“Black Ops is shifting as the world is.”Josh slides a hand into his pocket.“You only need to scroll through social media for an hour to see that.”
“Yeah, I’m aware.”
“Well.”He glances at Aidan momentarily.“There’s some interesting things crossing my desk right now.”
Waiting for more information, I stay quiet, but he doesn’t expand on his comment.
“We don’t want to lose you.I just can’t spell it out tonight,” Josh clarifies.
I know the drill.
Classified operations aren’t beach party conversation, nor can they be discussed with anyone who doesn’t have clearance.In or outside government.
Josh and Aidan are given access when contracted by the military, or whoever hires them, which then extends to the team they put together.But it’s on an as-is-required basis.
“Okay.So where does that leave this conversation?”
Josh studies me for a minute, glances at Aidan again, who I see nod out the corner of my eye.“We can offer you some operational work if the skill set you possess is required.I’m not putting you anywhere you could get killed or risk the lives of others.”
I sip my drink, nodding.“Fair.”
“It may mean getting you up in a Blackhawk,”
Yes!That’s the shit I’m missing.
“I’m there in a heartbeat.”I grin, feeling the excitement thrumming through my veins at the thought.
“I get you, man; I miss it, too.”Aidan sighs.It’s no secret the US Marine is eager to get back into the action, but Josh keeps reminding him he has two little babies who need their father.I suspect Briar would be a mess if he started working in the black ops part of the business again.
Josh glances up the beach to where Cassy is dancing.
“I do, and I don’t.Leaving the house each day knowing I have an almost one hundred percent chance of returning to my wife is something I don’t take for granted.”
My gaze drifts to Jessie and I wonder who she will marry.The thought tightens my chest and has me questioning everything.
Noah spins her around I know it won’t be long.She’s funny, gorgeous, a little vulnerable, and that’s a seductive and toxic mix for men like us.
Turning back to Josh, I look him dead in the eye.“You’ve done your time, man.You deserve the peace.”
“Perhaps.Side note, how’s Jayden’s job working out for him?”Josh tilts his head.“I want him at BHS.”
I shake my head.“I dunno.He seems to like the fucking sales job.I’ve been trying.”
“Can’t think of anything more boring.”Aidan shakes his head too.“Is that his sister with you tonight?”
“Yup.”I empty my bottle and stifle a growl as Noah and Jessie fall to the sand together.
Is she fucking kidding me right now?
They both lie there laughing as Grohl bangs out another hit.Noah leans up on one elbow—
Oh, fuck no.
My body turns.
I know that fucking move.Classic, wait for the girl to get drunk, drop her in the sand and kiss her.
“Fuck.”I drop my bottle and storm up the beach, ignoring Aidan’sdon’t break any bones, for gods sakes,and reach them just as Noah’s mouth meets Jessie’s.
