Their Masquerade (The American Soldier Collection 6)

“If you’re smart, you won’t go pissing her off by calling her a little sister. Women want to feel sexy and attractive,” Jax stated.

“Who the fuck are you, the guru of romance?” Quentin asked.

They all chuckled.

“I know that when we met Mariana, she had a tough life and was untrusting. But the moment we were around her, our lives changed. Our relationship together changed and for the better. This guy didn’t even want to attend board meetings or bother trying to date. Nothing was satisfying,” Jax said, teasing Jameson.

“Yeah, and then we met Mariana. When it hits you, it hits you fucking hard,” Jameson replied.

“She’s Michael’s little sister. We can’t protect her if we’re thinking with the wrong heads. As long as Michael’s killer is out there and now that Jeb was threatened, we need to remain focused. Starting something that could destroy our friendship, never mind Mariah isn’t an option right now,” L.T. stated, and the room remained silent. He was the leader, the lieutenant of the team. Their top priority was keeping Mariah safe.

* * * *

Mariah glanced at herself in the mirror at the small clothing boutique in town. She was supposed to meet Randy at Carmichael’s by 12:30 and it was nearly that time. A quick perusal of her attire, the designer Italian black-heeled boots, dark stockings under the slim fitting brown and black designer dress, and she knew she looked hot. As she’d gone through her wardrobe this morning, still in a huff over Quentin and the others, she decided that since Randy was so interested in her, she might as well have a good time. Perhaps he was someone she could trust, and maybe feel safe and comfortable with. God knows, she was done trying to figure out L.T., Quentin, Axel, and Deacon. They had to be the most complicated men, besides the fact that they couldn’t see her as she wanted them to, as a sexual, grown up woman, ready to play all their very naughty sex games in bed.

She felt the rush of heat come over her. They did that to her. Just thinking about them made her throw her inhibitions to the wind, despite the fact that the emotions and desire weren’t reciprocated. They probably never would be.

She took a deep breath and headed outside and down the street.

As she walked, she got a funny feeling in her belly. It was as if someone was watching her. It was so strange, but powerful enough to make her turn around and take in the small main streets of town. People were coming and going, the air was warm and typical for an October day. She tried to figure out why she felt this way, and where to look. As if she could find the one watching her amongst all the people?

I’m just nervous about this date.

“Mariah?”

Mariah heard her name and turned around to see a gorgeous looking Randy standing there. He looked really good, and more mature than she remembered. As he smiled and stepped toward her, she noticed the lines by his eyes and near his smile. He was even more attractive than she remembered.

As he gave her a kiss on the cheek and a not so quick hug, she felt absolutely nothing. Not like she did in Quentin’s arms. Not like she knew she would feel in Axel’s, Deacon’s, or oh Lordy, L.T.’s.

“It’s so good to see you, Randy. You look great,” she said, as he pulled back, but kept his hands on her arms. She felt and noticed the gun and holster on his hip. He did mention being on duty but taking a couple of hours to meet with her.

She smiled at him.

He stared down into her eyes.

“My God, Mariah, you look amazing. I mean, you were always beautiful, but damn, you’re gorgeous.”

She felt her cheeks warm as she shyly looked down and he cleared his throat. He released her arms and took her hand.

“I’m sorry. I’m gawking over you as if I’m a kid with a cr

ush. Come on. Let’s grab a table inside. I want to hear all about Italy and your plans now that you’re back home.”

She walked along with him, but right before she entered the restaurant, she got that feeling again, as if someone was watching her.

Mariah waved at a few people she knew in the café, and the waitress, Debbi, who Mariah went to high school with, sat them at a corner table near the window in the back. She took their drink orders and then Randy scooted his chair closer to her.

When his dark eyes locked on hers, every feminine instinct kicked on, and she knew that he found her attractive. She’d be out of her mind to not find Randy attractive, too, but that damn uneasy, guilty feeling ate at her gut. Had she preconditioned herself over all these years to only have eyes for four Marines? Had she been so sure of herself, so in tune to the connection they had that she’d set herself up for this horrible destruction? She felt about to cry, and Randy didn’t miss a beat.

“Hey, are you all right?” he asked, taking her hand into his. He caressed the top of it, and the heat from simply his manly hand pulled at her feminine strings. What woman didn’t like the feel of a man’s big, strong hands, caressing, holding her more delicate hand?

“I’m fine. Just fine. I guess I just drifted away for a moment.”

“Has it been tough? Coming back here and dealing with the memories?”

She knew he was talking about Michael. The truth was that she wasn’t having too hard of a time because of L.T., Axel, Deacon, and Quentin. They reminded her of her brother, and of the great soldier and man he had been. Seeing Randy kind of made her think about the career path Michael had chosen and the results of his decision.

“It’s been okay, Randy. How about you? Do you get to come into town a lot or have you avoided some of the old familiar places?”