Page 95 of The Promise Of Rain

It was the most I’d seen her show off her figure since I’d come home.

I looked her up and down, then looked again.

“You look gorgeous, baby.Is that new?”

“I bought it today.”She flushed, then laughed and gave me a little twirl.“I’m not sure…”

I grinned, warmed by her pleasure in showing off her lovely body to me.“It’s perfect.You’re perfect.”

My smiles came easier now, even if only for her.

“I feel underdressed,” I teased.

She smiled, her soft, blue eyes twinkling.“Hopefully later you’ll be truly underdressed.”

I grasped her waist and pulled her close.“Spoken like a woman who doesn’t want to go out to the movies tonight.”

Her eyebrows quirked as she considered the possibility.

Giving her a squeeze, I nipped her avoidance in the bud and murmured, “Can’t have that dress going to waste.”

“Maybe you could just take the dress, and I’ll stay home,” she teased softly.

I grinned down at her beautiful face.“Not a chance, gorgeous.”I patted her lovely, round ass and turned to grab her coat.

It was a pleasure having her turn for me so I could draw it up her arms and settle it over her shoulders.

Dipping my head, I pressed a kiss to her temple.

Everything was perfect from the drive into Peppergrove to our dinner to the movie which she watched raptly, laughing at the appropriate moments, grabbing my hand when she teared up, and rising with a happy sigh at the happily ever after.

Leaving the theatre, the sound of my name in a deep, rough voice caught my attention.

Catching sight of the crewcut heading my way, I smiled and held out my hand.

“What are you saying, man?”He pushed my hand away and flashed his very straight, very white teeth before pulling me in for a hug and slapping me on the back.“Why didn’t you call and tell me you were back?”

I drew back and took him in.

Other than his over-zealous dentist, he looked much the same as I remembered.He was a big guy, always had a smile on his face, though he could be a bit of a jerk when it came to women.

Despite his crew cut, Adam was one of the friends who left cadets as soon as his parents allowed.We’d attended the same church and schools, becoming fast friends at the ripe old age of three, our mothers arranging regular playdates to cement the bond.

“Adam,” I replied, shaking his hand.“It’s good to see you.”

He grinned but his eyes were hard.“Why didn’t you call, Deac?”

I nodded to Jenny.“First things first,” I said.“I’ve had other priorities since I’ve been back.”

“Aw,” he nodded slowly.“Jenny Davis.”

A petite woman with tired eyes and a pretty face caught up and stood behind him, a small child clinging to each of her hands.

I nodded to her with a smile before turning my attention back to my childhood best friend.“Is this your family?”

A hint of annoyance flashed across his face.If I hadn’t been watching, I would have missed it.

He impatiently waved his wife forward.“This is my wife Lynn, and our girls, Lauren and Leanne.”