Page 55 of Her Devoted HERO

“Huh?” She looked up at Dex, as he towered over her and then looked across the cafeteria table to Clint who was busy staring at her phone.

“Kenna, come outside with me for a second. I want an opportunity to bask in second hand smoke.”

That about summed it up she thought as they walked out of the cafeteria, down the hall, and outside past the group of smokers.

“What did you want to talk about? Because Dex, I don’t think I need you tracking me. Sure, checking my phone for the unidentified caller fine, but the tracking me I just don’t get,” she said as he brought her to a halt in a small alcove near the parking garage.

“Let me explain it to you.” He speared his fingers through her hair, whisking the scrunchie into the bushes. His head descended, blocking out the California sun and she sank into the wonder of his kiss.

All higher-level thought fled as the sumptuous feel of his lips devouring hers took over her mind, her body, her soul. It was her toes that finally got through to her. She was standing on them, and they got cramped. Her eyes fluttered open, and she looked at Dex. Her insides melted. The look on his face was incredible. His eyes opened, and his head lifted just a little.

“Did that help explain things?” he asked softly.

She nodded her head. “But I would love it if you’d kiss me again.”

“First the words Babe. I’m staking my claim. As such, your safety is paramount. You have a whackjob after you, so I want to make sure I can get to you if you need help. If I’m not around, I want the best of the best to be there in my place. That’s Clint and his guys. You got me?”

“What answer gets me another kiss?”

Dex’s smile shone brighter than the California sun. “I like that you’re a smartass.”

“You didn’t answer my question. Nor am I being kissed.” She pulled at his neck.

“Poppy, did you hear me?”

“I heard that you’re going to be gone for four days. I heard that you need to be at the base by noon. I want my kiss.”

Dex’s eyes went dark when he saw she was serious. “Did I say I like that you’re a smartass?”

She nodded.

“I like that you are the most upfront woman I have ever met. No games. No artifice. Just you. You are amazing.” His fingers splayed out against her jaw, and his thumb teased her bottom lip. “God Kenna, I so owe Clint.”

This kiss was different. Just as lush, but flavored with tenderness and magic. Kenna floated in his arms suffused with joy. When she felt tears beginning to form, she looked up at him and scowled.

“What?”

She hit him on his chest with the flat of her hand. Hard.

“What did I do?” he asked again.

“That’s for starting to make me care.”

Chapter Nine

It was Saturday morning, and she was at Lundquist House on University Avenue in San Diego. Kenna had a toddler on her hip and was talking to the child’s mother.

“They’re going to help me find an apartment,” she was explaining.

Kenna was trying to pay attention, but her phone wouldn’t stop vibrating. It was making her purse shake. She should have just turned the damned thing off, but she always worried that Austin or her mom might need her.

“Excuse me, I need to check my phone, it might be my son.”

The young woman smiled and took her son from Kenna’s arms.

The display said, unidentified caller. It was probably the whack job, but still, it could be from one of Austin’s friends, or it could be an emergency about Austin. She had to answer.

“Hello?”