“Whatever you want to tell yourself.” They were both two saps, who would go through any lengths to see their object of affection. Though, Heath was sure Mike’s lady didn’t push him away at every turn.
“What’s this girl’s name anyway?” Mike asked, changing the subject.
Mike’s lady was a true mystery. Anytime Heath asked Mike about her, he changed the subject. He couldn’t be embarrassed about her, so what was his deal? Heath had no problem talking about Olivia.
“Olivia. Kathy, from the diner, said she was working the carnival today, so she’s at one of the booths. I just don’t know which one.”
“Man, you’ve got it bad.” Mike chuckled beside him. “I never thought I’d see the day.”
Heath stopped in his tracks and glared at him. “What are you talking about?”
“You’ve got the hots for this lady.”
“Yeah, so?” He had already admitted that. So what? Where was Mike going with this?
“I’ve known you for over six years, and I’ve never seen you pursue a woman like this.”
It was true, too. He had never tried for so long to get a woman in his bed, but there was something about Olivia that compelled him not to give up. That she was worth the time and patience he was giving, trying to win her over. It did seem out of character for him, since once the hunt was over, he moved on to other prey, but with Olivia, something told him one night wouldn’t be enough. Maybe, even a week. He didn’t understand it fully himself, so he didn’t try reasoning with Mike.
“There’s just something different about her.”
“Uh huh,” Mike said with a twinkle in his eye and a giant smirk.
“Don’t even think it.”
“Think what?” Mike said in mock shock.
“You think I’m falling for this girl, and I’m going to end up a sap, like all the other guys. Well, it’s not happening, so get that thought right out of your head.” He didn’t do permanent, as his life was full of unknowns. Each mission could be his last, and he didn’t want to put a girlfriend or wife through that. Too often, he saw his teammate’s girlfriends get weepy, when they went off. It wouldn’t be fair to a woman to put her through that.
“I’m just pointing out that you’re going through a lot of effort to get this woman in your bed for one night, when there are plenty of other women you won’t have to try so hard with.”
“I don’t want them. I want Olivia.”
“Do you even know why?”
Heath opened his mouth, but no ready reply came out. Again, he hadn’t put much thought into it. He saw Olivia and wanted her, and it wasn’t any different from the hundreds of other women he had seen and took home.
“I’m not judging,” Mike continued. “But there comes a time in all of our lives, that the game gets old, and you want to settle down.”
“Not me,” Heath said quickly, but even he had to admit the game was getting old, finding a new woman all the time. He couldn’t remember half their names or faces anymore. The thought of one woman for the rest of his life sent him into a cold sweat. Nothing in life was ever certain, and he didn’t want a woman waiting for him to come home. To nag him where he was going, or when he would come home. To fuss over him, when he got hurt.
A quick roll in the sheets and leaving without a backward glance was easier, even if lonely. He didn’t have to move any of his things to make room for hers. He didn’t have to worry about getting yelled at for leaving clothes on the floor or leaving the toilet seat up. He could come and go as he pleased.
“Heath, we’re at the town carnival surrounded by screaming kids and families. You have never come to one of these in all the years we’ve been stationed here.”
It was a valid point, but one he wasn’t going to delve into. He had his reasons, and he wasn’t going to share them with Mike. “Just help me find her, and I’ll do the rest.” He said, ignoring his friend’s words of wisdom.
“I’ll help you, but I still think you’re thinking of something more permanent with her.”
“No, I’m not.” Heath growled.
“We’ll see.”
No, they wouldn’t, but Heath wasn’t going to correct him. Heath was a confirmed bachelor and proud of it. If he was the only one in their group, then so be it. Settling down wasn’t for him. He didn’t even own a house, but an apartment. He couldn’t even commit to a house, so there was no way he could commit to a woman for more than a few weeks, before he got bored. Olivia would be no different. She would finally give into him, they would have amazing sex, and then move on.Nothing more.
A voice inside him warned him he was lying, but he ignored it. He didn’t want anything permanent. Never again. He had tried the relationship thing once, and it hadn’t been for him. Nadine, his ex, had been demanding and insecure. Always paranoid he was going out and cheating on her, though he never gave her cause. She was demanding and always arguing with him. He couldn’t take it anymore and finally left. It was only after he left her that he discovered she had been doing drugs, which was causing some of her paranoia. Heath swore off relationships after that. It wasn’t worth the headache.
Heath’s hairs on the back of his neck stood on end in awareness, as his gaze travelled around the pedestrians, walking around him. Carnivals weren’t his normal scene, but this was the lengths he’d go through to see a woman. Not just any woman, but Olivia. He hoped she appreciated it. He didn’t like screaming, demanding kids. He actually didn’t care for kids in general. They whined and complained about everything. If they didn’t get their way, they caused a fit.
