Page 4 of Love and Loyalty

Isabel felt her face grow even hotter, but she couldn't help but laugh. Maybe, just maybe, she had misjudged Major Mitchell. And maybe, just maybe, she owed her an apology.

The next day, Isabel stood outside Major Mitchell’s quarters, her hand raised to knock on the door, hesitating. She had been thinking about apologizing to Major Mitchell, but now she wasn't so sure.

As she reflected on their encounter, she realized her anger had been misplaced. The major's comment about the defibrillator had been thoughtless, but her reaction had been disproportionate. She had let her stress and fatigue get the better of her.

But as she considered apologizing, another reason crept into her mind. She remembered the way Major Mitchell’s eyes had crinkled at the corners when she smiled and the way her short blonde hair curled slightly just above her ears. She felt a flutter in her chest, and her resolve wavered.

Maybe, just maybe, she wanted to apologize because she wanted an excuse to see her again, to be close to her, and the thought sent a shiver down her spine.

The memory of Major Mitchell’s smile lingered, etched in her mind like a whispered promise. Her eyes, a striking green that seemed to hold a perpetual glint of amusement, had crinkled atthe corners as she spoke. And her hair, blonde and curly, had seemed to beckon her closer.

As she pondered her apology, a sly, insidious thought crept into her mind again, weaving a subtle spell of attraction.

Isabel's hand dropped, her fingers brushing against the rough fabric of her uniform. She turned away from the door, the desert landscape stretching out before her like an endless sea of gold. She wouldn't apologize now. She couldn't trust her own motivations, couldn't risk revealing the hidden truth: that she was drawn to the pilot- Major Drew Mitchell in ways she couldn't yet understand.

She had been grappling with the weight of her proposed apology for what felt like an eternity, her thoughts tangled in a web of conflicting emotions. And to go for a spark of electricity that seemed to crackle between them like a live wire would be a huge mistake.

She needed to keep her distance and maintain a professional relationship.

But as she walked away, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was denying herself something more.

She had hardly walked a few feet when a voice whispered into her ear. She felt ripples of electricity flash through her body and the tiny hairs on her neck stand up.

Major Mitchell’s voice was deep and gruff and the sexiest thing she had ever heard.

"Did you just come to apologize without bringing something to drink?"

Chapter Two

Drew

The recent encounters with the doctor, Lieutenant Colonel Isabel Oakley kept replaying in Drew's mind. Ever since they crossed paths at the medical center, she hadn’t been able to dismiss her face.

She knew their conversations had not been exactly friendly, as Lieutenant Colonel Oakley seemed like a strict disciplinarian while she, on the other hand, was carefree and jovial.

She liked to think, though, that they were progressing in sorting out their differences. She had intervened when the lieutenant colonel least expected it, and Drew knew she was impressed. The apology that came later was icing on the cake, although it was shocking.

Superiors barely apologized to their subordinates, but the lieutenant colonel did. There was something sizzling between them, but Drew couldn't draw conclusions yet.

Sadly, after speaking briefly that night, they didn't have a real conversation again.

There had been a moment that night when Drew thought they were close enough to kiss. And she had wanted to, so very badly. But, she couldn’t kiss a higher ranking officer- no way.So, she had held herself back. But as Isabel’s beautiful eyes had looked into her own, skeptical and ever thoughtful, Drew thought she had seen something there. Some spark of mutual connection.

Drew hadn’t crossed paths with her since until Isabel suddenly appeared in the field during the morning drill.

She watched as Isabel’s tall frame approached. Her dark hair glistened in the sunrise, and her brown eyes were focused. Her uniform was well tailored, as always, fitting her beautiful body like a second skin.

Drew was surprised to see her because she thought she'd be making her regular rounds at the medical center, but Drew saluted her regardless. “Good morning, Lieutenant Colonel,” to which Isabel nodded in approval.

“Officers”—she turned to the soldiers in their smart uniforms—“is this field training a joke to you?”

“No, ma'am,” they replied in unison.

“Then why do I see the same boring routine from yesterday? No new challenge, no critical task, no rigorous exercise?”

“Excuse me, Lieutenant Colonel,” Drew said, trying to explain, but Isabel interrupted her.

“Surely, you are responsible for this lifeless routine.”