Their Blue-Collar Girl (The American Soldier Collection 4)

“We washed our hands!” Andy yelled and Kelly repeated her big brother as they showed their parents their hands for approval then sat down at the table. Naturally the conversation ended.

“I can’t believe what we just heard in there,” Trevor said as he ran his hand through his hair.

“I’m in shock, too. They must have been scared out of their minds, and poor Ben had to experience that,” Dante added.

“Andrew said that Lori struggled for the gun and shot Ben’s father. She took care of her sister and Ben as if they were her children and she’s younger, only twenty-one. That’s fucking crazy.” Trevor began to pace.

“Calm down. We need to think about what we’re going to do. I want to see Lori right now. Not in an hour, but right now,” Dante said.

“No,” Charlie stated and both Dante and Trevor looked at him. He hadn’t said a word and Trevor wondered if Charlie even felt as strongly for Lori as he and Dante did? Would that man ever open his heart to take a chance?

“What the hell do you mean, no?” Dante asked.

Charlie looked as if he were biting the inside of his cheek. His arms were crossed in front of his chest, making him appear tough and dead serious.

“We’re not supposed to know what happened to Lori, Maggie, and Ben. We need to make her feel safe and comfortable enough to tell us,” Charlie stated.

“God, I just want to hold her. I wish she hadn’t experienced that type of violence and trauma,” Trevor whispered.

“She’s amazing. She’s tough, independent, and gorgeous. She’s everything and more than we ever talked about wanting in a woman. I mean, she’s perfect for each of us,” Dante replied and they nodded in agreement.

“So, we need to keep this information to ourselves and tread carefully. When Lori feels safe, she’ll confide in us,” Charlie said and they agreed.

* * * *

The evening was beautiful and Jasper showed up around five thirty to pick up Maggie for their date. He wore a nice pair of navy blue Dockers, a matching button-down shirt, and some dress shoes. He brought along a bright, colorful bouquet of assorted flowers.

Maggie emerged wearing a pale pink one-piece, snug-fitting sleeveless dress and carried a matching shawl with her.

Jasper’s eyes widened at the sight of her and both Lori and her parents were happy to have witnessed the attraction between Maggie and Jasper. Lori wondered if that was what she’d looked like when Charlie came to get her the other night.

“You look stunning, Maggie. That color looks great on you.” Jasper handed her the bouquet of flowers.

“Thank you, Jasper, you look great as well and thank you for the flowers. They’re beautiful,” she told him as she smelled them.

“Why don’t I put those in some water and you two get going?” Lori said as Maggie passed her the colorful bouquet.

“You be a good boy for your aunt and your grandma and grandpa,” Maggie told Ben as she kissed him and hugged him good-bye. Lori knew that Maggie felt a little bit of anxiety leaving him for the night to go on a date.

“He’ll be good and besides we’re going for ice cream with Charlie

, Trevor, and Dante later.”

“Oh great, ice cream. I’ll be good, Mommy, have fun,” Ben said as he hugged Lori. They watched as Maggie and Jasper left.

An hour later they finished up dinner and Lori touched up her makeup before the guys came over.

“Now be a good boy and after ice cream Lori and Dante, Trevor, and Charlie will bring you back home and we’ll get you ready for bed. Maybe we can watch that movie you like so much,” Diana told her grandson as she gave him a pat on the head. Ben was excited as he headed to the front door to greet the men, who had just arrived.

Lori straightened out her beige capri pants and put on her pink light sweater over a matching pink spandex, short-sleeve top. The shirt was a little short, stylishly revealing her tan, toned belly, which peeked out a little from the bottom of the sweater.

Charlie, Dante, and Trevor looked her over in approval before they each gave her a light kiss on the cheek hello.

They headed to town for ice cream and Ben entertained them with various questions the whole ride over.

They ordered their five ice cream cones and headed toward a bench near the parking lot.

“Two scoops, huh, buddy? You must have really been in the mood for ice cream?” Lori asked as she watched Ben begin to lick the ice cream as it melted off the cone.