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Laurel nodded. “Then spend the time you have with Logan. Explore your feelings for him. You’re not supposed to commit every part of yourself up front. Not in any relationship. Tell him when you’re ready. But don’t walk away from happiness just because you have a long list of ifs. Wait and see.”
Her twin had a point. Sadie was already struggling to hold on to her heart where Logan was concerned. And he hadn’t offered his. But he’d opened up to her, let her in, told her things he hadn’t told anyone. Shouldn’t she do the same? Even if it might spell the end to their fling?
* * *
LOGAN FOLLOWED SADIE up the steps to the guesthouse. Something was bothering her. She wasn’t laughing or smiling.
“Did Aunt Lou say something to you?” he asked.
Sadie led him into the living room and sat down on the couch. He claimed the spot beside her, silently wishing she’d taken him straight to the bedroom. They didn’t have much time left. Now that he’d spoken with the journalist, effectively removing the threat even if Hunter had led them down a different path than the one the top brass wanted to take, he expected a call any day from his colonel.
“Yes, she did.”
Logan mentally ran through all of the potentially embarrassing stories his aunt could have shared. She’d raised him, so that list was a long one. But not one of those stories would have stolen away Sadie’s smile and her laughter.
“She thinks that your love for your late wife is in the past,” she said.
They were back to this. That word—widower—once again reared its ugly head.
“It is,” he said firmly. “I’ll always love her, Sadie. But I’ve closed the door to that part of my life. You’ve helped me do that. So did talking to the reporter, but mostly, it’s you.”
She nodded. “Good. I’m glad to hear that. But you’re leaving,” she said. “Soon.”
The way she said those words, he knew they’d reached the crux of what was troubling her.
“Yes,” he said. “I’m always leaving. That’s the cold, hard truth of my duty as a soldier.”
Sadie nodded. She looked on the verge of saying something. Judging from the pained look on her face, he didn’t want to hear those words. Maybe it’s best if we go our separate ways or I can’t take it, knowing you’re leaving. Always leaving. He’d heard those words before and he couldn’t stand to hear them from her. Not tonight.
“Whatever you’re thinking, don’t say it.” He reached out and pulled her onto his lap, her back to his chest and her bottom nestled against h
im. His lips touched her ear. “Tell me what you want. Tonight. Don’t think beyond that. Just tell me how to drive you wild.”
“I liked your skills in the shower,” she said slowly.
That was all he needed. The future would wait until tomorrow. Sadie was still his—for one more night.
Logan lifted her off his lap as he stood. Taking her hand, he led her into the hall, toward the bedroom. “I think it’s time to get you wet.”
17
LEAVES RUSTLED. A branch snapped. Footsteps. Those sounds could only mean one thing.
Enemy.
Logan opened his eyes, alert and ready. Only this wasn’t Afghanistan. He was lying in his aunt’s guesthouse beside Sadie. He could feel her long hair, still damp from their seemingly endless shower last night, pressed up against his chest. Her naked body fit perfectly with his.
“Cows,” he muttered, rubbing the back of his eyes with his hand. He slid away from Sadie, careful not to wake her. He needed to round up the escaped animals before his aunt noticed they’d jumped the fence. Lou would try to catch them. And when she did, she’d probably catch a glimpse in the guesthouse window. He didn’t want Aunt Lou to find him lying naked next to Sadie.
Click. Click. Click.
Logan moved to the window. He heard the rustling again, but this time he knew it wasn’t livestock. He’d never met a cow that could hold a camera.
“Shit.”
He went to the bathroom and retrieved his clothes. Whoever was out there had spotted him and retreated. If he was smart, he’d be long gone before Logan walked outside.
Logan rounded the side of the guesthouse, moving silently over the grass. Scanning the area, he spotted a guy dressed for duck hunting crouching in the bushes. A camera hung around his neck. Another bag, slung across his chest, held a selection of long lenses.
