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“You’re losing your intimidation factor.” She cut her gaze toward J.R. and Ariana, who now had a large margarita sitting in front of her.
“Good. Let him drop his guard.”
A chill shot through her. John might come off like an overgrown kid at times, but he also projected that same confidence that had drawn her to Adam. She missed any signs of Adam’s darker side in the early days. She’d paid the price for falling for him. Better not to be lulled by John’s easy-going charm since she’d learned how deceptive that could be. She didn’t want to be in Ariana’s shoes. Not again.
“Why did you join the military?” she asked to keep from thinking about her past and give her more insights into John.
“My dad was still a kid when I was born. In some ways, our relationship was more like brothers. We used to play army men together. He couldn’t afford college tuition, and I wanted him to have his own life after giving up so much of his for me. Maybe I wanted to fulfill his dreams that he didn’t get to live out. Figured I’d enlist, then use the GI Bill to cover my tuition and get my degree, which I did. I thought about doing international business or law school, but I liked military life—the feeling of family, not by blood but forged under fire—so I joined back up as an officer. And here I am.”
“You seem to enjoy what you do.”
“For the most part. There’s a term, ‘embrace the suck,’ that applies to a lot of things we do. Horrible living conditions, pointless missions, wasted time. It’s dangerous work, but when you see the difference you make, bringing hope to people, it makes it worthwhile.”
“Like stepping in with J.R.”
“It’s not that different than what you do.”
“I’ve never been shot at.”
“Good. Let’s keep it that way.” His gaze cut in J.R.’s direction.
“Jillian constantly warns me of potential dangers in dealing with domestic situations. That’s why I put up the gate—and now have you on a temporary basis. Did you know you wanted to be a Green Beret when you joined?”
“I started thinking about it during my first enlistment, but I knew if I made it into the unit prior to getting my degree, I probably wouldn’t leave. I got tapped for selection pretty much right after I became an officer. Another instance where my size worked for me. Tribal leaders tend to listen when they have to look up to you.”
“I’ve heard it’s tough to make it through the process to join Special Forces.”
“The Q Course isn’t for sissies, that’s for sure.”
Unlike Adam who touted his successes whenever possible, John didn’t brag. If it weren’t for him warning J.R., she wouldn’t even know he was a Green Beret. She was impressed with a lot of what he’d told her. “It seems you’ve done a good job of setting goals and meeting them.”
“Despite what Britney and Richard did with Boss, I don’t need counseling.” He scrunched his features into a classic I-told-you-so expression.
“No past disappointments or areas where you haven’t accomplished your goals?” she couldn’t resist challenging him.
John laughed. “You know, I’ve told you more about myself tonight than I’ve probably told anyone in my entire life, except my buddy, Nate. Either you’re magic or have a gift for making people talk about themselves.”
“Training and experience.” But she didn’t want to push, especially since he wasn’t a client.
“Looks like we’re going to have to order some dessert since I don’t want to leave before they do. Should we say it’s your birthday or mine?”
“What? We can just order dessert.”
“If they sing to one of us, J.R. is more likely to believe us being here is a coincidence.”
He had a point. “Yours.” Unlike her, he didn’t mind attracting attention.
“Do you want your own dessert, or are we sharing?”
“What makes you think I share my dessert?”
“It’s your giving nature. Unless you’re a germaphobe, which you’re not since we shared salsa. You would have asked for your own or made a no double-dipping rule.”
“I’ll just say it depends on the dessert as to whether I share.”
“Hmm, I’m seeing a different side of Miz Elizabeth Carroll,” he teased, aiming his charming smile at her. “If we share, I won’t have to do extra PT.” He patted his stomach.
“I’m full, but I can manage a few bites if you’re offering to share.” Considering his shape, one dessert wouldn’t require him to do more PT. It took effort not to stare at his muscular arms leading up to his broad shoulders.
