“Wouldn’t you like to know?” She wiggles her brows and I grin. Always with the tongue in cheek, this one. I drop my hand from her arm and she moves to pack up her things.
“I’m serious, Kate. Your work should be in an art show. Does Marc know about these?”
“No. Jason knows I like to dabble in photography. He’s even modeled for me a few times. But I’ve never told Marc or Steph. It’s just a hobby. I enjoy it, but I am nowhere near talented enough to make a career of it. And that’s fine by me. It’s something I enjoy doing, just for me, not for anyone else. You ready to go now? Sorry it took me so long to wrap up today.”
I nod and follow Kate out of the office, toward the front of the studio. It’s quiet now. Everyone else is obviously gone for the day, including the rock stars.
“Not a problem. I was a little early, anyway. So, that band you are working with seems like a pain in the ass.” I reach to hold open the door. Once outside in the blistering heat Kate turns to lock up with her key. The lock clicks and she gives me a knowing smile.
“Is somebody jealous?” She sing songs.
“No. I just thought that Trent guy was a bit much, if you ask me.”
“Is that why you felt the need to get into a pissing contest with my client?” She raises a brow before strutting to my truck. She’s still wearing the lace and leather outfit from this morning and all I want to do is get her home and peel it from her body. But she’s not mine. I growl and stomp to my truck, then use the remote to unlock the doors. We both climb inside and I start the engine.
“I mean it, Kate. Stay away from that Trent guy.”
“Whatever. Let’s just call a truce. So… what’s the story with Alex?
“Alex is a cool chick. I don’t want to hear you say one negative word about her.”
“I wasn’t going to. I actually like her and you two seem really close. She must be a good person to break through the Giant Wall of Jon. But why’s she staying with us for the week?”
“I guess there’s some doctor here that specializes in prosthetics. He works with a lot of VA patients and heard about her case through a colleague, and invited her to come for the week.”
“So, you two served together overseas?”
“Yeah, in Iraq.”
“Were you with her when she was injured?”
“I was in the Hummer behind hers.” Kate reaches her hand to cover my right hand. I don’t even realize I’m tapping it against my leg until her soft skin covers mine. I try and relax before continuing. “She was the only survivor from her vehicle. I pulled her from the wreckage while our buddy Will played medic until we could get her to an actual doctor. It was a mess. A fucking mess. She’s tough as nails, though, and a fighter. She never gave up.”
Kate holds my hand until I pull into my reserved spot at the apartment. She doesn’t speak the rest of the ride but when I cut the ignition she undoes her seatbelt and climbs over the center console to hug me. “Thank you for your service to our country. I don’t think I’ve ever told you, but I’ve always thought it.” She pulls back and twists the opposite direction to pull the door handle. Her words surprise me and fill me with satisfaction. I am and always will be proud of my service, and her acknowledgement honors me.
Opening my door, I have to take a few long strides to catch up with up her.
“I’m making dinner tonight if you’d like to join me and Alex. You’re more than welcome.” She offers me a grin.
“Thanks, but I already have plans. And don’t worry, you don’t have to drive me.”
“I wasn’t worried.”
“Good. Oh, and I don’t need a ride tomorrow, either. Steph said she’d pick me up on her way, and my insurance is covering a rental for a week so I’ll pick that up during lunch. Thank you though, for being willing.”
Disappointment floods me. I don’t like the fact Kate won’t need me for the next few days. And that irks me because what does that say about me as a person. I’m mad because some woman doesn’t need me to be at her beck and call. I can feel my attachment toward Kate growing. It’s disconcerting, unearthing feelings of unease, nervousness, unbalance.
I don’t like relying on others. I’d rather they count on me. My last psychiatrist chalked it up to deep seated issues of abandonment and disappointment from my parents. I think that’s all a bunch of BS. Just because I figured out that people will disappoint more than not has more to do with what experience has shown.
Hell, what’s wrong with me? I don’t need to be driving Miss Daisy all week, anyway. I’ve got extra surveillance with Scottsdale PD, a meeting with Kate’s mom, and I’d like to hang with Alex when she’s not meeting with doctors or in therapy. It’s a blessing I don’t have to spend more time with Kate.
Yeah, keep telling yourself that, Jon.
BRUSH. BLEND. SLIDE.
My nerves settle as I methodically paint my lips a bright cherry red, and my eyes a blend of earth tones with thick black liner and lashes to match. I’m eager to watch the band perform tonight. Excited for a night out with good friends and co-workers. Trent’s blatant attempts to ensure my agreement to a date over the past few days should’ve been annoying, but I’m enjoying our little game of cat and mouse. The man’s hot. He sports sexual confidence and is funny too. The problem is he knows it. His ego’s bigger than the size of his dick, and from what I can tell by the skinny jeans he rocks, that’s pretty big.
Finished with my hair and makeup, I slip a little black dress up and over my body, careful not to mess up my work. I slide my feet into my Louboutins, black and white heels with cute ribbon accents. Striking several poses, I give myself a quick once over in the mirror. Hell yeah. I look good. Time to party.
Opening my door, I start down our hallway, but stop short when I hear the hushed tones of Jon and Alex in the living room. Yes, I’m being nosy, but I have no qualms about snooping. I assume they’re on the couch and quietly inch closer, keeping out of their line of sight.
“—said I have about a seventy-five percent shot. I’m not giving up. You can’t see a Bouncing Betty so it’s no one’s fault. I stopped blaming God months ago. I’m done being angry. Life sucks ass sometimes, but I won’t let it keep me down.”
“You’re one kick ass comrade, Alex. I’m glad your rehab brought you out for a visit. I miss it, you know. Sometimes I think I should’ve reenlisted. Stupid that I actually miss the taste of green beans coffee enough to wish for deployment.”
“Ha! Yeah, that’s some kick ass brew.” Jon and Alex laugh. “How are you really doing, Jon? It’s not easy transitioning back to civilian life. Have you found a counselor here yet?”
“I haven’t really.”
“Like you haven’t found a great one yet or you haven’t even looked?”
I listen closely for Jon’s reply but none comes.
“Oh, that’s a bad move, my friend. Seriously, you have to talk about the shit that goes on in that head of yours. After the things we’ve seen, the things we’ve done—it’s not something that goes away just because you physically move away from it.”
“I appreciate the concern, but I’ve got things under control.”
“I’ll let you off the hook tonight, but let it be known that I don’t agree with the sweep it under the rug coping mechanism.”
“I hear you, Alex. I do. I’m just not interested in hashing out my feelings with you or anyone right now.” Jon’s voice growls with irritation.
I take the opportunity to loudly stomp into the room and interrupt their conversation. “Hey, Army, what do you two crazy lovebirds have on the agenda for tonight?” I flash a smile and send Jon a wink. He releases an eye roll and a frustrated breath.