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Spencer, Devon, and Reid could have anyone. The idea they’ve spent the last two years pining after me is insane, but I haven’t been able to give up hope they’d see me as something besides an obligation.
“It will be any time now,” I mumble as I peek out the kitchen window for what feels like the millionth time in the last hour.
One of them always shows up around dinnertime, like clockwork. I always thought it had something to do with them looking for a free meal, but after my talk with Willow, it could be something more.
“I can always stay for dinner.”
I jump at the sound of her voice from behind me.
“I really should tie a bell around your neck,” I sigh, grabbing the dish towel off the oven handle and drying my hands. “One of these days, you’re going to regret sneaking up on someone.”
“But today isn’t that day,” she responds as she leans against the doorway. “Take a deep breath. They’re Marines. Doing everything on a schedule comes naturally to them.”
“I know, but maybe he didn’t call.” I rock from side to side as I turn to look out the window again. “Or, better yet, maybe they don’t care.”
“Kelsey Marie Mitchell, don’t make me shake you!” Willow storms into the room, placing both hands on my shoulders. “He called.”
“How can you be so sure?” I cock my head to the side as my best friend’s cheeks darken. “What did you do?”
“Made a complete ass of myself at the officers’ club on base.”
I raise my eyebrow, waiting for the rest of the story.
Willow’s need to be the center of attention is nothing new to me. You wouldn’t know it by how she looks–crystal-blue eyes and pin-straight blonde hair–but she thrives on the attention. If she doesn’t have it as soon as she walks into a room, she’ll do anything she has to in order to gain the attention of every person there.
“I may have gotten brought home by the MPs…” She pauses, stepping away from me and taking a seat at the small kitchen table. “In handcuffs.”
I burst out laughing, wrapping my arms around my waist. “That’s new even for you.”
“I just wanted to have a little fun and flirt with him a little. I know he was into me, at least until someone pointed out who my dad was.” She crosses her arms over her chest and pouts.
I can’t say I don’t understand where she’s coming from. Being the daughters of two commanding officers isn’t easy. It’s hard to make friends, and even harder to keep them. Thankfully, we have each other. Lord knows what would have happened if we’d had to navigate the waters of high school alone.
“There’s no way either of our fathers would risk something happening. And I doubt my dad will trust me in public, let alone with alcohol legally available to me.”
We both giggle as someone knocks on the window. The two of us spin around.
“Don’t you know how to use a door?!” Willow chastises Reid loud enough to be heard through the window.
He flashes us a bright smile before stepping out of sight and heading back toward the front door.
“I don’t think I can do this.” My breathing quickens as I panic.
In theory, seducing a man is easy: show off some skin, bat your eyelashes, and maybe even rub your tits on him a few times to get his attention. However, reality is totally different.
“Everything is going to be fine, Kels. Just stick to the plan.” Willow gives me a thumbs-up before heading toward the front door.
“Right. Instead of going out to dinner like usual, I’ll tell him I want to order pizza and watch a movie,” I whisper the steps of the plans to myself as I follow Willow to the door.
“Are you ready?”
“No,” I whisper.
She throws the door open, met with Reid’s blinding smile. My eyes roam down his body, taking in the tight white shirt hugging all his muscles, tucked into a pair of dark-washed jeans.
“Like what you see?” Reid chuckles before wrapping his arms around me and lifting me into the air. “We’ve missed you.”
He buries his nose in my hair, inhaling deeply, as if he’s committing my scent to memory. I slide my arms around his neck, hugging him back tightly. My entire body relaxes, as if I’ve been waiting for this moment.
