Operation: Tempt Me

by Christina James

  “That’s true.”

  Okay, now she wanted to choke him. Did he have to carry the honesty thing so far?

  “But the only woman I choose to speak with is currently standing in front of me ready to take my head off for no reason. I don’t lie, Cambrie. There are no other women in my life. Yes, some friends are female, but they’re strictly friends. The online thing wasn’t for me. That’s one of the reasons I blew you off after that first email you sent. I hated the online dating meet-and-greet thing and thought you’d be more of the same.”

  Didn’t she feel silly? “Oh, well, that makes sense. I’m sorry to act like an insecure teenager. I guess I just expect you to get bored of me. I mean, our lives are so different that mine must seem so dull to you.”

  He leaned forward and whispered into her ear. “Remind me to spank you later for putting yourself down. You’re the most interesting, fun lady I’ve ever met. I happen to envy your lifestyle, how you’re settled in one place with friends and family surrounding you, and have a heart as big and bright as the sun. You’re spanked. I promise.”

  She cleared her throat not knowing how to respond and not wanting to get hot and bothered in the middle of the library under the watchful gazes of the customers. A change of subject was a must. “Here’s where we’re storing the collections for the care packages I wanted to send to you, but then you surprised me with a visit.”

  He studied the bags of goodies. “The only care package I want is you wrapped in a bow so I can slowly unravel it to find my treat.” He grinned with a wickedness not to be mistaken for anything else. “Sorry, there’s nowhere to send anything to me since I move around too much.”

  She giggled, his company so refreshing. “Somehow I don’t think I’d be allowed to enter Afghanistan or wherever you go. So what should I do with all of these donations?”

  “I’ll give you the address of a homeless veteran’s shelter back in Virginia. They can use the care packages more than me and I’d be honored if you’d focus on them instead.”

  “Oh, of course. That’s a wonderful idea. Consider it done.”

  “Did you enjoy the tour, Miller?” Mrs. Ginnity asked once they came back out to the lobby. “Mr. Hackler, this is Lt. Miller Daly, Cambrie’s pen pal for the grant program. This is Mr. Hackler, director of the library.”

  Mr. Hackler offered a hand to Miller. “Very nice to meet you and, on behalf of Highland Library, we really appreciate the opportunity for a chance to keep our doors open but also to support your service to our country. From what I’ve heard from Mrs. Ginnity, we’re very lucky to have you on board with this project.”

  Miller offered Mrs. Ginnity a smile and turned back to the director. “Thank you, sir. I must add what a fantastic employee Cambrie is. So knowledgeable and caring about the library. She just gave me a lovely tour and renewed my interest in books. You’re very lucky to have her on your staff. I hope you realize that.”

  Cambrie enjoyed the way Hackler’s pudgy face reddened with Miller’s stern compliments and the veiled statement she was positive Miller chose to ensure her job security. In the presence of a massive man like Miller, it was no wonder Hackler nearly choked on his own tie in the face of Miller’s open adoration. Good, served him right for threatening her job and Aunt Annabelle’s future.

  “Mr. Hackler,” Mrs. Ginnity began. “Why…I think it’s important that Cambrie spend some time with Miller to show him around our town. How else would he realize what a special community we have? Don’t you think so? I mean, I’m already watching the desk and I could stay until closing if you agree.”

  Mr. Hackler glanced at Cambrie then Miller and spoke after clearing his throat. “Yes, of course,” he said, having no room to disagree.

  Mrs. Ginnity lightly applauded. “Then it’s a plan. You folks go and enjoy the afternoon. Miller, I think you’ll find that Cambrie is an excellent tour guide.”

  “I don’t doubt it, ma’am,” Miller offered.

  Being shooed away from her job was one thing, being set up on a date was another.

  “Were we just set up?” Miller asked, reading her mind.

  “I believe so and it has Aunt Annabelle written all over it. I just know it.”

  After getting her briefcase and pocketbook and Miller’s coat from her office, they walked to Cambrie’s car. “I owe Aunt Annabelle a thank you. I now get to spend the afternoon with you and not with my laptop,” Miller said.

  “And I like that idea, too, but I want to keep the level of our relationship a secret,” Cambrie said at her car, opening the back door to place her briefcase and pocketbook inside.

  A scowl covered his face. “Oh? Embarrassed by me?”

  She stopped to stare at him before getting into the driver’s seat. “What? No, of course not. Never. I just don’t want them thinking we’re dating when we’re not. You don’t know how the people are in this town. Gossip spreads like wild fire here.”

  “Sure, whatever you say,” he said from the passenger seat, looking very uncomfortable with his long frame squished into her little car again.

  Sighing, she rested her head on the headrest and angled her neck to look at him. “I’m sorry. That didn’t come out the right way. It’s just that I’m a very private person and, well, people can get the wrong idea about us.”

  “Then we need to talk about where we go from here. You know, once I leave and get back to work. I hope you’d at least want me to return. I would as soon as I could.”

  “Yes. I’d like that. But I don’t have an answer for you. I guess we just take our time and see where life leads us.” She couldn’t face the fact that they could have no more than whatever visits Miller’s job allowed. And just how long could that go on for? Too much to think about.

  His smile lit up his eyes. “Okay. I can live with that. For now.” He drew her knuckles up to his mouth and kissed them, not releasing her hand. “I’m starved. No matter what else we do, I want to eat first.”

  She started the car. “I know just the place.”

  Chapter Twelve

  At the River’s Shack Grille & Bar, a very courteous elderly man greeted Cambrie and Miller with enthusiasm before seating them in a window booth.

  “What’s in your hands, Cambrie?” Miller asked, eyeballing her before sitting.

  “Running pants, shirt, and sneakers. I keep them in my car for when I get the urge to exercise after work. Who knows how long I’ve had them in the trunk.” She laughed, the sound mixing with the din of the restaurant. “Since I don’t have to return to the library, I thought I’d ditch the skirt and heels. Be more comfy.”

  “A shame. I like you in heels,” he admitted, fire flashing in the depths of his eyes.

  “Sshh, naughty boy. Be right back. Gonna hit the ladies room and change.”

  For a woman, Cambrie was remarkably fast with her fashion change, returning to the booth in under five minutes.

  They placed their orders and were served their drinks immediately even though the place was packed with a lunch crowd. Voices and laughter filled the air, a welcomed treat for Miller who was used to the solitude of missions.

  “This is a charming town, Cambrie. Is everyone so polite and happy all the time?” Miller asked before sipping his soda.

  Glancing around the room, he thought the charm appropriate for such an authentic neighborhood restaurant in a small town. The wood walls sparkled, probably from a weekly polish. The entire place was uniquely decorated with deer head, bobcats, and some kind of massive fish all stuffed and adorning the walls.

  It was fascinating to sit so close to predators that, when alive, would have been just as vicious as the human ones Miller fought on his deployments. Photos of famous actors and people were scattered around the room, some with scribbled messages in black marker. Strings of small white lights stretched from every wall and hung from corner to corner to soften the otherwise bustling ambience.

  With her chin resting on her hand, Miller caught Cambrie watching him with those beautiful bro
wn eyes so full of life. He never wanted her to lose the innocence he saw in their depths, never wanted to see shadows of pain where joy should be. “Most in Maddyville are friendly. It’s in our nature to be pleasant to others. I guess we’ve got it pretty good here, more than most. I mean, if someone falls on a bit of bad luck then there’s plenty of people to pitch in and help each other out. And we take an interest in our neighbors, so stopping for a quick ‘hello, how are you?’ and listening to the reply is never seen as a bother. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else or having to give this up.” She looked around the room with a wide grin plastered to her pretty face.

  A sharp stab of pain hit Miller right in the middle of his chest. He knew she’d never leave Maddyville or Aunt Annabelle-that was painfully obvious!-but hearing her admission did something to his heart, like it could shatter into a million pieces. Suck it up, Miller, you have nothing to offer her. “Anyone with all this would be a fool to give it up, Cambrie. Trust me, I’ve been all around the world, and, well, Maddyville, is truly one of a kind, a very special place.” Because of you.

  “Don’t get me wrong. We also have our fair share of problems and, being a small town, most people grow up and leave chasing dreams elsewhere.”

  “But you stayed.” Miller didn’t intend for his words to sound so morbid, like she had made some unbelievable sacrifice.

  “Yeah, kinda,” Cambrie whispered and stared at her hands a moment before looking back up. “I came back.”

  Her tone had turned from spirited to sad. Christ, it killed him to hear her be anything but happy. “You lost me, babe. Came back? Meaning you left?”

  Her glassy eyes stared back. “I had a dream job in Nashville a few years ago. I was the editor for a national fashion magazine. Had impressed the publisher so much during my first month that he quickly promoted me to editor. I was in charge of the New York fashion spotlight, so my hours were grueling, but I never noticed because I loved the work I was doing.”

  He enjoyed the sparkle in those brown circles when she spoke of Nashville. He tried to understand how she went from being an editor to being a librarian. “And?”

  She sighed. “And then Aunt Annabelle suffered a heart attack.” When she choked on the words, he reached for her hand and held it without a word. “I’m sorry. I hate talking about it. She almost died, but the doctors were saints and saved her. I…I knew that she needed me…like I had needed her once. So I only went back to Nashville to empty my apartment and give my notice. I was fortunate that the Highland Library needed a librarian and I qualified.”

  “Sounds like you’re overqualified.”

  She attempted a smile, but it was lame. “True. But the job paid the bills. Then the doctors discovered that Aunt Annabelle had breast cancer. They said the heart attack actually saved her life because, if not for the heart attack and follow-up care, then the cancer would’ve gone undetected and killed her.”

  His heart constricted once again not knowing how to ease the pain of her memories. “Oh, Cam, if I had known you then, I swear you wouldn’t have spent one minute alone to worry by yourself.” And that was the God’s honest truth. Never would he leave her to fight demons like that alone, no matter what fucking terrorist was on his agenda.

  Her eyes fluttered. “That is so sweet, Miller. But, believe me, I wasn’t alone, even when sometimes I just wanted to be. There was always a neighbor or friend there to wait with me for test results or a prognosis.” She sat up straight and pushed away from the table and offered another smile that didn’t quite glow. “But I admit, I would’ve preferred your company, Miller.”

  Their food came and the waitress disappeared, leaving them to their privacy. Miller dug into his sandwich to ease his hunger pains.

  “Now that you know something about me, how about sharing something of yourself, handsome,” Cambrie said with a heightened curiosity. He admired how quickly she could reign in her emotions and continue on like nothing had happened. If he didn’t know any better, he’d swear she had some kind of military training.

  Miller wasn’t interested in divulging family secrets and spoiling the mood. Skirting the question was best. “Oh, I plan to share a lot of me with you, baby girl. Just as soon as we can be alone.”

  The pink flush that covered her cheeks in a slow ascent was alluring. Knowing he had such an instant affect on her was the sweetest aphrodisiac. “Now that veiled promise may pique my interest,” she began. “But I’m not letting you avoid the question. So far, you know much more about my life and me. Now it’s only fair that you share a part of you. I won’t ask for specific info. Just share what you’re comfortable with, Miller.”

  He knew she wouldn’t allow him to weasel out of a decent answer. She was too smart to be distracted with sexual innuendos. “Not much to really talk about. My mom and dad still live in Florida where they raised me and my sisters. I’m the middle child, spoiled rotten since I’m the only boy.” The smirk couldn’t be helped when he remembered his sisters’ constant complaints of how he always got his way. “My older sister is studying to be a doctor. The younger one is trying to be a model. Me? I’m just trying to keep the world safe from bastards that think bombs are the only answer to their problems.”

  “It sounds like you had great parents who raised y’all well.”

  Miller shrugged. “My dad was a work-a-holic who showed his love by buying me everything I wanted when I would’ve preferred him spending some time with me, you know, like throwing a ball around or shooting some hoops. But I guess he did what he could. My mother was always more interested in her status within the community than taking time to spend with her kids. So me and my sisters just found our own way in life. Marie, the doctor, follows after Dad’s work-a-holic tendencies. Catherine, the model, takes after mom’s need for attention. And me, well, I just look for things that hold my interest. That’s why the military was perfect. Always something to do.”

  “I’m sure your parents did the best they could. And, it doesn’t surprise me that one of your sisters is a model. Great looks must run in the family.”

  Watching her sip her drink through the straw created visions of those pretty lips sucking his cock with the same enthusiasm. He squirmed in his seat, adjusting the semi-hard cock pressing into his jeans. Fuck! Now she had him squirming. Oh, she was so spanked.

  “Well, you see, there’s no impressive story about my past to spill. I graduated fourth in my high school class, went to college on a partial football scholarship.”

  “Shocking,” she teased. “Like you don’t look like a wide receiver or defensive back.”

  That piqued his interest. “So you know a little bit about football, do you?”

  She blew out a breath and waved her hand in the air. “When you grow up in a small town like Maddyville, well, you either know about sports or you’d die of boredom. I’m a mean quarterback. I can find my target every time as long as my offensive line keeps me from getting blitzed.”

  God, she was the woman for him. “Keep talking like that. It’s fucking arousing.”

  “Ah, ah, ah, I still want to hear more about you.”

  He cleared his throat. “Okay. After college I tried a few jobs, but nothing interested me. I hated sitting behind a desk doing lame reports or financial comparisons. A military recruitment ad on television caught my eye one day and the rest is history. I signed up and haven’t regretted it once.” Except when I have to say good-bye to you.

  “And what if you could no longer be in the military, then what would you do?” she asked, pushing her plate to the end of the table and sipping on her drink.

  He had to dismiss thoughts of her mouth wrapping around his cock or it’d be impossible to form words. “I have enough experience to fall back on any number of jobs. But I haven’t really thought about it since I plan to be a lifer, well, or until they throw my sorry ass out.” He laughed, hoping the casual response would ease the seriousness of the question.

  She leaned over the table and whispered. “I admire your
choice of career, Miller. No matter what happens between us, I’d never ask you to give that up. Just thought you needed to know that up front.”

  His heart melted, the odd feeling leaving him woozy. He didn’t like woozy. Then he was vulnerable. “Thank you, Cambrie. And no matter what happens, I’d never string you along. I promise to always be up front.”

  Her slender shoulders offered a shrug. “We all have to make hard decisions sometimes in life, like when I chose to give up my career to take care of the only family member I had left just like she had done for me. Was it heartbreaking to do so? Yes. Do I regret doing it? No. But I had to be the one to make that choice. If someone else forced me to make it, then I’d be bitter and resentful of that person and my situation. I’d never want to force someone to do something they couldn’t just like I wouldn’t want them to force me to do something that I just couldn’t.”

  “Like move away from Maddyville?” The question hung in the air between them like a sledgehammer, no matter the answer it was bound to shatter one of their hopes.

  “Exactly.” Her tone filled with a cloaked sadness, still trying hard to hide the emotions swirling in the brown depths staring back at him. “So as long as we both know where we stand, then neither of us will have unrealistic expectations.”

  He was ready to answer her, hell he wanted to argue with her. There was no reason to worry about a future that they both hadn’t a clue about yet. The obvious connection between them, both physically and mentally, was worth at least trying to figure out how to make a relationship between them work. And he would’ve argued had the shrilling tone of his cell phone not interrupted them.

  One glance at Cambrie and Miller noticed her expression freeze, her face go pale, and her eyes widen before she slowly lowered her gaze to the phone he removed from his front pocket.

  Fuck! Not now. Not when they had just gotten some time together.

  “Daly,” he answered, not caring if his tone was harsh.