Escape from Obsession (The American Soldier Collection 1)

She pulled back and tried to hide the fear and tears in her eyes, but by both men’s facial expressions, they could tell she was scared.

“I need to go. I told you that I needed things to go slow. It’s my fault. I thought I was ready.” She bolted for the door just as it opened. There stood Gunny. He was wearing his uniform and he looked concerned as he absorbed her expression then looked at his brothers.

“What’s wrong?” He stepped forward and closed the door. “What the hell happened? What did you two do?”

She placed her hand against Gunny’s chest.

“They didn’t do anything wrong. It’s just me. I thought I was okay. I just need to go. Bye,” she said then exited the room.

She said good-bye to Sammy and her friends and headed out. As the night air hit her skin, she felt how truly hot and turned-on she still was. She was enjoying their embrace, their kisses, and oh Lord, their touch. She wanted their hands everywhere, yet the flashback ruined it all. Fucking Antonio. Even now, he rules my world and maintains the power to control me and keep me from happiness.

* * * *

After a business meeting, Gia returned to her office to find a rose sitting on her desk. She glanced around and saw the note. Picking it up as she placed her portfolio case onto the desk, she opened it.

“You are amazing. I look forward to the trip to Dallas.”

There was no signature, but she knew who it was from. A funny feeling filled her belly. Damn Jeffrey and his sexist attitude. Hadn’t she told him straight out that she wasn’t interested in him?

She threw the note down.

“I’m guessing that the rose isn’t from one of the McCallister men,” Sammy said as she entered the office and closed the door. Gia crossed her arms in front of her chest. Thoughts of the men had invaded her sleep, or lack of sleep. She hadn’t returned any of their calls yet but planned to at lunchtime. She was leaving early to pack for the trip. A business trip to Dallas to seal this deal. Three days tops and then she would be back here. She really didn’t want to go, but Robert was insistent that he needed her there and that the owner of the company, Mr. Bradshaw, wanted to personally meet the artist.

“I haven’t spoken to them yet.”

“You mean since you stormed out of there? What the hell happened?”

Gia explained and Sammy fanned herself.

“You lucky woman. The three McCallister men want you and you take off like they are ogres.”

“It wasn’t like that. I had a bad relationship back in New York. I guess I’m not over the hurt.”

“Well, get over it with them. They adore you and I mean like the real thing.”

Gia looked at her funny. “You think so?”

“I know so. I wish I had three men who looked at me the way those guys look at you. They want to devour you and wrap you up in their arms. I mean, Wes and Garrett made it quite obvious that you belong to them now. They had those big muscular arms wrapped around you for most of the night. Well, until your sexy, hot make-out session in the back office. Damn girl, that sounded so hot. You pressed up against two hot bodies. Shit. I so need men like that in my life.” Sammy leaned against the desk and picked up the note.

“You had Shane and his brothers drooling over you.”

“Asshole sent

this to you?” Sammy stated as she stood up. Sammy looked worried.

“I told him that I’m not interested. If I see him and he says something to me, I’ll make it loud and clear.”

“Gia, he’s a slimeball. I can’t believe he sent you this. You should tell Robert.”

“Tell him what? That Jeffrey sent me a rose and a note that says he’s looking forward to the Dallas trip with me? Really, that’s a concern?”

“Gia, I work in personnel and hear about everything. He was accused of sexual assault by Mary Hayworth. The police came by and he was being charged and then over the weekend those charges were suddenly dropped by Mary. I know he harassed her and threatened her.”

“Shit. Well I don’t think I have much to go on with this.”

“You better watch yourself on that trip. I wouldn’t put it past that fucker to try something.”

“I will. Damn, I don’t even want to go on this trip.”