CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
“Wow, that weather is something else, isn’t it?” said the woman, taking the stool beside him.
“Yes, ma’am. It’s definitely winter,” smiled the handsome soldier.
“What can I get you?” asked the bartender.
“Vodka on the rocks and a menu, please.” He nodded and stepped away as the young man sipped his iced tea. “No alcohol?”
“I’m in uniform, ma’am.”
“Ma’am,” she laughed. “You’re giving my ego a hit.”
“Sorry. It’s something we automatically do,” he smirked. He took a bite of his burger, and she just smiled at him as the bartender left her drink.
“I’ll have your soup of the day and a side salad,” she smiled.
She stared at herself in the mirror behind the bar. She would need to get into her favorite injector this week and get a touch up for her wrinkles around the eyes and forehead. She could use a little filler around her mouth as well. Keeping up with youth was exhausting.
Turning her attention to the young man beside her, she needed to kick it up a notch. Casually, she unbuttoned the top button of her blouse, hoping it would turn his head.
“So, you must live in this area,” she said, smiling at him.
“Not really. I’m here for a short time,” he said, staring at her. She watched as his eyes lowered to her cleavage, and she smiled. “Sorry, ma’am, but it appears your button has come undone.”
“Oh,” she said, blushing as he looked away. “Of course. Sorry.”
Is this guy made of stone? What the hell? Shit. Maybe he’s gay.
“I was only asking about your living here because I’m new to the area. I’m hoping to get a tour from someone who knows the city so I can become more familiar with everything. I’ll be working with the Department of Agriculture.”
“I can give you the name of a few good tour companies. They’ll really do a great job and let you know the safe areas and the not so safe.”
She shook her head, laughing at him.
“Is that funny?” he asked.
“I’m sorry, I just must be doing this all wrong. My name is Irena, and I’m trying desperately to flirt with you, but it’s obviously not working. I’m sorry if I wasted your time.” She started to move, and the young man gripped her arm.
“I’m not stupid, ma’am. I know that you were flirting, but I’m a cautious man. No offense, but I feel like you might be a few years older than I am.” Irena wanted to slap him across the face, but instead, she only smiled, nodding.
“I’m sure that I am,” she said, hoping her expression wasn’t one of disdain. “I wasn’t looking for marriage. Just a friend. A male friend.”
“Well, in that case,” he said, dropping some cash for his meal. “This is my phone number. Send me a text later this week, and we can try to meet up. Maybe have coffee, and I’ll show you around the city.”
“I’d like that,” she said, taking the napkin. She smiled as he walked away, realizing that she was one step closer to being able to leave her sister.
“Can I get you anything else?” asked the bartender.
“You know what, yes. I think I deserve a glass of champagne.”
He shook his head as he walked toward his vehicle. Women were a puzzle to him. They saw the uniform and usually decided that either he was desperate for sex or that he was a fast catch. Unfortunately, he was neither.
Working late at his new duty station, he drove back toward the Pentagon, finding his usual parking spot. It was still bitterly cold outside, but at least the snow had stopped. Once back inside, he sat down at his computer and logged in again.
There were a few urgent e-mail requests, which he took care of, and then an e-mail from a new friend. He smiled, opening the e-mail, and then seeing the attachment, he froze.
“Shit,” he muttered. He dialed the number and waited, hoping it wasn’t too late.
“ Hello?”
“Sir, it’s Sgt. Leo Hunt.”
“ Hunt! It’s great to hear from you.”
“Sir, I’m not sure it will be great.”