“Oh re-ally? That’s a very interesting development. And exactly what do you do to earn your keep?”
“Nothing. It’s not like that. He insisted there are no strings attached.” But as she said the words, the gleaming rock on her ring finger snagged her attention. Temporary, she reassured herself, because her skin started to get that too-tight feeling. “He feels guilty, that’s all, and he’s very…persuasive, but I don’t want to wear out my welcome, and four weeks is more than enough time to make him sorry he ever opened his mouth. Please, Lynne, if there’s any way to get me into a new assignment sooner…”
“I will. I swear. You’ll be the first person I call. In the meantime,” a teasing tone crept into her voice, “enjoy playing house with Major Hottie. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“What wouldn’t you do?”
“Good point. I’ll have to get back to you on that.”
Chloe smiled, but then sobered. “I’m really sorry for getting fired and, well…the circumstances…”
“I’m sorry you got fired too, Chlo, but hey, look on the bright side.”
“There’s a bright side here?”
“Sure. At least now you know you’re not unfuckable.”
Chapter Eight
Michael logged off his computer and rolled his chair away from his desk, all the while trying his best to ignore the dull, persistent ache that had crept into his lower back sometime during the afternoon. He refused to acknowledge it with more than a careful stretch because his back was getting better, dammit. It had to be. If he spent another week navigating nothing more exciting than the stacks of paper on his desk, a herniated disc would be the least of his worries. He’d go bat-shit crazy.
Think about something else. Left to their own devices, his deviant brain cells called up a memory of waking up wrapped around Chloe, one hand fully occupied with her soft, bare breast, the other cupping her warm, wet sex, and his cock snug in the enticing little cleft of her ass. What was she doing right now? Get your ass home and the answer could be you.
The prospect propelled him out of his office and down the hall toward the exit. He meant what he’d said that morning about there being no strings attached to her staying with him until her next assignment came through, but the sparks between them combusted with the least little provocation, and if she decided to play with fire…he’d better stop at the PX on the way home and pick up some condoms…
“Major, are you headed out?”
At the question, Michael turned to see Colonel Harding coming down the corridor toward him. The colonel wore his characteristically severe expression, reinforced by a crew cut the color and sheen of stainless steel and eyes like sharp, blue lasers. The man managed to look spit-shined even in his utility uniform.
“Yes, sir, I was. What can I do for you?”
Harding drew even with him and clapped a hand on his shoulder. “I’ll walk out with you,” he said and fell into step beside him. As they approached the glass doors leading to the parking area, the colonel continued, “I understand congratulations are in order.”
Michael opened the door and held it. “Congratulations?”
“Loretta tells me you got engaged recently.”
Holy shit, Mrs. Waverly worked fast. “Um, yes. Very recently, sir. Mrs. Harding’s information-gathering skills continue to impress.”
The colonel beamed a little at that. “They do. They do indeed. Her entertaining skills impress as well. She’d like to have you and your bride-to-be…ah…Cody?”
“Chloe,” Michael corrected, as they continued out to the parking lot. The late-afternoon sun beat down on the asphalt. His gut started to churn.
“Chloe, right. The missus would like to have you and Chloe over to the house tomorrow night for a little get-together to celebrate your engagement.”
“Sir, that’s very nice of her, but, please, don’t feel you need to go to any trouble—”
“No trouble at all, Major. Something you need to know about women, given you’re about to marry one—they love to entertain. Loretta won’t take no for an answer.”
What a nightmare. “Well, in that case, sir”—he drew in a fortifying breath—“name the time, and we’ll be there.”
The colonel laughed and stopped by his car. “Son, you got a lot to learn, don’t you? I remember those days…vaguely. Go home and check with Chloe to make sure you’re free for a barbecue at your CO’s house tomorrow around six-thirty. Send me a text to let me know.”
“Oh. All right, sir. Will do.”
“Excellent. Don’t worry, Marine. We trained you, and you survived. She’ll train you too. How’s the back?”
“Good. In fact, I plan to ask the doc to sign off on my return to full duty at my appointment next week. Once he does, I’ll get that directly to you, so you can—”