Page 66 of Lethal Threat

“Tactical rescues and protective detail work. Marshall’s company just started a high stakes hostage rescue team and I’m the newest member.”

“Is that what you did in the Air Force?”

His eyes fall back to the thick, black tactical vest in his hands. “Yes, that and other things.”

Something about the tone of his voice bothers me. But I can’t put my finger on what I’m feeling exactly. Since that day in the hospital, I’ve caught glimpses of the ghosts behind his eyes.

But he’s been careful to keep them locked away.

After inspecting his gear, Cole cleans his pistols. Again, he works with the precision of a highly trained military man. I watch until the silence makes me itchy.

Something about the gun stirs my unease.

I could use some air and a walk. “Mind if I go outside? I’m getting cabin fever.”

His eyes rise to mine and I know he’s searching for answers in my body language. “Of course. Just be careful not to fall.”

“Always worrying over me,” I say as I grin cheekily at him. “Aye, aye, General, I’ll be careful. Can I wear one of your coats? I don’t think mine will be up to the task.”

He rises from the table, and I follow him to the coat closet in the mudroom. “It’s Master Sergeant, by the way. Not General.”

“Very well then, Master Sergeant.”

“This should do the job.” He holds a puffy dark blue parka open so I can slip my arms in. The big coat smells like him, and my skin tingles in response. When he steps around to zip me up, he leans down and brushes his lips over mine.

I sigh. He deepens the kiss. Taking his time, Cole slowly drinks from me.

The kiss is so tender; it unfurls something glowing and warm inside of my chest. Everything feels new. Like I’m tasting sunshine for the first time.

I’m fascinated. How can a man so big and hard be so gentle? Cole defies all of my logic.

He angles his head and takes the kiss to the melting point, and my heart jolts like an arrow has struck it.

God, can I fall any harder?

But his eyes are so serious when he steps back. The rapid change causes confusion to take seed in my gut.

“I’ll join you in a few minutes, okay? I just want to finish up what I was working on.”

I nod as he steps back. My knees are rubbery and my insides are glowing warm and bright, even though I can’t read his expression. “I’d like that.”

Cold air and bright light sting my eyes when I walk intothe winter wonderland. The breeze is a slap to the face that snaps me back to my senses.

Heavy pillows of white weigh down the trees. The snow comes far above my boots. The flakes cling to my jeans like tiny white hitchhikers.

Everything is pristine, and the air is so quiet.

It’s magical. And unfamiliar.

It all feels so new. Which makes me wonder what my life was like before.

Did I ever frolic in the snow as a kid? Have I ever spent a weekend tucked away in a cabin in the winter with layers of snow piled up outside?

Turning my face up to catch the cold flakes, I try to still my mind and feel the memories instead of searching like I’m digging in an old library.

Nothing surfaces.

But the snow feels delicious.