Page 51

It was pure Hawaii inside, and all the doors and windows were thrown open to showcase the view of the beach.
“Oh, it looks fabulous in here,” Hollis said. “And it smells fabulous, too.”
Sizzling sounds came from the kitchen. Across the restaurant, Sawyer spotted a long table where Kiana, Koa, and their family were seated. It was tucked away from the main area of the restaurant.
“Look at the view,” Hollis breathed. The beach did look like paradise.
He led her over to the table. There were hugs and introductions all around. The twins greeted Hollis like a long-lost sister.
“I like your movies, young lady,” an older woman said to Hollis.
“Thank you.”
Sawyer held a chair out for her. Soon, platters of seafood started arriving.
The conversation and cocktails flowed. Sawyer didn’t drink. He wanted to stay alert and protect Hollis, plus he was armed. He wore a holster under his light-weight jacket.
Hollis tried all the dishes.
“These crab cakes are soooo good,” she said.
The twins happily told Hollis about all the ingredients and preparation techniques.
Every time she laughed, it made him feel good. He was glad she was having a good time.
His thoughts turned back to that call with her mother. His gut tightened. How could a parent be so…cool and disinterested?He talked with his mom every week. He didn’t see her as often as he liked, but he knew she was there for him, the same way he was there for her.
She’d tried to spend more time with him when he first left Ghost Ops—when he was raw and angry. He hadn’t always been welcoming, but she never stopped calling.
“I’m so full.” Hollis patted her stomach.
“Finish your drink, then I’ll show you the deck.”
He led her outside, and saw the twins beaming at them. Koa gave him a wink.
The temperature outside had cooled off as the sun was setting. The scent of flowers filled the air. He leaned on the railing, looking at the beach.
“I bet you’ll never want to leave here,” Hollis said.
“It’s become home.” He realized it was true. That fact had crept up on him.
“It’s helped you heal.”
He glanced at her.
“I mean, you haven’t said much, but I get the impression what you did in the military wasn’t always easy.”
“No.”
“Will you tell me about it? One day?”
“Maybe.” He didn’t want her to know the horrible stuff, or his failures.
She nodded, and didn’t ask any more questions or make demands.
The bullet took him by surprise.
It whizzed past and hit the glass window right behind Hollis, the crack echoing around them.