Ask Me No Questions (The American Soldier Collection 12)

“That’s okay. I should shower first.”

“I don’t mind you all sweaty, baby. You look really sexy in those short shorts.”

She chuckled.

“Come on now. Say yes to breakfast,” he pushed.

“Can I shower first and meet you there in thirty minutes?”

“Sure thing. We’ll start cooking up the bacon.”

She waved, and he honked the horn as he stepped on the gas and headed toward the second driveway then up it. She turned at the first driveway made of stone and headed to her cottage. She picked up her pace. She didn’t want to take too long. She had wanted to call Lynn, but it was still early. She’d try her later. She couldn’t believe how excited she was or how quickly her mind wandered to what she should wear.

She really did like these men and wanted to impress them. That was becoming obvious.

* * * *

Stryker looked out the window. Orlando told him that Cassidy was coming over for breakfast. He was feeling uneasy. He didn’t like company, and he especially didn’t like women coming over here. She would stare at him. Maybe ask what had happened to him or why he couldn’t walk without pain. She’d been a nurse in the military. She probably saw men like him as weak and not worthwhile.

Women wanted strong men. Physically perfect men. Men who could show off their agility and strength to impress them.

Fuck!

The last thing he needed was a beautiful woman like Cassidy to be here. They never brought any of their women around. Hell, they didn’t want to be so cruel to him. They were his brothers, his team, and they always looked out for him. So why were they even allowing this woman into their lives and, now, into their home?

It had to do with what he’

d heard last night. His brother and the team had been talking about Cassidy late last night. She was in some kind of trouble and set on leaving town soon. He didn’t want his team getting hurt by some woman who didn’t have her shit together and had baggage too.

He would see what she was all about. She wouldn’t fool him. He knew fakes and frauds when he saw them. Those damn therapists his father and team sent over here time and time again were full of shit. They didn’t know war. They never saw combat or engaged in it. They hadn’t sustained lasting physical, never mind emotional, wounds from combat. He had.

He caught a flicker of something from the window and turned to look out of it. Sure enough, there she was. She wore a pretty pale blue skirt that reached right above her knees and a tank top and blouse in white. Her hair cascaded down her back and over her shoulders as a gently breeze made it bounce to and fro.

She looked angelic.

She didn’t look like a soldier. A Marine.

That thought made him nervous and uptight. He got mad. She wasn’t perfect. She had problems and issues like everyone else. But she was pretty to look at. He wouldn’t engage in conversation with her. He would watch her to see how truthful she was and see how that body, those good looks, and even charm were all his brother and team saw in her. He could see deeper. He was good at reading people and seeing things others didn’t. It was what had kept him alive in the military and what made it possible for him to be left alone so he could handle his condition in peace.

* * * *

Cassidy walked up to the front porch, but before she could knock, Orlando was there to greet her. The man looked hot. His dark hair was slicked back, and he wore blue jeans, cowboy boots, and a snug-fitting, blue plaid shirt. He had rolled up the long sleeves to his muscular forearms. His brown eyes sparkled as he looked her over then swept her into his arms and kissed her.

She hadn’t expected such a greeting, but it seemed this was how Orlando would greet her every time he saw her. His sweet hello-kiss turned into a full-fledged assault on her mouth as he plunged his tongue deep and ran his hands along her body.

She was caught up in the feel of it all, including being in his arms and feeling so aroused and possessed.

Someone cleared his throat and pushed the screen door open.

“You didn’t even give the poor woman a chance to come inside.”

Orlando released her lips and caressed a hand along her backside.

“I was hoping she would come right here in my arms,” he teased, and she felt her cheeks burn. Her pussy was leaking cream, and her breasts felt full and aroused. Orlando was right on target, and he didn’t even know it.

She pulled back, only for Memphis to take her hand and pull her closer. He cupped her cheek and looked over her outfit.

“I don’t know what I like more, the short shorts or this skirt.” He leaned forward and kissed her. Once again she was lost in that kiss, and in embracing the scents, the feelings, and emotions that consumed her with Memphis too. He was so big and muscular. The man could pose in cowboy calendars.