CHAPTER 3
EVERY MUSCLE IN Kurt’s body tensed as he prepared for Caitlyn’s reaction.
“Oh, shit,” she blurted at the sight of his prosthetics.
He dropped his pant legs. “I was one of the lucky ones.” The shock and pity and sorrow in her eyes wouldn’t gut him if she were anyone else.
Her lips pursed. She took a deep, shaky breath, squared her shoulders, and gave him a slowonce-over that might have heated his blood under other circumstances. Setting her hands on her hips, she said, “Seems like you’re taking this wholeMan of Steelething a bit far.”
He blinked.
Then he laughed as a relieved breath tumbled out of him at her use of the nickname that wouldn’t die. “Yeah, I guess so. Though technically, it’s titanium and aluminum…”
Holy hell, she was perfect. Notears, no apologies, no angry tirades about the unfairness of the world, no questions about why he bothered to get out of bed in the morning. Just humor. Just his old friend who still understood exactly what he needed.
Except he had to check the impulse to kiss her right now. Though, really, that wasn’t anewproblem.
Her emerald eyes—yes, emerald, goddammit, green as the pendant his motherhad worn every day—met his, and his stomach bottomed out. Twelve years since he’d last seen her, and she was even more beautiful than he remembered. Freckles still spattered every inch of skin bared by her V-neck T-shirt, and her auburn hair was pulled into a twist, the way she’d worn it in the Air Force. She still wore confidence as a second skin too.
She bit her lower lip and his mind tookoff into dangerous territory. “So you think you can’t do the job because of this,” she said, her voice flat as she gestured to his legs.
Her words slammed him back to reality with a sickening thud. “Yes.” Jesus, no need to belabor the point.
“But you’re running a business, so your brain’s okay, right?” she asked. “No TBI?” Traumatic brain injury was common among vets, especially those who’dsuffered catastrophic injuries. Her concern had merit.
“No. I got lucky there. There was no explosion, and my helmet did its job.”
She grimaced and gave a sharp nod. “How’s your aim?”
“Probably still not as good as yours, but I do all right.” In their Air Force days, she’d been the best shot in the maintenance squadron, and probably the best on base. More than a few of her ex-boyfriend Aaron’sSecurity Forces buddies had lost their dignity by betting against her at the range.
“Great. I don’t expect any trouble, but just in case…”
An exasperated grunt escaped him. “You don’t get it. Unlike many amputees—even some of the older veterans—I’m lucky enough that Uncle Sam gives me the most advanced prosthetics money can buy. I’m highly functional. But I don’t have the tactical mobility tobe effective in the face of a threat.”
“I’m not hiring you for security. But if I were, it would be for your strategic mind. Your ability to create a plan and anticipate problems. That’s your real strength.” She waved her hand down his body like one of those game show models onThe Price is Right, an appreciative expression on her face that made his skin tingle. “I mean, you’re obviously strong…”
Her green eyes met his and he could almost imagine he saw desire there. Could almost imagine leaning in, pressing her to the wall, and— He gave himself a mental head shake. She’d made his “friend status” clear a long time ago in the worst possible way.
But he couldn’t pull his gaze away from her mouth, from the little freckle that perched on the line at the edge of her upper lip.
Jesus. Thiswas such a bad idea. He’d totally lied. He’d have zero trouble pretending to be the besotted fiancé. But playing the role, knowing she didn’t reciprocate, would be pure hell.
And yet, how could he say no? He’d never been able to walk away from a friend in need. If she was just doing this to fend off an overzealous admirer, he’d tell her to shove it. But, one, this guy Glenn sounded more likepotential stalker material, and two, her cause was just. If helping her meant saving innocent lives, not to mention her sister… What choice did he have?
Fuuuck. “If I’m going to agree to this, we need to set some ground rules. The first being that you find yourself a new fake boyfriend once the party is over.”
Caitlyn looked as if she’d eaten something bitter. “Fair enough.”
“But before that,I think we need to clear the air.”
“Unfortunately, I’m tied up all afternoon. Can you be back here at five?” Kurt asked, his expression making it clear thatneverwould be preferable.
“Of course. I know I sprang this on you, but I’m flying home in the morning, so I’ll be as flexible as you need.”
Caitlyn killed the time with a six-mile run around the Mall and monuments that did nothing tocalm her nerves, a late lunch at a deli in Arlington, and a short, fitful nap in her hotel room before returning to Steele’s offices.
“Hi,” Tara Fujimoto said with a smile from behind the massive reception desk when Caitlyn entered. “I’ll let Kurt know you’re here.”
