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Graham headedover to the training compound shortly before the end of the workday. It took a few seconds to spot Erin observing the men engaged in hand-to-hand combat in the sawdust-covered area at the base of the climbing tower. He stopped next to Captain Bryson, who whistled, then signaled for the men to assemble.
“Came to see what she was up to?” Bryson asked.
“I drove Ms. Downey through security. She’ll need a ride back to her car.” Graham downplayed it despite Bryson’s grin.
“Ms. Downey, huh?” Bryson said.
Erin beamed as she made her way toward them in the midst of the men like she was one of the team.
“Did you have a productive day?” Graham asked.
“Oh, yeah. They let me use the ENVGs and do run-throughs in the shooting house. And I fired the squad automatic weapon and an M-4 rifle.”
He raised an eyebrow at her, not that it surprised him that she’d charmed her way into the team’s good graces.
“She didn’t hamper any training,” Bryson assured him. “After she told us more about the series over lunch, I offered to let her do more hands-on with the team.”
“And they all know we’re dating,” Erin said.
“They do?” That explained the amused grin that hadn’t left Bryson’s face. He’d been the first to suggest Graham consider a relationship, though he’d specifically mentioned marriage. Graham would give it a little more time before asking the captain how Mateo had reacted to this news.
“I kept calling you Graham instead of Colonel. They’re pretty smart and picked up on that. I figured it was better not to try and hide it.”
“I didn’t want to say anything that would make you feel obligated to assist with her research.” Though the men learning they were involved was the number two reason Erin was here.
“She knows more about Ranger training and Special Ops missions than ninety percent of the regular Army. It’s obvious she wasn’t hanging out with us just for fun and games,” Bryson said. “Do you know she’s been skydiving?”
“She’s mentioned that.”
“I tried to punk her, saying she could do a freefall from a Black Hawk. You may have to line that up.”
“Really?” Graham looked at Erin, whose smile got even bigger.
“We’re good with her coming back out as much as she needs this week. I’ll let you two discuss whether she gets to jump out of the Black Hawk.” Bryson’s grin ratcheted up another notch.
“Sounds like it was a good day,” Graham said to Erin.
“I’m having the time of my life,” she said.
“Oh, no.” One of the team said as Bryson broke into song.
“That’s where I know you from!” Erin waved a finger at Bryson. “You were the groomsman at Cecilia Ryan and Nate Crenshaw’s wedding who said you were going to sing ‘I’ve Had the Time of My Life’ while they danced.”
“You were there?” Bryson’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Erin. “How do you know them?”
“Cecilia was a student in one of the first screenwriting classes I taught. We had a mini-reunion at the rehearsal dinner after-party. That’s where I pitched this idea to one of my former students who works for the producer in LA. What a small world.”
“Nate’s the best man in my upcoming wedding. I’ll send the colonel an invitation and you can come as his date.”
“Congratulations,” Erin said rather than stating she’d be there. “Are you and your future wife doing that dance at your wedding?”
“Probably notthatdance.” Bryson laughed again. “But it will be a party.” He checked his watch. “We’ve got a little time left. Anything else you want to see today?”
“I’d like to see the colonel in action.” She eyed Graham, wearing a not-so-innocent smile.
“I bet you would.” Cruz gave a lusty chuckle.
“Anything in particular you want to see him do?” Bryson asked.
