Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 74256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
“No, I think I’d prefer eating in.”
I pull up in front of the hotel, flip on my hazard lights, and jump out. When I meet her around at the passenger door, she asks, “What are you doing?”
“Walking you up,” I state, shutting the door and taking her hand.
“It’s not far. I’m sure I can manage,” she quips, her lips curling heavenward.
“You’re more than capable, but there’s no need to go alone if I’m able to be by your side.” I don’t realize how significant and true those words are until I’ve said them.
Faith doesn’t argue. She walks beside me as we make our way through the small lobby of the hotel and to the elevator. We step inside, and within a few moments, are whisked away to the third floor. I don’t release her hand until her room is unlocked and opened.
“What would you like for dinner?”
“Anything,” she replies, turning to face me. “I’m not picky.”
“What don’t you like?”
She seems to take a few seconds to think before she replies, “I’m not a fan of roast beef dishes. You already know I prefer onion rings over french fries, and I don’t like mustard on my hamburgers, but something else I could live without is German chocolate cake. Who wants to ruin chocolate with something as nasty as coconut pecan frosting?”
I lean forward and kiss her forehead. “Thank you. I’ll be back in just a little bit. Lock up behind me,” I state, turning and stepping back into the hallway. When she goes to shut the door, I add, “Oh, and, Faith? I hate mustard on my burger too.” I toss her a smile and wink, then head for the elevator, making sure her door is secured before I step onto the car.
Jumping back in the rental, I make the short drive to the diner and place our order. “Give us ten minutes,” the server says, placing our order with the kitchen.
“I’ll be right back. I’m going to run an errand real fast,” I tell her, making sure to give extra in the tip in case I’m a few minutes later.
“Not a problem, hon,” she replies, already moving on to refill drinks for the customers at the counter.
I slip into the rental and make a quick trip to my barracks. After showing my ID, I park in the nearest lot and run to where my bed is.
“What are you doing back here? I thought you’d be out all night with your girl,” Sanders says as soon as I enter the large room.
“I’m just grabbing a change of clothes,” I tell him. When I decided on today’s activities, I hadn’t anticipated the sand. I should have stopped here and showered first, then went to place our food order. However, since I didn’t think about that until after I paid for our to-go order, I’m lacking on options. Here’s to hoping she’s okay with me using her shower.
I throw an Army T-shirt, pair of athletic shorts, underwear, socks, and deodorant into a pile on my bed and grab my running shoes. Once I have what I need, I glance around the room. Besides Sanders, Howe and Harwood are here, playing a game of cards. “It’s Saturday night. Don’t you ladies have skirts to chase?” I tease.
“My wife doesn’t approve of skirt chasing,” Howe announces with a grin.
I stop and face the other newest member of the team. “You’re married?”
He nods proudly. “Six months. I have my name on the list for married housing and was told it could be any day. There are several opening up. I’m anxious to get her here with me.”
“I bet,” I reply, grabbing all my stuff and heading for the door.
“With that group transferring out, there should be some apartments and small houses available early next week. I’m just waitin’ for the call,” he adds, tossing his cards onto the table as he folds.
I throw a wave over my shoulder and head out. When I reach my rental, I chuck my clothes into the passenger seat and jump behind the wheel. I stop at the security gate and do my thing there before making my way back to the diner to pick up our food. The entire trip only took fifteen minutes, so I’m only a handful of minutes behind to grab the order.
By the time I make it back to her room, I have my arms loaded with my clothes and bags of food, including two slices of homemade pie I bought on a whim before I left the diner. Using the spare key, I let myself into the room and find her standing in the bathroom wearing a tight tank top and tiny little shorts that barely cover her ass. Also known as her pajamas. I remember them vividly from our night together in a hotel room similar to this one over a year ago.