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“Did you enjoy dinner with us?”
He nodded. The emotions, jumbled with the old memories of his sister and mother, clogged his throat. “I don’t want them to hassle you because of this. Because of me.”
“I can handle it.” This time the defensiveness was gone and he believed her. “A rapid-fire engagement is just the sort of thing a wandering soul like me does.”
“Doesn’t wandering imply—”
“If you make one more crack about me refusing to leave Haleswood, I’ll be going into the park alone tonight.”
“Okay, okay. You have so much—”
“Potential is another word you are not allowed to aim at me. I know my strengths and weaknesses and, contrary to popular opinion, I know what I want.”
“Information about me.”
“It would be a start,” she agreed, with another bright smile. “Are you going to cooperate?”
He gave it some thought, enjoying the way her expression changed as they watched each other in silence. “I wanted to stay with the Army,” he said finally.
“Not good enough,” she said, shaking her head. “Too obvious.”
“I’d planned on becoming a lawyer.”
Her eyebrows arched in surprise. “Do tell?”
“It’s true. After a few years with Special Forces I thought I’d go to law school and stay involved in the Reserves via the JAG office.”
“You would’ve been a great lawyer. You do the power suit very well.”
Another compliment he wasn’t sure how to handle. He shrugged it off. “It was a narrow escape. And a good one. I’m happier on this side of the justice system.”
“Good for you. Now tell me something personal.”
That had been more personal than any other conversation he’d had in years. “You’re tough.”
“You don’t have to look so terrified.”
“You don’t have to be so aggressive,” he countered, feeling an unexpected grin crease his face.
She laughed. “I’ll make it easy on you. Ice cream or cake?”
“Ice cream.”
“Chocolate, vanilla, or other?”
“Rocky Road.”
She tilted her head. “Fitting.”
He didn’t want to know what that meant. “And you, dear fiancée? Ice cream or cake?”
“Chocolate ice cream. Preferably with caramel sauce.”
Did that mean they had something in common besides a willingness to destroy Lester? “I’ll remember that.”
She waved him forward. “Come on and take a look around while I gather up the gear.”
He rubbed at his thigh as he took the steps in two strides and joined her on the porch.
