I took my place behind the large mahogany desk, the corner office surrounded by glass and the rich woods that bordered the walls.

Then I called Janet.

“Is Ben in yet?”

“Yes, Miss Mitchelle.”

She summoned him to my office, and within ten minutes, he appeared in my doorway.

“Good morning, Ben.”

His dark suit melted on his body, his slightly wavy brown hair slicked back, leaving it to look wet. I wondered if there would ever be a time when I didn’t see him—the man—first.

“What’s going on?”

He casually entered and took a seat across from me, his ankle resting on his opposing knee.

“Just tying up loose ends.” I lifted my coffee, gently blowing on it before I sipped. “I’m taking Friday off, for a long weekend getaway, and I just wanted you to know, in case anything cones up.

“Oh.” He held my gaze for what felt like an eternity. His green mossy eyes betrayed his hard-outer shell, and his curious nature got the best of him. “With who?”

Blunt and to the point as ever.

“A friend.”

“That’s not an answer.”

I ignored the comment and turned to work issues.

“I heard we had some trouble with the Las Vegas property? It sounds like zoning issues, and it’s practically in our backyard. Don’t we know the zoning commissioner? Can you pull some strings?” I ask.

“Hard to say. The Star Group owned it and sold it to us with the option to go commercial or residential. Now we’re buried in red tape. It may require a one-on-one meeting with them.”

“Fine. I’m glad you’re on it.”

Dismissing him was an unusual occurrence, and his face turned serious, as if he wanted to say something, or ask something. I watched as wariness crossed his face. The man was a walking contradiction.

“Okay.” He stood, tugging on his suit jacket, ensuring it was in its proper place. “I’ll keep you updated.”

I replied with a casual nod, subliminally urging him to leave.

He glanced over his shoulder as he left, and I knew something was off. I felt it. He had displayed an unfamiliar vibe all week that I hardly recognized.  I didn’t have all day to analyze Ben’s moodiness, and God only knew how many years I’d wasted doing just that. The sudden realization that we were strangers really, worlds apart. Ten years of rejection burns in the heart every day. Enough, I decided.

 

I texted Steel instead.

 

Good morning,

I have an opportunity to spend the weekend with my girlfriend. It’s unexpected, but I’ll be home Sunday.

 

His reply arrived instantly.

 

Sounds like fun. Good timing—work is busy. Can I see you Sunday?

 

Now, that is how it’s done. But, I begin to wonder if I’ll ever be free to love again, love anyone but the one man who would never be mine.

 

Sure, just let me know if it’s your house or mine.

 

My house. You can meet Whiskey. Looking forward to it. Xxx

“Good morning, sleepyhead.”

Jules had been my best friend for years. We met in high school, clicked, and were glued at the hip, ever since. She was incredibly fun, extremely unpredictable and exceedingly dangerous at times. If I ever got into trouble, it was usually Jules’s idea. She was wild an adventurous, and I usually got swept up in her antics. Nancy Drew and her capers.

We attended different colleges. I was fortunate for my mother’s little nest egg and the mystery money, from who knows where, and left for Harvard. Jules attended medical school and became an RN.

Our past was riddled with incidents that required vows sworn in secrecy. We had made pledges in blood, tales never to see the light of day. She was the one person I trusted with everything. I reached for my phone and dialed.

“I’m awake, Jordan. I worked the evening shift at the hospital last night, not the over-night shift. Thank God.”

“I have a once-in-a-lifetime offer: an all-expenses paid trip to Lake Tahoe. Sun, sand, men, mountains, drinks, and great food. Did I mention men?”

“How many rooms?” Jules asked.

“You can’t share a room with me? It’s not as if I’ll be groping you in the middle of the night.”

“Oh, I plan on sharing a room—just not with you.”

“Got it, two rooms it is.”

“The plan: pack for all the adventures I instructed. And I’ll pick you up Friday morning, early.”

“Sounds great. How early?”

“Six a.m.,” I said with a slight cringe, anticipating a complaint. I heard the long moan, the word no muffled by the pillow. “Man up, or I’ll make it five.”

“Fine.” The word was drawn out as dramatically as possible, but she finally caved. Jules had a special quality that allowed me to embark on my childhood escapades and be free of adult responsibilities. With her, I could let my guard down and have fun. She’s been like family to me, more like a sister. Being an only child raised by a single parent had its challenges. I would have loved a sibling or two, but it just wasn’t meant to be.

It certainly would have helped when my mom got sick, and even more when I lost her. I had a handful of friends, and practically no family on my mother’s side. Not to mention a missing father my mother never spoke of. I had pushed her for information all my life, but she never relented. I finally gave up. Anyone who chose not to be in my life wasn’t worthy of my love anyway.

As promised, I was knocking on her door at five fifty-eight. She opened it with a scowl. 

“I better get laid” were her first words.

She turned as I followed her in, and I wasn’t spared the view of her ass sporting the words “Enjoying the view?”

“You wearing that?” I asked.

I noticed her eyebrow rising, daring me to protest.

“And a good morning to you, too, sunshine.”

I scanned the room for her suitcases, but there was none to be found.

“Where’s your shit?”

She pointed to a heap of crap in the corner.

“Seriously?”

I got a shoulder shrug in return, so I made my way to her kitchen. She watched as I ripped two trash bags from the roll and proceeded to stuff everything in them.

“Classy.” I say. “You should be able to snag a rich one when you check in.”

I held up her two trash bags of luggage. Inside, I was laughing historically. I handed over the two bags, the lumps swinging back and forth. At least she was moving. I grabbed her purse and hung it over her head.

“Phone?”

“Check.”

“Charger?”

“Check.”

“Condoms?”

She tilted her head slightly to the left and looked at me as if I was stupid.

I grabbed her, dragging her through the door, and locking it on my way out. I jiggled the handle, confirming it was securely locked. When I clicked my car fob, the hatch opened. I watched her throw her bags in, keeping her purse with her as she joined me in the front.

“This trip, we are going to get crazy,” I encouraged her. “I have tons of things planned.”

Her head jerked towards mine.

“Jules, I know what you’re thinking, but there’ll be plenty of beach time, drinks, and fun in the sun. Don’t worry.”

“And what, pray tell, is your idea of crazy?”

“I don’t want to spoil the surprise.”

“That’s code for I’m fucked.”

“No, no, not fucked. I can tell you this: We are going to the bar for dinner and drinks tonight, starting the trip off right.”

“That does sound fun. Did you pack my new white summer dress?”

No idea

“Yes.”

The two-hour drive was a breeze, allowing my grumpy best friend to sleep the entire time, but I knew I’d reap the benefits later.

We checked in and found our adjoining rooms. Once inside, I opened my door and knocked on hers. She opened it with a bright smile.

“I can’t find my white dress!”

I glanced over at the two empty trash bags dumped on the floor.

“Find something else. You look great in anything.”

And she did. I called her Summer Barbie. She was all legs and boobs, her long blonde hair and big blue eyes causing men to commit insane acts—all with the wave of her hand. I once watched a guy drink eight shots of apple cider vinegar—the equivalent of battery acid—in a contest with Jules, who filled her shot glass with tequila. It was messed up.

I dressed quickly in a colorful maxi dress with spaghetti straps. My hair had a will of its own, long waves a mix of ginger and sun-kissed blonde framing my face. I peeked in Jules’s room, and as expected, Summer Barbie appeared in her white dress.

“Ready?” she asked.

Luckily, we arrived in time for dinner.

“Eat at the bar or…”

“The bar.”

Jules claimed the two open seats between a row of men. We ordered drinks and dinner. I rarely drank, so I had learned along the way that food was essential when mixed with alcohol. I proceeded to eat all my seafood delight. I even stuck my fork in Jules’s fried shrimp, eating a couple of hers which were just sitting there.

“Jules, eat something,” I said, with my mouth full of shrimp.

She took one shrimp and popped it in her mouth.

Then shots were ordered, drinks were bought, men were swarming, toast were made, and “bottoms up” was heard more times than I could count. This would not end well.

Now it was after ten, and I noticed my bestie was several degrees past comfortably numb. Sitting on the bar stool in front of her were a stack of napkins, all containing men’s numbers. I had several, too, but I would be trashing mine.

I lift the first one.

“Noah!”

I yelled his name out, and he raised his hand, as if in school.

“Here, hold this. No, right on your chest. That’s good. Now smile!”

I clicked the camera on my phone. Then I yelled, “Liam!”, repeating the process until all the napkins were gone.

“Jules, hey.”

I waved my hand in front of her pretty face.

“There you are. Drunk test. Ready?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Quick. Was Mickey Mouse a dog or a cat?”

“A dog!” she yelled out. “No, wait… That’s not funny; that’s mean.”

“You fail.”

Wasted wench.

“No one serve this girl. She’s cut off. Jules, take this pen.”

She’s shaking her head no, confusion swirling in her brain.

“Take it.”

Reluctantly, she holds the pen.

“Now write on this napkin: I, Jules.”

Watching her scribble the six letters, she was a hot mess.

I was slightly buzzed myself, and the laughter spilled out as I watched Jules sway and slur.

“I Jules, promise Jordan that no matter how bad my hangover is, I’ll still go hiking with her tomorrow.”

I couldn’t make out part of it, but it would suffice once the sun broke tomorrow. Then I grabbed her arm, placed over my shoulder and we slithered back to our rooms.

I awoke to my alarm, around seven. I knew it was too early for Barbie, so I showered and organized both of our backpacks. Then I wandered over to Jules’s room, opening the heavy darkening drapes using the handy white stick hanging from them. I gave them each a hearty yank. I had an idea how this was going to go, so I came in prepared.

“Jules, sit up and take these.”

“Huh?”

Surprisingly, she does. So far, so good. Holding two Advils and a cold bottle of water, she took them from my palm, and I watched her gulping the water.

“Not too much. It might make you sick. Thick tongue, huh?”

I got the ole stink eye.

“Here, change into this outfit, and I’ll be back in a few.”

I handed her the Nike dri-wick top and shorts.

“Coffee?” I offered, and she moaned yes.

“I’m not sure I’m feeling…”

She fell over sideways onto the bed, her arm flung over her eyes.

“I know, but look. No unwanted hookups.”

She takes a peek.

“That’s true.”

“And then there’s this.”

I hold the napkin, only inches from her face.

“What is it?”

“Your pledge of honor.”

“I pledged? Fuck.”

The potent stream of sunlight beamed down with stinging rays as Jules held her hand over her brow, shielding the sun as she peered up at the mountain’s peak.

“How the hell is that even humanly possible?”

“Switch backs,” I answered as I slipped her pack over her shoulders. “I’ve wanted to see Lake Tahoe from this viewpoint for years.”

“Maybe it’s a sign.”

She pointed to the clouds.

“No, sorry, those clouds are technically called lenticular, a formation due to strong winds, when the atmosphere contains enough moisture. It’s particularly common in this region. Nice try, though.”

“Your fearlessness is disgusting.”

I only smiled, and held out my hand.

“Coming?”

“Notice my lack of enthusiasm?”

We reached the trail head and signed in.

“Oh, is this if someone needs to claim our bodies?”

“You’re correct.” I glanced back at my lagging friend when we reached the first checkpoint. “I have a surprise for you once we reach the next point.”

“You’re relentless.”

But she caught up in record time. I stopped on the trail to take a few pictures, allowing eager hikers to pass us by. The climb was a challenge. For Jules, most likely a super-human challenge, especially after last night’s festivities.

“I forgot you enjoyed all this outdoor stuff, but I need a break.”

Finding a huge bolder, she lay flat as her legs and arms dangled off the sides.

I snapped a picture, then climbed on the rock and lay beside her.

“Selfie?”

I get a snarky, pissed-off look in return.

“I’ll post it on Facebook, right this second.”

“You’re heckling me?”

“More like mocking,” I answered. “Would you like your first surprise?”

She shrugged, indifference clearly evident on her face. I don’t know why I act like a twelve-year-old around her, or maybe that’s why I like her: she fills a void, underneath all the self-control, I needed to be that kid again.

“Drumroll, please. Here we have bachelor number one.”

I held my phone, pushing the screen into her face.

“Let me see, let me see.” She held it, then enlarged it to read the napkin. “Noah.”

Our eyes met.

“From last night?”

She stood and twirled and laughed—hangover cure of the century.

“I told you I’d help you get laid.”

“Maybe I should call this Noah guy?”

“Now? We are not turning around so you can have sex. I suggest you better start climbing.”

“Ruthless.”

“On the plus side, tomorrow is beach day.”

“Thank fuck.”

“You gonna’ make it?” I asked, grinning. “I brought hiking sticks if you want to try them.”

I stopped and got all four out, adjusting them to the perfect height. And then started back up.

“Wow, these really help.”

We hiked another hour without one complaint.

“Reward time. Bachelor number two?”

Her eyes sparkled as we sat on a fallen log, but she was distracted by what was laying on the ground.

“Look at the size of this pine cone.” Jules picked it up in wonder. It had to be eighteen inches long, and as round as a football.

“Nature at its best.” I knew she would come around. “Just wait, the top will be well worth it. And here he is number two.”

I deliberately kept it from her a second too long.

“Just do it already!” She looked closely at it. “Oh, Liam, I do recall a moment with you.”

“Mason and Ethan are next.”

She flipped the pictures back and forth, deciding their fate. Tonight, my friend would be on the prowl. I got it, I got her.

“We’re approaching the last ridge. Come on.”

And fifteen minutes later, we held hands standing at the peak.

The entire national landmark offered a brilliant panoramic view of mountaintops covered by snowy peaks. There were waterfalls as high as the tallest pines, and hidden lakes unseen from below, only privy from this view. It felt like a religious experience.

And then there was Jules, with tears running down her beautiful face.

I smiled at my friend. I knew she would understand.

“You okay?”

She nodded.

“Maybe we should sing ‘God Bless America’ or something.”

“Let’s save it for the drive back to the hotel.”

The hike down was a breeze, and the small investment of four hiking sticks proved to be a wise call. I thought I heard Jules humming behind me, and a smile pulled at my lips.

 

On our drive back, Jules called bachelor number two and made her evening plans. She’d already run this by me, and I had given my blessing. In turn, I contacted the spa at the hotel and scheduled the deluxe package. I knew how my night would turn out, but I also knew Jules, so I bought earplugs.

I woke to the pale morning light from the rising sun scattering streams of light through the window. I was eager to claim our spot on the covered loungers on the beach below, so I slid a note under Jules’s door.

Meet me on the beach.

After filling my beach bag, I dressed in the new two-piece Jules had forced me to buy from the gift shop. She had decided that my conservative one-piece belonged in the Smithsonian. Now I was sporting a pumpkin-orange string bikini, concealed by my old cover-up that I hid from her.

Once settled in the luxury lounger, I took the new book Steel had given me and started to read. I was surprised when Jules appeared only an hour later.

“Now this is more like it,” she said.

“Watch this.”

I raised the red flag attached to the lounger hood, and a cabana boy instantly came over.

“What can I do for you ladies?”

We ordered a light breakfast, and he returned with a serving tray full of goodies. When he set it on the long table between us, we thanked him profusely.

Then I glanced Jules’s way. She was stunning in her lilac-colored bikini, with ruffles along the edges.

Not wanting to pry, yet curious, I decided to bring up last night. She was spreading cream cheese on her warm, toasted bagel and moaning after her first bite.

“How was Hugh?”

“You mean Noah?”

“The ole switcheroo. Enough said.”

“Enough about me. How’s work? And what I mean by work is Ben.”

“It’s a long, strung out mess,” I confessed.

“Do tell.”

“I’ve given up on trying, to be honest, I just want to focus on my job, and carve out a little happiness in my life.” I forked a chunk of fresh pineapple savoring the sweet juices in my mouth. “You remember, Jules. He was so charismatic in the beginning. He was very different, and I was taken in by his charm. I allowed myself to think we could have something together.”

But it had turned out to be one-sided.

“It all changed after his father’s death. He wouldn’t even look at me. Yet, I still held on to a tiny thread of hope. It was all a huge waste of time, and he’s only ever wanted a friendship. And so, that’s where it ends,” I said, knowing it had never really begun.

“I’ve been forced to shut off any feelings I had for Benjamin Stone.” And settle for a perplexing friendship. Now I simply ignore any lingering feelings of desire, but they’re still buried just beneath the surface.

“Feelings that will never reach the light of day. I’ve dedicated too many years of my life hoping to rekindle the spark we shared in the beginning, and now I just deny my heart and move on. Lately, it’s been especially off.”

“Off like how?”

“Like a match has been blown out.”

“Poor, stupid Ben,” Jules said. “He doesn’t even realize what he lost.” Piling her bagel high with fruit, she turned to me. “Here, try this.”

Then she handed me a portion of the bagel layered with cream cheese, mango, and pineapple.

“Mmmm.”

“And the new guy?”

“Steel? Sometimes he’s so intense, my body actually trembles.”

Jules grinned. “But in a good way?”

“I’m not sure yet.”

He has the capacity to charm and be romantic. He’s gentle and fierce, it’s equally appealing. I could get lost in his broad shoulders, with every one of his muscles defined. “He’s ripped, and all male.”

“I’m liking him already.”

“And the best part?” I gaze into her eyes. “He wants me. No more guessing, no more games.”

“I want to see you happy, Jordan, so I say go for it. You don’t have to marry the guy. Just have some fun and get laid.”

“I’m happy to hear you got laid.”

“You and me both.”

Now our girl-weekend had ended, and it was a nice escape. But responsibilities were calling me home.

I drove the two hours back and dropped Jules off. I felt a newfound confidence inside. The all-too-familiar guilt fluttered up at times, and I fought to push it down. I had waited long enough. I needed to be focusing on what was real.

I texted Steel when I got home, asking if he still felt up for company tonight.

His answer: Yes.

When I asked for a time that was convenient for him, he replied Now.

The fluttering in my stomach was a reminder of what it felt like to be wanted. No more holding back. Conflicted or not, I needed this for me, as I let the truth just fall aside.

I needed a shower, and to change, but I let my hair do its thing, and applied only a touch of makeup on my eyes and lips.

I pushed into my black skinny jeans and black V-neck cotton shirt. It hugged and accentuated all my best features. Then I slipped on my leather high-heeled boots, one last look and I was out the door.

At seven, I pulled up to a large rod-iron gate and pressed the intercom just as Steel had instructed. It opened. The winding driveway engulfed by trees created a tunnel affect. It was beautiful, and very private, but I wasn’t surprised.

Then the log cabin instantly came into view, a large front porch greeting me, as well as Whiskey, whose head looked up, acknowledging my arrival. I made my way over to the pooch, and knelt to pet the ole boy, and his easy, laid-back behavior rivaled his owner’s.

I heard the creak of the screen door from behind, as it swung open. I gazed over my shoulder, noting Steel’s quirk of an eyebrow and the curl of his lip. It caused a flutter deep in my belly as he watched me from above.

“So, there is another man in your life.” He says.

I gazed up to meet his smiling face as I sat Indian-style, rubbing Whiskey while he proceeded to lick my face.

“You never told me you liked your face licked.”

I laughed, and he held out his hand. I reached for it and felt myself being pulled up. His arms snaked around my waist, lifting me so we were eye to eye.

“You never asked,” I giggled, attempting to squirm away as he licked my cheek.

“Welcome to my humble abode, Jordan.”

I slid down his hard-muscled body, my feet firmly planted.

“So, that was Whiskey, my BFF.”

He held the door open as I walked through.

“Careful, he might try to feel you up. You already allowed him to get to first base, you know.”

“He’s quite the ladies’ man. You’ve got some stiff competition.”

He only winked, as if the words try me were on display.

We walked into the great room with the river-stone fireplace reaching the soaring, ten-foot ceilings. It was all open—the kitchen, the dining room. Stopping in front of the double doors, a spectacular view opened up before me, overlooking the large pines.

“My father built this house with his own two hands.” As if seeing it for the first time, he joined in my exploration. “Of course, that was in his younger years. Once my parents were gone, I moved in and added a master bedroom on the main floor.” He coiled his arms around me, caging my back into his chest. “Maybe one day I’ll show you.”

I could feel his hot breath on my neck.

“What can I get you?”

Releasing his hold, he didn’t look away, just walked backward towards the kitchen, awaiting my answer.

“Do you have ice tea?”

“I do. Have a seat, and get comfortable.”

He nodded toward the large, dark caramel, distressed-leather couch. Once seated, I admired my surroundings. A sophisticated chess set sat upon a small table with two matching chairs. A liquor cabinet pressed against the far wall. Hanging high were collages graced with framed maps and antique posters. There were also weapons laid bare. I assumed he was armed and ready to go. His mantel had several pictures. From where I sat, it looked like his parents, but I didn’t want to point it out or ask.

Then he joined me, sitting my tea on the coffee table, his beer in hand. He approached the fireplace, and I watched him kneel. With one flick of the match, the fire started to simmer.

“I enjoy a fire most nights. It warms this part of the house, but leaves a slight chill in the bedroom. Remember that.”

A blush started to worm its way up my neck.

“Noted.”

“How was your girls weekend?” he asked, once he was comfortable. His body was pressed into the corner of the couch, one arm stretched on the back.

I mirrored his position so we were facing each other. He certainly had a presence about him. He was someone who exuded command and authority. It wasn’t surprising to me that he was so good at his job. He was built for it.

“So fun. Tons of laughs. Mostly girl stuff, selfies, and the beach.”

I wasn’t offering my phone, which might incriminate me by association.

“How about you? Did you work?” I asked.

“I did.”

“Is this subject off-limits? I have to say that I find your work fascinating.”

His arm shifted to my shoulder, pulling me close enough to touch as his fingers began to draw circles, sweeps of his fingertips on my neck, drifting here and there.

“It depends on the situation.” He took a pull from the bottle. “I don’t think you’d find it that interesting.”

“That’s not true. You’re a hero in my eyes. You help people when they’re at their most vulnerable.”

“You think so?” Another pull. “Jordan, your case was not the norm. We live in a world of contradictions. The contrast between them can be frightening. I have no delusions about what I do, or what I’ve done. There’s good, and there’s evil. I live in both worlds.”

“Something happened, didn’t it?”

“Yes.” Another pull from his beer. “I lost a man.”

I didn’t ask how or why. I could feel the pain rising off him, like the fog beginning to melt away.

“You can never be too careful.” 

I wanted to offer comfort, and reach over to hug him, hear his steady heartbeat. But the silence remained, yet it was comforting. Whiskey was at my feet, sleeping.

“You’re on my mind all the damned time, Jordan,” he admitted, as if he was fighting the feelings, just as I was. “I can sense a conflict.” His voice was low and warm, it was uncanny, how he could read me. But I was free, Ben had no claim on me. What is absolute freedom and what does that really mean? Are our lives always tied to one soul and one soul only?

 “Most likely the same conflicts you battle with.” I offer. “My past and getting hurt again.”

 More importantly, could I let go of the hold Ben had on my heart?

 “Now, that’s honest.”

 “I’ve been hurt Steel.” He offered a comforting smile and gave me a look I was quickly becoming familiar with.

“I’m sorry Jordan, he’s a fool.” he said.

“Maybe it’s me.”

“You sure about that?” His warm fingers ran through my hair, he gently pulled me in closer. “I want to see your amber eyes focused solely on mine.”

There was something within me that was feeding off his power. But was it strong enough to allow me to let go of my past, and the dream that would never come to fruition. Just let go, let him in.

“Then I want to taste that sweet mouth of yours,” he continued. His mouth came crashing down on mine, consuming me. My hands snaked up the back of his neck, pulling me closer, unable to let go as he fed me exactly what my body craved.

His lips and tongue ravaged and devoured me, and he took what he needed. His free hand burrowed in my hair, holding me tight, taking yet giving until I was overwhelmed by need.

I’d always been attracted to strong, masculine men, and now I was drawn in by his dominance. My heart beat erratically in my chest. The warm, relaxed feelings suddenly transitioned into arousal. I couldn’t protect my heart from him. I wasn’t sure I wanted to.

He had barely touched me, but I was trembling and aching. My entire body felt the intensity with all my senses focusing on the longing he stoked within me.

“With that look, I’d give you anything,” he said, his gaze heated.

Each muscle was rigid and strong. His breath now touched my neck in hot waves, inhaling my scent.

Suddenly it sent a stab of longing through me, Ben’s face appeared. I could hardly breathe my chest was so heavy. I backed off immediately. “Steel, please.”

Finding my breath again. “You’re like catnip for women, a magnet drawing me in. You’re driving me wild.

“Wild is good.” He cradled my face, my hair floating around us. There was a slight tilt in his angle, and his lips meet mine. This time it was more tender, slower, and sexier. His hands roaming down my back to rest on my ass. I felt all of him as he pressed his hardness against me, holding me in place to accept his desperate need.

The ringing from the kitchen shattered the mood instantly. Steel’s head fell back in frustration as he cursed under his breath.

I forced my body to slow down, and my pulse to relax.

 “I’m so sorry, Jordan. That’s my satellite phone, I have to get it.”

“Of course.”

Pushing myself from his warm body, I watched his determined steps. He had the gait of a warrior, his body strong and focused. His demeanor altered once he reached the phone.

“Shaun in place? What do you mean, he’s missing?”

His voice hardened as the silence on my end caused the hair on my arms to rise.

Steel continued to listen, but the details appeared to be upsetting.

“It’s the only way,” he said ending the call.

I watched as his palms landed wide on the island. His head fell forward, his shoulders holding himself up. The muscles in his back twitched and expanded as he shifted back to the man who had left me only moments ago.

As he approached, his face was grim, and his eyes were set in a cold hard stare.

I recognized his struggle to remain calm. He was fighting to remain composed in my presence.

“Jordan, I’m sure you’re aware of the difficulties surrounding my job. A serious matter has come up, and I’m sorry, but I have to go.” He said it calmly, his eyes closed.

“Of course.”

I was witnessing the man turning into the soldier. He was a chameleon of sorts. I gathered my things quickly, and he walked me to my car, followed by a groggy dog, who was now sitting on the porch.

“I’ll call or text you as soon as I can.”

His gentle kiss goodbye said so much more.