Page 29 of The Commander

“The fact that you’re reluctant means we should.” I smile, knowing she still has feelings for me.

“No, it doesn’t.” She shoves my arm a little playfully, and my hope ratchets up a notch.

“Yeah, it does.” I keep grinning because I love this sexy side of her.

If I can chip away at her wall and show that what we feel for one another is real and powerful, then I will be further ahead than I’ve ever been.

I don’t want any other women.

I want Quinn.

A vehicle’s trunk closes nearby with a thump, but I barely pay attention to the crunching of footsteps on the gravel.

“Well, well, well,” a familiar voice says, and I turn, the hope swirling around in my chest dying a sudden death.

Tyrell Brooks.

You’ve got to be kidding me.

Quinn stiffens beside me as my hand falls away from her back.

“XO Brooks,” I greet him. “Welcome.”

He smirks, glancing at Marlene and Aidan. “The dream team back together again, huh? Guess it’s going to be another smooth ride for you, Parker.”

Unbelievable.

He hasn’t changed a bit, but this time he isn’t hiding his attitude from me.

“Oh, fuck off, Tyrell.” Quinn takes a step forward, and I grab a chunk of her top, pulling her back.

“Calm down.” I shoot Aidan a look. “You okay seeing our new guest to the registration desk, and I’ll walk these ladies the rest of the way home?”

“More than happy to do that,” Aidan says, sizing up Tyrell, who is three inches shorter and a hell of a lot less muscle than the Marine. “Follow me, son, and let’s have a wee talk about protocol.”

I almost smile but I’m too pissed off.

“What was that about?” Marlene asks.

“He’s a sexist jerk,” Quinn answers. “I served with him at Fort Cavazos, and he thinks I had help to get where I am today because I don’t have a penis.”

I cough into my hand while Marlene rolls her eyes.

“Then he is a jerk. I’m sure Aidan will rough him up.”

He won’t. Not for a snarky comment. But if Tyrell crosses the line any further, Aidan will be waiting in line to get his hands around the GI's neck.

We walk to their building, and Marlene’s room is first, so she wishes us a good night and closes the door. Quinn and I stride down the hallway and stop outside her door.

She’s still seething.

“Forget him.” I shake my head.

“How can I? That attitude is why this,” her finger darts between us. “Can never happen. He will never stop accusing me of banging every senior male on base.”

“Who gives a fuck what he thinks, Quinn?” I keep my voice low, glancing down at the main door. “He’s an average GI at best, and that’s what bothers him. And yes, he’s sexist.”

If she cared less and let herself rise above other people’s limitations and judgements, we could be happily married. People are going to think what they like. You can’t change it.