Page 25 of Salute, To Bravery
Warren
F ucking hell, she’s still gorgeous.
I spent weeks believing I’d never see her again. It was the saddest day of my life driving to her parent’s house with the dreaded POW letter signed by the President.
I have never been tempted to break so many rules than the day that Jess walked into my life. I almost asked to have her transferred out of my unit, but that would have been a grave mistake. She is an incredible soldier.
Was, I correct myself mentally as we walk down the hall to my office. I open the door and hold it open for her to enter before following her in and closing the door firmly behind me.
“It’s good to see you. How’s recovery going?” I drop the pretence of authority once we’re alone.
“Slow,” she hisses with annoyance, and I chuckle as I take my seat.
“All good things are worth the wait.” My words come out a hell of a lot more flirty than I intended, but her reaction is worth it.
She clears her throat and nods, but my eyes are glued to the flush of her cheeks. I examine the way she won’t meet my eyes and the slight indent of her teeth on her bottom lip.
Interesting.
“What finally brings you back for this visit?” I cut to the chase and look away, tapping my fingers lightly on my desk.
“I needed to face my monsters.”
My eyes fly back up to hers, but hers are closed.
“No, that came out wrong. I mean to say that part of my healing is returning to my normal routines. I would never have avoided my friends and colleagues before.” Her lip trembles, and it takes all my willpower to stay seated.
If I could rewind time and give her another set of orders, I would. I’d give anything to trade places with her just so I never see this look on her face again.
“I see.”
Her head drops, and she takes three long deep breaths. “It’s getting better.”
It sounds rhetorical, so I don’t say anything until she looks back up.
“How can I help?” The offer leaves my lips quicker than my brain can tell me not to open that door.
“You already are. I need to immerse myself back into my life. I hear congratulations are in order.” She tilts her head to the side, and it makes me roll my eyes.
“Ethan has a big mouth.”
She smiles for the first time. “It’s nice to know some things don’t change.”
I frown, looking around my office. “And some things do.” I sigh and nod to myself.
It’s been a long time coming. I stayed for my wife and kids. They’re all grown now, and my open marriage took a turn I should have seen coming but refused to acknowledge. When Sarah said it was over, I finally felt the pull in my soul I’d been waiting for.
It’s time to live for me.
I look over Jessenia differently. We have nothing stopping us now. She wants to feel normal again. Alive.
“Well, I’ll get out of your hair. I’m sure you have plenty of packing to do and retirement parties to attend.”
She stands, and a desperate feeling to grab her washes over me. I can’t just let her walk out of this office without knowing when I’ll see her again.
“Birthday party, actually.”
I stand and beat her to the door. She glances up at me.
“Happy Birthday,” she whispers, but her eyes are saying something entirely different.
“You should come out tonight.” Shit, this could be the worst idea I’ve ever had.
“Where?”
It’s better than a no, so I’ll take it.
“Let me write down the address. It’s a private club in Center City. I’ll have them put your name on the guest list.” I grab a pen and notepad and scribble the information down.
I rip it off and practically shove it into her hand.
“Is it formal?” She reads the address and folds the paper before looking back up at me.
You’ll be naked before the night is over, so it doesn’t matter.
“No, it’s causal and relaxed.”
She nods and holds up the paper. “What time?”
Holy shit, she agreed. My cock twitches, and I grin down at her. “Eight sharp.” I open the door for her before she changes her mind.
“I’ll see you tonight.” I close the door, dismissing her, and turn my back to rearrange myself in my uniform pants.
“Christ.” I sit behind my desk and call my brother.
“War,” his voice is clipped, and I know he’s angry at something.
“What’s wrong?” I hear some grunts and a loud bang.
He must be at the gym working out his frustrations, and I envy him at the moment. Hopefully, tonight will give me an outlet to purge my sexual frustrations. The last few years of my marriage were sexless, and my few times at the club never sated my hunger.
“Are you listening to me?” Darren growls, and I curse.
“Fuck, no. I’m sorry. I’m distracted as hell.”
He grunts again. “I said my date fell through, and I’m pissed. Guess we’re spending our birthdays alone tonight.”
I smile. My twin and I have always loved sharing women.
“I’m not too sure about that, Dare. How would you like to switch tonight? Someone has come back into my life and might be willing. We’ll have to test the waters.”
He chuckles at me. “I’m down.”