I relax instantly and realize he has a way of making me do that whenever he’s near. It happened at the bar that first night, sitting around the bonfire, and now this morning. Hell, I even felt incredibly comfortable last night. I mean, I let this man sleep in my bed at my side. Who does that following a first date?
“Well…” I start, clearing my throat and leaning in a little closer. “How do you feel about fishing?”
His emerald eyes light up with delight. “Love it. Haven’t been in a few years, but when I was a kid, my dad and I used to fish at a local pond every chance we could.”
“Well, we can return the car and grab my gear from the barn. I’m sure Chad would let you use one of his poles. There’s a small pond at the back corner of the farm where we used to swim as kids. It’s not big, but Uncle Henry stocks it every few years. We might catch a few catfish or maybe bass.”
Ford gives me the biggest smile, making me feel like I won some sort of award or something. Not many would get all excited about worms and dirt, but I’m quickly discovering, Ford isn’t like most men. Hell, he’s not like any man I’ve ever met.
That thought’s both exhilarating and terrifying.
“You have yourself a date, Shayne.”
“I can’t wait.”
And I can’t. I’m excited to spend a little more time with Ford. We’re on the clock, and I’m not just talking about the fact I have to work at four. I’m talking about after today. The fact he leaves to head home on Wednesday. Then, back to base. Who knows when the next time I’ll see him again will be?
And why does that thought make me incredibly sad?
Chapter 9
Ford
Breakfast was awkward. Well, not entirely, only when the waitress was present. I could visibly see the difference in Shayne. Her shoulders would stiffen, and her eyes would stay downcast to her lap. There’s a story there, one that I want to hear, but I won’t force her to tell me. I can only hope she tells me in her own time. The only problem is that if it’s not in the next two days, who knows when it will be. In a letter? Over the phone? Maybe I can convince her to come to base and visit?
Regardless, whoever that chick is at the diner, she dimmed the light in Shayne’s eyes, and I’m determined to get it back. To see her blue-green orbs sparkle with happiness. That is today’s mission.
“Are you sure you know where you’re going?” I glance over at Shayne, who is driving us along the edge of a huge wheat field in Chad’s parents’ UTV.
“You wound me,” she says, placing her hand over her heart.
“I’m just saying we’ve been driving on the edge of this field for a while now.” I should know. I’ve spent the entire drive staring at her and the wisps of her dirty-blonde hair falling from underneath her hat. She’s effortlessly beautiful.
“I told you the pond was at the edge of the property.”
“And how much property do they own?” It’s a rude question and is none of my business, but for real, we’ve been driving for at least fifteen minutes. We could have already been to town by now.
“About four hundred acres. Give or take.” She shrugs.
“Damn,” I mutter under my breath.
“Are you not enjoying the drive? The scenery?” she asks, glancing over at me.
“Nothing wrong with the scenery,” I reply, my eyes still drinking her in.
“How would you know?”
“Trust me, I know.”
“You haven’t taken your eyes off me.” She grips the steering wheel, and her eyes are straight ahead, but I see the slight pink that coats her cheeks and the way she bites down on her bottom lip. She’s worried about what I’ll say, and she shouldn’t be.
“That’s how I know.” Reaching across the seat, I tap the bill of her hat. She turns to me and smiles, lighting up my world. The sparkle is back, and it’s directed at me. It’s a heady feeling, one I want to hold onto. I’ve never regretted joining the army, and I still don’t, but fuck if it’s not inconvenient when I just found the most fascinating woman I’ve ever met.
“We’re here,” she says, gradually bringing the UTV to a stop. She turns to look at me. “Ready to catch some fish?”
“Wow,” I say, nodding. “This place is unreal. I can’t believe you and Chad got to grow up here.”
“Yeah. We had some good times, fishing, swimming, and just roaming these fields when we were kids.”
“I can see it. You with pigtails running wild.” I smile at the thought.
“You make me sound like Pippi Longstocking.” There’s a playful pout on those pretty pink lips.
Leaning in close so that my lips are just a breath from hers, I whisper, “You’re so much sexier.” To give my words a punch they deserve, I close the distance and press my lips to her cheek. Her intake of breath tells me I’ve shocked her. I know without a shadow of a doubt it’s both my words and my lips pressed against her skin that’s caused the reaction.