Smith took one last look at the envelope and its contents spread over the bed. Then he turned and walked away, leaving the past in the past.
Erin, laughing with the others, saw him return and crossed to kiss him. “Everything okay?”
“Everything’s perfect, Cupcake. Because I’m finally looking at my future.”
Before he could kiss her again, Cash caught him in a headlock, and the guys piled on.
Erin held up a cup with a smile, and the ladies followed suit while the men wrestled and laughed. “To family.”
“To family,” they said as one.
And Smith had never felt so free.
Thankyou for reading the conclusion of the Veteran Movers series! If you haven’t read from the beginning, start with Reid and Naomi’s story inThe Whole Package. Keep reading for an excerpt.
“Just get in.” When she didn’t, Reid glowered. “I can wait all night.”
Naomi stared back at him, a little alarmed when he closed the distance between them.
Then he shocked her by pressing her up against the car, full-body contact. The heat of him singed her. Suddenly, instead of feeling annoyed or scared, she wanted him in the worst way.Whoa, momma.
Reid ran a finger down her cheek. “I’m not letting you drive home.”
His implacable resolve surprised her. “Seriously, Reid. I’m a big girl. I know how to get home without getting mugged.”
He didn’t move, and she didn’t want to think about him pressed sofirmlyagainst her.
She didn’t see herself winning this battle, and though it was ridiculous to think she needed rescuing from herself, she had to admit it felt nice to have someone looking out for her. “If you really need to drive me home, go for it. But you’re going to feel stupid tomorrow when all that testosterone in your system wears off.” She added in a lower voice, “Won’t let me go. Please.”
“I’d rather feel stupid than regret not helping you out.” He moved back to unlock the car and opened the door for her, then waited for her to settle in. After joining her, he followed her directions home.
Naomi could have been angry about it, but his need to protect softened something inside her. Something she’d need to firm up before dealing with the man again. Reid sat far too close. She could smell alcohol and the faint scent of cologne on him, and it went straight to her head. Hell, maybe she was a little loopy. She really needed to get something to eat.
They arrived at her home in Greenwood, a cute little bungalow she’d refused to sell, even after losing her job with PP&R. She’d worked so hard for her home and had finally gotten the house exactly as she’d wanted it
“You okay?” Reid asked as he parked.
“Yes, fine. You’ve done your duty. Go home.”
“Keys.”
Her purse was in his hands before she could grab it back.
“Damn it!”
He had her keys out and had already left the vehicle when she’d thrown open her door, only to have him help her out and up the sidewalk. A domineering yet polite gentleman.
He nodded at the house. “Nice place.”
“Thanks,” she said, grudgingly, loving the homey two-bedroom Craftsman. Dark purple with white trim and a tidy little porch, the house had plenty of room for her and Rex, should he deign to come home. Probably out catting around like half the men in this town, she thought…cattily.
She snorted. “I suppose you want to come in.”
“Just to make sure you’re okay.”
She rolled her eyes at him, but he ignored her. She heard his car beep, locked up tight, and she glared at him. If he had any intention of staying, she’d disabuse him of that notion right away. She watched him unlock the front door then step back to hold it open for her.
Since Rex didn’t greet her right away, she figured he was probably touring the neighborhood. With a little huff, she took the keys from Reid and walked inside. He closed the door behind them while she flicked on a light.
