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“I’m happy to help.”
“I mean for making me feel attractive and desirable,” she said softly, looking at him in a way that made him want to take her in his arms and kiss her regardless of who was looking.
“You are.” Anyone who didn’t see it was blind.
After they set out swag, business cards, and a donation box, Graham stood next to Erin as she and Nicky engaged with people coming for the game.
“Graham. I thought that was you.”
Graham startled at Sean McKittrick’s booming greeting. “General, Mrs. McKittrick. Nice to see you.”
“Still in uniform? Am I making you stay too late in the office?”
“That was my doing.” Erin placed a hand above Graham’s elbow. “I used the excuse that he doesn’t have a USO shirt to make him stay in uniform since that’s more of a draw than a middle-aged woman offering someone a logo pen. I also like seeing him in uniform,” she added in a low, conspiratorial tone to Sally McKittrick. Then Erin smiled at him, playing the girlfriend role like a pro.
“There is something about a man in uniform,” Sally agreed.
“I assume you’re familiar with the USO and its mission to support the troops,” Erin said.
“We are, and we appreciate what you volunteers do.” McKittrick eyed Erin before studying Graham.
“We have a number of family and couples’ events coming up. It’s always great to have senior officers come out too. You can find information on the USO website.” Erin handed Sally a pen. “Enjoy the game.”
“I’ll be sure to check it out,” Sally said.
“I’ll drop by to see you tomorrow, Colonel.” McKittrick actually smiled.
Sean and Sally headed into the stadium. Graham waited for Erin to finish chatting with a young service member, his wife, and their two children. “You were amazing.”
“I heard you say general and recognized the name.”
“And you sold it, which means you’re committed now.”
“He knows you’re dating, but you could always say you ditched me for somebody better.”
“Not a chance.” He winked, charmed at how she smiled back before dipping her head.
A steady stream of people stopped by the tent as it got closer to game time. Though several service members struck up conversations about Special Ops when they saw his uniform patch, Graham steered them to the USO’s mission. Mostly, he observed Erin in action, liking how she made each person she came in contact with feel visible and important.
“Hey there, Dad.”
Graham choked on the swallow of water he’d just taken and nearly spit it into Megan’s face. “Hey there, sweetie.” He coughed again. Next to Megan, Reece’s lips disappeared as he suppressed a grin. “I didn’t know you were coming to the game tonight.”
“I didn’t know you were coming either.” Megan looked past him at Erin.
Busted. “Erin.” He touched her forearm. “This is my daughter, Megan, and her husband, Reece.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” Erin’s pitch rose an octave as she extended a hand.
“This is Erin and Nicky. They volunteer at the USO.” He introduced both, though clearly, his daughter had made the connection. “Erin asked if I’d help out tonight, and we’re staying for the game.”
“I hope you know some basics of baseball, or you’ll get a lesson in Baseball 101,” Megan said to Erin but grinned at him. “Where are your seats?”
Erin pulled their tickets from her pocket. “We’re in section 115.”
“Maybe we’ll see you inside. Enjoy the game.”
Graham hugged Megan and nodded to Reece before the pair headed into the stadium. “That wasn’t how I anticipated introducing you to my daughter.” With Erin around, he was dropping the ball when it came to situational awareness.
