Closing my eyes, I see it clearly. A little boy and a little girl, looking just like Steele, a sweet golden retriever, and a cute little cat. White picket fence and all.
It’s what I want. What I crave.
Chapter 6
Steele
“Yo! That was brutal, Lieutenant.” Garth bitches next to me as we play a game of basketball. Our unit has a few days of R&R before we begin an intelligence-gathering mission with a team of SEALs.
“Ain’t my fault you can’t play for shit.”
“You got the height, though,” he grumbles as we walk to the bench and grab some water. Wiping down my face and chest, I guzzle half a bottle and notice the mail truck arriving. “You got mail on there?” he asks with a smirk. Likely knowing I’m anticipating another letter from Ava.
I shrug and stride back to my tent, trying to keep my steps light.
It’s a full hour before I have any mail delivered, and I’m getting antsy. As soon as I’m handed the box, I barely wait for the guy to leave before I’m tearing into it.
More treats, more pictures. Fuck, is Ava’s smile addicting. Pinning the images to the board behind my desk, I drop into the chair and open the letter.
Dear Steele,
Alright, complete strangers, it is.
Hi! My name is Ava Fischer. I’m 19, and I attend UC Berkeley as an English major. I aspire to become a teacher after graduation. I love long walks under a clear night sky, swimming, and basketball. I’m known to go hiking once in a while but avoid it if I can.
I adore reading true crime novels and recently finished a chilling version of Jack the Ripper and the conspiracies on his true identity. Oddly enough, I’ve heard more than once that some people think Jack and the Zodiac Killer could be related, and if that’s not terrifying, then I don’t know what is.
So I guess that went a little deeper than I meant to.
I’m not a serial killer in the making, I swear. They fascinate me, though. There is so much to learn about why a person can kill with no remorse and continue to do so. Are they made that way, or are they born that way?
I just got even creepier, didn’t I? Sorry. Not intended.
Like you, I dream of a family one day. Husband, children, animals, nice house. I have dreams of that quintessential family life.
I think we could be incredible together, Steele, and if you’re interested, maybe we could Skype? I love writing to you, but I hate the wait in between. I guess there’s always email, though?
My Skype info is on the back if you want to.
Talk to you soon.
Love,
Ava
Booting up my computer, I don’t even think about the time difference and immediately call Ava on my secure line. She gave me the go-ahead, and I have zero desire to wait to see her.
It rings three times before she answers.
“Didn’t scare you off then?” She yawns as a light turns on.
“Shit. What time is it there?” Doing the calculations in my head, I wince. “Sorry, Ava, go back to sleep.” Fuck, I’m an ass.
“No, Steele, it’s fine.” My dick jumps at hearing her say my name. “I don’t have any classes in the morning. I don’t mind staying up to talk to you.” Her sleepy smile makes me wish I could kiss her.
“You sure? You can call me back later,” I offer while hoping she says she’ll stay.
“Positive.” I watch as she sits up in bed and puts the laptop on her legs. “Have you tried the cookies yet?” she asks with a grin.