Chapter 15
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R YAN CLOSED THE BACK hatch of his SUV on Saturday morning, walking over to the driver’s side door of his vehicle. He climbed in and started the engine, watching as a couple strolled by hand-in-hand on the sidewalk, the woman’s blonde hair blowing in the wind reminding him of Avery.
She wasn’t as pretty as his girl, but he knew no one would compare in his eyes.
Avery was a fucking knockout.
Grabbing his phone, he read over the email she’d sent him that morning.
Ry, I miss you. This week has been long and longer. We’ve seen so many families with little kids who have nothing. I’m in awe that they’re literally risking everything to make it to a safer place. I know we’re only a stop on their journey, but I’m proud to help in a small way.
Plus, I miss you. Did I say that already? ;)
He smiled, and something in his heart tugged. He missed her, too. Maybe even more than he’d thought he would. He quickly read over the rest of her email.
Knowing I can’t just fly to Hawaii when I want is a tough pill to swallow. And I’ll be honest—my roommate Luciana is awesome, but I’d much rather be back in my own place. Or in your bed...
I’ll find out next month if I can get time off in November.
Oh, and I couldn’t help but show the nurses the picture you sent the other day. They want to know if you have any single American friends. Of course I told them you’re all mine. xoxo Avery
Heat coursed through him, a huge smile spreading across his face. Damn straight he was hers. This woman. He’d rather she was in his bed, too. Under him. Over him. Crying out sweetly as he pleasured her again and again.
Had they really only spent one weekend together learning each other’s bodies? Making love again and again? It hadn’t been nearly enough, but it was all he’d have until she was finished with her assignment. He hoped like hell she’d get time off at the halfway mark, but he hardly dared to dream it was possible.
Ryan glanced at the time on his phone. He was planning to meet up with his teammates at the beach later. Shit. He should’ve grabbed a six-pack or case of beer to bring. Glancing in his rearview mirror, he decided his groceries would be okay for a few minutes. Hawaii wasn’t exactly sweltering like where Avery was, but the temperature was near eighty. He turned off the SUV again and quickly hustled out.
Jogging back across the parking lot, he was surprised to see his CO coming out the front doors of the store. “Sir,” Ryan said with a nod.
His commander greeted him, and Ryan noted with interest that a woman passing the middle-aged man blushed as she looked at him. Commander Madden hadn’t seemed to notice her, his gaze on Ryan, several bags of groceries in his hands. Some of his teammates’ women had called him a fox, which gave Ryan a chuckle. He knew some older men were considered silver foxes by women, but since his commander had blond hair and was only in his forties, he supposed that’s how they’d come up with the name.
He hadn’t known the CO to date anyone, but then again, the man kept his private life private. In the military, you didn’t exactly fraternize with officers. The team saw their commander on base, and that was generally it barring unforeseen circumstances.
“Wyatt told me yesterday that your girl’s down in the Darien Gap,” the commander said, looking concerned. “I didn’t realize that’s where she was working.”
“Yes, sir. She’s a nurse with Doctors Without Borders.”
Recognitions suddenly dawned. “She’s Aaron’s sister?”
“Yes, sir.”
Their commander cracked a brief smile. “No wonder Nielsen was unhappy with you a while ago.” He shook his head. “I trust you advised her on additional precautions to take in such a hostile environment?”
Ryan cleared his throat. “I did. I wish she hadn’t taken the job to begin with, but Avery’s headstrong and determined. She’s volunteered with them before, but this is different.”
Commander Madden eyed Ryan, his mirrored aviators reflecting Ryan’s image and the parking lot behind him. “There’s been an increase in instability in the region lately from the cartels,” his CO said in a low voice. “They traffic women as well as drugs, as I’m sure you’re aware. I only met Avery once, but she’ll no doubt stand out with her blonde hair amongst all the local women.”
Ryan felt his gut clench. “She will. She knows not to travel anywhere alone. The nurses she works with are all fluent in Spanish. Their movements are somewhat restricted anyway. She’s in a village, not trekking through the jungle. The migrants come to them for medical care. I agree it’s dangerous, but unfortunately, she was determined to take the assignment.”
The CO shook his head. “The entire team ended up with adventurous, headstrong girlfriends,” he said with amusement. “I guess they need to be that way in order to keep you boys in line. I dread the day Sawyer finds a woman.”
Ryan’s hearty laughter filled the area. Other customers were moving around them, and his CO nodded at him before continuing on. They didn’t normally chat like that, but he appreciated the tip about unrest in the area. He’d have to send off a quick note to Avery, asking her to be even more cautious.
Ryan hurried back into the grocery store, grabbing a case of beer for the get together later. It would be good to kick back with his buddies, but he’d feel better if his girl was here, too.