Page 71 of Rookie Days

“What?”

“You’re doing it again. Being overprotective of Ellie.”

“There must be twenty years in between them, Lia.”

“So what? I think they’re well suited to each other, actually. Janet told me she’s ready for a more grounded relationship. And Ellie’s always struck me as being a bit of an old soul. Really, they seem like a perfect match.”

“Mmm.”

“Please, elaborate.”

“I’m just worried about one or the other getting hurt. Janet seems a bit emotionally fragile at the moment. And she’s my bestfriend.” Quinn sighed again in irritation. “Ellie also doesn’t need any more pressure. Dammit, they’re both so smart! You’d think they’d show it a bit more, uh!”

“Quinn.” Suppressing another chuckle, Lia rested one hand on each side of her face and flashed her a gentle smile. “It’s not like you to focus on worst-case scenario, darling. What if they do get together, and it all works out brilliantly? It did for us, didn’t it?”

Instantly, Quinn relaxed.

“You’re right about that. I do thank my lucky star every day that I get to be married to you.”

“I was just thinking exactly the same thing. Also, look: Jan and Ellie are both intelligent women, definitely. So, I think that you should trust them both to know what’s best for them, and stop worrying so much.”

“I’m annoying, aren’t I?” Quinn smirked, blushing lightly. “Sticking my nose into other women’s business, thinking I know it all better?”

Lia raised an amused eyebrow.

“You really want me to answer that?”

“Don’t bother. I’d rather you kissed me again.”

“Your wish is my command, beautiful. Just hang on a sec.” Lia checked her phone as a text message came through. “Ah. It’s only Sam.”

“Sam?”

“Wakefield, my hotshot pilot.”

“Huh. What does she want?”

Lia allowed herself a burst of laughter this time.

“Just wondering if I’m around and fancy a quickie. I’ll have to give her a rain check, since the wife is around. Too bad.”

“Haha. That’s hilarious, Ms Kennedy.Not.”

“I disagree.” Lia grinned, amused. “But actually, she’s just letting me know about a change to tomorrow’s schedule. I’ve got her well-trained, you see.”

“Mm, that’s better.” Quinn could not have sounded more serious if she tried. “You keep the marine in her place.”

Lia fired off a quick reply to the helpful woman in question, and then she dropped the phone to wrap both arms back around her wife’s neck.

“You, Lieutenant Wesley, are incredibly sexy. All the time, I’d say, but even more so when you’re jealous.”

“This isn’t jealous,” came the answer.

“Could have fooled me, babe.”

In a flash, before Lia could react, Quinn had moved up and over her. She kissed her hard, a little rough.

“Not jealous,” she repeated. “Just possessive. You’re mine, Lia.”