Page 20 of Honoring Freedom

“I did, but you know my sisters. Imagine being the youngest. By the time any opportunity for an opinion got through them all no one cared any longer about the subject. Silence became my normal.”

“Come on now, Free. Everyone labeled you as the intellectual one. What happened to those big glasses you used to wear?” His eyes twinkled. “I miss those things.”

“Laser surgery corrected my vision.”

He turned back to the shelf and scanned the row of trophies. If he was looking for one with her name he’d be searching for eternity.

“You won’t find any trophies for me,” she said.

“No, but this…this is the accolade we all want.” He picked up the framed certificate for her top of the class achievement. She had graduated Brown University with a 4.0 GPA. He ran his thumb over her name on the piece of paper and she felt lightheaded.

“Shall we go?” She needed fresh air before the waves of the past washed over her making her want things she had no business wanting.

Chapter Seven

Over the course of the evening Keller had caught Freedom glancing down at the ring he’d returned to her. He wondered if her mind conjured up memories from the past or did the metal feel uncomfortable circling her finger. Maybe he was just picturing the excitement she felt when he returned it, but she wasn't one to show much emotion usually.

Even though she was with three smiling cowboys, she didn't let on whether she was enjoying the chat or not. However, with no doubt, the towering cowboys with shit-eating grins, who must be brothers because of their similar physical appearances, were hoping they left a good impression.

Swallowing a gulp of his beer from the Solo cup, Keller continued to watch the woman who held his interest. She looked beautiful tonight. Hell, he couldn’t think of a time when she hadn’t looked amazing, but tonight, she had a glow about her and he wasn’t the only man who noticed. When the three brothers strolled away, along came another, and another after him, until Keller’s resentment faded. She didn’t seem the slightest bit interested in any of the cowboys which weighed in Keller’s favor.

The last thing he needed was to get involved with her again, but he’d never been that smart. They’d been flirting since their scrambled egg dinner and he was eating it up. In fact, there were a few things he wouldn’t mind eating.

He wasn’t sure if he'd get another shot.

Turning back the clock couldn’t happen, but he’d once heard his Pa say, “Today is always a new day for new beginnings.”

Keller wouldn’t mind fate giving him a second chance.

He felt he knew Freedom, and yet, after the few serious conversations they’d had over the last few days he realized there were things he’d missed back in the day. In his defense, a twenty-something didn’t listen as well as a thirty-something does. His contract in the Rangers, then college, had taught him a thing or two about listening. Not listening could have cost him his life in the Middle East and he would have been sent home from college with his tail tucked between his legs if he hadn’t learned to communicate better.

When he found something he wanted, he learned everything about it.

Well, hereallywanted Freedom, so he studied her.

The cowboy, whose boots looked like they had never touched the ground, handed her a fruity drink. As she took a sip, he started rambling on with a story that mostly seemed to amuse himself. She only half paid attention, occasionally glancing over her shoulder.

Who was she looking at?

Curious, Keller searched the bar. There were a group a men laughing and carrying on. No one stuck out to Keller.

Locking his gaze back on Freedom, he seriously couldn’t take his eyes off her. She was a goddess with long, flowing hair with tight curls caressing her cheeks. She disliked those curls, but Keller wanted to sink his fingers deep into the mass and fist them while he rammed in and out…

Shit.

He felt a tightness in his groin that would only embarrass him right now.

Her bright blue eyes caught the overhead outdoor lighting. Her plump lips were so damn kissable. And her curves left him aching to hold her close.

There was one problem.

She was smiling again but it was directed at the tall, studly cowboy who Keller instantly hated.Lucky bastard. Keller wanted to be the only one she directed that beautiful smile at.

Freedom then glanced across the room and met Keller’s gaze as if she somehow knew he was green with envy.

He licked his suddenly dry lips. The look she wore couldn’t be described as just any look, but one full of…really? Could it be possible? She wanted to get him naked as much as he wanted to rip that dress off her curves and devour her.

Holy shit!When had things changed?