by Susan Stoker
Aspen nodded. Holman had a good attitude. She wasn’t surprised to see moments of doubt and uncertainty in his eyes, but he had everything to live for…and he knew it.
She spent another thirty or so minutes in the room talking with Holman and his family, but when she saw his eyes drooping, she knew it was time to go. She turned to Lynn. “If you need anything, anything at all, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.”
“Thanks,” the other woman said.
Aspen scribbled her number on a whiteboard in the room. “I mean it. Holman’s part of my team, and that means you are too. Whatever you guys need, just let me know.”
“I appreciate it. We’re good for now,” Lynn assured her.
Aspen wasn’t surprised by her answer. It wasn’t as if they knew each other, which made her a little sad. She smiled at the other woman and gave Holman a chin lift. “See ya, stumpy.”
For a second, she was appalled at the words she’d blurted without thought, but when Holman burst out laughing, she relaxed.
“See ya, Mesmer.”
She left the hospital room and felt the familiar weight of Kane’s fingers on the small of her back. When they got into the empty elevator, she turned and rested her forehead against his shoulder. Kane didn’t say anything, just lifted his hand and massaged the back of her neck.
When they got back to his car, he took her into his arms before she could get inside.
How long they stood there, hugging each other in the parking garage, Aspen had no idea. But by the time she pulled back, she felt a lot better.
Kane studied her for a long moment, then nodded. “Hungry?” he asked.
“Starving.”
“Mexican?”
Aspen’s eyes lit up. “Uh…duh.”
Kane smiled. “How ’bout Torchy’s Tacos?”
“Oh, yeah,” Aspen said. She’d eaten at the popular Austin restaurant a few times and had never left unsatisfied.
What had started out as a very weird and unsettling day was turning out to be pretty darn wonderful…and she had Kane to thank for it.
Hours later, Aspen once more stood in her doorway saying goodbye to Kane. They’d eaten some amazing tacos then driven back to Killeen, where he’d brought her to his house. They’d talked, made out, made out some more, then he’d reluctantly told her that he needed to get her home since they both had to be up the next morning. Even though Kane still had another day off, he was meeting his team for PT bright and early.
Aspen had wanted to protest, but she knew he was right, they both needed to get some sleep. “When will I see you again?” she asked as they stood in her doorway.
Kane frowned. “I’m not sure. The team and I are headed down to San Antonio after PT to help some firefighter acquaintances with a fundraiser thing.”
He blushed when he said it, which piqued Aspen’s curiosity. “What fundraiser thing?”
Kane shrugged. “They’re raising money for firefighters and other public service members who suffer from PTSD. It’s a carnival-type thing, where kids get to try to dunk firefighters and other volunteers into a dunk tank, throw pies in our faces, things like that. There’ll be three-legged races and even a petting zoo. Several organizations with emotional support animals will be there too.”
Aspen felt her heart melt. “You’re a good man, Kane Temple.”
“I’m glad you think so,” he said. “But to answer your question, I don’t know when we’ll see each other again. I’ll be sure to text though. Okay?”
“More than okay,” she told him with a smile.
“Go get off that leg,” Kane ordered. “You’ve been on it most of the day.”
That wasn’t exactly true, as she’d been in the car for a lot of the time, and when they’d gotten to his house, they’d been on his couch, making out or talking, but she nodded anyway. It was nice to be fussed over.
“Drive safe tomorrow.”
“I will. Come here,” Kane said, even as he was pulling her into him.
Ten minutes later, and feeling out of breath from his kisses, Aspen finally shut the door, making sure to lock it up tight. She ran to the window and waited until Kane had pulled out of the parking lot before heading to her bedroom.
As she lay in bed, in the dark, staring at the ceiling, Aspen thought back to what both the major and Holman had said earlier in the day. She wasn’t happy with the Army anymore. When she’d joined, she’d been gung ho and excited about making a difference. Paving the way for other women to be in special forces. But now she was just tired. She wasn’t sure she’d paved anything, and it was time to do something she enjoyed. Time to find the team she’d been searching for.
She wasn’t going to find the same kind of camaraderie Kane had with his team, not while still in the Army. But maybe she could find it elsewhere.
And a little voice inside her head whispered that she could slip into the team Kane and his friends had already made. He’d talked about Gillian and Kinley, how important they were to Trigger and Lefty, and, in turn, the rest of the guys as well. She wanted that. Wanted girlfriends she could trust. Wanted a job she loved, working with people she enjoyed spending time with.
But more than all that, she wanted Kane. Wanted him in her bed, or to stay with him at his house. She wanted to cook with him then not have to go back to her lonely apartment because it was getting too late. Kane made her happy, and it had been way too long since she’d felt that way.
She didn’t know what would happen in the future with her team, the Army, and some unknown career, but she hoped she’d have Kane by her side through it all.
Chapter Twelve
One month, one week, and four days. That’s how long it’d been since Brain had gotten back from Afghanistan, and since he and Aspen had been exclusive. They’d talked every day, had seen each other as much as their schedules allowed, and still Brain wanted more.
They hadn’t had sex yet, but he wasn’t too worried about that. Their relationship was moving along at a comfortable pace. He was happy to make out and simply hold her. They hadn’t spent the night together, not all night, but they’d fallen asleep on each other’s couches a time or two. Waking up with her in his arms always felt so right.
Today, they were spending the day relaxing with his team. Everyone was coming over to his house. Trigger and Lefty were bringing Gillian and Kinley, of course, and Grover was bringing his sister, Devyn.
He’d talked about his friends so often, Aspen pretty much knew everything about them. She knew their funnier quirks, and all about the troubles Gillian and Kinley had been through. He knew Aspen and his friends had gotten along at the previous get-together at his house, and he hoped they continued to click.
A knock on the door brought him out of his musings and he answered it with a smile. Aspen was standing there with her arms completely full. Brain quickly reached for the casserole dish she was holding, and she smiled gratefully.
“You should’ve let me help you,” he admonished her lightly.
“But then I would’ve had to make two trips to and from my car,” she said with a laugh.
Brain simply shook his head. He’d already learned his girl would do anything to avoid making two trips to her car, even at his house, where it wasn’t a big deal to walk the ten extra steps it took to get to his driveway and back. He supposed it came from the fact her own parking lot was so far from her door. Regardless, it always amused him. Aspen would load herself down with twenty grocery bags just so she wouldn’t have to make two trips.
She came into his house and, as soon as the door closed behind her, Brain leaned into her. Both their hands were full, but that didn’t mean the kiss they shared was any less hot.
“I feel as if I haven’t seen you in forever,” she said after they’d broken the kiss.
Brain led the way into his kitchen and turned the oven on low. He opened the door and placed the casserole inside to keep it warm until the others arrived. He turned back to see Aspen unloading one of the bags she’d b
rought.
“I told you I had all the food covered,” he told her.
“I know, but I was at the store, and I thought it couldn’t hurt to have more food than we might need. Your friends are big. I’m assuming they eat a lot, and I figured having a few vegetables wouldn’t go unappreciated.”
Brain reached out and pulled her into him. She let out a small, surprised screech, but smiled when they were plastered together chest to chest.
“Hey,” he said quietly. He took some time to admire the view. She had on a black tank top and a pair of jean shorts, the latter of which showed off her long, muscular legs. She wore a pair of flip-flops, and he loved seeing she’d painted her toenails pink. She’d left her hair down, and the curly locks tumbled over her shoulders, making him want to see it spread out on his pillow.
In short, Aspen looked casual and comfortable, and Brain still had a hard time believing she was with him.
Aspen smiled. “Hey.”
“It feels like I haven’t seen you in forever either. How was work yesterday?” They’d texted a bit the night before, but it was mostly about today and when she should come over.
Aspen sighed. “It was all right.”
Brain hadn’t been in many long-term relationships, but even he knew that meant things weren’t going well. “What happened?” he asked.
“Derek’s just being a jerk,” she mumbled, not meeting his eyes.
Brain put a finger under her chin until she was looking at him. “What happened?” he repeated.
He was alarmed when Aspen’s eyes filled with tears. Every muscle in his body tensed.
“It’s stupid,” Aspen said, unconsciously petting his chest as if she knew how on edge he was at seeing her upset. “As you know, everyone’s kinda been doing their own thing during the day, and we’ve only been together at PT. Well, in the last week, we’ve all been training again, and Derek’s been trying to command both teams, just like he did before. My new sergeant isn’t happy with the way Derek’s trying to order him and his platoon around, especially since they’re the same rank, so he’s pushing back.
“Yesterday, Derek made some smartass remark about females not being strong enough to cut it in the Rangers. He wasn’t specifically talking about me, it was more of a blanket statement, but it was obvious he was including me in his disparagement. My team’s been a little more receptive and friendly toward me in the last few weeks, probably because of all the equal-opportunity classes we’ve been taking, and maybe after what happened with Vandine and Holman. Anyway, my new platoon sergeant told him he didn’t know what the hell he was talking about, and they kinda got into an argument. It was awkward and uncomfortable for all of us. I just…I hate being the reason no one is getting along.”
“You aren’t to blame,” Brain told her. “Derek is. And you’re fighting decades of discrimination. I’m glad to hear your new sergeant isn’t putting up with Derek’s shit though.”
“Yeah, I was surprised. At first I didn’t think he was the kind of guy who’d even tolerate a woman on his team, but he’s actually encouraged me quite a bit in training,” Aspen said.
Brain knew how badly Aspen wanted to be on a team like his own. A supportive one, comprised of people who would do absolutely anything for one another. He couldn’t make the Rangers accept her, but he could give her the team she craved when she was off duty. He’d gladly share his own team with her.
“You made any decisions about your upcoming reenlistment?” he asked. They’d talked at length about the pros and cons of getting out of the Army, and what her options might be if she left, but as far as he knew, she hadn’t made a final decision.
“No,” she told him. “But I’m leaning toward getting out. I looked into it, and I’m qualified nationally as a paramedic because I passed the exam, but I have to get my Texas state licensure. I haven’t actually looked at what jobs might be open, but I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to find one. If not here, in Austin for sure.”
“What’s holding you back?” Brain asked.
“I just…I feel as if I’d be letting down all the other women who are still trying to claw their way into combat specialties.”
Brain shook his head. “Fuck that. You can’t think that way. Aspen, you’ve already broken so many barriers, it’s not even funny. You’re attached to a Ranger team. Hell, you are a Ranger, for all intents and purposes. Even if you get out now, no one can take that away from you. And as your new platoon sergeant has shown, not everyone thinks the way Derek does. Even he was all right with you being there until his ego took a hit when you didn’t want to go out with him anymore. He’s made it personal, which is bullshit.”
“Thanks,” Aspen said quietly. “The last few months have just been really stressful. One day I’m determined to stick things out, and the next I’m ready to throw in the towel.”
“Well, today you don’t have to make a decision. You can enjoy spending time with our friends.”
She smiled. “I’m not sure I can call them my friends yet, since I’ve only hung out with everyone that one time, before I was deployed.”
“They’re your friends,” Brain told her firmly. “Don’t ever doubt that. If you need anything, you can call any one of them, and they’ll bend over backward to help you, no questions asked.”
“That’s because of you,” she said. “Not me.”
“Maybe right now, yes. But after you get to know them better? Nope,” Brain said.
“You know, that first time might’ve been a fluke,” she said. “They may not like me once they really get to know me.”
“Whatever. You’re likable,” he told her. “And you put up with me. So there’s that.”
“Because you’re sooooo hard to put up with,” she quipped as she rolled her eyes.
Brain laughed with her, then dug his fingers into her sides, tickling her.
Aspen screeched and tried to wiggle away from him, but Brain held on.
They were both laughing when they heard someone clear their throat from not too far away.
Brain looked up and saw Trigger and Gillian standing nearby. He straightened and wrapped an arm around Aspen, turning her to face their guests.
“Oh, hey,” he said, still smiling.
Gillian returned his greeting, then said, “I like her more than I did before. Anyone who can make you laugh like you just did is okay in my book.”
Aspen looked up at him. “You don’t laugh much?”
Gillian answered before Brain got a chance. “Lord, no. I mean, he’s not all broody like Doc is, but close.”
Aspen stared at Brain for a moment before she turned back to Gillian. “Let me help you with that.” She reached for the bottle of wine the other woman was carrying, and Gillian gladly handed it over.
Trigger gave Brain a chin lift. “Sorry if we interrupted anything. I should’ve known better than to just walk in.”
“No problem. You know my house is your house,” Brain told him.
“Yeah, but now that you’ve got Aspen, I wouldn’t want to get my ass kicked for walking in and seeing something I shouldn’t.”
Brain chuckled and nodded. “Okay, good point.”
“Whatever,” Aspen muttered. “As if we’d get naked five minutes before people were supposed to arrive.”
Gillian shook her head. “Never say never around these guys,” she countered.
Everyone laughed.
There was a knock on the door but before Brain could answer it, Oz, Lucky, and Doc wandered in.
“Heard we’re having a party,” Oz called out cheerfully.
Grover and Devyn arrived next, and Lefty and Kinley weren’t too far behind.
The four women quickly huddled together in the kitchen, getting reacquainted. Brain hesitated to leave Aspen, but Trigger pulled him away. “She’ll be fine,” he told him.
“Of course she will. I just wanted to make sure they had everything they needed,” he bluffed.
Trigger smiled knowingly, but didn’t comment.
“You had time to translate the latest bullshit message from Shahzada?” Lefty asked.
Pulling his attention away from Aspen was harder than he thought it would be, but Brain did his best to concentrate on the conversation at hand.
Shahzada hadn’t wasted any time, ordering one of his followers to read a manifesto on a local radio station about the evils of the Western World, and how they were going to be the downfall of their way of life and religion. He’d also threatened any and all Americans working in the area and warned that no one was safe.
Brain nodded at Lefty, telling him and the others everything he’d been able to decipher from the message, which led into a deep political discussion about the United States’ presence in the Middle East.
Aspen glanced out onto the patio and saw Kane and the rest of the guys engaged in a somewhat intense-looking conversation.
“They’re probably talking about work,” Gillian said with a small shake of her head. “Walker always swears that they’re going to keep things light and not talk shop when they get together, but they always do. They can’t help it.”
Kinley laughed. “I’ve noticed that. Although, to be fair, when we join them, they’ll stop.”
“Of course, they can’t let us mere mortals know what they’re talking about,” Devyn added. “Although, I suppose if you went out there, Aspen, they’d probably keep on talking shop, since you’re one of them and all.”
