“He makes a good point, Thane—getting the logistics right means knowing how things really go in the field.”
“He’s been in the field. He’s not going back there.”
“Thane,” DB says, squaring up on me. “You have to let him do this.”
“Are you saying that as my commanding officer or as my friend?”
“Whichever gets you there faster. It’s happening, and you have to deal with it.”
I swallow the frustration, nowhere near done with this.
“Fine. I’ll make it work.”
DB narrows his eyes. “Make sure that you do.”
I’m still processing my conversation with Hedy, but there’s no way in hell I’m letting that man join us in the field. Right now, I’m going to the gym to work this shit out in my corner, but that man is getting a visit from me tomorrow.
7
Ronan
Thane ignored me through the entire meeting, which only fueled my sex dreams last night. I wasn’t that surprised when the team unanimously decided to give Abigail a provisional spot on the team. At least something good will come of this op. Parker looked thrilled.
Speaking of which, I've been up all of twelve minutes and I already have a text from her.
Parker:Want to ogle the new baristas with me this morning?
She’s been trying to get me out of this apartment since I got here. I haven’t even so much as taken a walk down the block. I haven’t gone downtown, taken advantage of the hike-and-bike trail around Lady Bird Lake, or even explored this building beyond finding the most direct route home.
Ugh. Calling it home makes all of this feel so…permanent.
Parker:I know this sounds like a request, what with me stating it in the form of a question and all. It’s not. Wash your ass, put some clothes on, and meet me down here, or I’ll call your brother.
Ronan:Ouch. Why you gotta bring out the big guns?
Parker:Because we are done with the “my life is shit and everything is different and I’m sad” part of the program. It’s time to rejoin society.
Parker:C’mon. There’s coffee and hot baristas out here.
Ronan:I thought Omar said that you weren't allowed to flirt with the coffee people. He said it was ruining his caffeine addiction.
Parker:What he doesn't know can't hurt him. Now wash your ass and get down here.
Ronan:Fine. And not that it’s any of your business, but my ass is freshly washed, thankyouverymuch.
At her insistence, I give her my coffee order. Fifteen minutes later I walk in the door, and she's waiting by the order pick-up area, leaning across the counter, touching the muscular forearm of the very handsome, very butch-looking barista.
"Sweetheart!” I exclaim, running up to her with a big smile on my face. “Thanks for getting my coffee! You left the bed so early this morning; you know how I hate waking up alone."
I add a little pout as I give her a big, wet kiss on the cheek.
The barista in question pushes the coffees across the bar and backs away, narrowing her eyes at Parker. She spins on me, punching my arm.
Side note:ouch.
Dragging me over to a booth that overlooks Lady Bird Lake, she quietly yells at me through gritted teeth. “I’ve been working on her for a week! What the fuck were you thinking? Also, I like your glasses."
“Thanks,” I say, adjusting my frames. It was too damn early for contacts. “And you’re the one who invited me to coffee. Also, Omar texted me.”
