Now Tucker was the one blushing. “Nikki and I met overseas. She flew helos out of Bagram. One day there she was; I took one look at her in the mess hall—and I knew. She was sitting with a group of pilots and crew. She had no clue who I was. Ask Pete—I was a lovesick fool, but I waited for my moment. One night she dropped Pete and me onto some frozen mountain to help a SEAL who took a bullet protecting an Afghani child. Turns out, it was Kieran. One round hit him in the belly. We jumped in; no landing possible. Nothing like two days freezing your man parts off, taking enemy fire, and carrying a critically ill soldier to make you realize what you want. We made it to our evacuation zone, and Nikki flew us out.
"After we got back to base, I pursued her.” Tuck’s eyes brightened. “Problem was—she was an officer, and I was enlisted. No fraternization is allowed. I spent a month breaking the rules and wearing her down. Sitting at the same table for meals. Somehow jogging at the same time she did. Bumping into her walking back to her quarters from the showers. Totally a stalker.” Tucker smiled, and Cassie giggled.
“I left her sappy love notes. One night, I stole a kiss. That was it. That kiss was perfect. We were standing by the latrine dump. Who needs the beautiful scent of flower shampoo when you have the results of the military’s unhealthy diet?”
Cassie was rolling with laughter at Tucker’s expression.
“I rotated home first. Nine months later, she followed. I was in school in Texas, while home for her was in Maryland. We kept up a long-distance thing—a stolen weekend here and there. The first time we were together without rules was terrific. Leaving her behind was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
"When I graduated, Kieran called with a quick gig and said there might be more. I was assigned to you the day of your second surgery. I have to tell you, darlin’, Ian should pay you. You put all of us through our paces.
“Nikki was already working for Children’s National as a pilot. Once I transplanted here, it was a done deal. We married three months later, and she’s expecting our first.”
Cassie’s eyes fogged hearing his story.
“Ah, darlin’, I didn’t mean to upset you.”
Cassie smiled. “Tuck, please. You didn’t say anything wrong. I was thinking about how brave you were to just trust that feeling. That’s what upsets me. I’m scared to trust my instincts.”
“It isn’t bravery. Instinct is what makes us human. It gets hard when your instincts tell you one thing, and hoping things are different makes you go against what’s natural. If, on the other hand, it tells you something wonderful can happen… well, that’s the best. I don't think we’re talking about me any longer. Are we talking about Ian?”
Cassie’s cheeks turned pink. “Uh-huh.”
“Listen to me, if there is someone you can trust, it’s Ian. All that gossip is BS, but I think you know that. And don’t worry about Kieran—he wants the best for you too.” Tucker checked his watch. “Hmm, I am under orders from Monique to bring your butt up to the main house to get you date-ready.”
Cassie shrieked like a little girl. “I’m building you quite a résumé. Glitter and now dating help. If you have a daughter, you’ll be great.”
“If I have a daughter, she’s going under Chase Security protection at birth.” They laughed together.
Cassie insisted on walking. Halfway up, she noticed Martin leaning against the fence watching her. “Why is Martin playing a scarecrow?”
Tucker pointed at him, followed by a signal to come closer. Martin smiled and walked over. “Cassie wants to know why you’re playing a scarecrow.”
“Just thinking how terrific you look, Gator.”
Tucker placed a supportive hand on Cassie’s back, noticing she had started to tire. She walked a few more steps, breathing heavily. “And I’m your new charge?”
“Caught. Yes, you are,” Martin said.
Her brow furrowed until Tucker stepped in. “Cassie, Ian isn’t giving up on you. He wants to be your boyfriend. Martin is in charge of your safety.”
Ten feet from the house, she stopped again and grabbed Tucker’s forearm. “Don’t tell me I told you so.” She bent over, placing her hands on her thighs and sucking in deep breaths of air.
“Ian and Dr. Montgomery warned me you were stubborn.” Cassie felt a strong arm behind her knees and another across her back. “Where to?” Martin lifted her and headed into the house. “Can’t screw up on my first day.”
* * *
Monique and Sophie waited to surprise her. After a luxurious shower, Cassie sat at Monique’s dressing table. Monique started her makeup while Sophie worked on her hair. They chatted about Martin, and Cassie was horrified to hear all the details of his injuries. She asked Monique if he was seeing someone. She thought he would be perfect for Sophie. “Soph, he’s adorable.” Sophie blushed. Changing the subject, they giggled at the latest gossip in the news.
Cassie tilted her head and asked, “You don’t have to answer, but how did you decide, um, when to…um….”
“Get laid?” Sophie asked. Cassie’s cheeks flamed crimson.
Monique stopped applying the eyeliner and sat next to her. “I like your style, Sophie Garland. We will fix you up with Martin yet. Well, doll, some people just do it to get it over with. I’d never recommend that. You deserve the whole package.” Monique’s French accent seemed to make her words bawdier. Cassie’s cheeks turned pink again.
Sophie shook with laughter. “Cass, I don’t think Monique quite meantthatpackage. Though, when the time comes, that matters too.”
“My first was a photographer. I was seventeen, and Paulo was fifteen years older. It was wonderful. We were artists, don’t you know? He was a very attentive lover, made me feel good and taught me a lot. We lived together for two years. When I wanted marriage, he didn’t, so we parted ways. I still see him at a shoot now and then. When we were together, he was invested in how I felt—my needs. He taught me what he liked, to ask him what he needed and tell him what I needed. That matters—you need to find your sexual voice. Twelve years and a few partners later—some good, some not so much—I met Kieran, him and his alpha male behavior.
