“I’ll get us something to drink and then leave you alone to do your thing,” she said. “Coffee or tea?”
“Coffee, please. Black.”
She scampered into the kitchen and took a deep breath. He’s just doing you a favor. No need to feel weird about this.
Emma prepared the coffee, boiled water for her tea, and then stood nearby, waiting the glacier-slow seconds until the coffeepot gurgled and her kettle screamed that it was ready.
She brewed her Earl Grey tea with a dash of vanilla. The scent of coffee swirled around her as she poured his cup. She brought him coffee and sat on the couch with her tea. He sat a couple of feet away from her, but still it seemed intimate in the small space. How could she not be aware of how close he was?
“It’s a great location,” Vince pointed out.
She nodded, but her head movement seemed slowed. “That was one of the perks.” Her voice sounded higher, strange. Goodness, what was wrong with her—was she being drugged by desire? She adjusted her position.
Vince stared at her. “Is something wrong?”
“No.” Her immediate reply didn’t help sell that story.
“Are you sure?”
She put the tea down. “I just—it’s just—well, I haven’t had a man here yet, and I don’t know… With our history.” She brushed her hair back. “I hear how ridiculous I sound and wish I didn’t say anything.”
“I get it. I’m not going to make any moves on you, Emma. I’ll be done as fast as I can and then be out of your hair.”
A pang of disappointment hit her. “No, that’s not what I mean.” She reached over and placed her hand on his arm. What the hell was wrong with her? “I haven’t dated since my divorce—” But, they weren’t dating. She pulled her hand back and sat up straight. “Let me start over. Sorry I’m being weird.” She took a breath and smiled. “I’m glad you came here today. Thank you.”
His stare was back. The one where he searched her eyes, and it leveled her. He swallowed. “You’re welcome, Emma.”
She exhaled. Time to lighten the tension and not show him any more of the hot mess side of her that he was already far too acquainted with. She tilted her head and smiled. “Besides, after you’re done here, I owe you dinner, remember?”
“Do you think I’d forget that?” He gave her a lopsided smile and then took a sip of coffee. “This is good.”
After she’d finally gotten the proper sentiments out, she finally relaxed around him. She put some music on shuffle. “She Will Be Loved” from Maroon 5 played, one of her favorite groups. While he worked on setting up the security system, she grabbed her laptop and checked social media. That didn’t mean she didn’t steal glances of him from behind, gaze dropping to his butt. It looked as hard and sculpted as the rest of him.
She relaxed, settling into more comfort with Vince in her apartment.
Around noon, she made them roast beef and Boursin sandwiches.
He moaned. “You know the way to a man’s heart.”
Her surprised expression must have tripped him up since he added. “It’s just an expression. What I mean is that it’s delicious.”
“I know.” Still, hearing him say that wasn’t entirely unpleasant. Not at all.
A short time later, he announced, “All set.”
“Oh.” She closed her laptop.
“Just need to finish the set up on your phone.”
She unlocked it and handed it over. It was odd to trust someone she barely knew with her personal things like this, but Vince projected a vibe that was more protective than predatory.
He set it up, and they sat together on the couch. With him being even closer this time, she was acutely aware of how their thighs almost touched.
“You can monitor it here.” He showed her the screen. “You’ll get a notification if it detects someone entering a window, for instance. Emergency services will be notified, and you can open the video view to see the area inside your apartment.”
She took the phone and navigated through the options.
“This is great, Vince.” She glanced at a clock. “You did that so fast. I thought we’d be here until dinner, but it’s so soon after lunch.”
“Looks like we have some time to kill.”
“Hmm, is there anything you’d like to do while you have the day off?”
“Oh, yeah.” He leaned closer. “How do you feel about escape rooms?”
She tapped her thigh. “Never tried one.”
“They’re fun.” He grinned. “Come on. You’ll love it.”
Fun was one way to describe it. Adrenaline-inducing was another. The clock ticked down. They only had eleven minutes left before Dracula woke and they faced their doom.
Emma’s heart pounded as she and Vince worked through clues in the escape room. They were part of a team with strangers and they had to solve this puzzle to escape. Blood rushed through her veins and her pulse thrummed. They had to decipher a code on an old padlock before the vampire woke at sundown!
When they figured it out, she exhaled. “Whew!”
He passed on the next clue to their teammates.
“You’re right, this is a blast.” She faced him.
“Glad you’re having fun.” His genuine smile warmed her.
“But I’m glad you didn’t pick the diffuse the bomb one. You’d figure it out before any of us could even spell b-o-m-b.”
He laughed. “I’m sure it’s set up for entertainment rather than reality. I’d ruin it with my comparison to real life and look incompetent.”
“We got it!” the dad on their team shouted.
Their team rushed out the room and declared their victory.
She wrapped her arms around Vince. “We did it!” She then kissed him square on his lips. Scorching energy buzzed through her and awareness of his hard chest pressed against her breasts sent a curl of heat into her core.
Vince didn’t respond at first. A heartbeat later, he pulled her body closer to his, and kissed her back with more passion. Her heart hammered against his. She wanted to melt against him, but common sense drove her to pull back.
“Sorry, I got carried away with the win.” She gazed at the floor as blood rose to her cheeks. The lingering tingles reminded her that the touch was far from innocent.
“You won’t hear any complaints from me,” he replied.
Why had she done that? Completely uncalled for.
She shrugged with one shoulder and dismissed, “It was just a congratulations.”
When she searched for his reaction, his doubtful expression answered for him, yet he didn’t call her out. He cocked his head toward where the rest of their teammates were picking through signs. “Come on, let’s get some pictures.”
As she and Vince each picked out cheesy signs to celebrate their win, her sheepishness over the unexpected kiss retreated. She chose, “Victory is ours!” while he picked “Winner, winner, chicken dinner.” Their teammates took photos of them on their phones and they did the same.
She laughed as she browsed through the photos on her phone and then covered her mouth. “You’re such a dork with that sign,” she teased.
“Worth it,” he said. “It made you laugh.”
She hooked her arm through his and led them to the exit. “Chicken for dinner sounds good. Let’s eat.”
She’d meant the gesture as a friendly one, but the vibrancy of their connection was undeniable. As they walked, she couldn’t ignore the simmering heat between them—and after that kiss...
She pulled her arm away to walk with a less intimate distance. If she wanted to resist this attraction, she shouldn’t tempt herself by getting too close to him.
Delicious scents enticed them from the restaurants passed. When they reached a sushi bar, they both paused to glance in.
Vince turned to her. “Sushi?”
“Anytime,” she agreed. “I love it.”
Inside they were seated near an enormous fish tank with massive goldfish, she ordered a glass of plum wine and
he chose a Japanese beer. Service was swift and soon they had an array of different types of sushi, white rice, seafood salad, and yakisoba to share.
She took a bite of the seaweed salad and moaned. “So good.”
He ate one of the pieces of sushi. “I got hooked on Japanese food when I was stationed over in Okinawa.”
“How long were you in Japan?” she asked.
“About a year.”
“How did you like it?”
“It was a great experience to live in another culture, especially one that’s so different like that of Okinawa. Gives you a broader worldview, you know?”
She frowned. “Okinawa sounds far more exciting than Norfolk, Virginia. Tell me about it?”
While they ate, Vince told her about the beaches and the historical sites he visited—castles and ruins. “The people were so hospitable and friendly. The architecture was impressive, so different from what we’re used to. Parts of castle ruins date back a couple of thousand years. And the food.” He smacked his lips. “Unbelievable. If I didn’t run as much as I did over there, I’d be in trouble.”
She could listen to him all night. Not only was he gorgeous, his broad world view and intelligence added to the appeal. Would there be any harm in having a little fling? After all, he wouldn’t be around for long.
“You’re looking at me oddly,” Vince pointed out. “What are you thinking?”
Her cheeks warmed, and she adjusted in her seat. “Just listening. And wondering.”
“About what?”
“If we’re becoming friends.” And possibly more.
Nope. Definitely not more. That was impossible for someone with her hang-ups.
“Friends,” he repeated. “I’d like that, Emma.”
After the server cleared their plates, Vince suggested green tea ice cream for dessert.
“I’m so full but can’t resist trying it.”
“We’ll share a bowl and if we want another, we’ll order one.”
The server brought over a bowl with two spoons.
She took a bite. As the cool ice cream melted on her tongue, she murmured, “So worth it.”
After he ate some, he asked, “Do you know anything about kids?”
What an odd question. She’d been about to take another bite, but paused to answer him. “A little. I have a niece and nephew.”
“How old are they?”
“Eight and ten. Why?”
“I need to go to Christmas shopping tomorrow, and I don’t know what to get—or where to go. I’m afraid of making disastrous choices.”
Her brows lifted to the rafters. “You—someone who remains calm while dismantling bombs—is afraid of making a disastrous choice when it comes to toy shopping?”
He laughed. “When you put it that way…”
“How old are the kids?”
“Hmm.” He leaned back and his gaze drifted off, as if he was trying to pull together the info. “Around eighteen months, three, and six.”
“Ah, that’s probably easier than shopping for a teen or tween. That’s when they start to get picky. You can find recommendations online for those ages.”
Vince drank more coffee and then put down his cup. “I was thinking of going shopping here in Newport. It’s not something I get to do often.”
“Even better.” She waved toward the window. “Plenty of shops around here. I found unique gifts for my niece and nephew. Plus, you can shop local to support these businesses.”
He nodded as if sold on the idea. “Sounds good. Would you go with me?” He arched a brow. “Since you are already experienced in shopping for kids, you could be my subject matter expert.”
She laughed. “Hardly.” He had taken her shopping for electronics today, though, and installed it. Picking out presents for kids was fun, right? She’d be helping to bring them a merry Christmas. “Sure.”
“Perfect.” His smile brightened his eyes. “I’d enjoy it much more with you.”
The lingering look he gave her warmed her cheeks and traveled south. Sure, she wanted to spend time with him, but they were just doing so as friends, right?
Maybe they could be friends with benefits…
Was that something she could pull off? If there was anyone she was willing to test that theory out with, it was Vince.
She picked up a sugar packet and twirled her hand, giving herself something to do with her hands. “Typical guy,” she teased. “Nothing like waiting to the last minute.”
“Hey, it’s not Christmas Eve yet.” He raised both hands in protest. “I have time to shop and ship.”
She raised a brow in doubt. “Are they family?”
His brows furrowed. “Not technically.”
She waited a few seconds for him to elaborate. When he didn’t, she prodded, “I can offer better suggestions if I know a little about them.”
He tapped his fingers on the table and fixed his gaze on them. “I’ve lost touch over the past few months and for that, I’m a real shit.”
Curiosity rose like the steam from her afternoon cup of Earl Grey tea. Who were these kids? And why was he beating himself up for not knowing more about them?
“Why?”
“Because I used to stay in touch more. Their dad would tell me stories, which made me feel like I knew them more than I actually did. But not anymore.”
His voice lowered to a somber tone. Instinct drove her to brace herself for what might be coming.
In a gentle voice, she asked, “What happened?”
Vince stared at the table long enough for her to think he wouldn’t answer.
“He was on my team. We deployed many times together, but that’s over. O’Brien didn’t make it home from the last one.” His demeanor darkened and voice turned bitter. “At least not in one piece.”
Emma’s ribs tightened as the pain in his voice tugged at her. “I’m so sorry, Vince.”
He gave her a tight-lipped smile and shrugged. “Like they say, we know what we’re getting ourselves into when we sign on the dotted line.”
“Still. It doesn’t make it any easier.”
He swallowed. It appeared as if he was trying to hold strong emotions back. She hadn’t served in combat but knew others who had and that it was difficult to discuss. So few could reveal even the basic details of missions turned disastrous.
Should she ask him any more about what had happened? Or would it be like pouring salt on an open wound?
Then again, he’d revealed that much to her, so maybe he was okay with discussing it.
She debated her options about how to respond to his revelation. Maybe a general overview would be best, then he could decide where to go with it. “Were you with him?”
With his gaze once again fixed on the table in between them, he nodded. He picked up the salt shaker and spun it with his fingers, staring intently at the grains within.
“I’m sorry,” she repeated. She placed her hand on his, and he stopped fidgeting with the saltshaker.
He stared at their joined hands for a few seconds as intently as he had with the salt. Then he pulled his hand away. “It’s not about my loss. It’s about the family’s. O’Brien had a wife and three kids. It’s them I’m worried about. How are they going to go on without a father?”
Her heart panged with empathy. “When did this happen?”
“In March.”
She squeezed her eyes shut. That had been a hell month for her too, with the divorce. She took a breath and reopened her eyes. Her emotions had been so raw then, she’d felt so wounded. Time had helped soften the roughest edges. Had it helped Vince with his loss?
“How close were you with his kids?”
“I only saw them a couple of times for brief exchanges. My connection to them was more through O’Brien. He loved to tell stories about what his wife, Lydia, told him about the kids. He was looking forward to going home to them.” Vince’s jaw tightened. “And it sucks that it’s never going to happen.”
“I’m sure he would have appreci
ated you thinking about his family.”
Vince shrugged. “What’s a few toys?” He shook his head. “Nothing. It doesn’t bring their father back. That doesn’t undo any of the pain this family has endured by being torn apart, but I don’t know what else to do.”
“I think it’s a lovely gesture, and I’m happy to help out tomorrow.”
He raised his eyes to meet hers and something passed between them in that moment. It was as if they saw each other’s wounds and understood. How, she didn’t know, but it was powerful enough that she had to take a deep breath to steady her emotions.
“Tell me about O’Brien,” she suggested in a gentle tone.
Vince broke eye contact and stared off into the distance. His jaw twitched, and she wasn’t sure if he would respond.
“He was always smiling and trying to keep people’s spirits up, even on the shittiest of days. Upbeat and had a killer sense of humor.” Vince’s lips twisted into a private grin. “He loved country music and I’d give him shit about it. He’d give it right back saying it was better than the crap I listened to.” Vince grunted to himself as if remembering something. “He was solid, dependable, trustworthy and more than anything, he loved being a dad.” Vince straightened and leaned back in the chair, bringing his gaze back to her.
She nodded with sympathy. “Sounds like a great guy.”
“He was.” Vince nodded. “One of the best.”
He glanced at her and then reached across the table. He touched her shamrock pendant and peered at it as if it contained an answer to a mystery.
“I wear it for good luck,” she said.
He stared for several seconds and then let it go. After a quick exhale, he changed the subject to neutral observations of the restaurant and other diners, an abrupt shift in tone that indicated he’d had enough talking about his loss for one day.
Soon after, they left the restaurant. Both were more reflective, and they didn’t say much as she drove. He didn’t return to the base though, and instead asked if she could drop him off at his parents’ house, also in Newport.
She dropped him off on a tree-lined street full of Capes. His family’s was white and had an American flag out front.
Vince: One Night with a Marine: A Second Chance Military Romance (Anchor Me Book 2) Page 6
