Page 66 of Not Faking it with the Colonel

“Bye, honey.” Erin barely got the words out before Madison ended the call. “I’m getting to pretend I’m flying a Black Hawk?”

“Lundy said getting you time in a simulator wouldn’t be a problem. Madison didn’t know we’re dating?”

She should have known he’d pick up on that. Little got by Graham. “I thought Piper may have mentioned it, but I haven’t come right out and told Madison. Her standard M.O. is to ignore anything she’d rather not hear.” Like her father’s drinking or their marital problems. Her refusal to acknowledge it didn’t mean it wasn’t true. “I love her, but she is a little wrapped up in herself.”

“It’s an age thing. Partly generational too. Ease her into it however you think is best. That was our agreement.”

An agreement that she tended to forget now with so many real feelings involved. “I’m trying to address conflict myself, but it’s hard when it’s your kid. I’m already in the doghouse with her because of the divorce.”

“I understand.”

“Thanks, and I will not ask Colonel Mahinis a hundred questions or even what unit he’s with.”

“Good plan. He may bring it up, but don’t count on it—at least not tonight. Dianne is a good ally to have. She’s well respected and tight with Sally McKittrick. She was also close with Bethann, so you may have to pass muster, which I’m confident you can do. Just be yourself.”

ChapterTwenty-Eight

“Do you need help with anything?”Graham offered when Erin exited the condo with the box of supplies for the USO’s cooking date night.

“It’s just this box of swag and the video release forms. All the food for the class is provided.” She set the box on the back seat of Graham’s car.

He leaned over to kiss her once she got in. “What happened to your wrist?” He pointed to the parallel pair of scratches. “That didn’t happen this morning when we . . .”

“No.” Her face heated, and pleasant tingles started at the memory. “This was Smokey’s doing. I had an urgent message from her owner, Mareena, this morning that she’d forgotten about Smokey’s vet appointment. Then she added, ‘Oh, and she doesn’t like to be put in the cat carrier.’ She suggested I try to lure her in with some treats and allow ample time.’ As soon as Smokey saw the cat carrier, she took off and hid. I got this lovely scratch when I tried to get her out from under the bed.”

“Ouch. Did you get her to the vet?”

“I did. I put away the carrier and put a cardboard box with some treats next to the bed, hoping to lure her out.”

“Smart.” Graham navigated out of the complex.

“I thought so. Except Tinkerbell jumped in and ate those treats. So, I went dumpster diving and got a second box.”

“You didn’t.” Graham chuckled.

“I didn’t have toclimbin. I just leaned in really far. It was worth it because Smokey finally came out from under the bed and got in the box. But before I could close it up, Tink jumped in with her. That lasted about three seconds before Smokey jumped out.”

“What’s that saying about herding cats?” Graham full-on laughed with her now.

She shook her head. “Using the last of the treats, I got her in the original box and closed that sucker up. I made it to the vet’s two minutes before the appointment and waited for thirty-seven minutes.”

“Sounds like you went over and above in your cat-sitting duties today. Are you going to finish your assignment, or are you looking for an opportunity to transfer?”

“I won’t abandon my post—since I don’t have to take her again or force her to take pills.” If Graham was referring to her moving in with him, that was still taking this too far—even if they had spent almost every night together the past two and a half weeks.

She savored the time with him—trying not to think of how it would end in a few short months unless they could figure out a way to draw out a fake engagement—indefinitely. Or if they ended a fake engagement, who’s to say they couldn’t get back together and start dating again? Couples broke up and got back together all the time. Though he might decide he was ready to marry. And meet someone and . . .

No. She would not ruin tonight by letting an uncertain future steal her joy. “I didn’t get lunch, so I am looking forward to this class.”

“Do you have a list of who’s coming?” Graham asked as he pulled into the shopping center parking lot.

“It’s in the box.”

“Are Sean and Sally McKittrick on it?”

“They’re not.”

“I didn’t think so, but I brought it up yesterday when he asked about you, and he said he’d run it past Sally. I didn’t think he was serious.”

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