Escape from Obsession (The American Soldier Collection 1)

“Can we get together tonight?”

“I have to pack and my flight is at five.”

“A.m.?” Wes asked and she nodded her head.

“It’s one of those business flights. A quick run from Houston to Dallas,” Gunny said as he looked at the menu.

“Do you know what you might like to have for lunch?” Garrett asked and now he seemed somber.

“Listen, guys, I said I needed things to go slow. Last night.”

“We scared you,” Garrett interjected.

“No, I wasn’t scared that it would go too far or that you might hurt me. I just freaked out.” She lowered her head and stared at her lap. She would eventually tell them about Antonio. She wouldn’t hold back information from them, but now wasn’t the right time to tell them.

“I had a bad relationship back in New York.”

“Some guy hurt you?” Wes asked as he clutched her shoulder. She nodded her head.

“I’m just more cautious because of it and I get worried and panic as I remember different things or my mind associates things from the past. It had nothing to do with you guys. I enjoyed the kisses. I liked the way it felt in your arms. I just panicked. I’m sorry.”

Gunner took her hand and Garrett reached over to take her other hand. Wes still held her shoulder.

“We’ll want you to tell us about that some time, when you’re more comfortable with us. We don’t want to scare you,” Gunner said.

“Yes, and we’re willing to take our time. It’s just that, we’ve never felt this strongly about someone before. We want you in every aspect of the word. And right now, wearing that sexy, professional-looking dress, you’re making it damn hard not to kiss you all over.”

Her cheeks warmed and Wes chuckled.

“She just said to slow things down and now you tell her that?”

“Honesty, man. I couldn’t help it. She’s a sexy woman,” he said then played with her fingers.

“Can I take your orders?” the waitress asked and a sigh went around the table.

The men ordered and then she did, but her mind was on Garrett’s words. This was becoming serious and they hadn’t even had sex yet. Maybe when she got back from Dallas, she could start trying to work on getting to know them better and exploring this attraction? But for now, she would enjoy lunch with three sexy, hot cowboy commandoes and relish in the envious looks from the other female patrons around them.

Chapter 7

The entire time Gia was in th

e meeting in Dallas all she could think about was getting back to Houston. She missed Gunny, Wes, and Garrett. It was crazy, but she truly did and she was finally feeling happy about it and accepting trying out a relationship with them.

She sat at dinner, following the long hours of business meetings. Because the boss of the company adored her so much that he wanted his wife to meet her, she had to stay the entire time. Meanwhile, Jeffrey continued to try to flirt with her and currently was making a complete ass out of himself.

He sat next to her and Robert and tried to touch her arm. She kept pulling it away and she noticed that her boss was aware as well as the owner of the company, their client, Mr. Bradshaw, and his wife, Lucille.

“I would quit trying to flirt with Gia, Jeffrey. She’s dating a Texas Ranger,” Robert said and Jeffrey looked absolutely annoyed.

“A Texas Ranger, huh. How interesting,” Lucille added as she smiled wide.

Gia felt her cheeks warm.

“He’s a big guy, too. What is he, like six feet four?” Robert asked.

“Something like that. He’s wonderful,” she found herself saying as she smiled then ran her finger along the rim of the wineglass. She was lost in thought about him and his brothers.

“Oh, it’s serious then,” Lucille said and Gia smiled then nodded her head. Lucille began to tell Gia about meeting her husband and about being married for nearly thirty-five years.