Page 30 of Not Faking it with the Colonel

“Hi. I was just thinking about you,” she answered.

“I like hearing that.” Her cheerful greeting and statement released the kind of endorphin rush that would be a good addiction. Though his marriage with Bethann had still been strong and loving after three decades, there was something exciting about a new relationship. At least one like this. He hadn’t clicked with any other women he’d gone out with, but everything felt easy with Erin.

With her, Graham certainly wouldn’t have to fake attraction. He could make a strong case that marriage didn’t make him less inclined to cheat than in a committed dating relationship. Not that he wanted to battle that out with the general. But if McKittrick saw it for himself, maybe he’d ease up. However, based on what Mateo said, he and the general weren’t the only ones he needed to convince.

“I’ve been thinking over the different ways this could go, good and bad, as you asked,” he told her. “You mentioned having plans for tonight, but I wanted to see when you’re free.”

“I’m working the USO’s table outside the Woodpecker’s game tonight. If you’re willing to help us out, I’ll treat you to a hot dog dinner and the game.”

“I’d love that. Can I pick you up?” That would allow them to talk privately.

“I planned to ride over with Tommy and Nicky to set up. But you can give me a ride back to the USO to get my car after the game.”

“I can work with that. What time should I be there?”

“We’re going to be there about six fifteen to set up. Why don’t you come around six thirty? Oh, I need you to be in uniform. Unless you have a USO shirt,” she clarified.

“I don’t.” Not that he knew why that mattered.

“We’ll be set up near the entrance. We should be easy to find.”

“See you there.”

* * *

Since he didn’t needto go home and change out of his uniform, Graham stayed late to finish the report he hadn’t been able to concentrate on before talking to Erin.

He parked at the Airborne and Special Ops Museum and crossed the street to the stadium. Near the entrance, he spotted Erin and the center director setting up a shade canopy.

Erin flashed a bright smile. “You’re early.”

“Thought I’d beat the traffic and see if I could help.”

“You’ve got the height advantage to do this.” She stepped aside.

He extended a pole until it clicked into place, and then he and the director, Tommy, moved to the canopy’s other side while Erin and a female volunteer in a red shirt set up two folding tables.

Erin’s gaze roved over him as Graham helped her flip the table and move it into place. “You wanted to see me in uniform,” he surmised.

“Maybe,” she said with a guilty grin.

He chuckled. “I hope you don’t go foranyman in uniform.” He’d have a lot of competition then.

“No. But I am partial to this pattern. I never loved the digitalized camouflage. I think you’ve met Tommy, and this is Nicky,” she introduced them.

“We appreciate you helping out, Colonel,” Tommy said.

“Call me Graham.” He shook hands with Tommy and then Nicky.

“I’m glad to see you could connect with Erin,” Tommy said. “Sorry that I couldn’t give you her information. I’m sure you understand the need for security. We had a situation where a soldier liked one of our volunteers a little too much, and she already had a boyfriend.”

“I do understand. I would appreciate you not giving out even the little you gave me on Erin to anyone else.” He winked at Erin as she spread the cloth over the table.

“I don’t think you have to worry about anyone else asking since I’m old enough to be the mother of half of the troops that come to our center.”

“It’s the other half I’d have to worry about.”

Erin set a cardboard box on the table and leaned over toward him. “Thank you.”

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