Page 20 of Playing With Love

Before I could think better of it my question slipped out, “Do you miss it? Damn, that was rude, sorry.”

“Not rude.” She smiled. “And yes, some days I miss spinning up. I thought I’d be a lifer, but…things change. Priorities change. I’m lucky I had this.” She waved a hand around the room. “It made transitioning into civilian life easier. It also helps my dad and uncles are all military and my husband is a former Teamguy so they understood and guided my way. Do you miss it?”

This conversation had turned oddly personal. I had never been a sharer, so to speak. Allowing people to know your inner thoughts and private feelings gave them insights they could later use against you. It was better to keep people at arms’ length.

“In the beginning,” I admitted but offered no more.

Liberty didn’t push for more either, sensing I’d redirect or evade. Or she didn’t have time to frame a leading question that would get her the response she wanted, since Frank cut in.

“I didn’t know you were in the Army.”

There was a lot the jackass didn’t know about me. First because he never asked; not that I’d tell him much but his self-centeredness didn’t lend itself to getting to others.

“Never came up,” I semi-lied.

The lie was, even if it had come up, I wouldn’t have told him.

“I’ll let you get back to your meeting,” Lenox rejoined, reminding me I was still standing. “It was great seeing you… dare I say it, all grown up.”

The bark of laughter that escaped surprised me. I wasn’t in a laughing mood but damn if Lenox wasn’t right. I was a kid the last time he saw me.

“Twenty-plus years has a way of doing that.”

“Don’t I know it.” He paused to look around the room. “Good I planned ahead, so now my family does all the heavy lifting and I get to enjoy my old age.”

“Don’t let him fool you,” Carter put in. “He’s supposed to be retired, they all are, yet they still read the dailies and make notes.”

“Two is one, and one is none,” Lenox recited an old SEAL adage.

“Well, Dad, seeing as the reports go through six sets of eyes, I think we’re covered.”

Lenox smiled again as he made his way toward me, hand extended.

“I think that’s my son’s way of kicking me out.”

I took his offered hand and we shook. Before he let go he gave my hand a tight squeeze.

“I hope you’re well, Liza. And again, if I didn’t thank you then, I’m thanking you now. You saved a lot of lives that day and I’m not just talking about the sniper. Straight out of the gate you were impressive. I see you’ve honed those instincts and you’re putting them to good use.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Lenox, darlin’. We’re equals here.”

“Lenox.”

“Good luck with your assignment. My son will tell you the same but I want to say it first—whatever you need.”

Damn. Now I couldn’t say no to Tucker going undercover with me.

“Thank you.”

With another squeeze and a nod he let go of my hand and made his way to the door.

“Tucker, before you leave for the day, I’d like a word.”

With Lenox’s parting shot, my gaze flew to Tucker.

“I’ll find you,” Tucker confirmed.