Page 12 of Rescuing Sadie

Fletch leaned over and placed Annie on her feet. The little girl immediately went over to where Sadie was standing and wrapped her arms around her waist. She laid her head on Sadie’s belly and simply held her.

Chase watched as Sadie’s surprised gaze went from him, to Fletch, and finally down to Annie. He saw the moment she lost the iron control she’d been holding on to. Her arms went around Annie and her head drooped. Chase took a step toward the two and put one hand on Annie’s head and the other on the side of Sadie’s neck. They stood like that for several moments before Annie lifted her head and looked up to the woman she had her arms around.

“Feel better?”

Sadie gave her a wobbly smile. “Yeah, thanks, Annie. Your hug is amazing.”

“I know,” Annie said, as if she knew her arms held magical powers and it was no big thing. “Wanna see my Army man? I used to have two, but my boyfriend has the other one. He lives out in California and we’re gonna get married someday.”

“What?”

Fletch broke in before Annie could explain. “Not now, squirt. Sadie and Jackson have stuff they need to do.”

“What stuff?” Annie asked, looking up at Sadie.

Sadie had no idea, so she turned her gaze to Chase in question.

“We’re meeting with Rayne later.”

“Oooooh, I haven’t seen Rayne in forever!” Annie gushed. “Can I come too? Please, please, please, please?”

“You saw her two days ago, Annie. And no, you can’t go with Chase and Sadie. We’re going to go to Fort Hood and check out that new obstacle course…remember?”

Without a word, Annie spun away from Sadie and raced for the front door. She wrenched it open and was gone.

Fletch chuckled. “Knew that would light a fire under her butt. The kid loves obstacle courses like a squirrel loves nuts.”

Chase grinned.

“Anyway, thanks for keeping your eye on Annie this morning. Most of the team is gone, but I thought I’d invite Ghost and Rayne over since they’re around and we could have a small barbeque tonight at the house. You want to come over?”

Chase turned to Sadie. “Since Fletch has the biggest place, he usually hosts their get-togethers.”

“You want me to come?” Sadie asked hesitantly.

“Why wouldn’t I?” Fletch asked.

“Well…because Jonathan wants to find me, kidnap me, probably rape and kill me, and he won’t care who gets in his way to do it? Your wife and kid will be there, right? It might put them in danger.”

Before Fletch could answer, Chase stepped into Sadie’s personal space and backed her against a wall. His hands went to her waist and he held her tightly as he said, “No one is going to kidnap you, Sparky. Fletch’s yard and house is probably the safest place you could be… The cameras are all connected to Fletch’s watch, so he’ll know the second someone steps foot on his property. Besides, I’ll be here too. I’ll keep you safe.”

“If you’re sure… The last thing I want to do is drag someone else, especially another child, into this fucked-up situation. It was bad enough Jonathan and his father hurt those girls at Bexar, but then they brought JT into things—”

“Annie will be safe,” Fletch interrupted. “I know you haven’t been around her other than this morning, but she knows how to take care of herself…more than I’d like, actually. It’s just a barbeque, Sadie. A few men and their women hanging out, drinking beers and eating some good food. Don’t overthink it.”

“In that case, I’d love to,” Sadie said. Her gaze went from Fletch to Chase, who was still standing in her personal space.

“Great. I’ll see you later then. Around five?” Fletch asked Chase.

“Sounds good.”

After Fletch left, Sadie looked at Chase. “Wanna let me go so I can get ready for shopping?”

Did he want to let her go? No, actually, he didn’t. “No.”

She looked surprised for a moment, then annoyance crept in. “Chase, step back.”

Instead of doing what she asked, he stepped forward until his thighs touched hers. He slid a hand around to the small of her back and pulled her into him until her breasts brushed against his chest.