Page 28 of The Commander

“I was just catching up with my old XO.” I lean back and indicate Quinn. “Good soldier here. She’s earned her stripes.”

A blush hits her cheeks.

“That right?” Josh tilts his head. “Might have to take a look at your records. Eager to increase the number of women at BHS.”

“I’m happy serving, but thank you, sir,” Quinn says with a smile.

“Josh. We don’t use titles at BHS.” He glances over at me, then back at Quinn. “If you change your mind, let Noah know.”

“Oh, we’re not—”

“She will,” I interrupt, pushing my chair back, because I can see Quinn is getting ready to bolt.

Flight or fight.

She might be combat-ready on the field, but when it comes to life and emotions, this woman is a damn eagle.

“Shall I walk you out?” I ask loudly so she has no way of declining.

“Bedtime,” Marlene announces.

I grind my teeth while Quinn smirks, knowing my plan has been interrupted.

“Sure, you can escort both of us trained soldiers to our rooms if it would make you feel better.”

The little ratbag.

Josh chuckles as he pats my shoulder and wanders off.

“It would. On your feet, young lady.” I smirk right back, because what she doesn’t realize is that I’m not giving up this time. The world can throw in an earthquake, pandemic, nuclear war or whatever it wants.

She is mine.

And one way or another, I am going to have her. Not for a night. Not to scratch an itch. I am in love with Quinn Parker and have been since the very beginning. I just need to get inside her pretty little mind and demonstrate that she’s already proven herself to the world. That being with me now won’t take from what she’s achieved.

I’m aware that’s the monstrous mountain between us. She’s told me. She told me the day I drove away after she broke my fucking heart.

“I ate too much,” Marlene says, patting her tummy. “Please don’t start us off with a ten-mile run tomorrow.”

Quinn rises to her feet and grabs her phone and room key. Aidan and Marlene keep talking as they walk ahead of us.

“Tell me about the swaddling...”

“How’s your room?” I ask, grabbing the door from Aidan and holding it open for Quinn.

She turns when we are in a private spot. “Noah, please don’t do this. You know what’s at stake for me.”

“First, I’m not doing anything, and second, I’m not enlisted anymore, Quinn. No one thinks I gave you a step up in the Army. No one.”

“Not true,” she mumbles and walks off.

Letting out a sigh, I run a hand through my dark hair and stride faster until I’m by her side once more. Quietly, we follow Aidan and Marlene, walking along a path that borders the parking lot.

“I didn’t mean to snap,” Quinn finally says, glancing up at me. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine.” I lay a hand on the middle of her back, reluctant to let it fall away from her warmth. “But I want to talk to you while you’re here. Alone.”

“I don’t know, Noah.” Quinn chews her bottom lip.