AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Well, if I hit a nerve, it means there's some truth there, doesn't it?"
His face took on a serious expression. "Yeah, it does. Or did. I admit I've been a love 'em and leave 'em kinda guy. I figured that was the smart play. In my line of work, getting attached isn't always wise. You never know when your next mission is the one you won't come home from.
"It almost happened. Thanks to Gun, I survived. And yeah, I might even make it back to active duty thanks to you and Georgie, but the one thing I won't ever do is turn my back on her. No more than I would you, Naomie. She matters to me, and you, above everyone, know what I'm willing to do for someone I love."
"Love?"
He gave her a quick smile. "Headed that way fast, boss."
She wasn't sure she was ready to believe that. Maybe six months from now, when all this hospitalization, surgery, and rehab was behind him. When that time came, they'd all discover the true depth of his devotion. But she wouldn't cast a negative light on what he felt right now because that emotion significantly impacted his mindset and determination. "Then I wish you happiness. That's all I've ever wished for you or her. It's a double win for me if you can find it together."
"Then we're good?"
"We are. So, let's talk about what's next for you."
"You're the boss."
She smiled and started to explain things while wondering if she was getting his hopes up too high with her expectations of the new IMES and his ability to adapt.
Naomie sure hoped not because it would crush his spirit and take the wind out of his father's sails, and she couldn't let that happen.
Chapter Eleven
"Fuck!" Josh hurled his beer across the room. Not even the exploding bottle brought satisfaction. Once again, Georgie said she couldn’t be with him. She still had "work" on Riggs Walker's case.
Of course. She was enamored by the President's nephew. Big bad SEAL, born into wealth and privilege, everything came easy for Riggs. Look at the treatment he was given at Mass General. People treated him like he was above everyone else. Riggs came first.
Especially with Georgie, and that chapped Josh's ass. It was like driving a nail in Josh's brain whenever she spoke Riggs' name. And it wasn't getting better. Riggs took up more of her time and thoughts with each passing day.
Or perhaps it was more accurate to say that she gave Riggs more time. And Josh received less. He wasn't happy about that but had a plan to change things. He'd decided to speed up his timetable. He'd spent all his free time setting things up. His life was about to change in a major way.
He'd never bend to the dictates or desires of another. Never again. He'd evolved past that when he discovered his true nature and passion. It was his time, and soon, he'd change his life and Georgie's. She had no clue what was about to happen to her.
He gained an erection just thinking about what was to come. Initially, he'd planned to do some dry runs to get the timing, mileage on his vehicle, and cover story perfect. But he was tired of waiting, so on impulse, he decided it was time for a dress rehearsal.
That brought an additional surge of excitement. With a smile, he grabbed his car keys and headed out. It was time to hunt.
*****
Lights from the city illuminated the landscape in the growing darkness as twilight fell. The view from his window could have been a brick wall for all the attention he gave it. His eyes might be looking forward, but his mind was locked in a place he found difficult to endure.
Two weeks. In two weeks, Riggs would undergo the final procedure. Within a week of the surgery, he'd have his prosthesis, and the process of learning to walk would begin.
This was the hardest part. The waiting, wondering, and wishing, and yes, the anxiety over the "what if" questions that whispered in his mind. Riggs turned his frustration and apprehension into fuel. He worked out longer and harder, determined to be in prime condition when he faced the biggest test of his life.
What he couldn't seem to control was his impatience. His endurance level on that front was stretched dangerously thin. A knock at his door had him turning away from the window as he called out. "Come in."
Georgie stuck her head in and smiled. "Hiya, handsome. Wanna go for a ride in my car?"
"Now?" His mood took a turn for the better at the possibility.
"Yes."
"Is this something you're going to get into trouble for?"
"Not unless I bring you home drunk, and you rat me out." She entered the room, and he smiled. She wore tight jeans and a white tank top, with a sneaker on her foot.
It thrilled Riggs that he no longer saw her prosthesis as something repulsive. She wasn't handicapped at all by her condition. In fact, from what he'd witnessed working out with her for three months, she was the most fit person he knew overall, and there wasn't anything she couldn't do.
