Page 104 of My All American Girl

44

DEAN

It had only been a couple of days since we got back home, but it felt like an eternity. I couldn’t believe how quickly I got hooked on sleeping beside her. This was torture, being around her but not being allowed to touch her or even look at her for more than a couple of seconds at a time. It seemed like everywhere we turned, there were eyes and ears watching us. I didn’t know if anybody suspected anything or not, but I couldn’t give them any clues.

And today was going to be another day of torture. I had to be near her, but I couldn’t look at her. I was already thinking about ways I could meet up with her off base. If she left before me or vice versa, we could meet at a hotel. I could wear a disguise. She could as well.

Unfortunately, I happened to know a few people on base that did that. Generally, they were cheating on their spouses and were sneaking around. It would be our luck we would get caught sneaking by another sneaker. I knew all secrets had a way of coming out. I preferred to avoid the risk if at all possible.

I went through my usual routine, getting in a quick workout before coming home and getting ready for a day of training. I made my eggs and spinach and sipped coffee, thinking back to our last night together in the hotel room. The scratches still healing on my back were a reminder of just how good it had been for both of us. I smirked, knowing I wouldn’t be taking off my shirt for the next few days. There was no denying what the marks were. There would be rumors and that couldn’t happen.

I was going to have to play it safe, keep a low profile. It had been easier when we were in London. We were nameless strangers, just another couple wrapped up in our own world. But here at home? Where people knew us both? Where appearances mattered and the wrong word or look could be enough to set tongues wagging? We would need careful planning and a whole lot of luck.

Base life was a hive of gossip. I usually avoided being the subject by keeping to myself. I was not the guy that got in anyone’s way. I was here to do one thing and one thing only.

I checked the time and headed out the door. I drove to the hangar where my trainees would be waiting for me. Things were already moving along when I walked in. After a brief lecture, I got out of the way and let them do their thing.

I stood on the ground, eyes glued to the sky as Sarah maneuvered her T6. The roar of the engine filled the air, and I felt a mix of pride and anxiety. Sarah could fly like a bird of prey, but a lot could go wrong up in the air. When I flew, I felt no fear, but when she was flying, my heart was up there with her.

Kylee stood beside me, arms crossed in her full flying uniform, her gaze never leaving Sarah’s plane.

“So, how was London?” Kylee asked in a way that made me think there was some hidden innuendo there.

I glanced sharply at her. “What?”

She didn’t look away from Sarah, but a grin spread across her face. “You heard me.”

Heat climbed up my neck. “It was fine,” I replied cautiously.

“Fine, huh?” Kylee’s grin widened.

“It was a good training experience for Thomas,” I said, purposely using her last name.

“Is that what we’re calling it these days?”

I rubbed the back of my neck, feeling the weight of her teasing. “Look⁠—”

She cut me off, finally tearing her eyes away from the sky to look at me. “Relax, Ryker. Your secret is safe with me. I’d never do anything to jeopardize Sarah’s success.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I shrugged. “But I do know I don’t tolerate gossip and rumors. We don’t have any room for that. What we do is dangerous. You need to focus on flying and less about what you think is going on.”

She grinned, clearly not buying my denial. “I have your back.”

“I don’t need you to have my back,” I retorted. “Except in the sky.”

We stared back up at the plane, the sound of powerful engines drowning out any further conversation. There was tension between us. She obviously knew. Me denying it just made me look stupid.

“I’m sorry I brought it up,” she said.

I looked at her, trying to read her expression. “Have you and Sarah been talking?” I asked quietly.

“No. She didn’t say anything to me. But I’m not blind. Don’t worry. I’m not going to say anything. I think it’s cute. I would never get her in trouble. She’s loyal. I’m loyal. If she wants to talk to me, fine. If not, that’s cool. But be good to her. Don’t break her heart and I won’t mention it again.”

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. “I appreciate that. She means a lot to me.”

Kylee nodded, her expression turning serious. “Sarah’s possibly the strongest, wisest, and kindest woman I’ve ever met. I aspire to be more like her. I will protect her and her secrets. Unless you hurt her.”

I nodded. “I have no intention of making her cry. I’m glad she has you, Kylee. She needs friends like you.”