No Going Back

by Karen Foley

  “Oh, my God,” she breathed.

  She stared at him, registering the translucent green eyes, alight with interest, the square jaw and sensuous, smiling mouth and the deep dimples in each cheek. Like Chase’s, his brown hair was cropped close to his head, and Kate could see the bronze and gold glints in the short strands. He was identical, in every way, to Chase. Except that where Chase’s expression was grim and unsmiling, this man seemed to have a perpetual glint of devilment in his eyes. Now he looked from Kate to Chase.

  “Ah,” he said meaningfully and with great relish. “This has a distinct déjà vu feel to it.”

  “Kate,” Chase said, “I’d like you to meet my brother—my twin brother—Chance Rawlins. He arrived yesterday morning from Bagram Air Base. He’s an Apache helicopter pilot.”

  Chance gave her a winning smile. “I suspect that the reason you’re here is because you saw me with a certain female pilot and mistakenly believed I was Chase.”

  Feeling light-headed, Kate threw out a hand to steady herself, but Chase was already there, putting an arm around her back and supporting her. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m just…astonished,” she finally admitted, leaning against Chase. “I had no idea…you said you had a brother, but you didn’t tell me you were twins.” She passed a hand over her eyes. “I feel like such an idiot.”

  “Don’t,” Chance said, still grinning. “Not so long ago, Jenna—Captain Larson—actually propositioned Chase, believing he was me. Don’t worry, he turned her down. So this is all very cathartic for me. I don’t often get to see my brother in this situation.”

  “Careful,” Chase warned. He turned to Kate. “Are we okay? Are we good?”

  Something loosened and then broke free in Kate’s chest, and she felt her throat tighten with emotion. Chase hadn’t cheated on her. Unable to speak, she just nodded.

  “Okay, let’s get out of here,” he said. “Thanks for clearing things up, bro.”

  “My pleasure,” Chance replied, his hand on the doorknob. “Oh, and don’t forget my offer. Something tells me you’re going to need it.”

  Chase steered her out of the building and over to the Humvee. “Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked.

  Kate looked up at him, not hiding anything. “I’m more than okay,” she assured him, smiling. “I didn’t get any sleep last night. I just kept replaying what I’d seen over and over again in my head until I thought I was going to lose my mind.” She waved a hand dismissively. “I’m such an idiot, because it’s not like I have any claim on you, right? You made it clear that you couldn’t make any promises to me, and you’re free to do what you want.”

  Chase frowned and blew out a hard breath. “Look, Kate, I said a lot of stupid things. When I said I couldn’t do this, I only meant that it wouldn’t be fair to ask you to wait for me. I hope you don’t really believe that I’m capable of leaving your bed to climb in with another woman?”

  It wouldn’t be fair to ask you to wait for me.

  The words reverberated through Kate’s head. Had he really considered asking her to wait for him? Her heart lodged somewhere in her throat as she searched his eyes. “No,” she finally said. “I think you have more integrity and class than that.”

  He gave her a wry smile. “Thanks.” He hesitated, and when he finally spoke, his words were carefully measured, but Kate didn’t miss the intensity behind them. “Listen, I know this will probably seem crass, considering what you just went through, but Captain Larson is gone for the next few days and we’ve been offered a chance to use her housing unit. If you want to, that is. I could arrange for a security detail to watch over your sister, if that’s a concern. But it’s totally up to you, and I’ll understand if you can’t.”

  Just the thought of spending another night with Chase was enough to send her blood churning through her veins in anticipation. Did she want to be with him again? More than anything. Even the knowledge that they might not have any kind of relationship after she left Afghanistan wasn’t enough to deter her. She didn’t have the courage or the strength to refuse him. They only had these few remaining days together, and maybe she would never hear from Chase Rawlins again after that, but she was going to take whatever he had to offer and to hell with the consequences.

  “Tenley will be jet-lagged and exhausted when she arrives,” she finally said. “If I can get her to turn in early, then I’d like to take you up on that offer.”

  Chase grinned in relief, the dimples in his cheeks transforming his face so that Kate caught her breath, and she barely resisted reaching for him. “I’m glad,” he said simply.

  They both heard the roar of the jet at the same time, and turned to watch as an enormous plane approached the flight line, coming in on a steep spiral maneuver. Kate was certain the aircraft would slam into the ground. But at the last minute it leveled out and its wheels touched down on the runway, the engines throttling back as it screamed to a stop.

  “Wow, that was pretty impressive,” Kate said in admiration.

  “You bet,” Chase said. “Most flights make that combat landing. C’mon, let’s get over to the flight line.” He gave Kate a meaningful look. “Your sister is here.”

  13

  KATE STOOD WITH Chase as the enormous aircraft taxied to a stop on the tarmac not far from them. Had it really been just three days ago that Kate had arrived at Bagram Air Base? She slid a sideways glance at the man standing beside her with his arms crossed over his chest, looking every inch the badass soldier that he was. She remembered how impressive he had seemed to her that first day, and how intimidated she had initially been by his don’t-mess-with-me attitude. How would Tenley react to him? She was extremely sensitive and easily intimidated. Kate should have warned Chase.

  “Listen,” she said as an aside. “Tenley is very sweet and very friendly, but she might find you a little overwhelming. Be nice to her, okay?”

  Chase slanted her an amused look. “Don’t worry, I’ll be on my best behavior. Relax, okay? Everything is going to be fine, you’ll see.”

  Inwardly, Kate had her doubts, but she gave Chase a grateful smile, and then watched as the airplane stairs were rolled over to the side of the aircraft, and passengers began to disembark. At first, only uniformed soldiers made their way down the steps, but then several civilians appeared, wearing blue jeans and Western-style shirts. Kate recognized two of them as country music’s biggest stars, and a cheer went up from the soldiers on the flight line. The musicians waved at the troops, and only the military police kept them from getting mobbed as they stepped off the stairs.

  Kate stood straighter, hardly aware that she clutched Chase’s sleeve. “Here they come,” she said unnecessarily.

  And then they saw her. Tenley’s face appeared in the jetway, and she made her way carefully down the stairs. She wore her signature blue jeans and cowboy boots, and a white top with sparkling jewels around the neckline. Her blond hair hung in tousled waves around her face, and she carried her bubble-gum-pink guitar case in one hand. Hearing the cheers of the soldiers, she smiled brightly and raised a hand in greeting. The wind blew her hair around her face, and as she reached the bottom step, she tripped and fell, sprawling face-first on the tarmac with her hobo bag and guitar case in disarray around her.

  Kate gasped and jumped forward, but Chase was already there, picking her up and crouching down to examine her knees and then her hands, before he scooped up her guitar and belongings. Tenley’s face had turned a blotchy red, but she smiled and waved at the soldiers, and Kate could hear her telling Chase that she wasn’t hurt. Seeing Kate, she smiled hugely and ran toward her.

  “Oh, Tenley,” cried Kate, reaching out and pulling the younger woman into an embrace. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine,” Tenley said, her voice muffled against Kate’s shoulder. “Just embarrassed.”

  “Well, I’m so glad you made it here. I tried calling you to make sure you had the correct flight times, but you didn’t answer.” She pulled back and frowned at
her sister. “Why didn’t you answer?”

  Tenley pulled free from Kate’s arms, laughing. “I can’t remember! Maybe I was over at the shelter. I’ve been trying to spend more time there, especially since they got a new shipment of dogs in.”

  Tenley loved animals, but believed her own hectic schedule didn’t permit her to own a dog. Instead, she volunteered her spare time at a local rescue shelter. “Don’t worry, Russell took good care of me.”

  “Well, you’re here now,” Kate said. She put an arm around the younger woman’s shoulders and drew her toward Chase. “Tenley, you’ve already met Major Chase Rawlins. He’s been my escort these past few days. He’s going to look after us while we’re here. We’ve been to three different bases, looking at the concert sites, and guess what?”

  Tenley gave her an expectant look. “What?”

  “I flew in a Black Hawk helicopter.”

  “Wow, that’s amazing!” Tenley smiled, and then frowned. “What’s a Black Hawk?”

  “It’s a military helicopter,” Kate said, grinning at Chase over her sister’s head. “Very cool.”

  Tenley turned to Chase. “Thank you for helping me back there. I’m sort of a klutz, so you’ll have your work cut out for you in keeping me safe.”

  Chase inclined his head. “I’m up for the challenge, Ms. Miles.”

  “Oh, please call me Tenley.” She turned to Kate. “Can we get out of here, please? I’m dying for a shower and a change of clothes.” She made a face and put her hand over her nose. “What is that horrible smell?”

  “That would be the Kandahar Riviera,” Chase said, his dimples flashing.

  Tenley turned to him in surprise. “They have a Riviera over here?”

  “No, Tenley, they don’t,” Kate said patiently. “What you’re smelling is the waste-treatment facility.”

  Her sister made a gagging noise. “It smells like rotten onions. Do the poor soldiers who live here have to breathe that? I know this isn’t the States, but surely we can provide them with clean air?”

  “You get used to it,” Chase said blandly. “Why don’t I grab your luggage?”

  “Okay, let’s just go back to the housing unit so you can shower and eat and get some rest before tonight.”

  “What do you mean, tonight?” Tenley squeaked, a look of panic flitting across her face. “Please tell me I am not required to perform tonight. There’s no way I can be ready to give a performance so soon!”

  “Shh,” Kate said soothingly, taking Tenley’s guitar case from her and leading her toward the Humvee. “It’s just one or two songs, not even a full set. Every group is performing tonight, just to get the troops in the mood.”

  “Are you sure they want me to?” Tenley asked, her voice anxious. “I think I heard a few soldiers booing me as I came off the plane. Why would they boo me?”

  “Why do you think?” Kate asked calmly, putting her arm around Tenley’s shoulders. “You insulted them. But that’s why you’re here—to show them that you didn’t really mean what you said. Right?”

  Tenley made a sound of distress. “I did mean what I said, just not toward all military. Just the ones who shipped Doug off.”

  Kate knew that if her sister ever discovered that she had been the one responsible for having Doug shipped overseas after their forced annulment, Tenley would never forgive her. She glanced over her shoulder to see Chase easily dismantling a pile of luggage in his search for Tenley’s pink duffel bag. “So, listen…I told Major Rawlins that we’re sisters…” She let her voice trail off.

  Tenley pulled back to look at her. “You did?” Her voice registered her surprise. “I mean, that’s great! If it were up to me, I’d tell everyone we’re sisters, but I know you think it’s better for my career if nobody knows we’re related.”

  Kate nodded. “Right. But I’m not worried that Major Rawlins is going to alert the media.”

  Chase caught up with them, carrying an enormous pink duffel in one hand. He put it into the back of the Humvee and opened the door for Tenley and Kate.

  “Wait,” Tenley said, and glanced back toward the flight line. “What about the band members?”

  “The USO is taking care of them,” Kate assured her. “See? If you look over there, you’ll see them getting on a USO bus. We’ll have dinner with them later today.”

  Tenley looked in the direction Kate pointed, and a slight shudder ran through her slender frame. “Is that bus safe?”

  “Don’t worry,” Kate said soothingly. “They’re perfectly safe, and they only have a few miles to travel. In fact, we won’t be too far from where they are. We have our own little trailer, just the two of us. Nice, right?”

  “Absolutely,” Tenley agreed, dragging her attention away from the bus and sliding into the Humvee. “I’m looking forward to it.”

  Chase held the door for Kate, and when their eyes met, he gave her a meaningful look. She wanted to kiss him for being so patient, but could only mouth the words thank you as she climbed in beside Tenley. He gave a philosophical shrug and a wink, and then closed the door firmly behind her before sliding into the front passenger seat.

  “Oh, my God,” Tenley moaned when they were underway. “I am so tired. How long before we’re at our trailer?”

  “We’ll be there in less than fifteen minutes,” Chase said over his shoulder.

  But Tenley wasn’t listening. She had pulled an iPhone out of her bag and was holding it at different angles, trying to get a signal.

  “Don’t even bother,” Kate said drily. “There’s no cell phone reception over here. Just put it away.”

  Tenley stared at Kate in disbelief. “Really?”

  “Why don’t you think of this as a little technology vacation?” Kate suggested, smiling. “You don’t need to worry about any of that while you’re here.”

  “Mmm, you’re probably right. You always are. Ooh, my feet hurt.” Tenley turned sideways on the seat, lifted her legs and plunked her feet in Kate’s lap. “Take my boots off, Katie. I need a foot rub.”

  Giving Tenley foot massages was something that Kate had always done, but usually only after a performance, when her sister had been on her feet for several hours. She laughed. “Really? You want me to give you a foot rub right now?”

  “Please?” Tenley stuck out her lower lip and gave Kate her sad-puppy face. “Pretty please?”

  Kate sighed, acutely aware of Chase in the front seat, listening to everything. What must he think of Tenley, and of her for that matter?

  “Fine,” she relented. Grasping one boot by the toe and heel, she gave it a firm tug. “Pull, Tenley.”

  The boot came free, and Tenley wiggled her toes in bliss.

  “Oh, that feels so good. Now the other one.”

  Kate dropped the boots on the floor and waved a hand under her nose. “Oh, man, are you sure about this? Your feet are…” She lowered her voice. “…sweaty.”

  “Sorry,” Tenley said, sounding anything but. She waggled her toes in anticipation.

  Taking a deep breath, Kate grasped her sister’s foot and began to massage it, digging her thumbs into the arch until Tenley moaned with pleasure. “Oh, that feels so good! Oh, yes, harder. Deeper!”

  In the rearview mirror, Kate saw the driver watching them, his eyes alight with masculine interest.

  “Tenley,” Kate admonished with an embarrassed laugh. “Keep it down.” Glancing at the two men in the front seat, she dropped her voice to a whisper. “You sound like you’re having an orgasm!”

  “Right now, I’ll take this over any orgasm,” Tenley moaned, making no effort to lower her voice. “Any man would be lucky to have you, Kate, just for your foot massages.”

  Chase twisted in his seat until he met Kate’s eyes, and she could see the amusement lurking in the green depths.

  “Okay,” she said firmly, pushing Tenley’s feet aside. “We’re done.”

  “Kate,” she wailed. “You didn’t even do my other foot!”

  “And I won’t if you continue t
o embarrass me,” Kate hissed. “Honestly, Tenley, you’re behaving like a child.”

  “Sorry,” Tenley said, and sat up, searching for her boots.

  “Here we are,” Chase said as the Humvee drew to a stop outside the housing unit where Kate had slept the previous night.

  Tenley pushed the door open and got out, staring at the unit. For a long moment, she didn’t move or say anything, but Kate knew she was thinking about Doug and wondering if his accommodations were as luxurious as this modified trailer.

  “This is where we’re staying,” Kate said brightly and linked her arm through Tenley’s. “It’s actually very cozy inside. Just wait until you see the accommodations at Camp Leatherneck.”

  Behind her, she heard Chase start to laugh.

  * * *

  THE SUN WAS BEGINNING TO SET, taking the worst of the day’s heat with it, as the entertainment got underway. Kate had stayed backstage with Tenley until it was time for her to perform, listening as she moved among the other performers, chatting and laughing with them. She had a vibrancy that drew people effortlessly to her, and she seemed to thrive on the attention. Whereas she had been exhausted when she first arrived, now she seemed upbeat and excited.

  Kate watched as Tenley took her guitar and stepped onto the stage and waved to a mixed reception of cheers and clapping and a smattering of boos. Kate walked over to Chase, who stood in the entry, and shrugged.

  “Well, this is it,” she said. “This is the reason we’re here. Let’s see how it goes.”

  “Are you kidding me?” Chase asked. “That girl is going to be fine. Look…they love her.”

  Kate laughed and together they made their way outside to stand at the edge of the parade field to watch Tenley perform. She silently acknowledged that Chase was right; the audience was cheering her sister’s performance, the sound deafening.

  “She sounds great,” Chase commented.

  Kate had to agree. Tenley strutted across the stage, stroking the strings on her guitar and swinging her blond hair around. Her voice was strong and pure, and she belted out the lyrics to her top hit with confidence. She wore a pair of white jeans and boots, paired with a blue corset adorned with sparkling stars. Against the backdrop of the American flag, she looked like every soldier’s fantasy of the gorgeous girl next door.