“By causing your own war, killing people.”
“Don’t make judgements on something you don’t know anything about.”He wasn’t going to defend his actions because he didn’t have to.He didn’t regret anything he had done in the name of serving his country.Freedom wasn’t won without spilling blood.
“Sorry, you’re right.”Andrea looked chastened.“So why Navy?”she asked, sounding curious instead of judgmental.
“I looked at the other branches, but I felt a draw to Navy.I don’t know, there was something about the recruiter and the thought of sailing around the world I found appealing.”
“Not like Top Gun and fly jets?”
“I like planes, but I felt more drawn to my career.I still got to fly and see the world.Win-win.”
“That sounds incredible.I bet your family is proud of you.”
Now it was Jack’s turn to be quiet.He didn’t like talking about his family and the military.It was a sore subject.
“Are you finished with your plate?”he asked even as he reached for it.
“I am, thanks,” she responded, looking thoughtful as if she knew he was avoiding the conversation about his family but thankfully wasn’t pressing.
Jack took their dishes to the sink.
“You don’t have to do dishes.”Andrea rushed to his side, trying to pull the plates from his grip.He could have fought her on it, but he released them.“You’re my guest.I’ll take care of that.”
“As you wish,” he whispered, noting how close they were standing to each other.Their arms were practically touching.This close, he could smell a hint of fruit, but there was none near them.Her shampoo perhaps.
Andrea’s gaze fell to his lips then shot back up to his eyes quickly as if afraid to be caught, though she was.She licked her lips, and Jack almost groaned.He wanted nothing more than to kiss those plump lips.To nibble on the bottom one and suck on it.
“Why don’t you have a seat while I clean up?”She shifted her eyes to the seat on the other side of the island, effectively breaking the spell.
“Where did you learn to cook?”
“I taught myself.”
“Don’t most learn from family or something?”
“Not me, I learned to cook at an early age.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.It taught me never to rely on others for anything and how to take care of myself.”
“Just because you can do it yourself doesn’t mean it’s not nice to have someone else take care of you for once.”
She glanced up at him and cocked her head to the side.“Well, it’s a nice fantasy.”
“I can make it a reality.”
“How’s that?”she asked, not sounding impressed.
“Let me make dinner for you some time.”
“Food poisoning or burnt food isn’t my first choice.”
Ouch.“I can cook, thank you, and I haven’t made myself sick with my own cooking yet.Come over for dinner.”
“I’ll think about it.”
It wasn’t an outright no.“When can I see you again?”
