“I can’t believe we missed the Braves game.”

“Did anyone catch the score on the radio?”

“Yeah, Atlanta Braves won against the Cleveland Indians with a score of nineteen to eighteen. They say it was tied at the bottom of the ninth and went into overtime.”

“Damn. I’ll bet it was a good one.”

“Yeah, if the Lieutenant hadn’t blown the light kit, we could’ve seen it.”

“Doesn’t she know how many kilowatts those driers use?”

“Why a woman brings something like that to the field is beyond me. That’s almost as strange as bringin’ makeup.”

“I’ve been married eighteen years, and I still don’t understand what makes women tick.”

The men sat around center of the camp on anything they could find, from fallen trees to truck tailgates.

“Yup...the LT sure gets herself into some pickles,” Sergeant Schott lamented.

The others nodded in agreement. Sergeant Schott was feeling the pressure of having to follow her around to bail her out. Maybe if he had her otherwise occupied, she wouldn’t get into as much trouble.

“You know, what she needs is a man in her life. It’d keep her too busy for her to find any more trouble.” Sergeant Burton hitched his thumbs in his belt loops and leaned back against the tree.

“What, Joe, you volunteering?” Sergeant Schott grinned.

“I would, but I already got enough trouble with my old lady. Besides, I think she has a hankerin’ for the new captain.”

“Do you think so?” Sergeant Schott asked thoughtfully. “They’re always fussin’ at each other. Why, all the captain has to do is look at her, and her back gets all starchy and straight. Joe, I think you’ve got the right of it.”

“Yup!” Sergeant Burton twisted the toothpick at the side of his mouth and nodded sagely.

“Well, maybe we can help her along, whatdaya think?” offered Private Johnson. He blushed when he realized everyone was staring at him.

Sergeant Schott’s face lit with mischief, “That’s a fine idea. I think we should get the whole camp involved. That way it’s a real team effort. Besides, it’ll be good for morale, and it’ll keep things hopping around here.”

“I almost feel sorry for the captain,” the first sergeant said mournfully. “The man doesn’t stand a chance. Our little LT is as cute as button. Once he realizes that, he’ll be a goner.”

Sergeant Schott’s mood grew sober. “Just think, another one of our gender is about to bite the dust.”

As one, the men looked down and shook their heads mournfully, contemplating the demise of another bachelor.

“But think of the side benefits,” said Sergeant Burton, rubbing his hands together. “The LT will keep the captain so busy, he’ll keep out of our hair, too.”

“I’m in.”

“Count me in, too.”

A chorus of assents quickly followed.

Sergeant Schott grinned, his mind already thinking of all the possibilities. “Okay y’all, start spreading the word. We’ll call it Operation Get Lucky.”

Before lunch, the entire camp—less the captain and lieutenant—was scheming like a bevy of matchmakers. The sergeants’ network brainstormed for ideas that were discussed, discarded or finally accepted. By mid-afternoon the plan was well underway.

---

Sophie went about planning and supervising the training, only mildly curious about the small groups of soldiers gathering in huddles throughout the camp. When she walked by, they all stopped talking and followed her with their gazes. If she hadn’t had so much to do, she might have stopped to ask them what was up.

Then things began to happen.

That night, she was about to duck into her tent, when one of the soldiers walked by fresh from a shower.

“I was the last one in the shower tent, Lieutenant, and I switched the sign to FEMALE. It’s all yours, if you hurry.”

“Thanks, Sergeant. I’m on my way.”

Throwing the flap of her tent to the side, she hurried in and gathered her toiletries and fresh clothing. Then she dashed to the shower tent, intent on getting in while space was available.

The sign was still turned to the FEMALE side, so she entered through the flap and laid her things down on the bench in the dressing area. She could hear the water running in the shower section and assumed the sergeant had forgotten to turn it off.

Stripping down to the skin, she placed her feet in her flip-flops and threw her towel over her shoulder before walking into the shower side.

“Oh, my gosh!” she cried, and clapped her hand to her mouth as she recognized the big and decidedly naked man standing in front of her. She’d recognize that body anywhere. He was covered in soapy lather and was scrubbing at his face with his eyes tightly shut. He dropped the soap when he heard her cry out.

“Who’s that?” he questioned with his eyes still shut. “The water’s nice and cool, but there’s plenty of room at the other end of the pipe.”

Gulping, Sophie disguised her voice, lowering it to sound like a man.

“Uh, no thanks, Captain, I’ll wait until you’re done.”

“Have it your way,” he said cheerfully, turning his back to her and rubbing the soap out of his hair and eyes.

Allowing herself the luxury of staring for only a moment, she noted the sleek lines of his broad shoulders, trim waist and tight buttocks. The blood in her veins turned into molten fire.

Backing out quickly, she threw a minimal amount of clothing on before dashing from the shower tent back to her own. She didn’t pass anyone along the way. That was a close call, thank goodness for trickling shower pipes. No one would know about her latest embarrassing incident.

Except me.

It was going to be a long night. Thoughts of the naked captain filled her mind as she lay down on top of her sleeping bag, fighting the heat of the summer evening.

---

The next day was filled with round-robin training, similar to the first-aid training they’d received during their last drill weekend. This time, they were refreshing basic combat skills. One station was set up for the assembly and disassembly of the M4A1 rifle, standard issue for Army soldiers. At another station, they practiced donning the chemical protective mask and suit. Other activities included the deployment of the claymore mine, contour map reading and radio communications.

The hot Texas sun was merciless. Even though the activities were not very strenuous, Sophie kept a close eye on the soldiers, looking for signs of heat exhaustion. She also watched for glimpses of Captain Jenkins, but he managed to stay away from the camp altogether. He was on some scouting mission with the first sergeant and didn’t return until the afternoon’s training was over. Sophie felt sure he was avoiding her. That was just fine with her. She didn’t want to be near him either. But she knew that was a lie. She wanted to be with him so much it hurt.

By the end of the day, she was so drained by the heat, all she could think about was a cool shower and her bed. Even the shower sounded like too much trouble, but she knew she would feel better after she had one.

She entered her tent and let her eyes adjust to the darkness before she moved to switch on the light bulb mounted on the center pole. Her duffel bag lay at the foot of her cot. When she reached for it, she noticed a flash of color on top of her sleeping bag. She moved so her shadow didn’t block her view. There, in the middle of her bed was a beautiful bouquet of Texas wildflowers. Lifting them to her nose, she inhaled their fragrance and promptly sneezed.

Well, they were beautiful to look at, anyway. She searched for something to put them in, and finally settled them in her aluminum canteen cup. Pouring lukewarm water from her canteen into the cup, she placed the flowers on a box in the middle of the tent and stood back. The Army drab tent looked more like home. She’d needed this sweet little token of affection right now, and someone must have known that, but who? Sophie searched the cot, hoping to find a note, but she was disappointed. She stepped out of her tent and looked around. A soldier was standing nearby, smoking a cigarette.

“Specialist Plotkin, how long have you been standing there?”

“’Bout half an hour, ma’am. I just wanted to get a couple of smokes in before I hit the sack.”

“Did you see anyone go into my tent while you were standing there?”

“No, ma’am, don’t recall seeing anyone goin’ in.” He paused, scratched his head then smiled. “Although, I did see Captain Jenkins walk by with the prettiest bunch of posies I ever did see. I remember, ’cause he looked kinda funny, a big guy like that, walking around in his uniform, carrying flowers.”

Sophie’s heart turned a somersault. “Captain Jenkins? Are you sure it was Captain Jenkins?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Stepping back into her tent, Sophie stared at the conspicuous flowers in the canteen cup and shook her head. Captain Jenkins had put those flowers on her cot? This was getting more and more confusing. From one minute to the next, she just couldn’t figure that man out. He alternated between hot and cold every time he came near her. She never knew whether he was going to knock her socks off with a passionate kiss or push her away like she was a dog that had rolled in road kill. And now this. Well, whatever, it was a nice gesture. She decided to find him to thank him for the thoughtful gift.

She walked to the tent next to hers and called out. “Captain Jenkins?”

There was no response.

The first sergeant picked that time to walk by. “Looking for the captain, LT?”

“Yes, Top. Have you seen him?”

Top nodded. “As a matter of fact, he asked me to find you.”

“He did?” she squeaked then blushed.

“Yes, ma’am. He wants to see you in the communications van, as soon as possible.” The first sergeant’s lips pursed tightly, as if he were suppressing something.

She hesitated. “Did he say why?”

“No, ma’am, he just asked for me to pass the message along.”

“Well, thank you, Top.”

She tried to hide her excitement. After gracing Top with a polite smile, she calmly and slowly walked in the direction of the van, measuring each step so she wouldn’t call attention to herself. She chewed on her lips to keep from grinning too broadly. It was obvious he just wanted a little privacy for her to express her appreciation for his gift.

Sergeant Schott stood with the door to the communications van wide open, fiddling with a screwdriver, working on the latch. “Damn thing keeps getting stuck. I think I got it fixed, now. You go on in, Lieutenant, don’t let me keep you.”

He held the door for her and waited until she was up the stairs and inside the van, before he closed the door firmly behind her.

Sophie glanced quickly around the van.

She and the captain were indeed all alone. He was sitting at a table that ran the length of the van, his attention focused on the radio equipment in front of him.

Removing her helmet, she walked over to stand next to him, and he looked up sharply. He quirked a dark eyebrow at seeing her there, and then looked back at the radio. Sophie noted with satisfaction he wasn’t unaffected—a muscle in his jaw tensed and relaxed as he pretended to ignore her.

“What do you need, Lieutenant?” he asked without looking back at her.

Sophie smiled. You! “The first sergeant said you wanted to see me?”

He looked up again, questioningly. “He did? Why would he say that? I didn’t send for you.”

The smile faded and heat rose into her cheeks. She’d been had, again. “You didn’t?”

“No.”

She squared her shoulders and turned to leave. “Well, he must have misunderstood. Excuse me for bothering you, sir.”

When she reached for the door handle, he stopped her. “Wait, Lieutenant.”

Her heart fluttered, and she turned to him with half a smile.

“Take this radio to Sergeant Burton and tell him he can reinstall it in his vehicle. It’s fixed.”

Sophie had expected very different words from those that had just come out of his mouth, and she knew she stood there with a stupid expression on her face. “What?” she said in confusion.

“Didn’t you hear me? Must I repeat myself?” Both dark eyebrows raised this time.

A burning flush of irritation crossed her face this time. “You want me to leave and tell some sergeant something about a radio.”

“You did hear me,” he said, the smirk lifting one side of his mouth.

“I heard you, all right.”

He looked at her, his brow wrinkling. “Then what are you waiting on, and why is your face all red?”

“Because I thought you called me in here to...to... Well, never mind!” Lord, she was doing it again. Her and her big mouth.

She spun toward the door, lowered the latch and pushed.

The door didn’t budge.

When she leaned back to get more momentum to make a second attempt, hands descended on her shoulders, and she stopped.

Gage turned her in his arms and tenderly smoothed a stray tendril of hair from her face. “You thought I called you in her to what?” he asked softly.

“Nothing.” Sophie tightened her lips and stared stubbornly over his shoulder at the wall. She wasn’t going to make the same mistake again. Wild horses wouldn’t drag the truth from her now.

A finger beneath her chin nudged her face upwards. Her gaze was captured by his.

“To gather you in my arms, like this?” He demonstrated by pulling her body against the length of his. “Or to kiss you like this?”

His lips captured hers and pulled a moan from the back of her throat. Her arms wrapped around his neck, and she stood on her tiptoes in an attempt to give back everything she was getting.

A long moment later, he broke the kiss, and his lips moved down her cheek to her earlobe. “I can’t stop thinking about you,” he whispered. “You’re in my every thought.”

“And you’re in mine. I watch for you every minute of the day. When I didn’t see you for most of today, I felt so alone and depressed…until I found the flowers.” She reached up and captured his face between her hands. Then she kissed him and smiled into his eyes. “Thank you for the flowers.”

Gage pulled back, frowning. “What flowers?”

“The wildflowers you left on my cot this evening. They’re beautiful.”

His frown deepened. “I didn’t leave flowers on your cot. Where did you get an idea like that?”

“From Specialist Plotkin. He said he saw you carrying flowers, and I just assumed they were the ones left on my cot.” Seeing the confused look on his face, she concluded, “You didn’t put the flowers there, did you?”

He shook his head. “No.”

Suddenly, everything was crystal clear. “And you didn’t tell the first sergeant you wanted to see me.”

He shook his head.

“And I suppose my walking in on your shower last night was no mistake, was it?”

His eyes widened. “You what?”

“I walked in on your shower. Only, I didn’t stay long.”

He chuckled. “So, that was you? I thought one of the guys preferred to shower alone and decided to wait until I was through.”

Sophie tilted her head. “Do you get the feeling someone is pulling a fast one on us?”

He sighed. “Yeah.”

“I’ll bet the door being stuck is no accident either.”

“Stuck?” His brow descended. “Let me try.” Gage moved past her, lowered the latch and leaned against the door. It didn’t open. He tried again, backing up a little then putting all his weight into the shoulder hitting the door.

Still, the door didn’t budge.

He balled his fist and pounded on the door, shouting, “Someone let us out of here!”

Sophie joined in the yelling, hoping to get someone’s attention. When several minutes passed with not one person having tried to open the door, Gage got on the radio and called range patrol.

“Tango-four-niner, this is Charlie-four-five, over.”

“Charlie-four-five, this is Tango-four-niner, over.”

“Tango-four-niner, we’ve got a situation over here, over.”

“Charlie-four-five, what kind of situation? Over.”

“We have two people trapped in the communications van, over.”

“Did the van overturn? Over.”

“No, the door is jammed, and they can’t get out, over.”

Abandoning protocol, the man on the other end of the radio wave asked, “Is that you, Gage?”

“Yes, it’s me,” he answered reluctantly.

“Kevin, here. Gage, since you’re using the radio, can I assume you’re the one stuck in the communications van?” There was amusement in his voice.

“You got it!” Gage replied.

“Anyone else trapped in there with you?”

Gage hesitated. After all, this was going to be broadcast over the whole battalion’s radio net.

“Uh...Lieutenant Keaton.”

He heard hoots and laughter in the background. “Is that the female lieutenant I’ve heard so much about?”

“Probably,” he replied dryly. “Now, can we get some help or not?”

“Let me get this right. You’re stuck in a van, all alone with Lieutenant Keaton, and you want out?” More laughter meant there were probably more people gathering around the radio at Range Patrol. Captain Kevin Clark would milk the situation for everything he could get.

Gage’s jaw tightened. “That is correct. Now are you going to send help or not?”

“Seems like a shame to me,” Clark said. “But I’ll send someone right away, buddy.”

It was close to midnight by the time they were finally released from their temporary prison. Gage and Sophie were barely speaking to each other. She was silent from being totally humiliated by being made the butt of an organized joke.

Gage stomped off in the direction of the sergeants’ tent muttering something about a good chewing out.

Sophie went straight to her tent and slept the sleep of one totally exhausted, both physically and emotionally.