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“Did he have a family back home?”
“A wife and two sons—eight-year-old twins.”
“So, because of you, because of your knowledge and training, your commander lived to see his family again.”
“Well, yes. He has since retired from the Army and is stateside now, working as a private consultant.”
“Focus on the positive outcomes, like this one. Try not to think about the unfortunate ones.” She rests her head back on my shoulder. “Believe me, I know it’s not easy. Tell me another one.”
“There was a time when I was out on parole in Afghanistan and my best friend was hit in the leg by sniper fire. He almost bled out right in front of me. I was able to slow the bleeding and keep him alive until we got him to a hospital.”
She frees one arm from the blanket and wraps it around my neck. “You’ve probably saved more people than you can count.”
“Well, yes, that’s true.”
“And the families and loved ones of all the people you saved probably thank God for you every day of their lives.”
Her words make me smile. “When you put it that way, I guess so. I have a tendency to dwell on the people I lost, not the ones I saved.”
She yawns. “Come back to bed. I know a secret trick that will help you sleep.”
“Oh, really?” I chuckle at her optimism, but nonetheless, I lift her into my arms and rise from the lounge chair so I can carry her inside.
Once we’re undressed and settled back in bed, she rolls me onto my belly. Then she runs her fingers through my hair, so gently all I feel is a light tingling that sweeps over my scalp and down the back of my neck and back. I shiver at her touch.
“Just relax,” she whispers. “Close your eyes and let your mind float.”
Sighing, I do as she says. I don’t think it will help, but having her fingers playing with my hair is heavenly, and I don’t want that to end. She continues stroking my hair and whispers softly in the darkness. I’m practically hypnotized by the sound of her voice, by her gentle words.
Her fingers slide down my neck to my back and she starts drawing shapes on my skin. Flowers, hearts, random little squiggles… it’s soothing.
* * *
I wake feeling refreshed, like I had a good night’s sleep. I have Layla to thank for that. She knocked me out with her soft touches and random finger painting on my back last night. I turn to face her and find her still sound asleep. She’s turned toward me with her hand tucked beneath her pillow.
Her face is soft and relaxed in sleep, and I find myself just staring at her in wonder. My god, she’s beautiful. I’m talking goddess here. And for some reason, she wants me. That blows my mind.
Last night was incredible. I tried to take it slow and easy. I didn’t want to rush her, or scare her. I think things are moving too fast, but I couldn’t deny her last night when she just pleaded for normalcy.
Maybe we are moving too fast. She’s so young, she can’t possibly know yet what she wants in life. She may want me now, but she’s never been in a relationship before. Once she has some experience, she may decide she wants something different. Someone different.
I do know one thing—I’ll do anything and everything in my power to protect her and make her happy.
I reach for my phone and check her blood sugar.
As if she can sense me watching her, she starts to wake. Her eyelids slowly flutter open, and she smiles. “Good morning.”
“Good morning to you, too.”
“Did you sleep well?”
I nod. “I did, thanks to you and your magic touch.”
She grins. “My mom used to rub my back when I was little. I had trouble falling asleep. She’d sit with me and tell me stories and draw pictures on my back. It was the only thing that relaxed me enough that I could sleep. So, I thought it was worth a try.”
I lean closer and press my lips to her forehead. “Well, it worked. You’re a miracle worker.” I sit up. “I need a shower. Then how about we make breakfast?”
“That sounds wonderful.”
