior Squad, Captain.” responded Conner. Both ignoring the squirming huffing female on his shoulder.

“Nice. Carry on, Sir.” responded the Bouncer.

Seriously!” exclaimed an incredulous Sage. “Are you freakin kidding me?”

“Respect.” Was all Conner would say.

As they got to the parking lot, Melissa flagged them down.

“Finally! Sanity! Melissa, talk to him! Help me!”

“Here’s her purse, Conner,” said Melissa with a smile in Sage’s direction. “Oh and Conner. I work with Sage and I’ll make sure to tell everyone she came down with a very nasty flu and shouldn’t be expected back into work for the rest of the week.”

“Why thank you Melissa,” returned Conner.

“Melissa!” cried a shocked Sage.

“Bye, sweetie! Have fun!” said Melissa in a sing-song voice.

* * *

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