Carter, one of Liam’s teammates, and a doctor had referred them to a medical center that was only an hour from his base.Liam had made arrangements for her to move into a house a town away from his base so he could make frequent visits.
Fort Irwin and the surrounding towns didn’t have a lot of amenities, but she had grown to like the area.There she could have access to everything she ever wanted.
It had been a wise choice to move from North Carolina.Too many painful memories.First, people blamed her for killing her friend.Those she thought were friends turned away.Then her parents died.Everything about North Carolina became a painful memory.
California hadn’t been great at first.Liam was always busy with training and missions.She was just as alone there as she had been in North Carolina.She was angry at him for a while for making her move for no reason, then he’d kept her a secret from his friends.Like she was something to be ashamed of.
Cora helped ease that pain and pushed her to regain her life instead of just lying in bed feeling sorry for herself.
“So why stay and do PT here instead of going back?”
“I’m sure it’s the same reason you didn’t go back to the ranch after your accident.I enjoyed my independence and wanted to retain that.”The last of the dishes were cleaned and put away.Rob was stowing the drying cloth, and June took a moment to rinse off her hands.“I love my bother, but he is overbearing and protective.On my own, I don’t answer to anyone.I can be my own person.”
Rob came back to stand near her, propping one hip against the counter with his arms folded over his chest.“And you think if went back to California, you’d lose that independence.Why not move back but live in a different part of the state?”
“If I didn’t know better, Rob, I’d say you’re trying to get me to move away.”He seemed to be pushing this California versus Vegas living.
“No,” he quickly denied, uncrossing his arms and standing up to his full height.“I’m just trying to figure you out.I’m usually good at reading people, but with you, I can’t.I’m sorry if it seems like I’m interrogating you.”
“And you can’t with me?”What was different about her?
“No,” he replied, looking frustrated about that, which only made her smirk.
“If I said I’m sorry, I’d be lying.I don’t like the thought of being an open book to anyone that knows how to read body language.”For her, it was nice having that privacy.For Rob chasing down bad guys, that was another story.
“Most don’t, but it’s a skill set that has saved lives many times.So, are you going to appease my curiosity?”He broadened his smile, looking at her pleadingly, which made her burst out in laughter.It was too cute.
“It’s not something I’ve ever thought about.I like it here.Maybe one day, I’ll move back, but it’s not something I’m ready for.I have great friends here, a career I love, a workplace I enjoy.There’s not a reason for me to leave.Why do you live here instead of wherever your sister or your grandparents are?”
That wall came up again.As much as Rob hated he couldn’t read her, she just as much loathed when he clammed up when she asked him anything too personal.Yet he expected answers from her.
Well, he was going to be sorely disappointed when there were certain things about her life she could not and would not share.
“Like you, I enjoy it here.I came here to recover and found I liked the area, and I met a group of guys like myself.Injured in the service and now civilians.We bonded and all stayed here.”
“That’s nice you found a new band of brothers.”June glanced down at the clock, shocked at how late it was getting.“Well, I should get going.I have to be up pretty early, and I’m sure you have a full day tomorrow as well.”June pushed off the sink and headed into the living room where her bag was on the floor near the front door.
“June,” he called after her.
June turned with the door open.Rob had followed but stopped in the middle of the living room.“Yes?”She didn’t know what she expected him to say.Stay.I enjoy your company so much that I want to date you.Can I steal a kiss?
“Are there any foods you don’t like?So, I can be prepared for Thursday.”
“Oh.”June felt deflated but kept up the happy appearance.“I’m not picky.Remember, my mom couldn’t cook.I’ll bring Thursday, so don’t worry about it.”
“Okay, I’ll see you Thursday.”
June felt giddy as she left.She couldn’t wait for Thursday.
Chapter 14
“So how are the lessons going?”Karla asked.It was Wednesday night, and June had the girls on a conference call.
Fine.”June had been working with Rob for two weeks now.She definitely felt more confident she could protect herself better.
“Just fine?”Sue asked, sounding just as disappointed as June felt.
June flopped back on her bed staring up at her ceiling.“The lessons are going well.”
