Two in the Afternoon

by Cora Cade

  When Chief stopped his routine to pour two cups of joe for them both, Cal was reminded—again—of how civilian life was suiting him just fine. “Thanks, Chief.”

  The older man nodded in response, then leaned on the bar sipping his own coffee. “Never seen Molly so happy. Girls like family, you know.” The retired Naval officer was a man of few words, but when he spoke, you listened.

  Cal bobbed his head and downed his coffee. He wasn’t quite sure where Chief was going with this, so he was keeping his mouth shut.

  “You ever given any thought to leaving the military, son?”

  Well, hell. A direct question. “Someday. I thought I’d know when the time was right, down the road.”

  Chief set his coffee mug down with a distinct thud against the mahogany bar. “This is what ‘down the road’ looks like, son. A grizzled old man without a family, and a government pension for company.”

  Cal really looked at the retired Master Chief for the first time. Looked beyond the steel grey buzz cut, the old school naval tattoos, and the tough exterior. And he saw a soft-hearted man working at a pub so he could surround himself with those he chose as family.

  “Talked to your sister the other day. Got her working on a new tattoo design for me. That girl’s damn talented. Gonna be nice having her around.”

  Cal knew exactly what Chief was getting at, but he couldn’t bring himself to discuss it. Was it time to think about leaving the Rangers? He had to wrap his head around it a little bit longer. So, he nodded and said, “You’ll keep an eye out for her when I’m not around?”

  “Didn’t I just say that? ’Course we will.” With that the old guy pushed off the bar and went back to stacking beer bottles in the cooler.

  Cal was staring at the rim of his coffee cup when a small hand fell on his shoulder and Molly gave him a quick peck on the cheek. “Hey, soldier.” She took a seat and addressed Chief. “Can I get a cup too?”

  Molly leaned into his arm and waited for her cup of coffee to be poured. When she closed her eyes and gave a contented little sigh, his chest felt tight. Ten days. Ten days and his entire world had tilted unexpectedly.

  He was staring at her when she finally sat up and picked up her mug.

  “What? Is my hair sticking up funny?” She patted her hair awkwardly, looking a bit embarrassed.

  “No. You’re perfect.” And he wasn’t sure he ever wanted to fix the tilt of his axis.

  Cal was looking at her funny, but she didn’t think she had anything on her face. Maybe she had pillow creases from her nap. She was forever embarrassing herself in front of the man. Last night she’d fallen asleep during a movie, only to wake up and find she’d been drooling during her nap. On his shirt. Not her finest moment.

  To be fair, the last couple of days had not been her proudest. Being sick turned her into a grumpy bitch that fell asleep at the drop of a hat. Cal was probably counting down the days until he could bolt for his real life, far away from her demanding ways and all the responsibilities he’d taken on for Noah.

  “Hey, Chief. I can take over after I get a shower, let you get out of here early today.” Finally feeling normal after three days, it was high time she got back to work.

  “It’s been quiet this week. The rain’s keeping everyone off the water. No need to rush back to the grind. Besides, Chris is in tonight. And I’m pretty sure Cal’s pretty sister will be in for dinner, and he wouldn’t want to miss the chance to chat her up.”

  Molly slid a glance at Cal’s frowning face. Throwing an elbow out to catch him in the ribs, she laughed at him. “I told you Lainey liked the pretty boys.”

  “Not gonna happen. I threatened Chris with severe bodily harm.”

  She watched his face break into a broad grin before she said, “I don’t think your sister would appreciate you managing any aspect of her life. Seriously, she’ll date Chris just to spite you.”

  And with that comment the grin slipped away to another vicious scowl. “Like hell.”

  Chief took the opportunity to interject, “That girl is as headstrong as they come, son. Can’t recognize yourself in her, I reckon.”

  Molly had to laugh when Cal snapped his mouth shut, obviously thinking about what Chief had said. He was a bit blind about his sister, but it really did come from the heart. The big bruiser would do anything to protect Lainey, even if it was misguided.

  Men. They really had no clue about women, even their sisters.

  They drank their coffee in silence for a few minutes before Cal finally spoke. “We could catch a movie, maybe even lunch, since you’ve got the day off.”

  Chief was watching her as intently as Cal. From across the bar he gave a brief, sharp nod and a wink. Her mouth fell open. Was the old man matchmaking? Holy shit, he was.

  “Sure. I’ve got to shower and find some clean clothes.”

  “I did the laundry this morning, so everything you’ve got here is clean and stacked on the dresser.”

  “You did my laundry?”

  “Yeah. Why? Is that weird for you?”

  Yes. Yes, it was weird. “Nope.” No one had done her laundry for longer than she could remember. And why did it make her want to jump his bones? She would not melt for a guy because he did her laundry. Absolutely not happening.

  As she slid off the barstool and headed for the shower upstairs, she berated herself. Not freaking happening. She was not falling for Callum Eversman. They had four more days until Sunday.

  Four days to enjoy him and prep for the final goodbye. Because she was not falling for his bald head, hot tattoos and sexy smile.

  No.

  When Bo greeted her at the top of the stairs, she said it again. “No. I’m not falling for him.” Maybe the dog believed her.

  Their date had been a success. Chief had casually mentioned that Molly loved sushi and even directed him to her favorite place over in Mumford. Cal didn’t mention to either of them that he’d never had sushi, but he was game for anything if it meant Molly enjoyed their date. And to be honest it wasn’t too bad.

  They caught a movie that suited them both and then headed back to the pub for dinner and a beer. They joined Lainey at the bar and passed the evening bantering with Chris.

  Now he was wide awake, next to Molly, in the big king bed. She’d made good on her promise to take full advantage of him in the shower earlier that night. A memorable event to be sure, but he was currently going back over the conversation with Chief in his head.

  “Hey, soldier. You’re thinking awful damn loud for someone who should be sleeping.”

  “Am I?”

  She curled into his side and rested her head on his chest. On a yawn she said, “Hmmm…definitely.”

  “Molly, you know I’m headed back to base in a few days.” His chest tightened, just thinking about her response. “I’d like to date. After I leave, I mean.”

  She stiffened. There was no way for her to hide it, tucked up against his side, but she didn’t move away. “Cal, we talked about this. You know I can’t date you.”

  “Can’t or won’t?”

  This time she did pull away. Sitting up and pulling the sheet closer to her chest she said, “It’s the same thing for me. I can’t get more attached. Your life is far away from mine, so different from what I live. You’ll go away, overseas again, and you’ll be fighting a war without end. How do I survive that if I fall in love with you?”

  She took a deep shuddering breath before going on. “One of two things will happen. You’ll get tired of me and it will end. I’ll be heartbroken and curse the day I ever met you. Or you’ll die at war. And I’ll never get over your loss.” She didn’t speak for a moment. Then she said, “Never.”

  He pulled her close, rubbing her back gently while she fought back tears. “Okay. It’s okay.” When he felt them fall on his bare chest, he pulled her closer until she finally relaxed and dri
fted into sleep.

  She cared. Unwillingly and not without a fight. Even though she was turning him down, actions always speak louder than words, and her tears soothed the sting of rejection. Because she cared as much as he did.

  Chapter Twelve

  The next morning Molly woke with puffy eyes and an empty apartment. Dragging her pathetic ass out of bed felt like a monumental life event. She made her way to the coffee pot, only to find Cal had left her a fresh pot.

  Damn that man and his thoughtfulness.

  Three cups of coffee later and the man and his trusty sidekick hadn’t returned. It was nearly nine in the morning now. Surely Cal didn’t jog with Bo this long.

  She thought back to the rest of the week and the routine they’d followed every morning. Up with first light, a quick breakfast of eggs and toast for Cal, kibble for Bo, and within thirty minutes they were out the door. Usually she woke when they returned and the shower kicked on, with Bo arriving in the bedroom happily panting a minute later.

  Something wasn’t right. Her skin felt too tight and that niggling sense of panic was settling deep in her stomach.

  Fear.

  She’d felt so secure with Cal near that she’d almost forgotten what it felt like to live with the flutter of fear as a constant companion.

  His truck was still in the lot, parked next to her convertible. There was no sign of Danvers or Masterson below, but there hadn’t been since their meeting over a week ago. Should she call Chris? If he had half a brain, he’d still be sleeping after closing last night.

  Molly took a deep breath. Then another one. And again. She could not panic. Forcing her breath in and out brought her mind to a calmer place and she shoved away all the terrible thoughts racing through her mind.

  She needed to act. Step one was start the search for Cal. There were only so many routes around town to jog. And that’s where she’d start.

  Not bothering to change out of her pajamas, she grabbed her purse off the kitchen counter and slipped her feet into a ratty pair of flip-flops by the door. Checking her phone on the way out the door drew her up short. She’d three missed calls from her brother’s number. All placed within the last few hours.

  Something was definitely not right here. Cal had been gone for over an hour, possibly two, and now her brother was blowing up her phone after months of not hearing from him. Pushing back the rising sense of dread, she dialed her brother’s number.

  She waited for it to ring, but Gabe was there before the line even registered a sound. “Molly. Where are you?”

  “I’m at the pub. Why?” He sounded the same, but there was a tightness to his voice she wasn’t used to hearing.

  “Have you seen Cal?”

  She didn’t even question how he knew about Cal or why he was asking. “I don’t know. He was gone when I got up. Gabe, what’s going on?”

  “Listen to me, sis. I need you to get inside, lock up and stay put.”

  “Gabe Ryan, you’d better tell me, right now. What’s going on?” Her voice was rising, and that sense of panic was hitting critical mass. It was getting harder to breathe and her heart beat a fast tattoo in her chest.

  “Molly, are you inside?”

  “Yes. I’m in the pub. I was about to go look for Cal.”

  “No. You stay inside. I’m on my way, and Danvers and Masterson are on the scene.”

  Everything was wrong. “Gabe, what’s going on? Where is Cal?” There wasn’t enough oxygen to fill her lungs, but she forced out, “Tell me!” anyway.

  There was a brief hesitation on the line before her brother spoke. “I need you to breathe for me, Molly.” When he heard her steadying breath, he continued, “There’s been an incident. Danvers called me almost an hour ago. It’s Cal.”

  Everything stilled and became crystal clear. “Where is he?”

  “At the local hospital in Mumford. I’m on my way to pick you up.”

  An eerie sort of calm settled over her. Taking her keys from the purse over her shoulder, she stepped out into the too bright sun, locking the service door behind her. “Is he conscious? And do they have Bo?”

  Gabe sucked in a breath at the end of the line. “He’s been badly beaten. Danvers thinks possibly with a tire iron or a ball bat, and he’s in and out of consciousness right now. The dog is with Masterson—he’s going to be fine, but he got in the way trying to protect Cal. Looks like a broken leg.”

  When she started her car, her brother swore softly in her ear. “Molly, I need you to stay put. Do you hear me? This has Pratt written all over it. He took out a fucking Army Ranger to get to you. Do not make yourself an easy target right now.”

  “Fuck you, Gabe. I’ll be at the hospital when you get to town.”

  With those final words, Molly hung up on her brother and dropped her phone to the seat beside her. She wasn’t about to let Cal sit in a hospital bed alone while she was tucked away, waiting like a good little girl for her brother. He took out a fucking Army Ranger to get to you. She couldn’t let the guilt overwhelm her, but she felt the weight of it press down on her aching heart.

  With a steady hand, she shifted into gear and left the Drunken Duck’s parking lot behind her.

  Gabe Ryan listened to the dial tone as his headstrong sister hung up on him. Under different circumstances he would applaud her spunk, but right now his only thought was for her safety. After Danvers had given him Eversman’s name, he’d done a thorough background check on his sister’s new boyfriend. Callum Eversman was a top-notch soldier on the verge of being recruited by the CIA according to his contact. At thirty-two, he’d completed college prior to joining the Army. He’d been a Ranger for over ten years, and was highly respected by his fellow soldiers. The man was smart, built like a brick house, and smitten with his sister, if Danver’s and Masterson’s assessment was correct. And those two were always right.

  Gabe knew Cal had been ambushed in an effort to get to his sister. Judging by the soldier’s background, it would have been several guys orchestrating the attack. Pratt was fucking crazy, but not stupid. He would have sent men after Cal and then someone after his sister once she was unprotected.

  Dialing his team, he put them on the lookout for Molly and prayed that he could get there in time to stop Pratt.

  When Molly pulled up to Lainey’s cabin on Lookout Point, she noticed Chris’s classic Camaro parked next to Lainey’s staid rental. Under normal circumstances she might have felt bad about busting in on them, but she didn’t even feel a twinge of sympathy as she banged on the door.

  When Chris opened the door, he was fully dressed, if a bit rumpled, and Molly was thankful for small favors. “I need Lainey.”

  One look at her face had Chris reaching for her. Stepping out of reach she pleaded, “Please don’t.”

  She couldn’t be touched right now. She was too raw and exposed for anyone to lay a hand on her. All of her emotions were right there, under the surface, and if Chris comforted her she would crumble.

  “Okay. Let me get her.” He waited a beat, leaving the screen door open for her, but let it swing shut when she didn’t move.

  When Lainey arrived at the door, she was freshly showered with her wet hair loose and disheveled around her face. She was barefoot, wearing a warm yellow sundress. At first glance, Cal’s sister looked pretty and relaxed, but upon closer inspection Molly noticed the tension radiating from Lainey. She looked like she was in a great deal of pain, the tight lines around her eyes and lips giving away her torment.

  When Lainey nodded at her, Molly felt some of the weight slip from her shoulders. “Where is he?” The words were spoken calmly, without a hint of the pain underneath them.

  “At the hospital in Mumford.”

  “Chris, can you drive us there?”

  He nodded and pulled his keys from his pocket. When Lainey began to walk outside without her shoes, Chris calmly tugged at her
hand. Leading her back into the cabin, he helped her on with her sandals.

  “She’s been like this for almost an hour.” He spoke over his shoulder as he led Lainey to the Camaro and helped her in the backseat. “I thought she was just having a nightmare, but I think she knew something was wrong. She’s been waiting for you, or something, for almost twenty minutes.”

  He stopped talking as Molly snapped her seat belt in place and calmly looked ahead. With no one speaking she had only her own fears to keep her company.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Cal felt like hell. His right leg was the most insistent throb, followed closely by a familiar stab of pain in his chest. A broken rib, maybe two. During jump school he’d taken a bad landing and bruised a rib, but this was far worse. Enough sharp pain to force shallow breathing and a cold sweat to break out. His face felt puffy and swollen and even though he was trying like hell, only one eye would open. His vision was hazy and he could feel his heartbeat pulse behind the eye he could actually open.

  Fighting against the drugged haze of his morphine drip, he shifted his good arm and felt Molly stir next to him. He couldn’t be sure, but he thought he’d been in the hospital for several days.

  He remembered more of the attack each time he woke. A pair of guys that had taken him down with a car while he’d been out jogging. A quick bounce into the drainage ditch had brought a blistering pain to his right knee. Bo barking like crazy, a quick whine from the dog as he heard a blow land and then Cal had blacked out. There were snippets of more, but nothing solid or completely formed. He’d need to pull it all together soon. The police would need a report, unless they’d already taken a statement. He couldn’t be sure, everything was vague and blurry in his mind’s eye.

  Every time he was able to pry his eyes open, he’d found Molly fussing over him. Today was the first time he’d caught her at rest. She was seated in an ugly plastic hospital chair, precariously resting her head near his as if she’d fallen asleep saying goodnight.