by Elle James
As they waited, soldiers searched the vehicles one by one, top to bottom and even had a military working dog walk the line, sniffing for bombs.
As the vehicles were cleared, they were allowed to enter the gate.
By the time the soldiers and the dog made it to Sunny’s coach, it was late afternoon. After the inspection, Paul drove through the gate and followed the military police who led them to a location where the other vehicles were parked.
Already, roadies were unpacking the equipment and portable stage, quickly erecting everything they’d need to put on a show for the troops.
Rucker, Lance, Tank and Blade hurried over to Sunny’s coach as Dash dropped to the ground and turned to help Sunny out.
“Is there anything the team can do to help?” Rucker asked.
“Talk to the roadies,” Sunny said. “We’re running a little behind, so they might be able to use a few extra hands to speed up the process.”
More soldiers appeared from the FOB. Together, they helped the roadies unload the trucks and vans and set up the stage.
For the first few minutes, Sunny and Dash watched. He didn’t like standing by while others worked hard, but he refused to leave the singer’s side.
After ten minutes had passed, and the stage build was underway, Dash whispered into Sunny’s ear. “Get your walking shoes on.”
She nodded and climbed into her coach.
Dash waited outside, counting the seconds until she reappeared.
Rucker hurried by him carrying his bulletproof vest and helmet.
“Hey,” Dash stepped in front of him. “Mind if I borrow those?”
Rucker frowned. “Sure. Why?”
“I’m taking Sunny for a walk. I promised her I’d get her a helmet and a bulletproof vest.”
“Perfect. It’ll save me ditching them in our vehicle.” He handed the items over to Dash. “Do you need some of us to come along to escort Miss. Day?”
Dash’s brow furrowed. “I’ll be with her every step of the way. I think we’ll be okay inside the wire.”
“She was inside the wire of the last FOB when she was kidnapped. What makes you think there won’t be another attempt here?”
“I’ll be on the alert. There’s still plenty of daylight, and I’ll see them coming,” Dash argued. “If you recall, she was kidnapped at night while out by herself.”
“True.” Rucker glanced toward the three bodyguards standing by the vehicle. “Are you taking them?”
Dash frowned. “I hadn’t planned on it.”
“They’re being paid to provide her protection.”
“I’ll protect her,” Dash insisted.
“Miss Daye will have to relieve them of their duties. It isn’t your call,” Rucker pointed out.
Dash sighed. “You’re right. That being true, I’m certain I don’t want them and our whole team following behind us.”
Rucker’s brow twisted. “You like her, don’t you?”
He sure as hell did. Dash shrugged as casually as he could. “What’s not to like?”
“You know she’s a celebrity, and you’re in the Army.”
“No,” Dash’s lips pressed together. “I didn’t know that.”
“I’m just saying, she might be a little out of our league.”
Dash frowned. “Our league? You’re not interested in her too, are you?”
Rucker chuckled. “No. I have a girl. Nora’s everything I could ever want. I was speaking hypothetically. Why would a celebrity like Sunny Daye settle for someone like you or me? She could have her pick of men.”
Dash huffed out a breath. “You think I haven’t told myself that at least a hundred times?” He glanced toward the motor coach. “She’s amazing. And I’m…well…I’m me.”
“An impressive Delta who has saved all of our asses on multiple occasions, who fights for his country and cares what happens to women and children.”
“And I’m in a completely different world than Sunny. Even if she found me interesting enough to spend time with me after all this, I’m sure she has her concert schedule, and we have our insane lives, where we can be called up at a moment’s notice.”
“Yeah,” Rucker said. “A relationship with Miss Daye would be difficult to say the least.”
“Impossible,” Dash murmured, feeling a little disheartened.
“But then, I’ve never known anything that slowed you down when you wanted something.”
“The difference here is that she’s not something. She’s someone. There’s a whole different dynamic involved.”
“Right. You might like her and think she’s worth the effort, but she has to like you, too.” Rucker pounded Dash on the back. “Good luck, man. You’re going to need it if you’re going after her.” He tipped his chin toward the motorhome. “Speaking of the devil…”
Dash turned to see his angel standing in the door, smiling down on him.
His heart turned backflips, and his breath lodged in his lungs. Even with her hair up in a messy bun and her face free of makeup, she was beautiful and worth any amount of effort he had to employ to get her to spend time with him. It probably wouldn’t lead to anything, and she’d surely break his heart, but he was willing to take the risk.
Sunny walked down the steps wearing shorts, a Dallas Cowboys’ jersey and running shoes. She was so darned cute, Dash wasn’t sure they’d get around the camp without a couple dozen soldiers falling in love with her along the way.
He started toward her, his hands and arms weighted by the bulletproof vest and helmet. A glance down at the items brought a smile to his face.
Dash looked up and grinned at Sunny. “You might want to reposition your hair.”
She reached up to touch her messy bun. “Really? Why?”
“You’re wearing these,” he said.
Her eyes widened. “You weren’t kidding, were you?”
“Sweetheart, I rarely kid when it comes to beautiful women. And you, my dear, are a beautiful woman.” He gave a brief chin lift. “Drop the bun to the back of your neck.”
She pulled the elastic band from her hair and let the tresses fall down around her shoulders.
Thankfully, Dash’s hands were too full to allow him to reach out and run his fingers through the soft, golden strands.
Twisting her hair behind her head, she applied the elastic band and secured a new messy bun at the nape of her neck.
Dash handed her the bulletproof vest. “Slide into that.”
She took the vest, her arms dipping as she did. “It’s heavier than you made it look.”
“The better to protect you with,” he said and waggled his eyebrows.
Once she had the vest on, he plunked the helmet on her head. It fit so loosely, it came down around her ears and blocked her vision.
“Is this how it’s supposed to fit?” she asked, pushing it up in the front so she could see.
Dash laughed. “No. The liner is adjustable.” He took the helmet, adjusted the liner and set it back on her head.
“Better?” he asked.
She nodded. “Much.” Looking up at him from beneath the rim of her helmet, her blue eyes shone. “How do I look?”
He shook his head. “Even in a helmet and vest, you’re too darned cute for your own good.” He glanced down at her shorts. “Do you have a burqa or something you can cover up with?”
Her brow wrinkled. “Seriously? I’ve seen some of the Army females out running in their shorts and T-shirts. What I’m wearing is no different.”
“Sweetheart, it’s a lot different.” He chucked a finger beneath her chin. “I’m not sure how many people will want to tackle you for that Dallas Cowboys jersey.”
“If they want it that bad, I’d gladly give it to them.” She reached for the hem of her shirt and started to drag it up her torso.
Dash sucked in a breath at the first sighting of her bare midriff. “Whoa, wait a minute.”
Her hands froze halfway up. “If you think the shirt will cause a riot, I’ll give it
away, right now.”
He shook his head. “I was kidding. But if you really want to start a riot, take off that jersey and you’ll have every man and some of the women on this base in a stampede to get to you.” He laughed. “And not for the damned jersey. So…keep your shirt on.”
She grinned and let the hem fall down around her hips. “If we’re done talking, I’d like to get that walk in before I have to dress for the performance.”
“I’m done.” He nodded his head toward her bodyguards, who’d moved closer when she’d stepped out of her motorhome. “Are we taking all three?”
Her lips twisted as she stared at the three men. “I’d rather not, but Lloyd would insist. He’s paying for them to provide my security.”
“You have me for that now,” Dash reminded her.
“I do.” She glanced up at the clear blue sky. “And it’s a beautiful day. Surely, I don’t need all four of you.”
He shrugged, pretending nonchalance. “Your call.”
“This helmet and vest should help.” She gave a quick nod. “I’m going to give them an hour off.” Sunny turned to her three guards. “How’s Marcus?”
“Some of the medics carried him over to the field hospital,” Paul said. “He was in good spirits, just disappointed he won’t be continuing on the tour.”
“After being shot, you’d think he’d be glad to get a ride home.”
“No, ma’am.” Paul said. “He likes working with you.”
Sunny smiled. “I’m glad he’ll be okay.” She made eye-contact with each of the remaining bodyguards. “You three can stand down for the next hour.”
“But ma’am,” Paul said, “at least two of us are supposed to be with you at all times.”
“I have Dash and this vest and helmet. I’ll be okay for an hour in the daylight.”
“Ma’am,” Paul shook his head. “We work for Mr. Pendleton. He’s the only one who can tell us to stand down.”
Sunny sighed. “Once again, rules.” She shot a quick grin at Dash. “Fine. I’ll speak with Mr. Pendleton. If I can find him. In the meantime, only two of you. The other can take a break. We’ll need all of you during the show.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Paul spoke with one of other two guards. That man turned and headed for the trailer the bodyguards took turns sleeping in.
“Let’s find Lloyd.” Sunny glanced at Dash. “I’m sure he’s in a flap that we’re late getting here.”
“He should be glad we got here at all.”
“True.” Her face sobered. “That attack shook me. I thought whoever was after me would go for another sneak attack, not a full-on, bring in the big guns kind of attack.”
“Convoys are somewhat easy targets, with everyone spread out in a long line. It made sense to make an attempt while you were on the road.”
“I guess we should also be glad they used a goat herd to slow us down.”
“Right. An improvised explosive device would’ve been a lot more deadly.” Dash cupped her elbow and squeezed gently. “I’m glad you weren’t hurt.”
“I’m just sorry you and Marcus got hit.”
“We’ll live.”
“I certainly hope so,” she said. “What if we’re not as lucky the next time?” She looked up at him with those incredibly blue eyes that made the hard core inside him melt. “I would hate it if one of your team, or any of our tour staff, were killed because someone wanted to get to me.”
“My team is aware of the risks.”
“Ma’am,” Paul said from behind her, “we’re all aware of the risks we’re taking just being in Afghanistan. You can’t worry about everyone. We signed up for this gig.”
Sunny sighed. “I know.”
They approached the area where the stage was being erected. Men were working frantically to piece together the frame and the stanchions that would hold the lights and speakers. Lloyd was in the middle of it all, calling out orders.
When he finally looked around and spotted Sunny, he picked his way through the parts to join them.
“Everything all right?” he asked and glanced at the hole in Dash’s trousers. “I heard you took a hit.”
Dash nodded. “I did. But it was only a flesh wound. Miss Daye played nurse and did a fine job dressing it.”
“Speaking of which,” Sunny said, “we need to stop by the field hospital and let them look at it. I’m no expert.”
“It feels fine,” he insisted. “Besides, I promised you a walk.”
Lloyd frowned, looking from Dash to Sunny and back to Dash. “What walk?”
“Miss Daye would like to take a constitutional around the camp.” He nodded toward the helmet and vest. “We’ve got her covered and think she’ll be safe in broad daylight.”
Lloyd’s frown deepened. “Do you really think that’s a good idea after what’s happened in the past twenty-four hours?”
Sunny’s shoulder’s squared. “I need to get out and get some fresh air. Being cooped up isn’t good for my voice.”
“Neither are bullets and bad guys,” Lloyd argued.
“I’ll have Dash with me, and we’ll stay close to the buildings and tents.”
“And you think it’s safe?” Lloyd turned his frown on Dash.
“I think she’ll be all right,” Dash said. “A short walk will be good for her.”
“I’d like to let Paul and Stewy to take an hour off and relax,” Sunny said. “They’re going to be busy tonight keeping an eye on the crowd while we perform.”
Before she finished speaking, Lloyd was shaking his head. “I can’t let you go out practically alone.”
“I won’t be alone,” Sunny said. “I’ll be with Dash. And we’re not going out. Just around the camp.”
“It’s too risky,” Lloyd said. “You have a performance in two hours. What if you’re hurt in that time? Think of all the troops who’ll be disappointed.”
Sunny blew out a breath. “Okay, fine. I’ll make it a short walk so that Stewy and Paul can take a break when we get back.” Sunny jerked her head to the side, making the helmet wobble. “Come on, guys. Let’s walk.”
As they left the organized chaos of setting up a show, Sunny grumbled. “I should’ve known he’d nix my request.”
“He has your best interests at heart,” Dash said.
“I know. And I don’t want to disappoint the troops by getting killed or nabbed prior to the show.”
“Is he always so focused on the show?”
“It’s his job,” Sunny said. “He takes it very seriously.”
“Ever just want to make a run for it?” He reached for her hand, loving the way it fit in his so perfectly.
Her fingers curled around his. “Yes…” she said, her eyes narrowing.
His pulse quickened and adrenaline shot through his veins. “On the count of three,” he whispered.
“What on the count of three?” she asked in a hushed tone.
He tipped his head in the direction of the bodyguards walking behind them. He wanted her alone. There was only one way to do that. “One…”
“I don’t know what you mean…”
“Run,” he said under his breath. “Two…”
“Run?” she asked, turning her head right then left.
“Three.” Dash gripped her hand and took off.
Chapter 8
Sunny raced to keep up with Dash. “Why are we running?”
“Because we can,” he said and ducked between two tents, dragging her through with him.
“Hey!” Paul shouted.
“You heard Lloyd. We can’t ditch the bodyguards,” Sunny said.
“Why not?” Dash ducked low and sprinted past another tent. “Get down,” he urged.
Sunny bent low. “But they’re only trying to do their job.”
“And they will. But we’re going to make it more interesting for them.” Dash lifted the flap of a tent and ducked inside, pulling her through with him. Once they were inside, he let the flap fall into place and pressed his finger to his lip
s. “Shh.”
Footsteps crunched in the gravel outside. “Miss Daye,” Paul called out.
“Miss Daye,” Stewy added to the plea.
When Sunny opened her mouth to answer, Dash pulled her into his arms and claimed her lips with his.
At first, she stiffened. But as he pushed his tongue past her teeth to caress hers, she melted into his embrace, her arms going up to encircle his neck.
Yes. This was where she’d longed to be all day, confined in the motorhome with this…man.
Alone. No one else to bother them, judge them or tell them to stop.
“What the hell?” a voice said behind them.
Dash pushed Sunny behind him and spun to face the owner of the words.
A young man, who couldn’t be more than nineteen, sat up on an Army cot, his body covered in a mosquito netting.
He reached for the rifle beside him, his hand closing around the stock before Dash could stop him.
“Hey, buddy,” Dash whispered. “We’re just waiting for someone to pass.”
The soldier pulled the rifle across his lap and turning it slowly in their direction. “How about I yell and let them know you’re in here?”
“Please, sir,” Sunny said, scraping the helmet off her head. She dragged the elastic band out of hair and let it fall down around her shoulders in a golden cloud. “I just wanted a few minutes alone before the concert tonight.”
The young man’s eyes rounded. “You’re…you’re…”
She nodded with a smile. “Sunny Daye. And you are?”
“Dreaming,” he said, setting his weapon aside. He scrambled out of the cot, grabbed a desert tan T-shirt from where it was draped across a duffel bag and pulled it over his head. “Private George, ma’am. My name is Bodie George.” He stuck out his hand, and Sunny took it in hers.
“Private George, thank you for not ratting me out. I really only want a few moments alone before I get up in front of all those people.” Her smile lit the interior of the tent.
Private George grinned from ear to ear. “I can’t believe I’m talking to Sunny Daye. In my tent.”