It could definitely be hard settling back into civilian life. And it would be particularly hard for Antwan, who’d lost the woman he loved.
“You think any more about my offer to move here?” Lock asked.
“Actually, I sold most of my stuff and what I packed is basically all I own. So even if I don’t settle here, I’m not going back home.”
Wow. That was huge.
Callie leaned forward and touched Antwan’s hand. “That’s great. Sometimes a new environment is exactly what we need.”
“I’m hoping.”
Over the next half hour, they talked about anything and everything, until Callie went to step away from the table.
Lock grabbed her arm. “Hey, you. Where’re you going?”
“Aspen just got here.”
He looked up to see her friend by the door. “I’ll come with you.”
She rolled her eyes. “We’re a few feet away. You can watch us the entire time without being right there.”
Yeah, but hewantedto be right there. But she might want to talk to her friend without him hovering. “Don’t be gone long.”
“From you? Never.” She kissed him before stepping away, but he kept his eyes on her the entire time.
“I’m glad you two made it work again,” Jesse said once it was just them.
Lock looked back at his friends. “You have no idea. It was hell until she forgave me.”
“You look happy,” Antwan said.
“I am.”
Jesse dipped his head. “Good.”
He looked back at the women to see them deep in conversation. When they finally reached the table, Callie introduced everyone.
“Jesse, Antwan, this is my best friend, Aspen. Aspen, these guys were on Lock’s Ghost Ops team.”
Was it just him, or did Aspen seem a bit paler than usual? Not only that, but her smile wasn’t quite so wide, and there were dark circles under her eyes.
The guys nodded before Jesse stepped away from the table. “I’ll get you a drink.”
Aspen shook her head. “You don’t have to do that.”
“I know. I want to.”
“All right. But I’m coming with you.”
When the two left for the bar, Callie’s frown was deep. She was worried about her friend, probably because she’d seen everything Lock saw. He opened his mouth to ask her about it, but Antwan spoke first.
“You two should be dancing.”
Callie shook her head. “We don’t need to dance.”
“Speak for yourself.” Lock pulled her closer. “I’d love to dance.” Then, as if to prove his point, he nuzzled her neck, getting a soft laugh in response.
“Go,” Antwan said. “Before you make me sick.”
