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“You’re not planning to enlist, right?” Graham asked, walking her to his car.
“Hardly. I’m too old and not cut out for this. I could barely keep up with them, and I wasn’t doing daily PT or a third of the training they do in a day. I need to soak in a tub, get a massage, and sleep for twelve hours. Not necessarily in that order.”
“Since we’ve been doing take-out this week, I was going to treat you to a nice dinner and a proper date.”
“In case you haven’t noticed, I haven’t minded staying in with you.” It truly had been the best week of her life, not just because of observing the team. “If it’s all right with you, can we postpone that? I’d love a quiet dinner in before I collapse into bed—with you.”
“We can do that,” he said agreeably, his hand resting on the door frame. “Wish I had a hot tub for you to soak in, but how about I give you a massage?”
“You know how to sweet talk a lady.” She leaned in, tilting her face up. He kissed her in a way that made her feel desirable despite her being sweaty and dirty.
“My place?” He opened the door for her. “I’ve got an early tee time, but I’ll try not to wake you, and you can stay and work at my house.”
In the seconds it took for him to come around and get in the car, she mulled over the idea of being alone in his house. “I don’t have my computer, and I’d probably be more productive at my place. You’re welcome to stay with me—unless you need a break.”
“I don’t need, or want, a break.” He started the engine. “I’m spoiled after spending every night with you this week. Is this about Noelle walking her dog as a way to stick her nose in our business?”
“Maybe a little.” Or his daughter might stop by. There’d also be the temptation to cross boundaries and snoop around his house. He might not appreciate her looking through the scrapbooks on the bookshelves in the family room without his permission, even if her motivation was to know him better. “I should stay and work at the condo since I’ve been gone so much this week. I don’t want to get fired for failing to be a responsible pet sitter.”
“I don’t think they’d fire you unless you abandon the cats for a week or so. Don’t worry about Noelle. The more people who know I’m involved with you, the better—unless you’re worried about your reputation. I doubt she’d say anything that could bring blowback on Pete’s career. We’ll just keep out of her line of fire.”
“Roger that.” Erin wouldn’t risk the possibility of Noelle learning about her arrangement with Graham and outing that to General McKittrick in some way. The last thing Erin wanted was for this to tank Graham’s career and separate him from his family.
ChapterTwenty-Three
The car doorclosing just outside Graham’s kitchen sent the butterflies in Erin’s stomach aflutter again.
“It’s going to be fine. They’re going to adore you.” Graham placed a hand on her lower back and kissed her temple.
“I still can’t believe we’re doing ribs.” She’d suggested steaks, chicken, even burgers. What impression would she make picking up ribs and licking her fingers?
“I promise they’ll fall right off the bone, and they’re Jace’s favorite. That, with the banana pudding you brought, and you’re a shoo-in,” he promised.
The young woman who entered first smiled at Erin in a manner that helped set her at ease. The man that followed was a younger version of Graham with the same blue eyes and a similar athletic build. The smile and hug the men exchanged spoke of the bond between them.
“Good to see you both. This is Erin,” Graham made the introductions.
“I’ve been looking forward to meeting you. Your dad is quite proud of you.” Erin shook hands with Jace.
“I’m just getting started. He set a high bar to follow.” Jace motioned to his dad.
“And I hear you work for a non-profit,” Erin addressed Alex.
“I’m their chief graphic designer.” No sooner had Alex set a baking dish on the counter than the door opened to Megan and Reece.
“Thanks for offering to host, Dad.” Megan’s gaze drifted over them as she placed an insulated tote bag on the counter and removed containers. “We’re glad you could make it tonight, Erin.”
That Megan’s smile seemed somewhat forced was what Erin had feared. “Nice to see you again. Thanks for including me.”
“I hear you had quite a week with Bryson’s team.” Reece grinned at Erin.
“How did you hear?” Had Graham told him?
“Cruz’s roommate is on my team and gave him a daily report about the colonel’s girlfriend training with the team. Is it true you’ve been skydiving?”
Girlfriend?Reece said it without blinking; however, Megan’s mouth tightened, and her gaze again shifted between her dad and Erin.
“Just one time.” Erin pulled up pictures on her phone. “But I’d go again. Especially out of a Black Hawk.” She watched as Graham rolled his eyes.
