Temporary Assignment The Complete Collection: A Military Romance

by KB Winters

  Copyright ©2016 BookBoyfriends Publishing LLC

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of the trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  Chapter One

  I looked at my phone again for the millionth time in however many days, not a bit surprised to see there were no messages on it. Logically, I knew that checking my phone religiously would not produce a text from Cole—still, I couldn’t help myself. It had been a week since I’d gotten a brief message apologizing for his quick departure and assurances that everything was okay.

  “Savannah, that is the fifth time you’ve looked at your phone since I got here.” Heather’s voice was laced with equal parts annoyance and concern, and I couldn’t blame her. I knew my behavior was unusual, but I somehow couldn’t bring myself to stop. I turned to look at her apologetically.

  “I’m sorry.”

  She held her hand up. “Don’t apologize. I’m not mad at you—I’m just worried for your sanity. The last time I saw you this wound up was when ‘He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Spoken-Of’ randomly showed up at school. I thought I was going to have to find you an oxygen tank.”

  I grimaced at the mention of my ex, and the jerk had shown up in my office and begged me not to inform his wife about his and my illicit relationship. I was still embarrassed at the fact that Heather had found me after bawling my eyes out at my desk. That was definitely not a good time. “Can we not talk about that, please?”

  “Of course,” Heather replied quickly. “I’m just saying your behavior is worrisome. It’s only been what, a week? I’m sure he’s just bogged down at work rescuing kittens or something.”

  I gave out an involuntary snort at her words, though I had to admit the thought of Cole rescuing kittens was adorable…and fucking hot. I shook my head to stop the flow of my thoughts. “I know, I know but—”

  “Did something happen? That night I mean?”

  My mouth clicked closed as I tried to think clearly back to that night. “Everything was fine, honestly. We had talked things out and decided to pretty muchstart our relationship over and take things slowly.”

  Heather nodded. “And Cole was okay with that decision?”

  “Of course he was,” I snapped out in irritation. “He and I both agreed it would be for the best, so we could get to know one another rather than just—”

  “Rather than just sex, I get it,” Heather interrupted, putting her hands up in surrender. “I didn’t think you were lying Savannah. You asked me for help, and the only way I can do that is if I totallyunderstand what happened between you and Cole. I have no judgments, either agreeing—or disagreeing—with the decisions you two made.”

  “I know, I just…” My voice trailed off as I sighed. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to snap at you. I know you’re just trying to help, and I appreciate it. I shouldn’t take my anger out on you. I’m just worried and confused.”

  “It’s okay,” Heather conceded. She leaned forward and placed a hand on my arm. “I’m seriously not judging, okay? Honestly, I just want to find this guy and break his arm in three places with a push pin for fuckingyou up this much.”

  That startled a genuine laugh out of me. “A push pin? What happened to death by paper clip?”

  Heather leaned back with a smile. “Done with paper clips. I evolved…kind of like a Pokémon.”

  I shook my head with amusement. “You are so strange sometimes.”

  She snorted. “Trust me when I say you have no idea. So what are you going to do about Cole?”

  At the mention of his name, the smile slipped from my face. “I don’t know, honestly.” That was the truth. Other than by phone, I had no idea on how to get back in touch with him. Although I took his little sister home, I wasn’t sure if I remembered how to get back to their house, and I definitely wasn’t keen on having his sister think something was going on between us. She wasn’t the first student that I’d ever taken home, but typically house visits—where I actually went to a student’s home—were utilized when there was a problem or extenuating circumstances that warranted a personal visit—not for going out with said student’s brother. Even then, I always made sure to call the parents in advance in order to schedule a time that was good for them. Showing up unannounced and uninvited was definitely not my style.

  “Well the way I see it, you have two options,” Heather said with certainty.

  “Okay.”

  She stood up from the couch and began pacing. “You can wait for his phone call and hope that the dipshit will give you a suitable fucking excuse. I seriously doubt it though since he’s a man, and men are notorious for—”

  “Heather,” I interrupted.

  “Fine. You can either wait for his call, or you can call him yourself and let him know you need answers.”

  I sighed. I knew she was right, but I didn’t have to be happy about it. “You’re right—I know you are.”

  “Of course I am,” Heather huffed. “So the question remains, what are you going to do?”

  I didn’t have an answer. I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to jump in the car and drive around until I could find Cole’s house, and then I wanted to barge in and demand some answers. “I’ll just wait to see if he calls me.”

  I could see Heather’s disappointment at my response, but I pushed past it. “We haven’t even been dating all that long, so there’s really no point in me getting all worked up about it. I’m sure he’s busy with work or taking care of his mother. You know he takes care of her and his younger sister.”

  “Yes, I know. You told me. A bazillion times.”

  I ignored her tone, stood up from the couch,and continued. “She’s really sick, so I’m sure he’s probably just overwhelmed with all of it. Me being a bother isn’t going to help the situation in any way.”

  Heather stood up beside me. “But Savannah—“

  “No,” I cut her off with a wave of my hand. “Thanks for coming over. You’ve given me a lot to think about and helped me understand how I’m feeling, but I think I’ll be okay now.”

  Heather looked at me for a moment, and I made myself stare back calmly. I knew she didn’t believe me, and I was sure she was aware I knew, but thankfully, she didn’t push. With a sigh she leaned forward with her arms spread, and I obliged by moving into the hug.

  “Just think about things, okay? That’s all I’m asking. I don’t know why you don’t call him if you want to talk to him. I mean— we’re grown-ups. Not high school kids—teacher—principal, yes. Hormonal high school girls…no. Call him.”

  I sighed and nodded an okay, not trusting my voice right then. Truthfully, I was afraid that my reticence to go full tilt into a relationship was going to come back to bite me in the ass in terms of Cole leaving. Maybe it had alreadyhappened and I just needed to get with the program.

  “Why don’t we go out tonight?”

  Heather jerked back until she could look up at me. Her expression was a little confused. “The club? But why?”

  I shrugged, feigning nonchalance at her question as I pulled away from her embrace. “Just because. I mean, why not?”

  “Uhm, because you’re waiting for a phonecall—or making one and that might change your night time plans.”

  “No,” I said, sounding much surer than I actually felt. “I am so done with waiting around for guys. I waited around for my ex to finally want to move in with me only to find out that I was an unknowing accomplice in an affair—”

  “That wasn’t your fault, Savannah!”

  “—and now I’m waiting around for a guy I barely know to decide ifI’m worth
contacting, and it is such bullshit,” I spit out turning my back to her. I took a deep breath to get a hold of myself. “I am not this person who just waits to see what happens. I’ve always been the one to go out and get shit done.”

  Heather’s hand came down on my shoulder, and I didn’t fight it when she pulled me to turn me around. “I know that. Kelly always told me how strong you were and how you always made her want to do better and push harder.”

  “Exactly.”

  “But when it comes to other people, there’s only so much pushing you can do. Sometimes you just have to wait and let them come to you.”

  I frowned at her words. “I thought you wanted me to call him and demand answers.”

  “I want whatever you want, Savannah. What I don’t want is for you to do something rash in a fit of anger and later on come to regret it.”

  I crossed my arms in front of my chest. “Who says I’d regret it? I’m not some damsel in distress, nor am I a blushing virgin intent on girding my loins. Sex is sex.”

  Heather huffed out a breath. “You say that now.”

  “I’ve said that always.”

  Chapter Two

  The thumping bass of the music made my head swim, and I tried to see through the sea of bodies in order to find the bar. I’d told Heather I wouldn’t come to the bar after she declined to join me, but that promise only lasted about an hour before I’d gotten angry enough to come out on my own. However, I was beginning to regret my decision.

  “Hey baby. Why don’t we get out of here and go have some fun.”

  I scrunched my nose at the foul smell of the newest stranger’s breath. “Absolutely not! Your breath smells like the sewer.”

  “Fuck you too, stuck up bitch.”

  I sighed out in relief as the stranger moved away. It was always so funny to me when guys said that women were emotional. I often found that when turning men down, they were the ones who tended to lash out and get pissy about rejection. One of these days, I was going to carry a camera on me and play back some of the responses I got. Finally, I managed to make it to the bar and ordered myself a shot of tequila.

  “Kind of makes you lose faith in the human species, doesn’t it?”

  I looked over at the sound of a male voice, rejection ready on my tongue. That rejection dried up when I noticed what the man looked like. The dim light of the club made his hair look inky black, but his blue eyes looked kind, and his smile was attractive. I gifted him with a smile and replied, “Oh I don’t know. I suppose not everyone is terrible if given the chance.” I warmed at his soft chuckle. “What about you? Have you lost faith in all of humanity?”

  “Nah. I suppose there are a few people out there that aren’t too terrible. Like, perhaps maybe you?”

  I smirked. “Hmmm, or perhaps I’m just a great actress.” I felt a pang of guilt at the fact that I was flirting with another guy given that Cole and I hadn’t exactly closed anything out.

  He turned towards me and leaned in. He smelled nice, but not as nice as Cole. My smirk slipped slightly when that thought ran through my mind. “Well, I suppose I should find out whether you are or not.”

  I planted my smirk more firmly on my lips before reaching for the shot in front of me. I held the man’s eyes as I knocked the tequila back and threw a ten dollar bill on the bar. “I suppose so.” I gave him a flirty wink before motioning for him to follow me onto the dance floor. I glanced back once just to see if he was following me. I didn't really want to dance with him, but I wanted to stop the multitude of Cole thoughtsfrom running through my mind at least for a little while. Although I knew Heather didn't agree, this is the only way I knew how to deal with this—at least for now. A little harmless flirting and a few drinks wouldn't completely push away thoughts of Colefrom my mind, but so far, the man seemed to be nice. I had no desire to go home with him, but at least it was something to do other than waiting at home for aphone call that may never come.

  “What did you say your name was?” he asked. I looked back at him again.

  “Savannah. My name is Savannah.”

  “That's a beautiful name.”

  “Thanks. My parents thought so too, hence why they named me that,” I joked. I was relieved when he laughed as well. At least I knew hehad a sense of humor. “What's your name by the way, I never did ask?” I stopped in the middle of the dance floor and turned around. From here the lights were bright enough that I could tell he was very attractive.

  “My name is Jerry,” he answered. He stepped close and settled his hands on my hips in a soft but sure grip.

  “Well, Jerry,” I started lifting my arms to wrap around his shoulders. “Are you any good at dancing?”

  He smiled and pulled me closer to him. I vaguely noted that our bodies didn’t fit as well together, and I internally kicked myself for even noticing. I had to force my focus back to him in order to hear his answer.

  “I don’t have two left feet if that’s what you’re wondering.” He began to sway back and forth with the music and I followed. Around us, others were engaged in varying stages of drunken debauchery, and I felt a little sick at the thought of doing that with him. I’d never really been one for grinding up against anyone in front of a crowd of people, but as Jerry’s hips began to thrust slightly, I felt dismayed that he might not share my sentiments. “You’re very tense.”

  I gave him a thin smile. “Comes with the job I do.”

  “Oh?” He asked as his hand left my hip and his arm wrapped more securely around my waist. I felt a bit trapped, but tried my best to ignore it. “And what is it you do?”

  “I’m a high school principal,” I answered, trying my best to follow his movements and push down the rising tide of panic I was feeling. None of this was right. My body and my heart screamed that this was all wrong.

  “Oh yeah? You’re awfully young to be a principal already. Who’d you sleep with to get that job?”

  His answer made me slam to a halt. “Excuse me?”

  Jerry chuckled. “What? It’s just a joke. Come on baby, let’s keep dancing.”

  “It’s not just a joke, and I’m not your baby,” I hissed. My arms moved from around his neck to pushing against his hard chest. “Insulting someone’s jobbefore you even know them is hardly a way to—“

  “Why the fuck are you getting so uptight? It was just a dumb fucking joke, so why don’t you calm down and let’s get back to having a good time?” Jerry’s hand tightened on my hip, and I winced at the pressure.

  “How about no, and get the fuck off me,” I replied. My voice was growing louder with each word,and I looked around frantically—worried that no one seemed to be paying attention. I pushed against his chest again as I struggle to get out of his hold. “Let me go.”

  “Hell no.” He jerked me closer to him, voice turned cruel with anger. “Listen you little bitch, you came on to me so don’t try to act like—hey!”

  I stumbled with a yelp as Jerry’s arms were ripped away.

  “I believe she told you to let her go.”

  My breath caught in my throat at the sound of Cole’s voice, and I looked up with a sense of déjà vu. He was standing there holding Jerry’s arm behind his back, and I could tell he was practically vibrating with anger. I couldn’t help but stare.

  “Cole? What are you doing here?”

  My softly uttered question drew his eyes to me, and I wanted to physically fall back at the fury I could read plainly in his gaze. “What am I doing here? What the fuck are you doing here?” Jerry struggled, drawing Cole’s focus back to him. “And who the fuck is this dickwad?”

  “Who the fuck are you calling a dickwad,asshole?” Jerry yelled out. He struggled to pull his arm out of Cole’s grip, but it seemed to have no effect. “Let me go.”

  Cole let out a dangerous sounding chuckle. “You want me to let go? I believe that’s what the lady had asked you before, and yet you so rudely refused.”

  “Cole—“

  “The bitch came onto me, and then freaked out
once we started dancing. It’s not my fault she’s fucking defect—” Jerry’s voice abruptly cut off as Cole let his arm go, and his fist flew through the air and landed with a loud thud to Jerry’s face.

  “Cole!” I shouted completely shocked. Not once had Cole ever done anything violent around me. Even more surprising was the sick thrill that went down my spine at the fact that Jerry went down with one punch and didn’t seem to be getting up again.

  “Is it terrible that I found that extremely hot?”

  Shocked, I looked over at the tall, blonde woman standing beside me to find her eyes focused on Cole. I didn’t welcome the bolt of jealousy either and without responding, I turned away pushing my way through the circle of people who had formed to see what the commotion was. I was barely out the door when I heard Cole calling my name.

  “Savannah, wait.”

  I didn’t slow down at all. “No!”

  “What? What are you—stop!” Cole shouted as he stepped in front of me.

  I stopped then and crossed my arms as I looked up at him. “What Cole? What do you want?”

  My anger seemed to surprise him. “What do I want?”

  “Yes,” I exclaimed. “What do you want? Why are you here?”

  “Why am I—are you serious right now?”

  “Yes, I’m very serious.”

  He crossed his arms as well as he peered down at me. I tried to not let my unease show. “I was looking for you.”

  I snorted. “You were looking for me…at a club.”

  “Yes. I called your cell and you didn’t answer, so I went by your house.”

  “Still doesn’t explain why you came to the club,” I said. I dropped my arms and tried to walk around him. His hands on my upper arms halted my progress again. With a faux sigh of exasperation, I looked back up at him. “What is it now?”

  “I came to the club looking for you because when I got to your house there was a note on the door telling me to come here.”

  My face pinched in confusion. “What? A note on my…damnit Heather.” I hissed out. Apparently, my plan of going out wasn’t as secretive as I’d thought. “Fine. You came and I’m here. Good for you, now I’d like to go home.”