by Elle James
Beth grinned. “You’ll be thanking me someday.”
“Yeah,” Sophia said, “that day isn’t today.” She filled their drink order as Mags walked through the front door.
“Let me get that,” the older woman said.
Sophia needed something to keep her hands busy. “No, I’ve got this. I’m sure that Sarge has other orders for you to fill.” She carried the tray back to the table and stared across at Blade. “Okay, if we can get the names changed, Blade’s going with me.”
Blade grinned. “Smart choice.”
“Yeah, damn,” Dawg said. “I had my tastebuds set for some good Mexican food, Mai Tais and Painkillers.”
“Guess I better buy some swim shorts, dust off my passport and make some phone calls.” Blade clapped his hands. “I’m going to Mexico.”
Sophia’s heart beat fast. She stared across at the man. She was probably setting herself up for a big fall, but it was about time that she either got him to notice her or got over him.
Blade sat across the table from Sophia, sipping his beer, his mind on a million things at once. He was used to deploying at the drop of a hat, but he’d never gone on vacation this spontaneously. It didn’t matter. The thought of Sophia going by herself was not acceptable. To tell the truth, he would’ve preferred to stay home and sip beer in his backyard with her, rather than go all the way to Cancún, Mexico.
But if she was going, and alone, he felt responsible, as her friend, to be with her and provide the protection she’d need. Tourists never knew what would happen in Mexico. With her cute redhaired looks, she would be a prime target for sex traffickers. He wished he could bring his gun with him. Blade was glad Beth had backed out of the trip. The thought of the two women by themselves in Mexico would have made him crazy. He might have bought his own ticket and flown down there just to make sure they were okay.
The ladies all got up and went to the bathroom together, giving the men time to talk.
Dawg wadded up a napkin and threw it at Blade. “I almost had a free trip to Cancún. Why’d you have to go and ruin it for me?”
“Sophia deserves somebody better than you,” Blade said.
He snorted. “And that ain’t you.”
“He’s right,” Rucker said. “Seriously, I hope you’re not planning on seducing her.”
Blade’s mouth pressed into a thin line. “I’m not going to seduce Sophia. I’m going to take care of her and make sure that nobody seduces her or takes advantage of her. She’s like a kid sister to me.” At that moment, the women were headed back across the room, and Blade’s gaze landed on Sophia.
Apparently, Dawg’s did too. “She’s not my kid sister and she’s got a body that won’t quit. Topped with that red hair…wow.”
“Keep it in your pants, Dawg,” Blade warned. “She’s a nice girl. Leave her alone.”
“You’re not interested in her,” Dawg said, “but maybe I am.”
Blade narrowed his eyes. “Back off. She chose me as her protector, not as a boyfriend. If she was thinking of you as a boyfriend, she would’ve chosen you.”
“All right,” Rucker said. “We’re holding you accountable, Blade. Treat her right or answer to us.”
“I will.” Blade held up one hand. “I promise.”
“In the meantime,” John Sanders, otherwise known as Tank, said, “what are we going to do on our leave time?”
“Since I’m not going to Cancún, I’m going to sleep for twenty-four hours,” Dawg said. “After that, I might drive down to South Padre and get some sun and sand.”
“I’m spending my leave with my girl.” Bull nodded toward the dark-haired beauty heading his way.
Mac waved a hand at Kylie. “Same here.”
Dash grinned. “I’m meeting Sunny Daye in Dallas. I have a hotel booked and room service lined up.”
Blade leaned back in his chair with a grin. “I’m going to Cancún.”
“Watch out,” Dawg said. “We might all decide to join you.”
Blade patted his chest confidently. “It would be all right with me. Then I could prove to you that I’m not going to do anything but protect Sophia.”
About the Author
ELLE JAMES also writing as MYLA JACKSON is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of books including cowboys, intrigues and paranormal adventures that keep her readers on the edges of their seats. When she’s not at her computer, she’s traveling, snow skiing, boating, or riding her ATV, dreaming up new stories. Learn more about Elle James at www.ellejames.com
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Or visit her alter ego Myla Jackson at mylajackson.com
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