Page 95 of Lucky Charm

He propped his hands on his hips, assuming his authority pose. “I think you’re more involved with the lieutenant than you’re admitting, and he’s got a dangerous job to do.”

Cait pulled out two cups and two packets and added cups and stirrers to her Jackie list. She mulled over an answer and finally chose honesty. For herself. For Hunt. For Duncan. Sneaking around made it seem dirty. It wasn’t.

She stretched lightly to let go of the tension trying to cramp her shoulders. “I know they’re going out, Duncan.”

He frowned. “How?”

“Hunt told me. Messaged me a bit ago.” She didn’t tell him that Hunt had kept the details to himself, as he should have. Starting now, she had a privacy bubble around Hunt and planned to keep a tight lid on anything he told her.

“War zone romances don’t work.”

She lifted a hand to sweep her hair back. “Not a war zone romance. Well, it was last time when I met him during my second tour, but it’s not now.”

Duncan’s lips pressed together as if stifling what he wanted to say. Hands waving, he gave up. “How in the hell are you going to make that work?”

“Under discussion.” She wasn’t ready to tell anyone she had plans for the future.

She ignored the boiling of the hot pot. “Why do you care?”

“These guys have reputations.” Duncan hesitated, pressing his lips together and looking at the floor.

“I know, Duncan. I’ve kept to myself for a long time. For practicality and safety. Hunt is different. He means a great deal to me, and I’m keeping him.”

“Could be a byproduct of the rescue.”

“It’s not. The rescue solidified what I’d already been feeling. We’re doing the best we can to keep things quiet, to do our jobs, and keep our plans for when we’re both home. But please understand, neither of us is walking away from this.”

He dropped his hands and shrugged. “You’re sure about him?”

“Yes, and I’m sure about how I feel. He’s part of my life now. Make friends with him.”

Duncan smiled, then laughed outright. “I can do that. Are you going to make that hot chocolate or let the pot boil dry?”

She grinned at him. “Make it, although it’ll be my third tonight.”

“It’s cold enough for that. I’m happy for you, Cait. I really am.”

“Thanks, Duncan. We’ve been friends for a long time. I need my friends, and I need Hunt. Please tell me I’ll have both.”

“You will. I’m sorry about what happened earlier. We’re family at this point, and I was out of line. I wouldn’t be doing my brotherly duties, though, by not being sure all is well.”

A warm, happy sensation filled her. “Now you’re trying to make me cry.”

Duncan laughed. “As if.”

She prepped the cups and handed him one. “Here’s to the future and new members to the family.”

“Cheers.” He touched his cup to hers and sipped slowly.

“How are you handling the worry?”

She widened her eyes in innocence. “What worry?”

He raised a brow at her, calling her on the flip answer without words.

She caved. “Yeah. It’s a work in progress, but I want to try.”

“Well, I’m here to lean on when you need help.”