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“Honey, that’s not why they’re looking at you. You’re a gorgeous woman, always have been. You’ve never seen yourself that way. Probably too busy working, saving lives and proving you’re one tough-ass Marine.” He winked as they entered the kitchen.
He had a nice spread on the table. Fresh cold cuts, store-baked rolls and potato salad too.
“This is some spread, Red. Is this what having lunch together looks like?”
He smiled.
“I was hoping the others would come on over. I don’t know why I bothered thinking that Stryker would accept an offer of lunch with a guest. He doesn’t leave that cottage. He doesn’t want anyone but us seeing him like this.”
She felt badly for Red. He really was struggling with his son’s lack of enthusiasm toward recouping.
“It’s frustrating I’m sure. Give it time, Red. Some soldiers take longer than others to realize that life is worth living and fighting for. Having his team around, Cash and you makes a world of a difference. You know that, right?”
She hoped he got her drift. Lots of times soldiers could fall into a deep state of depression when trying to adjust to civilian life, never mind doing so with injuries sustained from combat. They could get so angry or even depressed they could take their own lives. That was part of why she did what she did. She wanted to make a difference. She wanted to help save as many soldiers as she could.
“I know exactly what you’re getting at. It’s one of my greatest fears, Cass. I’ve lost enough men serving in the Corps. I don’t want to lose anymore, and definitely not my son.”
“That’s why we’re here, Dad. The team and I have Stryker covered.”
The sound of Cash’s voice made Cassidy turn in her seat. She had heard the footsteps on the porch and knew someone was coming closer, but Red had continued talking. They weren’t hiding the trouble Stryker was in, that was for sure.
Cash gave her a sideways glance, almost as if he didn’t trust her. Maybe he felt his dad shouldn’t be talking to a stranger about Stryker? Whatever it was, she couldn’t get drawn into it all. The last time she’d fallen for the charms of a retired soldier, she’d been blinded by realty and what was right there in front of her. Abuse, violence, and a fearful six months that could have cost her her life.
“I know you do, son. But if anyone can understand the mindset of a soldier, it’s Cassidy.” Red smiled at her. Cassidy gave Red a small grin as he passed her some ice tea.
“Help yourself, Cassidy,” Red said.
“So why is it that you understand so much? Because you were in the Corps?” Memphis asked her, joining her by the table after he washed his hands.
“I guess so,” she whispered, a little taken back by the man’s stern attitude.
He was definitely a forceful type, but at least his cologne was appealing.
“Ah hell, Cass, don’t let Memphis’s attitude bother you. He doesn’t trust easily, like most military men. He’s harmless though.”
“Unless I’m provoked,” Memphis told her, holding her gaze.
She didn’t like the way he said that and stared at her. It reminded her of Blaze and put her on the defensive as well.
“Well then, that’s something we have in common, Memphis.” She then reached for the spoon to the potato salad but heard Red chuckle.
Memphis snorted but then went about making a sandwich. She couldn’t help but wonder if moving out here would prove to be another mistake. But Red was the closest thing to a friend, to family, she had. It would be nice to not feel so on guard at night. Not that she would let her defenses down, but what harm could come being surrounded by retired Marines? She supposed she was about to find out.
Chapter 4
“So let me get this straight. Your dad invited a friend from the Corps to live in the cottage across the way, and she’s younger than Stryker?” Coast asked as he, Orlando, Memphis, Cash, and Stryker sat around the kitchen table having beers after dinner.
Cash looked at Memphis and neither said a word for a moment.
“She’s hot too,” Memphis said then slugged a gulp of beer and looked angry.
Coast wasn’t sure what was happening around here, but apparently these guys were upset.
“You don’t like her? You don’t think she’s good enough for your dad? What?” Coast asked, and Cash sat forward.
“She’s not seeing my dad. They said they’re friends. She was a nurse in the Marine Corps. She fucking took care of Garrett, from Casper’s, when he was rushed in for emergency surgery. He said the doctor saved his leg, and Cassidy was right there taking care of him.”
“Okay, so that’s cool then. She sounds like an accomplished nurse who has a good bedside manner. What’s the deal?” Coast asked.
