Mending Hearts (The American Soldier Collection 11)

“That’s because everything else you own is either military green, black, or some shade of blue. It looks good. I was just fucking with ya,” Gabe told him, and Jaxon held his gaze and gave a small smirk.

“That’s what you’re wearing?”

What?” Gabe asked, putting down the spatula and turning off the burner. Gabe fixed the navy blue dress shirt and adjusted the waist on his black dress pants.

“Nothing’s wrong with it. You never get dres

sed up. You’re always in camo pants and T-shirts.”

“Yeah well, we never have company. Alana is a lady, so remember that,” Gabe barked and turned around. He could hear them chuckle low. But then he heard the door open and a slow whistle fill the room.

Gator was staring at something and not moving an inch.

“What’s up?” Geno asked as he placed the last piece of chicken onto the serving platter.

“She’s here, and holy fuck she looks incredible,” Gator whispered.

Jeb opened the front door, and Gator headed that way.

Gabe closed his eyes and willed himself to remain calm and just let this happen. It was best for Alana. His team would protect her, care for her, and perhaps love her the way he wasn’t capable of.

“Damn, baby, you are a sight,” he heard Gator say, and then Gabe turned around to take a look for himself, and he nearly lost his ability to stand.

* * * *

Gator pulled Alana into his arms and hugged her to him. He ran his hand along her ass and over the tight beige skirt she wore. In high heels, she still had to stand up on tiptoes to kiss him, and he loved that about her. She was petite, feminine, and she smelled edible.

He sniffed her hair and then slowly let her lower after she pressed her lips gently to his.

His eyes roamed over the cleavage of her blouse, low cut, sexy, and a pale pink. She was a knockout.

“I missed you,” he told her.

“That’s real sweet, Gator. I missed you too. What smells so good in here?” she asked as he released her, only for Geno to pull her into his arms and kiss her next.

“Chicken saltimbocca with sautéed vegetables, thanks to Gabe, and some roasted red potatoes, thanks to Gator,” Geno told her as he pressed his hands over her waist and absorbed her beauty.

Gator watched her lay her hands gently on Geno’s arms and smile.

“I’m impressed.”

“Wait until you taste it. But how about a drink first?” Gator asked.

Geno released her, and Jaxon was there to take her hand and bring it to his lips. He kissed her knuckles, and she smiled. “Sure. What do you have?”

“A glass of wine good?” Jaxon asked her.

“Perfect.”

He released her hand, and Gabe stood there staring at her. It was an intense moment, and Gator wondered what would happen as the others stood there watching. Alana shocked them when she stepped closer and held out her hand to shake Gabe’s.

“Nice to see you, Gabe. I see you’re still a whiz in the kitchen.”

Gabe looked at her hand and then at her body.

“And you’re still as beautiful as ever.”

The air was so thick you could cut a knife through it, and Gabe moved to the side, avoiding any physical contact with her whatsoever. But Gator wasn’t stupid. Alana got to Gabe just like the rest of them. She would be theirs. He would bet his life on that.