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These standalone sweet, clean romances follow a team of soldiers that were once stationed in Afghanistan, bound by friendship.
Opposites attract, soulmates find each other at their lowest points, and friends become lovers across the miles.
Flirt’s Battalion Sweet Romance Series
EMBER CREEK, TEXAS
“I volunteered the entire team, so make sure that your Friday is clear of any activities or events. This is non-negotiable, team, and I really need your help with this charity event. The other shift will be covering for us, and they go up on the auction block this Saturday…” Chief Carpenter said openly, putting his hands on his hips, looking over the table at them.
They’d just gotten back from a roaring blaze that had engulfed a mobile home on the outside of town, and all Kyle could smell was smoke so heavy he could taste it.
It was everywhere, seeping from the pores of his skin and in his clothes, and each of the men at the table reeked of sweat. In fact, several of them had matted down hair that was strange looking because of their thermal gear and helmets.
Hat-hair,he mused, shoveling another bite in his mouth.
“This isn’t bordering on harassment or some other rule? I mean, I’ve never heard of any job condoning this, and while I know it’s for charity… still,” Justin began nervously. “I mean, are there guidelines to this… mess?”
“Huh?” Kyle said distractedly, reaching for a slice of cornbread. “What’d the chief say?”
“Weren’t you paying attention?” Austin hissed behind his hand. “Dude, this is exciting – and scary!”
“Honestly? Noooo… I’m hungry and we just got back from a run. I can actually smell the chili and the woodsmoke together. It’s not half bad,” Kyle said chewing noisily, before blowing his nose and wincing at the smoke-filled residue he left in the napkin.
“You’re disgusting.”
“Hey, at least I didn’t do like Austin did last week…”
“Ugh, don’t remind me!” Chase muttered.
“You didn’t catch any of what the chief just said?” Justin muttered, frowning and kicking Kyle under the table that they were all sitting at.
“I heard him say ‘You guys can eat while you listen’… so I’m eating,” Kyle whined, shoveling in a massive bite. “And listening. I’m listening, too. Can you pass the butter?”
“What about the listening part?” Chase uttered. “With them big ol’ ears you should have…”
“I just said…” Kyle choked out openly, chewing with his mouth full and talking at the same time, trying to keep anything from falling out.
Man, whoever made the chili this morning – it was fantastic!he thought wildly, stirring his bowl and reaching for the package of cheese once again.
“Did you have something you wanted to add, Rimes?” Fire chief Reese Carpenter said quietly, in a voice that brooked no argument.
It was said that the chief never yelled, never raised his voice, and commanded respect from his team easily by being in the thick of things with them – and treating them like equals. He liked Chief Carpenter – even if he set him on edge sometimes. The man just had a way of looking right through you…
“No sir!” Kyle said immediately, swallowing his food noisily before smiling and nodding. “I think it’s a great idea.”
“Good – you’re going to be first,” Chief Carpenter said openly, pointing at each man. “Marks, you’re second…”
“Awww man… seriously?” Chase whined immediately, rolling his eyes. “Charity… it’s for charity. You are not a piece of meat to be ogled… it’s not a date. Charity auction, donating time, not anything else… relax and don’t make this weirder than it already is.”
Chase hesitated – and then spoke up.
“Do we really have to do this?”
“Yes,” the chief said quietly, walking around the table as the men looked at each other in alarm, some in confusion, and Chase looked decidedly uncomfortable as Justin turned a weird shade of greenish-white under his tan.
Kyle’s eyes grew wide as Chase slid down even further into his seat, looking almost despondent at the announcement.
What exactly did he get volunteered for – and why would Chase Marks be worried about being ogled like a piece of meat?he wondered silently.
