Warrior on Base (Hearts on Base)

Chapter 1

ONE

Grant

People scatter as I make my way down the hallway toward the medical office. I wonder briefly if it’s my expression or the scars running down my neck that have people rushing to get out of my way.

I don’t want to be here. Not in Colorado, not in this medical building, not on medical leave.

I miss my troop, my friends, the action.

All of that was taken from me when I got shot and blown up on my last deployment, and now I’m riding the bench.

At least until I can get cleared to go back to active duty.

I’m supposed to be receiving treatment and recovering while I’m here in Colorado. The doctors tell me I should be grateful I’m alive, but all I feel is restless, angry, and empty.

I’ve always been driven, and for my whole life, my goal has been to serve my country and keep my military brothers safe. I was succeeding at that goal until the attack happened. Now I’m stuck here. Feeling useless.

I head into the medical clinic and stand in line. I scan the waiting area, checking the exits and noting anything that can be used as a weapon. It’s a force of habit now.

I glance behind the counter, and that’s when I see her.

“Fucking hell,” I bark.

All eyes turn to look at me, but I can’t pull my gaze away from the curvy little bombshell behind the counter.

She blinks, her blue eyes locked on me. She looks startled and glances around. I’m sure she’s trying to figure out what caused my outburst. When she can’t see anything out of the ordinary, she goes back to work.

I watch as she helps the other people in line. She smiles at them, always so sweet, so kind to everyone. She’s patient and pure sunshine. When she turns to grab some papers, my eyes devour the curve of her ass. I barely manage to hold back a moan as I take her in.

I shuffle up in line and listen in as she helps the person in front of me.

Her voice is so sweet and melodic. I could listen to her talk all day.

Usually, I enjoy the silence, but not now.

Now I want to know every thought that pops into my girl’s head.

I want her to tell me all her hopes and dreams, and I want to make sure she gets them all.

The person in front of me finishes, and it’s my turn. My girl smiles at me, and for the first time in weeks, I feel something other than anger. She makes me feel alive.

She hasn’t even said one word to me, and she already has me wrapped around her finger. I never believed in love at first sight before, but now I do. I know that this girl is it for me. She’s meant to be mine.

“How can I help you?” she asks as I step up to the counter.

“Name,” I grunt.

“What?” She blinks up at me.

Fuck, I need to get better at talking. Grunting isn’t going to cut it with my girl.

“What’s your name?” I try again.

“Oh, I’m Rowan. Now, how can I help you?”

“I have an appointment.”

“Name?” she asks.

“Grant Bennett.”

“Okay, I’ve got you here, Mr. Bennett. Let me get you checked in.”

She types away on her computer, then stands to grab papers. “Fill these out, and we’ll call you in a few minutes.”

“Have you worked here long?” I ask, leaning on the counter.

“Uh,” Rowan glances at me, then at the line behind me. “Yeah, two years now.”

I want to talk to her more, but it’s clear she’s busy and has to get back to work. I glance at the clock and see that it’s almost closing time for the clinic. If I can hurry through my appointment, I should be back out before Rowan leaves. Maybe I can walk her to her car and talk to her some more.

I take a seat, fill out the forms, and spend a few moments watching Rowan as she works. When my name is called, I head back, anxious to get this over with.

For the first time in weeks, I have a new mission.

Get as close to my girl as I can, make her mine, and never let her go.