Call of Duty [Class of '93 Trilogy Book 3]

by Felicia Forella

  "Sounds like a plan."

  "Well, okay, I guess we'll see you then.” He stood there like some immovable force. Fine. She stepped to the side, to go around him, only to find him in her path. He'd tucked his sunglasses in the neck of his t-shirt, leaving her vulnerable to his piercing gaze.

  "I'm walking you to the door."

  "I'm perfectly capable of managing that on my own.” Her traitorous heart thudded at the chivalrous gesture.

  "You're capable of anything you set your mind to. But I'm still walking you to the door.” He reached out and snagged her hand, lacing his fingers through hers as they headed down the sidewalk.

  Damn, if she showed up at Jan's door with Chad again, she'd have some serious explaining to do. As if he read her mind, he stopped at the door and tugged her into his arms. Before she had a chance to open her mouth, he kissed her, a soft brush of his lips that left her longing for more.

  "I'll pick up you and Jackson at four.” He turned on his heel and headed back to his car.

  Too bad he wasn't into commitment. She could get used to this.

  * * * *

  Stupid Americans.

  Luz trailed behind Chad as he walked down the godless Las Vegas Strip. They thought this was important. The neon lights, the dancing waters, the spewing volcanoes. They meant nothing.

  Idiotas. They went inside to see wild animals and sea creatures. They built artificial waterfalls and tropical forests.

  She yearned to be back in her homeland, to live in the pristine lushness of the rainforest. Antonio had better make his decision and soon. She tired of living with the gringos in their artificial environment. Still, she would make any sacrifice to elevate her homeland to the power and glory it deserved.

  One nagging thought continued to bother her. Why would this man make any sacrifice for anyone but himself? She'd seen nothing to justify her brother's faith.

  Which was why she'd been overjoyed when this man who thought he was so smart gave her just the advantage she wanted. She'd watched him enter the woman's home last night and not leave until early this morning. Then she'd watched as he went back to her home this evening. He was very attentive to this woman and her little boy. Very attentive.

  Now all Luz had to do was find a way to make this woman bring the man to his knees and make sure he continued to do what he'd promised.

  Chapter 11

  The ideal pilot is the perfect blend of

  discipline and aggressiveness.

  Chad propped against the doorway, arms crossed over his chest, watching the visiting pilots file into the auditorium. They'd have their briefing, be warned about the dangers that followed pilots who partied a little too hard in Sin City over the weekend and watch some video to back up the warning, and then be sent off to the flight line. He and the other training pilots had about an hour to go over their battle plans for the day and rev up the engines before they took the skies and kicked some ass. Turning on a booted heel, he entered the squadron conference room. Sitting at the far end of the table, Rebel held his head in his hands, a jumbo-sized cup of coffee in front of him.

  "How's the new dad doing?"

  "Tired."

  "And Kelli?"

  "Even more tired. And singing your praises. It's a good thing I trust my wife or I'd have to rip off your balls.” Rebel raised his eyes. “Seriously, thanks for being there. Junior came almost a month early and took us all by surprise. My mother-in-law can't even get here until tonight."

  "Oh, and I'm sure that upsets you.” Chad shuddered at the memory of his mother-in-law and the hateful things she'd said at Brenda's and John's funeral.

  "Nah, she's an okay lady. Besides, Kelli needs her."

  The conversation turned to discussions about the upcoming sorties and how best to kick some ass as the other training pilots filed into the room. After debating advanced combat maneuvers, the group dispersed to suit up and catch transportation out to the flight line.

  "Yo, Marilyn.” He had reached the door when he heard the bellow. One of the other pilots held up the phone. Wondering who'd be calling him here and not on his cell phone, he reached for the receiver.

  "Monroe here."

  "A little birdie told me I'd find you at Nellis."

  It took him a few seconds to click through possible owners of the voice. “Petrol, is that you?"

  "Hell, yes."

  "Shit, man, how the heck are you? I haven't heard from you since—” How long had it been since he'd talked to Braedon Powell, his old buddy from his Air Force Academy days?

  "Langley, when we ran into Greene in that bar, making a fool of himself over Ed.” Ed, also known as Erika Dalton-Greene. He remembered that day. He feared Erika had figured out that he was the leak. Thank God, she hadn't. He shuddered to think what she'd have done and cupped his hand over his package.

  "So to what do I owe the pleasure of this call?"

  "I'm in town and trying to get married to the most amazing woman."

  He tramped down the envy roiling in his stomach. “You? Married? That's something I gotta see."

  "That's actually why I called. I was hoping for a friendly face and when I heard you'd PCSd out here ... can I talk you into joining us?"

  PCS or permanent change of station. Only the military could turn a simple word like “moved” or “transferred” into an acronym. “I'm free this evening, if you want to wait that long."

  "That's perfect. We just got here and Kat needs time to get ready, so the ceremony is scheduled for this evening. We're staying at the Venetian. Meet us there. Oh, and can you bring a date? I don't want some lame third wheel hitting on my bride or messing up my wedding."

  "Ha, you just want someone who'll be sympathetic when this paragon of womanhood wakes up and realizes her mistake. I'll see what I can do. I'd even ask if I could bring Rebel and his wife if she hadn't just had a baby on Friday."

  "Give them my regards. And don't be late. Kat might be a saint, but she won't hesitate to rip you a new one if you mess up her plans."

  He disconnected after promising to be on time and with an acceptable date. Pulling out his cell phone, he hit speed dial.

  "Hello?” Her honey-smooth voice jolted him, sending a wave of longing through him, like it did every time.

  "Casey, it's Chad. I didn't wake you, did I?"

  Her laughter made him smile. “No, I'm getting Jackson ready for school."

  "Do you have to work tonight?” He wanted to whine when she said yes. He wanted her with him tonight. “Can I convince you to call in sick?"

  "I don't know,” she drawled. “I've never called in sick."

  Time for some razzle dazzle. “Then I'd say you're entitled to a sick day. A buddy of mine is in town to get married and has asked me to come. I'd like it if you went with me."

  "I, well, me, it's just ... I-I don't know what to say."

  Was she hesitant because of him or because of work? Was she sorry that they'd slept together and trying to figure out how to dump him? She seemed just fine when they'd gone out on the strip, let him hold her hand and everything. “Yes works for me.” The silence at the other end of the connection caused his stomach to churn. He almost hoped the call had been dropped. “What's the verdict?” He refused to think about how much he wanted her to say she'd join him.

  "Where's it being held?"

  "Braedon said we were to meet them at the Venetian. Could the ceremony be there?"

  "Wow. I've never been in there, but they could have a wedding chapel."

  He heard something in her voice. “What's wrong?"

  "I don't have anything nice enough to wear."

  "After you drop Jackson up at school, swing by the squadron. I'll leave my card for you."

  "You can't do that."

  "Yes, I can. I invited you and it's not fair if you have to incur expenses because of me."

  After some more sputtering on her part, he gave her the address and flipped closed his phone. Son of a bitch, what the hell am I thinking? He'd just offered to
hand over his credit card to a woman he barely knew. For a dress.

  You do know her, a deeper part of himself argued, you've known who she is since the moment you were first in her presence. You didn't avoid her because she wanted forever. Or because she's your CO's daughter. You tried to stay away because you know you've found your soulmate. You can't stay away because...

  Dammit all to hell.

  * * * *

  Casey perched on the edge of her couch, the butterflies in her stomach threatening to explode out her mouth. The simple black dress she'd allowed herself to buy with Chad's card skimmed her body, hiding her bulges and hinting at her curves. The woman at the boutique was a magician. The heart-shaped neckline revealed a teasing glimpse of cleavage, the sequins lining the edge added a hint of elegance to the basic A-line dress. Simple, elegant. Classy enough for a wedding at the Venetian, if that was where it was being held. She'd also bought a pair of strappy sequined black heels.

  Her painted toes peeped out at her, the color matching her newly manicured nails. She'd splurged on a fancy hairdo, too. Where she'd find the money to pay for the luxuries, she didn't know, but she hadn't wanted to spend any more of Chad's. She felt guilty enough spending what she did. But he'd been so insistent.

  Why had she gone to all this trouble to impress a man she didn't want to impress, just to go to a wedding of two people she didn't know?

  When the doorbell rang, she jumped, her feet sliding out from under her, sending her right back down to the couch. Standing up, she struggled to the door on shaky knees. Her self-esteem deserted her and she doubted her choice of dress and hairstyle, questioned her sanity for agreeing to go in the first place.

  Until she tugged open the door to find Chad standing there in his military mess dress, the Air Force equivalent of a civilian tuxedo. He looked jaw-droppingly handsome in his dark blue uniform with his medals—so many of them—pinned to his chest. Lordy, lordy, lordy. The two most drool-worthy things in the world were a man in uniform and a man in a tux. Combine them and she'd died and gone to heaven.

  Finishing her intense visual inspection, she dragged her gaze back to his face, to find him staring at her, his eyes dark with passion. She suddenly wished she'd splurged on new undergarments instead of relying on her old practical standbys.

  "You look amazing. I mean, you're always beautiful, but oh, man."

  A blush crept over her face and neck at his frankly admiring gaze. She'd never felt more beautiful. That's why she'd pampered herself. He made her feel attractive, and for once she wanted to live the part.

  "I want to kiss you, but I don't want to mess up your lipstick."

  "I can put on more."

  Not wasting a second, he leaned forward and claimed her mouth with a soft, lingering meeting of their lips. Dropping his head to her forehead, he sighed.

  "I just want to take you back to your bedroom and make love to you all night long."

  Her heart tripped and her spirits soared. He didn't think she was a frigid bitch. “Just think of all the money wasted on this dress if we do that. That should cool your jets."

  "No way, no how.” He pulled her close to his body and she felt the hard ridge of his erection through layers of clothes. Now she wanted to bag this whole evening out thing. “It would be money well spent on a gift to myself because I'd get to unwrap you.” He trailed kisses down her neck to the edge of her dress. “But I promised Petrol we'd be there."

  She missed the warmth and strength of his body as he stepped away. He offered her his arm as he escorted her to his car. With his help, she managed to situate herself in the low-slung Corvette without embarrassing herself. When he caught a glimpse of her sexy shoes and painted toes, he pressed a heated kiss to the palm of her hand.

  "Can I persuade you to leave those on later?"

  The suggestive look in his eyes and the promise in his words sent a new flush of arousal through her system. “Anything for you, flyboy."

  As he slammed the car door shut, she heard him mutter something that sounded suspiciously like Petrol owes me big time, with a few expletives thrown in for good measure. She laughed, loving the feeling that she drove this handsome, sexy man to distraction. Even in the heady days of her relationship with Brian, his passion had been lukewarm, she realized now.

  "So, tell me about your buddy and his bride-to-be.” Anything to keep her from thinking about her ex and ruining her euphoric mood.

  Chad spent the short drive to the Las Vegas Strip regaling her with stories of his days at the Air Force Academy. He'd been in the same cadet squadron with Braedon but didn't know his wife-to-be. The last time he'd seen his friend, he'd been getting out of the Air Force and single. He talked about Aiden and Erika, Aiden had been in the same squadron as well, and they were now married after a long separation. Erika was still on active duty and Aiden was a lawyer with JAG, the Judge Advocate General corp. He also told her a little about Robert and Kelli. Robert had been in his squadron and it was his wife he'd helped out the other night.

  Helped out. He said that as if assisting a woman in labor was no big deal. Hell, her own husband had managed to weasel his way out of being there with her. She'd come to learn after they'd split that he'd volunteered for the TDY, it was not mandatory as he'd claimed at the time. Yet Chad had stepped in to support the wife of a friend when the early arrival prevented family from being there.

  Fortunately, she was spared any more thoughts of her ex-husband and how lame he was, especially in comparison to the man at her side, when they pulled into the sprawling entrance of the grand Venetian Hotel. She'd never been inside the casino. Jackson, The Cockpit, and her volunteer work kept her too busy for much sightseeing. Now she'd been to the Strip two nights in a row.

  Chad ran around and opened the door for her before she had a chance to gather her clutch. He brushed a kiss on her knuckles as he tugged her to her feet. With a deft flick of his wrist, he tossed the keys to the valet.

  "Have I mentioned recently how beautiful you are?"

  "I think so."

  "If you only think so, I'll have to keep telling you again and again until you remember.” He pulled her arm until her hand rested in the crook of his elbow and they made their way to the opulent lobby.

  Oh, wow. She tried not to gawk like a tourist as they located a house phone and Chad called his friend. The place was rich and decadent and she felt as if she'd stepped over the Atlantic Ocean and landed in Venice.

  "Petrol will be down in about ten or fifteen minutes. He's almost ready. We're supposed to meet him near the clock tower in St. Mark's Square."

  The domed ceiling mesmerized her as Chad led her through the maze of gold gilt and columns. She wasn't so absorbed that she didn't notice the appreciative stares of more than one woman they passed. How could they not appreciate a good-looking man who was sex personified and wearing a uniform? If she were anywhere but at his side, she'd be tripping over her own tongue. To his credit, he kept his arm around her waist and didn't respond to the glances.

  If the lobby had been impressive, St. Mark's Square was nothing short of amazing. Somebody had found a way to transport Italy to the middle of the Nevada desert, complete with canals, storefronts, and bridges. She hadn't realized she'd stopped until Chad brushed up against her back.

  "Have you ever been to Italy?” His voice startled her, so close to her ear. He pulled her flush to his side.

  "No. My dad was stateside the entire time I lived at home and so was Brian, while we were married. What about you?"

  "I did a three month TDY at Aviano Air Force Base. I spent my time off exploring."

  The look on his face indicated that he'd spent that free time enjoying Italian women, as well. She ignored the pang in the area of her heart. There was no reason to feel jealous, especially of things that happened before she even knew him. She had his attention, and for now, that's what mattered.

  "Marilyn."

  Chad turned and held up his hand in response to the greeting. A tuxedo-clad man who could on
ly be the groom strode toward them. Handsome in his own way, he paled in comparison to Chad.

  "Marilyn?” She'd heard him called by his call sign, but had never asked the meaning behind the moniker.

  "Because of my last name.” Making this gorgeous male specimen “Marilyn” Monroe.

  Ouch. Those flyboys had a tendency to be vicious when bestowing a call sign.

  "Why do you call him Petrol?"

  "Because his initials are BP, like British Petroleum.” He greeted his friend. “Petrol, old man. How are you? Other than insane for getting married.” The two men embraced in a masculine ritual of slapping each other's backs.

  Chad's words about marriage sliced through her, even though she'd known where they stood before they fell into bed. A roll in the hay didn't change anything. Nor did she expect it to. Not really.

  "I've never been better, Marilyn. You should try it some day."

  Braedon's gaze honed in on her, assessing, but without the usual male intent. “Braedon Powell, at your service, ma'am. May I say that you are far too beautiful a woman to be stuck with this ugly dog all night."

  "Well she is with me all night and don't you forget it.” Chad tightened his hold on her waist.

  Braedon held up his hands in mock surrender. “I am about to become a happily married man."

  She stepped in to put out this male pissing contest, joking as they were. “So when is the ceremony?"

  Looking at the clock above their heads, Braedon indicated that the ceremony was scheduled to begin in about fifteen minutes, on the bridge. Following his indication, she noticed flowers adorning one of the bridges spanning the canal. A man with a camera hovered at the bottom of the steps and musicians waited nearby. An incredible location for a wedding.

  "Aren't you afraid your bride-to-be is going to realize she's making a big mistake and hightail it out of here?"

  Casey wondered if Chad were the one wanting to run away, based on the looks Braedon kept shooting in his direction, but he stayed by her side, his hand firmly on her hip.

  "Nah. Her best friend and her best friend's husband are with her. They'll make sure she gets here on time."