Whiskey Tribute: A Trident Security Series Novella - Book 5.5 by Samantha A. Cole Read Free Book Online Page B

to go for every holiday. A woman who worried if I was
eating right, or booked a flight for my best friend to fly to Daytona when she
heard I crashed my bike and was in the hospital.” That had happened a few years
ago and that’s exactly what Dana had done while Eric had been on the phone with
Curt’s brother trying to get updates. Curt had broken a few ribs and his arm,
along with having a major concussion for which they’d put him in a medically
induced coma, but thankfully, he’d completely recovered. He’d awoken four days
later, when they’d eased him off the meds keeping him asleep, to find Eric
sitting in a chair, anxious to make sure he was all right.
    “Look. I know this is difficult territory for us…I’m sure
you’re worried about the kids and what would happen if things didn’t work out…but,
sweetheart, I can’t help but think this is the start of something beautiful
between us. Something that was meant to be. Not years ago…but now. Just promise
me you’ll think about it. I won’t bring it up again until I come back up in two
weeks. Then, if you want to leave it as friends, I’ll abide by your wishes. But
just know you’re special to me, more now than ever, and I’ve never wanted
another woman the way I want you.” Yeah, that was dirty pool, attaching that on
at the end, but he hoped it would lead her to start having dreams of the two of
them together. Why should he be the only one taking cold showers like the one
he needed right now?
    Dana remained quiet for a few moments, clearly pondering all
he’d said. The silence didn’t bother him, instead, he found it comforting. He
continued to swing the seat, content to just sit there beside her. He wasn’t
sure how much time passed before she shifted a little closer to him. Letting go
of her hand, he put his arm around her and tucked her into his side.
    “I promise I’ll think about it…about us.”
    She paused and he thought she wasn’t going to say anything
more, but then, with a sharp intake of breath, she rested her head on his
shoulder. “I meant to tell you, it looks like I’ll be going back to teaching
next school year.”
    He smiled. This was familiar ground they’d stepped back
on—chatting about everyday things. “Really? Wow, that’s great.”
    She’d been working as a high school math teacher when she’d
met Eric all those years ago. After they’d married and Ryan had arrived,
followed by Taylor, she’d become a stay-at-home mom until the kids were old
enough to go to school. Her tutoring a few students after school had
supplemented Eric’s military pay. But then Justin and Amanda had followed, and
they’d all moved to Iowa when Eric retired from the SEALs. He’d put his combat
experience to good use, working for a company that trained men and women to be
bodyguards. Not the Hollywood type of guards, but the ones businessmen needed
when they went to foreign countries where it wasn’t uncommon for Americans to
be kidnapped for ransom. A retired SEAL from Team Two had started the business
about ten years ago in Texas, and Eric had contacted the guy about opening
another training facility about a half hour south of Stormville. The franchise
had been a success and was still operating with a new boss at the helm.
    “Yeah. It’s time. The extra life insurance money Eric took
out won’t last forever, and I need to start working again, if only for my
sanity. One of the teachers is retiring at the end of the year at the high
school, and I applied for the job when I heard about it. They called me
yesterday morning and told me the position was mine if I wanted it. Ryan’s not
thrilled since he’s got one more year before he starts ninth grade, but at
least, he won’t be assigned to any of my classes.”
    Figures. Most kids wouldn’t want their mother teaching in the
same school they attended. “I’m sure he’ll get over it.”
    “Probably.”
    She shivered and he tightened his hold on her. Although the
temperature