Page 5 of Her Naughty Soldier

As they walk away, chatting and laughing, I'm left with a mix of emotions. I'm happy to see Jake and Ethan reconnecting, but I can't deny the disappointment at Ethan's departure.

Left alone in the shed, I gather my sketches, the lines and forms on paper a reminder of the unexpected connection that's formed between Ethan and me. It's a connection I'm not quite sure what to do with, especially with Jake in the picture.

I take a deep breath, trying to focus on the positive. Today was productive in more ways than one. But as I tidy up my space, I can't help but feel that something has shifted, something new and uncertain. For now, I decide to let it be, to focus on my art and see what the future holds.

Chapter 3

Ethan

Theearlymorningairis crisp, a reminder that the world is just beginning to stir. I stand at the bus stop, my mind wandering through the list of things I need to do. Getting a car tops that list, but it's just one of many steps in reintegrating into civilian life. I also need to find my own place; staying with Jake is temporary, a stepping stone.

Lost in thought, I'm startled when a car pulls up to the curb. The window rolls down, and there's Lily, her bright blue eyes catching the first light of day.

"What are you doing out this early?" I can't help but ask, somewhat surprised. I had her pegged as someone who enjoyed her sleep.

"Mornings have the best light," she answers with a smile. "I like to get out before the rest of the world for some inspiration." I glance at the back of her car and notice her painting supplies neatly arranged.

She looks at me, curiosity in her eyes. "What about you?"

"First day on the job," I reply, my voice steady. There's an undercurrent of nerves I don't let show.

"That's right, the outreach center," she remembers, and then, almost casually, she offers me a ride.

I hesitate for a fraction of a second. Getting into a car with Lily means spending more time with her, time I know I'll enjoy a little too much. But the alternative is a long wait for a bus that might not come on time.

"Sure, thanks," I say, opening the door and sliding into the passenger seat.

As Lily starts the car again, the sound of upbeat, catchy pop music fills the space. It's the kind of lively, girly tunes that you can't help but tap your foot to, a stark contrast to the world music and acoustics I shared with her yesterday.

"This is quite the mood setter," I remark, a small smile playing on my lips as the vibrant beats surround us.

Lily laughs, turning up the volume a notch. "I know, right? It's my go-to for early mornings. Keeps the energy up."

Listening to the lively rhythms and powerful vocals, I find myself drawn into the music's infectious spirit. It's different from my usual preferences, but there's something undeniably enjoyable about it… and her.

The early morning light begins to paint the sky in shades of orange and pink, and Lily points it out. "I love sunrises like this. They make for the best light when I'm painting."

"I've seen my fair share of sunrises," I say with a reflective tone. "Military life means you're up before the birds. One of the few perks, you could say, is getting to see the sunrise in different parts of the world.”

Lily gives me a knowing look, her eyes shining with a mix of humor and understanding. "Sounds like you've had your share of scenic wake-up calls. Any favorites?"

I chuckle, the memories flooding in. "Something about seeing the sunrise right here in my hometown hits differently. It's familiar but always new, you know?"

She nods, her smile widening. "I get that. When I was traveling in Bali, I woke up early just to catch the sunrise over the rice terraces. It was like watching the world wake up in slow motion. So peaceful."

We continue to exchange stories, hers filled with the adventures of a free spirit exploring the world, mine more regimented but no less rich in experience. As we talk, I find myself enjoying this side of her, her wanderlust and the way she sees beauty in the simplest things. With every story, I feel a growing sense of connection, realizing that there's much more to Lily than being Jake's sister.

As we pull up to the outreach center, my nerves are so tightly wound that I hardly notice Lily easing the car into a parking spot. She turns to me, her eyes full of curiosity. "Do you mind if I come in?"

I glance at her, attempting to mask my nerves with a bit of humor. "I feel like a kid you're dropping off on his first day of school," I quip.

Her laughter, light and genuine, fills the car. "I won't embarrass you, promise. I just want to check out the new center."

Giving her a nod, we exit the car and head toward the center. The building, a nondescript brick structure, stands stoically in the early morning light. Pushing through the glass doors, we're greeted by the hum of activity.

Inside, I take a deep breath, steadying myself and trying to figure out where I’m supposed to go. Lily, meanwhile, seems to blend into the environment effortlessly. She engages with the staff at the front desk, her ease with people evident in every interaction. She's like a spark of energy, igniting enthusiasm in everyone she talks to.

I'm approached by a man in his mid-forties with a kind face and a firm handshake. "Ethan Spencer? I'm Mark, the program director. Welcome aboard."

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