Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27182 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 136(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27182 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 136(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
His arms wrapped around me tightly, and I gave him a moment to pull himself together before I let go. “Thanks for working the steps like you’re supposed to. I’m proud of you, Paul.”
“You-–” He cleared his throat a couple of times. “You have no idea how much that means to me.”
I appreciated that he wasn’t trying to hide how my forgiveness impacted him. We chatted for a while before saying our goodbyes, and I felt so much better as we parted ways. It was hard to believe only a month had passed with how much he had changed. I felt on top of the world because I was filled with hope for my brother’s future for the first time in years.
As I walked through the lobby, a woman who appeared to be about my age jumped up from a bench to the side of the front doors and stared at me as I approached. I flashed her an awkward smile and murmured, “Hello,” intending to walk past, but she moved into my path.
“You’re Paul’s sister, right?”
I nodded. “Um, yes.”
“I thought so.” She grinned at me. “He mentioned in our group session that you were coming, and you look so much alike with your red hair and blue eyes.”
“Yeah, it’s pretty hard to miss that we’re siblings.”
“You’re so lucky to have him for a brother.” She looked behind me and let out a loud sigh. “I’m really going to miss seeing him every day.”
“Oh, are you discharging soon?” I asked.
“Very soon.” Her lips curved down in a pout. “Today, actually.”
Knowing how difficult the transition to home could be from the other times Paul had rehabbed, I understood why she might be anxious about leaving. “From what I’ve heard, Jacob runs a tight ship around here. I’m sure you wouldn’t be leaving if they didn’t think you were ready.”
“I know, but I was hoping Paul and I would be discharged at the same time since we were admitted on the same day.”
Her eyes gleamed as she said my brother’s name again, and I realized she might have a crush on him. Feeling awkward, I mumbled, “Maybe it’s for the best since neither of you is supposed to be in a relationship. The universe has a way of making sure things happen when they’re supposed to, so perhaps you’ll meet again in the future.”
And for the first time in longer than I could remember, I was actually looking forward to finding out what the future held for Paul.
2
SILAS
“Damn, I’m exhausted,” I grunted as I ambled out of the room where we’d been debriefed from our mission.
“Hooyah,” my teammate, Kade, muttered in agreement.
The assignment had initially been a four-day op. Then shit went sideways, and it turned into four weeks. I desperately needed to sleep, but I needed to see Phoebe more.
When I hadn’t been focused on my mission, she’d been on my mind constantly. I hated that I had no way to get in touch with her to let her know I was coming back for her or just to hear her sexy voice. When I could catch a little sleep, I’d dreamed of all the things I planned to do to her when I returned.
Before I could relax, I wanted to see her. Partly because I needed to know she was safe—despite the regular updates from Jonah. Although I got them in bursts because I couldn’t check my email frequently. The other part of me wanted to make sure she was real and as beautiful as I remembered.
I figured I should call first, but I didn’t have Phoebe’s number. Luckily, Arrow and Sage had returned from their honeymoon while I was away. He’d been at the debrief, so I waited for him outside the entrance. The cool air felt amazing after the oppressive heat I’d endured for the past month.
When Arrow emerged, I pushed off the wall I’d been leaning against and walked toward him. “CMC,” I called out.
He stopped and twisted around. “What can I do for you, Petty Officer?”
Arrow was one of my commanding officers, but he was also a friend. Off duty, we called each other by our first names-–except when I called him “Sir” out of habit. However, it was funny that using his given name felt less natural than addressing him by rank.
“How was the honeymoon?”
He grinned and tucked his hands into the pockets of his khaki pants. “Amazing. I love my job, but it was hard to come back after having my wife all to myself like that.”
“I can imagine,” I chuckled. Several weeks ago, that wouldn’t have been true. But now, I only wanted Phoebe’s undivided attention and a lot of uninterrupted time to explore her body. I clapped him on the shoulder and teased, “Knocked her up yet?”
Arrow’s smile grew even wider, and I shook my head in disbelief. “I was joking, Sir. You seriously knocked up your wife on your honeymoon?”