“I can’t wait to see you.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing you. It will be great.”
They spoke for a few more minutes, then Griz said he had to get ready for work. She said goodbye, already missing him.
After the call ended, she realized the sun was rising, and she could see deeper into the forest. It was time to get a dog. A dog would know if someone was in the woods. When she went to San Diego, she would talk to Thario about dogs. She would need a dog who would be good hanging out here with her but one that wouldn’t hurt her guests.
Her life was changing, and it was all for the better. With Griz in her life and a dog, she would feel safe. Whatever that guy had intended to do, they’d stopped him. He would never hurt anyone else again. She would make sure of it.
Chapter 39
Griz didn’t thinkhe could hold it together until Elowen arrived. Every chance he got, he checked his phone to see where she was. She had another hour, and then she would be at his place. They were getting together with the group on Saturday evening before she took off on Sunday morning.
Elowen wanted to talk to Thario, so they were headed over there on Saturday morning. He was ever thankful for Thario. The man had saved them when he’d rescued Elowen. He’d held the gun on Jenkins, keeping him from attacking Griz as he’d focused on Elowen.
The seconds dripped out slowly like they were caught in a sieve. They finished with their run, and he showered and then pulled on his clothes.
“You’re in a rush,” Sharp said as he pulled on his underwear.
“Elowen will be at my place soon.”
Apple laughed behind him. “That’s why you’ve been so antsy this afternoon.”
He smiled. “Yeah, she’ll be here soon, and I get to spend the weekend with her.”
“That’s not a lot of time,” Shine said as he came out of the showers.
“No, it’s not. But she’ll be back in a few weeks. This will probably be the most time we spend apart.”
“I’m going to miss you when you retire,” Squat said.
“I’ll miss all of you, too,” Griz said.
Jay’s laughter boomed behind him. “No, you won’t. You’ll be freaking happy to be rid of us.”
He rolled his eyes. “I’ll be happy to be done with the Navy, but I’ll always miss you all.”
Sharp patted him on his shoulder. “Enjoy your time with Elowen.”
“You know I will. I’ll see you all in the morning.”
He took off, not speeding as he drove, though he really wanted to get home fast. He pulled up, and she wasn’t there yet, so he rushed in and made sure everything was picked up.
The place looked great since he’d cleaned the night before. Now, all that he needed was Elowen there.
He heard a car pull up, and he raced to the door and pulled it open. She looked so pretty that his heart almost cracked. The relief he felt mixed with the love he had for her, bringing tears to his eyes. He had to gasp for breath as he stepped outside, making his way to her. Then she was in his arms, hugging him. Tears ran down his cheeks, and he didn’t even try to wipe them away. He didn’t care if anyone saw him this way. He loved Elowen, and he wanted everyone to know.
Elowen sniffled. “God, it feels so good to be in your arms.”
He rubbed his face against the top of her head. “I missed you.”
Elowen laughed and leaned back, tears shining in her eyes. “Do you think our reunions will always be this emotional?”
He laughed, too. “We did just see each other, but yeah, I think we will be this emotional for a while.” His lips found hers in a passionate kiss that he knew they needed to take inside.
Though he didn’t want to, he pulled away and grabbed her bag. He led her into his house and closed, then locked the door before he turned to face her. He didn’t want to push her too fast, so he’d prepared himself not to have sex with her this weekend.
“So I have steaks for grilling. I thought we could watch a movie tonight.”
