“Nice, Afina. What do you think?”
“That you are out of your mind to not say yes to a date, hell, to sex. It’s been three years, Kai.”
“Afina.”
“I know, I know, you don’t date, don’t feel capable of being intimate or getting involved with another man, and I get the pain you went through and the loss. I do, but you’re young, gorgeous, intelligent and sweet, plus can totally take care of yourself, which means no dickhead like Cavanaugh could manipulate his way into your life. I say use the sexy, hot surgeon for sex.”
“Oh brother, here we go. I swear I think you have the hots for him.”
“Girlfriend, any sane woman would have the hots for Dr. Chadwick Hayes. He’s the number one emergency surgeon in the country, never mind here in South Carolina. He was in the U.S. military academy, so he has that whole discipline, macho sex appeal we’re all attracted to, and he’s rich.”
“He knows all of that, too. No thank you. We’re just friends.”
“Could make it friends with benefits.”
“You are relentless, you know that?”
“Yup. Just trying to hook my girlfriend up with the perfect guy.”
“I’m not attracted to him like that.”
“You would make an awesome couple. He’s all big-time medical doctor raking in the big bucks and you’re the good doer, organizing and building up for a nonprofit organization that helps injured and recovering soldiers, and now even first responders. Two philanthropists with enough money to change the world. How awesome would that be? Plus, he could throw some money your way.”
“Do you sit at your desk during the day and dream up these crazy fantasies of yours? Him and I are not going to happen. He has been a great contributor already.”
“Because he wants you in his bed, and so do his brothers.”
“Oh for crying out loud. Seriously, Afina?”
“You know that is how things work around here. Besides, they are just as attractive and major catches, too. You could handle the four of them.”
“I can’t handle more than one man. Hell, I can’t handle even thinking about going out on a date, or getting close to a man. I’m not ready.”
Afina sighed. “You’re more than ready. It’s just going to take meeting the right men to get you ready.”
“Not men.”
“So tomorrow night?”
“Yes, I’ll be there.”
“Good, and make sure you tell Amelia and bring her, too. We need to get that girl’s mind off that asshole Cavanaugh.”
“Will do. Talk to you later.”
* * * *
Kai ended the call and then leaned back in her office chair. It was a decent sized office tucked in the corner of the Human Resources Department wing of the hospital, but still an office. A long way from her hole in the wall apartment with spreadsheets, bills, disorganized mess of papers, legal documents, and other things at her fingertips to push for services for injured soldiers, or ones suffering from PTSD and other psychological effects. Now, three years later, and she had set up additional offices with people assisting law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders who needed assistance after injury or other problems. She learned how to negotiate to get donations, and also funding for advertising, and even the newest project, a facility thirty minutes out of town that would be a retreat for recovering soldiers with a full staff of medical personnel to help those individuals get through their PTSD and other psychological problems. All in a relaxed, supportive setting. She felt tears in her eyes. Her goals and dreams of helping to provide a safe haven, a valued resource to save lives instead of losing them to suicide was becoming a reality. One soldier, one police officer, one first responder at a time.
She looked at her desk and the multiple new files that had landed there. Cases that were lost in the shuffle, or minimized because of ancient protocols from nearby hospitals. Kai had gained a reputation as a supporter, an advocate for soldiers and first responders. She was branching out to other organizations and putting together new ideas, and new services that could help the clients. Warrior Angel was the nickname that slowly began to circulate through the network of supporters. She chuckled at the thought. She had gone through so much, had sacrificed everything, and was nearly out of money when she got that first big donation. Canton Shaden, a business tycoon, who lost a son who was in the military and committed suicide, and had three other sons involved in both the military and law enforcement. He flew her out to meet him in person, and he and his wife became great friends, well more like family. Their one son, Keono, had been in a dark place when he returned from serving, and his father found out about Kai’s special program and contacted her. Keono had become a good friend to her. In fact, she should give him a call to see how he was doing in the new job.
Kai’s door was open and she could hear the women outside talking at their desks discussing their plans for the weekend. She didn’t make plans. When she wasn’t working, she thought about work and planned out ideas to improve things, or to expand. She went for runs four times a week, and had thought about checking out one of the local dojos in town that offered a bunch of classes, but she didn’t want to socialize. She didn’t want people to ask her questions. To learn of her life, and of her being single. It took the last year to convince Amelia’s aunt Fay that Kai didn’t need to be set up on a blind date and that she chose not to date. Kai was asked out often. She declined every time. She wasn’t ready. She might never be ready. That heavy sensation fell over her heart. Then came the emptiness that was still there. She thought of him. Of Edison’s smile, and not the scene she walked in on. Every soldier she met she thought of Edison, and what could have been if only there were resources available to help, and the right words to say, the right treatment to have access to. That was what hurt and kept her from moving on. She realized that not every person could be saved, but she didn’t accept it. She wanted to change that. She would dedicate her life to changing the statistics. More soldiers would live and not die from PTSD.
Tears stung her eyes, three years later and almost as deeply, definitely still traumatized by the crime scene, the police investigation, the sorrowful expressions, and the mourning process of losing the only man she ever loved, and was forever asking why?
She stood up, pushed aside her emotions, the sadness, the loneliness, the fears she lived with mostly at night when she was alone, and she refocused on the next task, the next responsibility, and how she needed to talk to Amelia about tomorrow night.
“Hi, Kai, are you heading out early to get ready for the meeting?” Mel asked.
“I wasn’t planning on it, but I think I will. I need you to do me a favor and schedule this case for Lawrence and Olivia. I think they can definitely help this client out,” she said, and handed over the file to Mel.
“I will take care of it. Enjoy tonight, and the weekend,” Mel said, and winked then walked back to her desk.
That was one thing that Kai had become good at. Hiding her emotions, putting up a fake smile and getting through life alone. By Monday everyone would be talking about their weekend and what fun things they did, and Kai would avoid it all. She made sure to schedule out of the office appointments Monday, and so far it worked.
She looked around, then grabbed her bag and her cell phone. All her work was done. In fact, she was so far ahead of her responsibilities that she didn’t have to come to work tomorrow. What would she do though? She could get together with Afina before Corporal’s. She could go for a longer run, or maybe check out the classes at that dojo? She had the schedule. Casey’s boyfriend worked the front desk there and could get her in for free try. She glanced out toward the main office, and saw Casey smiling and talking on her cell phone while also typing on the computer. That woman could multitask and then some. She debated about asking her and then thought better of it.
Her plan to leave New Jersey and take on this role here closer to her best friend Afina had been a difficult one, but a necessary o
ne. She was drowning in her own sorrows and loss. First of her brother, gunned down by some anti cop mental case, and then the loss of Edison. She gulped. If there had been help, better services available, he wouldn’t have become a statistic.
“Hey, you getting ready for the banquet?” Amelia asked her, coming from the hallway.
“Yes. I have to leave in a few minutes. Listen, I just got off the phone with Afina. She wants us to meet her at Corporal’s tomorrow night to celebrate and to hang out. You up for it?”
“Uhm.” Amelia looked around her and then exhaled. She didn’t like hanging out much either. Especially after breaking up with her boyfriend, Cavanaugh. Amelia made a few comments here and there about him being a jerk, very controlling and abusive, that was why she broke things off, but Kai hadn’t asked her any questions. She didn’t want to push for information and so Amelia didn’t push Kai for information from her. She was fine with that.
“We can go together and we don’t have to stay long,” Kai said to her.
“I can meet you there, you know in case you’re having a good time and I’m not and want to leave.”
“The likelihood is slim. I haven’t gone out much since moving here.”
“Well, you’ve been working here and this new position and expanding the services. It’s a good idea to celebrate your hard work.”
“Our hard work, Amelia. You’ve been by my side almost since day one.”
“Don’t remind me about Beth. She was such an idiot, and so pissed she got fired.”
“Well she wasn’t doing what she was supposed to and clients suffered. That’s unacceptable. We’re all they have as advocates.”
“Yes we are. So what time tomorrow night?”
“I guess like eight.”
“Okay. I’ll meet you in the parking lot.”
Chapter Three
“What’s that look for?” Zayn asked Selasi as he walked into the kitchen and set his duffle bag down on the chair.
“I thought you were getting in last night,” Selasi asked.
“Got caught up in a case with Turner’s cousins. Had to issue these warrants when a call came on about that guy Banks they were looking for since last May.”
“Was it crazy?” Selasi asked.
“Eh. Could have been a situation.”
“Everyone okay?” Thermo asked, walking into the kitchen and looking pissed off as usual. He didn’t think his brother even knew how to smile.
“Everyone is fine. I know the team has had some close calls lately, but as long as everyone does their jobs then no problems,” Zayn said to them.
“Easier said than done. Was Devin involved, too?” Selasi asked about their cousin. He worked undercover in narcotics and warrants, too.
“He was there with his team as backup just in case. He said Mike got back two days ago. They’re all looking to hang out at Corporal’s tonight,” Zayn told them.
Devin was their cousin, as well as Mike and Afina.
“Like a fucking family reunion?” Selasi replied, and Zayn chuckled.
“Don’t be surprised when you get a call from Afina. There’s some sort of special fundraising event going on there tonight, too. It will be good to hang out.”
“We’ve declined since coming here. Why go tonight?” Thermo said.
“Our cousins will be there, Mike and a few of the guys that we all know. The organization is the one that helped Felix and his family. It’s a good cause. It will be fun,” Zayn said.
“It will be fucking boring. Same shit. Same war stories from the local cops,” Thermo stated.
“You just don’t like getting hit on,” Selasi teased, and Zayn laughed but Thermo flipped Selasi the middle finger.
“I guess you’re still aggravated at that Gloria chick?” Selasi asked.
“Whose great idea was it to send her over to talk to me?” Thermo asked.
“I can assure you that at this point, every fucking woman who lives in this town knows to stay far away from you. You made it clear you aren’t interested in getting involved with anyone,” Selasi said to him.
“Well he’s cramping our style. I think there are some pretty good looking women around town,” Zayn said.
“Stalking women. Women out to land a fantasy,” Thermo said.
“Who gives a shit if they’re open to fooling around no strings attached?” Selasi asked.
“The three of us care. That’s the fucking problem. It doesn’t matter anyway. We’re going to hang out with our cousins and their friends, enjoy a Friday night and relax. No work all weekend for me, so I’m good to go.”
“I have some training sessions at the gym for a couple of the guys from the department. Friends of Devin’s actually,” Zayn said.
“You still need my help?” Thermo asked.
“If you’re up to it. I thought you had plans Sunday,” Selasi said.
“I do, but in the afternoon. I’ll do it. I don’t have anything going on right now with Mike and the crew coming back from their last job.”
“Good. Then we’ll go together.
“Awesome, and tonight, let’s try to have fun,” Zayn said.
Selasi leaned back in his chair and smiled. “I’m always ready to have fun.”
* * * *
Kai walked into Corporal’s along with Amelia, who she met out in the parking lot. The place was crowded already and the live band could be heard from outside. It was a warm night, and a lot of the patrons were by the side tiki bar and outdoor deck. Corporal’s was a cool place. Not only because of the atmosphere, but also of the types of people who hung out here. The owners, Ghost and Cosmo, were jarheads. The patriotic theme throughout the place was welcoming with old memorabilia from across the United States and even out of the country. A lot of soldiers retired from service and then got into law enforcement or investigative work, so the memorabilia tied it all in.
Kai felt the eyes on her and Amelia the moment they walked through the front door. She had been told over the years how beautiful she was, and especially by Edison, but he was biased. Nowadays it kind of made her feel uncomfortable because she was trying to just slide through life, through the social aspect of it anyway, and just live and take it a day at a time. More recently, with a push from Amelia and Afina, plus Afina’s other girlfriends, she wondered if she would ever be able to let a guy close enough. As soon as she thought that, she felt the anxiety and cleared her head.
“Oh boy, you are getting some major looks right now, Kai. I don’t know why you don’t want to date anyone.”
“I think they’re looking at you.”
“No, not me. It’s you. You just don’t see it.”
“Look, there’s Afina,” Kai said, avoiding another conversation where her friend or friends informed her about how gorgeous she was and how she was wasting her youth away by remaining single.
“I didn’t know that April and North would be here, too,” Amelia said to her.
“Looks like everyone is, and Mike, too,” Kai said, and they headed toward them. She was excited to see Mike. She hadn’t seen him in over a year, but as he turned around, her eyes locked onto the man he was talking to. She nearly paused. His eyes looked right at her, then over her body, and what was that? She felt something. She was shocked and annoyed, but then Mike was calling out her name and lifting her up in the air, twirling her around as she hugged him tight.
“Mike.” She laughed and held onto him as he lowered her feet to the floor, but kept his strong, muscular arm around her waist and pulled her toward the bar and the guys there.
“Everyone, meet Kai Devaro,” he said and squeezed her against him. The guy she locked gazes with slid off the bar stool to stand up, and holy God was he tall. She tilted her head back and he reached out his hand while stepping closer.
“Zayn Stelling,” he said, and she shook his hand as Mike released her. She heard Mike chuckle.
“Stelling? Wait, you’re related to Mike and Afina?” she asked.
“Cousin,” Mike said, and K
ai pulled back and looked behind her to see Amelia standing there with Afina, and both were smirking. Had they noticed her reaction to the good-looking guy? Great, now they would be pushing her to talk to him. That nervous, uncomfortable feeling started to simmer.
“This is Amelia.” Kai introduced her and she stepped back, and Amelia shook Zayn’s hand hello. Zayn was very attractive. Like model in a military calendar attractive with his crew cut hair, the front spiked up and a very trimmed, short beard, and big dark eyes. Like Liam Hemsworth, but older, more seasoned. He was muscular and at least six-feet-four if she had to guess. He was complete intimidation and she couldn’t believe how her body felt. She was annoyed with herself as guilt hit her insides, until Afina was pulling her closer to the bar and near him and Mike plus a few other guys gathered closer.
She was listening to them talk about some case their other cousin Devin had and that apparently Zayn helped out with.
“So you are in law enforcement, too?” she asked, and then took a sip from the glass of rum and soda Mike had gotten for her.
“Sort of. I’m a trainer for investigative procedures and handling the physical aspect of issuing search warrants in arrests.”
“He’s bad ass, Kai. Don’t let him fool you and act all modest. His techniques save lives,” Mike said, and Zayn looked away, his expression seemingly embarrassed at the compliment.
“Well, that’s a good thing then. The job is dangerous so any good training that can help protect those serving in the department is a positive, right,” she said, and Mike agreed.
Zayn looked back at her. “What about you? What do you do?”
“The Warrior Angel, what doesn’t she do?” Mike said, and winked at her as he gave her shoulder a squeeze. He was partially standing behind her seat and next to the bar.
“Mike,” she reprimanded.
“Modest, too. She runs Guardians Hope. Well, actually, she created it, got the funding for it, and is now chief operating officer for it, isn’t that your title, Kai?” Mike asked.
Healing Hearts 1 Warrior Angel Page 2
