Page 50 of The Commander

I knew she’d need time, small steps, but I wasn’t prepared for how things ended.

I didn’t invite her to the leaving party at the local bar, but she walked in wearing blue jeans, a black halter and her hair up in a sleek, long pony.

My dick went instantly hard.

“Nothing stopping you now,” Johnny, an Army buddy, had said. “But you can stop lying about wanting her.”

Instead of answering, I watched Quinn walk to the bar, order a drink and then make her way over.

“So, last day, Commander.” Quinn took a swig of her beer.

“It’s just Noah now. Glad you came.” I pulled out a stool for her, even though I was standing.

“Thought I might ask for a ride home. For old times’ sakes.” Quinn climbed onto the stool, and I moved closer while my buddy snorted and left us alone.

“You might get lucky,” I teased, the bottle of my beer at my lips. “But just warning you, I don’t have my bike.”

Her cheeks blushed as she understood my intention. I grinned and took a long drink, and hope prompted me forward.

As the night went on, more drinks were consumed. We danced a few times. Then someone decided to toast me. The bar turned the music low and the few civilians around turned to listen in.

“Captain Jenkins. Where to begin,” Johnny slurred. “I can’t believe you’re fucking leaving.”

I shrugged, glancing at Quinn when I shouldn’t have, because anyone watching—which was the entire bar—could probably put two and two together.

I didn’t care.

She was mine, and together we would surf the tide of gossip and live happily ever after.

Quinn wouldn’t be there if she didn’t feel the same. Right?

Right?!

“We served in the Middle East together, brother; you snored the entire time and left your stinky damn boots in that same damn spot I’d always trip over.”

Untrue.

But I laughed anyway.

“We all had to wear eye masks because you used that stupid book light at night.”

“It’s called a reading light, dumbass,” I called out, laughing. “You should try reading a book sometime.”

Everyone cracked up.

“Too many women, so little time, my friend.” He sighed dramatically.

Johnny was a proud playboy and could never understand why I’d suddenly lost interest in joining in on his shenanigans. Although he soon figured out it was Quinn. I never confirmed it.

I never needed to.

“Way too young,” I would always say.

But he didn’t buy it.

“Raise your glasses, ladies and gentlemen, to my friend, Captain Noah Jenkins. May his career in the private sector flourish, his reading light go missing, and may he one day find the girl of his dreams.”

Johnny flicked Quinn a glance, and there was concern in his eyes.