Today, however, a sense of calm and peace enveloped him, confirming the decision he’d made had been the correct one.
“Hey, Caleb, dude, long time no see.”
He turned at the sound of the voice behind him. An unforced smile stretched across his mouth. “Ethan, good to see you.”
He closed the distance to his former roommate, holding out his hand. Ethan grabbed it and pulled him into a one-arm bro-man hug. “You’re looking good. Much better than when I came back from my last tour, which wasn’t that long ago.”
“I am doing better, thanks.”
Ethan canted his head toward the building Caleb had just left. “Do I take it you’ll be back here soon?”
None of his former squadron was aware of the extent of his injury or the damage done to his leg or shoulder. It wasn’t information he’d been inclined to share with them. “No, I’m done. I’ll be retiring when I’ve done my twenty, which will be in a couple months.”
“Hey, that’s great. Now that I have Izzy and Junior, it’s something I’ll be considering when I’m closing in on my twenty.” Ethan laughed and scraped a hand over his face. Caleb could see the happiness radiating out of him. “I always imagined they’d be dragging me out of here. Now, well, my priorities have changed.”
If anyone knew about priorities changing, it was Caleb. Of course, Ethan’s reasons were far different to his own, but all it took was one moment and it was like a train switching tracks—life veered off into a direction he hadn’t been expecting.
Fatherhood and marriage was definitely a good reason to reevaluate the current path.
“How is Isabella? She must be close to having the baby. The last time I saw Eric, at the veterans’ center, he mentioned Isabella was nesting. I think that’s the term he used.”
Ethan laughed. “Yep, she’s actually a week overdue. The doctor is talking about inducing her tomorrow. I’m just here to arrange some time off.”
“Hey, man, that’s great. I bet you’re looking forward to meeting your kid.”
“Yeah, I am. I’m sure Izzy is as well. She’s looking uncomfortable.”
Caleb never would’ve guessed when he arrived to talk to Blue that he’d be standing in the middle of the base, discussing babies. But here he was, and he had to admit, he wasn’t as creeped out by it as he thought he would be.
An image of Kerry, belly round with a baby, Willow by her side while she laughed at something he said, flashed across his brain. His heart skipped a couple of beats before settling back into a steady rhythm.
What the hell?
Having a family had never been part of his overall plan in life. Once he’d hit thirty-five, he figured his chance of family was over. And after Trigger and the slump he’d fallen into, falling in love, getting married, and having kids was higher in the sky than a jet plane.
“Well, hey, good luck, man,” he said, pulling his head out of said sky. “I’ll wait for the texts.”
Ethan laughed again. “You’re definitely on the list of people getting the group text.” He started to walk away but stopped and faced Caleb again. “You said you’ve seen Eric at the veterans’ center?”
Caleb had been hoping Ethan had forgotten he’d said that. Linc and Ethan had encouraged him to head down there after he’d complained about how fucked up his life had gotten when he’d been home from the hospital for a couple of months. Caleb had blocked them at every advance. “Yeah, I’ve… uh…” He swallowed. “I’ve been visiting there a bit lately.”
“Huh. Well, that’s great. Eric has a good time there, and well, if it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”
Caleb recalled how Ethan had been set up on a blind date after a bet between him and Linc. “Linc’s good for something these days.”
“Hey, you know he’s calling himself the matchmaking king now that Izzy and I are getting married. He may want to set you up.”
Once again, Kerry’s smiling face blazed neon bright in his mind. “Nah, I’m good. I don’t need any help.”
Ethan studied him for a few more seconds. “You’ve met someone, and I’m not talking about a someone like Amy and the others you’ve dated. A girl that’s special.”
Caleb shook his head and sent his best you’re-out-of-your-mind look Ethan’s way. “Not even close. I’m happy because I’ve made a decision about my future. And it had nothing to do with a girl.”
“Okay, you keep telling yourself that. But I hope she knows what a catch you are. I’ll see you around and you’ve got a standing invite to our place. Use it.”
With a wave of his hand, his former roommate was jogging toward the parking lot. He couldn’t blame him. If he had someone like Isabella waiting for him, he’d be hotfooting it back to her as well.
Duh, you do, and you’ve just been imaging pictures of her knocked up. Stop trying to fool yourself.
“Shut the fuck up,” he muttered to his rambling subconscious. Perhaps he needed to seek help with regard to the voice he kept hearing in his head.
Maybe he should head to the veterans’ center, not to see if Kerry was there but to talk to George. He’d mentioned something about a job opportunity. Now that he would be a military-free man in a couple of months, he did need to consider his future.
And if Kerry and Willow happened to be there, well, that would be a lucky coincidence. Nothing more.
Chapter Sixteen
“So you think this guy can help me?” Kerry asked George and grabbed the business card he held out.
“Yep, Steve’s a good solicitor and, being a former vet, he’ll work out a reasonable fee or maybe even give you advice pro bono. He likes helping out military personnel and their families with any family legal issues, and always works within their budget.”
It turned out the lawyer who’d worked on finalizing her mom’s estate was on a six-month world cruise with his wife and the other lawyer in the firm was swamped and couldn’t take on any new business.
Seeking out George at the veterans’ center had been a pie in the sky wish and one that had been granted.
“That’s great, but I’m not a veteran nor am I military family. I don’t expect to get special treatment from him.”
George waved away her concerns. “Nonsense. You work here and help out the guys. That makes you part of our family.”
Tears she’d been battling since the second she received the news that she’d have to find a new lawyer threatened to spill over, but she blinked rapidly. No way would she cry in front of George or anyone—she left her tears for her pillow.
“Thank you for your help. I don’t know what I was expecting when I came to speak to you, but this is wonderful.”
George reached across the table and patted her hand briefly. “We all love you and Willow, Kerry. Any time you need help, you know you can come here.”
“Well, Willow and I love you guys, too.” Kerry slipped the card in her purse and pushed back her chair. “And speaking of Willow, I should probably see what she’s up to.”
George stood as well, a smile creasing the corners of his eyes. “I don’t think you need to worry about Willow. She’s got plenty of friends here.”
“Don’t I know it.” Kerry hitched her bag over her shoulder, pausing before striding out of his office. “I’ll see you around, George.”
“For sure, and keep me posted. I’ll call Steve anyway and let him know you’ll be in touch.”
“Thanks.” Her step was lighter than it had been when she walked in to the building.
Her unscheduled visit to the center had been met with a raucous welcome when the guys spied Willow trotting beside her.
As she wandered into the main game room, her breath caught in her throat. The first person she laid eyes on was Caleb.
In his uniform.
She’d always laughed at women who talked about a man in uniform and how easy it was to go weak at the knees. Kerry had seen many guys in uniform on her visits to the center, but Caleb in uniform looked completely different. Whic
h was silly, really, considering there was nothing special about the uniform he wore to make it stand out from the others.
It simply was because it was Caleb. The man who set her heart fluttering and desire streaming through her body. The man she cared for.
Before she could examine the thought further, he looked up and their eyes met. He straightened from where he’d been squatting next to one of the guys. Willow was on the man’s lap, and it pleased her to see that Caleb and Willow were ignoring each other. When Willow was on the job, it wasn’t a good trait to getting distracted by other people.
Her feet couldn’t move and she stared as Caleb made his way toward her, his limp barely discernable today.
“Hey,” she said when he stopped in front of her.
That was the only word she was capable of saying. His citrus scent, combined with the up-close-and-personal sight of him in uniform, fried her brain synapses. His hair was slicked back in a way she hadn’t seen before. It still made her want to run her fingers through it.
“Hey, yourself. I didn’t think you were supposed to be here today,” he said quietly.
For a second, a stab of disappointment pierced her stomach. He came hoping that he wouldn’t see her.
“It’s a nice surprise,” he finished and then leaned down and kissed her cheek.
Her eyes fluttered shut and she swayed toward him, inhaling a hint of starch from his uniform collar. “You’re looking very handsome,” she said and her cheeks warmed. That had been the last thing she’d meant to say, but now that it was out there, there was no point worrying about it. “Did you decide what you’re going to do now? Are you going back to work?”
Great recovery, and hopefully Caleb would concentrate on the questions and not her very handsome comment.
“No, not going back to work, but I did meet with my superior officer to tell him that I’m going to retire.”
“That must have been tough.” She could see the hurt in the depths of his brown eyes. “Are you okay?”
Time stood still for a couple of heartbeats. She reached out and brushed his hand with her fingertips.
“Yeah, it wasn’t easy, but I know I did the right thing for me. And…” He took a deep breath, before bestowing a smile she’d never seen before on him. The hurt disappeared from his eyes and a sparkle entered them. “Yes, I’m okay with it.”
Her lips stretched into an answering smile. “I’m glad.”
Caleb curled a stray piece of hair behind her ear. A shiver rippled down her spine at the light contact. “How about we go out and celebrate my impending retirement?”
“Yes.” There was no doubt in her mind. This was what she wanted to do. Even though their first date hadn’t ended spectacularly, she wanted to try again. “Yes, I’ll go out and celebrate with you.”
He leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers, in a quick short kiss that still had the power to ignite her senses and leave her craving more. “Good. I’ll be in touch with details. I’ve got to go now. I’ve got another… uh, appointment.”
“Okay, sounds good.”
She watched him walk away, the navy pants hugging his ass, and heat arrowed between her thighs. Tonight couldn’t come soon enough for her.
*
Kerry checked her appearance once last time, satisfied she looked casual and sexy. All day, her body had tingled in anticipation of her date with Caleb. She was ready to explore what lay beneath Caleb’s uniform.
The doorbell rang and she took a deep breath.
“Kerry, Caleb’s here.” Her dad’s voice carried through the house.
She checked her purse for her phone and lipstick and the condom she’d popped in there.
Never let it be said that she wasn’t in charge of her destiny—an unwanted pregnancy wasn’t something she wanted or needed in her life right now.
She paused outside the living room, observing the scene in front of her. Dad was sitting in his chair, leg scooter by his side. Caleb was on the couch chatting with him. The image sent her heart into overdrive. Willow was perched on Caleb’s leg, a blissful doggy smile on her face as he scratched her behind the ear. He looked handsome in his dark trousers and white button-down shirt. She’d made the right decision to wear her dress.
Caleb placed Willow on the ground, and walked over to her, cupping her cheek. “Hi.”
“Hey, yourself. You ready?”
“Yep, let’s go.”
“You two have a nice night,” Dad commented from his chair.
“Thanks, Dad, and if you need anything at all, call me.”
He waved away her concern. “I may still have one leg in plaster and be using a scooter, but I’m not helpless. Willow and I will be fine. And if you don’t want to come home tonight, I won’t bat an eyelid,” he said, not in a whisper.
Oh. My. God Ground, open up and swallow me now.
“Thanks, Dad,” she muttered and, giving Willow one last pat on the head, she pasted a big smile on her face.”
“Bye, Ron, and don’t worry. I’ll take good care of her,” he said as he slung an arm around her shoulder.
Kerry rolled her eyes at the double entendre. But she couldn’t stop the way her body melted against his hard one.
Outside, she attempted to pull away, and after a brief squeeze of her shoulder, he slid his hand down her arm and laced their fingers together. “This okay?” he asked.
“Yeah, it’s good.” Damn, he was being so sweet. She’d never had a guy ask if holding her hand was okay. “So where are we headed for dinner?”
“You’ll see when we get there,” he responded mysteriously. As they were headed to his house, she figured they were going to collect his car, but instead he opened his front door and stepped aside.
The second she stepped into the hallway, her senses were assailed with a mix of roses and garlic. The scents shouldn’t go together, but they did. Strains of music playing softly somewhere reached her ears.
“What’s going on?” she asked as he closed the door.
“Well, I thought instead of going out, I’d cook dinner for you.”
“You cook?” she asked, trying to recall if they’d ever had a discussion about their cooking skills. She supposed if he lived by himself for a long while he would have had to pick up the basics. No way would Winthorn ever consider walking into a kitchen and making her a meal.
Again? What the hell was she doing thinking about him? Tonight was about her and Caleb.
Tomorrow she would go see her annoying ex and put an end to his stupid debt collector act.
“I know how to cook enough.”
“Huh? What?”
“Cooking. You asked me about my culinary skills.”
“Well, I’m looking forward to seeing what you’ve created. It smells delicious.”
He chuckled and the sound slithered down her spine, firing her nerve endings to life. “Let’s hope it tastes as good as it smells. Otherwise, we’ll be calling for pizza.”
He started toward the living room, and Kerry touched her fingers to his arm. He paused, glancing over his shoulder. The action was so damn sexy when it probably shouldn’t have been. Perhaps it was because of her father’s words or because of her earlier preparation should something happen. Either way, this innocent move made her wish she were brave enough to take the initiative and go for what she wanted.
“If we end up having pizza, I’m fine with that. All that matters is that I’m with you.”
Time stood still as they gazed at each other in his darkened hallway, the spell broken only by the buzzing in the distance.
He cleared his throat. “Umm, that’s the timer. Come have a seat in the living room. I’ve set out some appetizers; I’ll go check on dinner.”
Set out on the coffee table was a round container of what she thought was hummus with cut vegetables around it. There was also some guacamole and chips placed next to the vegetable medley. And the music was definitely coming from his phone, which was plugged into a docking station on the TV cabinet.
None of the appetizers at the best restaurants in Dallas compared to the spread laid out in front of her.
“There’s wine, but I can get you a soda or water if you want.” A hint of uncertainty laced his tone, reminding her of when Caleb had told her about how he fought to not let alcohol rule his life, and her heart tumbled further into the falling-for-Caleb bucket.
“It looks great and wine sounds great.” She reached to pick up one of the glasses, also resting on the table, and her hand connected with Caleb’s. Electricity sparked between them, and when their eyes connected, Kerry had no doubt the desire simmering in the depths of Caleb’s brown ones shimmered in her own. If her nerve endings were visible, they’d be jumping around like Mexican jumping beans. “I can get it,” she said quietly. “You were about to check on dinner.”
As if her words pulled him out of a fog, he smiled. “Yeah, I really don’t want pizza again tonight.”
She laughed, and it alleviated the sensual haze surrounding them. “I knew you didn’t cook often.”
Before he departed, he brushed his lips across her cheek, and her eyelids fluttered shut at the brief touch.
“I’ll be back soon, so don’t eat all the guac.”
Kerry blew out a breath and grabbed the bottle of wine, sloshing some into a glass. Who knew an innocent kiss on the cheek could get her so worked up?
Surely what she was feeling wasn’t one-sided.
God, she hoped it wasn’t. Taking a hearty sip of wine, she sank into the cushions. Tonight was going to be one hell of a date. And she couldn’t wait to see what happened.
Chapter Seventeen
Staring into a hot oven did nothing to cool the fire flowing through him.
The second he’d spied Kerry standing in the doorway at her place, looking more beautiful than he ever thought possible, his body had been at half mast, and kissing her cheek pushed him to full mast.
Next Door Knight Page 13
