Page 98 of Not Faking it with the Colonel

As Graham danced with Erin,he observed his men work the room. More than a few covert glances came his way, but he also got a few nods and thumbs-up signals. Still, it was impossible to relax. Were they making it worse by potentially spreading the news? It would only take one man or woman with a grudge, or someone having one too many drinks, to ask the general if what Noelle said was true and there went containment.

He managed to dodge the McKittricks until they said their farewells. They never indicated anything was amiss. Graham waited until only a handful of people remained, including Bryson, Reece, Cruz, and Elauria, who had effectively staked out positions near the general to run interference, if necessary.

“What’s the word?” Graham asked when they congregated for a sit-rep.

“We appear to have containment thanks to Cruz’s quick notification and observing everyone who overheard,” Bryson reported.

“No one wants to see you given the boot, Colonel,” Cruz said. “Mateo blames himself.”

“It’s not his fault. Thank you all. I know this isn’t how you wanted to spend your time at the ball.” And it didn’t mean they were in the clear.

“We all enjoy a covert mission, especially when no weapons—other than tongues—are involved,” Bryson joked.

After the last partygoers had departed, Graham walked Erin to the car.

“Let’s spend the night at my place,” she said. “I might be tempted to throw a rock at the Ayers’s house. Do you think she’d notice if I named a character in my series after her?”

“Let’s not do anything to further invoke her wrath.”

“True. I’m pretty sure she regrets opening her mouth. Not that she’ll thank you for covering her uptight butt.”

“I wanted your first ball to be a magical experience, not have your reputation questioned. Noelle saying I was using you for sex so crossed the line.” He opened the car door for her.

“I’m not worried about me. I nearly told everyone you’re the best lover I ever had.”

“That might not have helped our case,” he said with a chuckle.

“True. And I don’t want to reflect poorly on you or negatively impact your career.” She rested a hand on his arm.

“You haven’t. This is the best command I’ve had, but you’re more important.”

ChapterThirty-Nine

Despite the brightsunlight filling the bedroom Sunday morning when Erin woke, Graham lay in bed with his eyes closed. “Are you awake?” she asked quietly.

“Yeah.” He opened his eyes and turned his head toward her. “I didn’t want to wake you by getting out of bed.”

They’d both laid in bed, barely moving but not sleeping for nearly two hours after getting home from the ball. Finally, she initiated sex. Neither had been in the mood at first. Graham had fallen asleep afterward. She had lain awake for at least another hour before drifting off.

“How about we go hiking at Raven Rock Park or to the beach for the day,” he suggested.

“Are you sure the beach isn’t too far for a day trip?”

“I’ve got nothing else on today’s agenda. And it might help take our minds off . . . things.”

“Beach it is. But we should go by the house and feed the cats since I wasn’t planning on us coming here last night.” Erin scooted out of bed.

“I can ask Megan to swing by and do that.”

“We need to get your swimsuit.”

“I’ll be fine.”

She drew in a breath but simply said, “Okay.”

“No. Something’s wrong.” Graham stayed put, his gaze fixed on her.

She moved to stand in front of him. “I want you to enjoy the beach. Not justbethere.”

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