Page 299 of 5+Us Makes Seven

“Thanks. After I came back from Afghanistan, I treated myself.”

“Mission accomplished.”

“Let’s go to the balcony and talk. You want to get in the hot tub?”

“No, that’s not a good idea. And I didn’t bring a suit.”

“Suddenly so modest?” He grinned. “Not a problem. We can enjoy the fresh air.”

I followed him across a grand living room toward a balcony bigger than my bedroom. “Wow, that’s quite a view.”

“I love waking up to this scene every morning.”

“I bet. It’s incredible.”

As I scanned the skyline in the distance, I wondered how much he was paying for such a nice place. Thoughts of the smuggling operation, the story that had ruined my career, came rushing back.

We stood next to each other near the marble railing surrounding the balcony. He had his hand on the small of my back, making me feel safe and at ease despite all my nervousness.

“I’m sorry about kicking you out,” I said, looking at the street below.

“It’s okay.”

His hand slipped to my ass and squeezed it before moving back up. I turned to face him.

“Is that the only reason you want me? My body?”

I stared into his eyes, wanting the truth. He didn’t look away, meeting my gaze with the same intensity.

“It’s one of the things,” he said then kissed me, ending any further discussion on the matter.

Here we go again.

We kissed as if we had been together for a lifetime. He knew exactly how to move his tongue and hold me while he did it.

I pulled back, not wanting to rush into things and end up the same way we did last time.

“Wait,” I said, putting a hand to my breast. “We should talk.”

“Talk about what?” he asked, walking over to a metal table in middle of the balcony.

I followed and sat down across from him.

“Everything?” I offered, not sure myself. “I’m so confused. After I got back from Afghanistan, everything in my life fell apart.”

“And you weren’t even a soldier or there for long.”

“Right. I mean, I like you, a lot, but I don’t want to bring you down.” I glanced inside. “It seems you’re doing well for yourself.”

“It means nothing without someone to share it with. Besides…”

His voice trailed off.

Is he hiding something?

“Go on,” I said, reaching across the table and putting my hand over his. “I can be a good listener.”

“You’re working on another story, aren’t you?” he asked then chuckled.