by Laura Acton
“Kyle and Zach are waiting to take you for your walk.”
“I’m so damned sick of the same sights. It’s the same bloody route every damned time,” Dan grumbled.
Adam walked over to the sink and grabbed the sponge. “Here, let me help you finish this quickly so you can get to your walk.”
Dan glared at Adam. “What if I don’t want to go?”
Ignoring Dan’s surly comment Adam finished the final few plates and utensils. He placed them in the drying rack. Becca would dry and put away the dishes when she finished packing. Adam turned to Dan. “Let’s go.”
“Don’t want to!” Dan crossed his arms and literally pouted like a child. He was done doing things others wanted him to do today.
Adam grabbed Dan’s arm and dragged him to his feet. “You’re going for your walk whether you want to or not. Quit acting like a spoiled brat.”
“Am not!” came out almost petulantly.
“Get your butt in gear, or I’ll call Drill Sergeant Mudbucket.”
Jeff was worse than any drill sergeant he ever encountered. Jeff was also better than any drill sergeant he ever met. His volume reminded him of Jon sometimes, but the way Jeff motivated him also reminded him of Blaze. An intriguing mix. Though not in the mood to deal with Drill Sergeant Mudbucket, the threat got Dan moving.
Adam stifled his grin and made his expression dour. He had a surprise for Dan and busted at the seams to show him. He hoped it would help with the grouchy attitude Dan adopted regarding his walks. In some ways, he didn’t blame Dan—the path of his walks was uninspiring.
General Broderick’s Home – Front Drive – 1:00 p.m.
Before Dan made it to the entryway, Adam raced out the front door. He wanted to see Dan’s reaction. A huge grin plastered itself on his face as he looked expectantly at all his cousins.
Scott smiled seeing Adam’s expression. Of all the cousins Adam was the most severe and grumpy. Mostly that had happened after his fiancée Sophia died. It was nice to see Adam happy as a lark. He had to applaud Adam’s idea and was certain Dan would like it.
Shuffling his feet with his head down, Dan slowly exited the house. He had no desire to go for another boring walk. Now if he could run that would be a whole different matter—not that he was any condition to run. His voice came out churlish as he examined his feet, “I’m here, but I’m telling you now, I don’t want to go on another damned walk.”
“Then don’t. Let’s ride!” Adam eagerly said.
Dan’s head jerked up at Adam’s words. In front of him were all his cousins holding onto mountain bikes. A bright red mountain bike stood in a rack. Stunned he moved forward to the bicycle. His hand landed on the seat as he stared at it.
William, Mark, Ryan, and Erik stood off to the side watching the boys. This was Adam’s moment to shine. Ryan whispered to his brothers, “Damned good thing Will knows how to read Chinese. Otherwise, those bikes would still be in pieces.” The brothers quietly chuckled not wanting to intrude on the boys.
Dan looked at Adam with surprise and a bit of trepidation. “I can’t ride.”
“Why not? Just go at a slow pace. We’ll be right with you, and you can take a break anytime you want. Once your lungs improve, there are some great trails around here. Your ultimate challenge is to beat me up the red trail. When you can do that you’ll be ready for TRF.”
Adam held Dan’s eyes and waited for his cousin to accept this new challenge. Relief and joy warmed his insides when Dan gave him a slight nod.
Zach strode to Dan and handed him a bright red bicycle helmet. “I hear this is the same color as your Ducati.”
Dan took the helmet and turned it over in his hands. He hadn’t even thought about his motorcycle. It must still be in the TRF parking lot. As he put on his helmet, Dan wondered if he should leave his Ducati at TRF until he returned—if he returned.
“We’ll stay on the roads around the neighborhood for today,” Adam said.
Shaking his head, Dan said with a grin, “Let’s ride in the park.” He got on the bike and pedaled slowly. The last time he rode a bike he was nine years old. As the warm summer air flowed around him Dan’s small grin grew. The wind in his face always calmed him.
Adam’s grin increased, happy he brought a small pleasure to Dan’s life.
General Broderick’s Home – Dan’s Room – 9:00 p.m.
Dan felt content tonight. The bike ride changed his truculent attitude. It was a bit of freedom from the drudgery of rehabilitation. They only went to the park, which wore him out. He needed to sit for a long while on a bench. But it brought back a few happy memories of Sara as he watched the children play on the monkey bars and swings.
When he returned from his ride, he called Lexa. They spent thirty minutes talking about nothing of serious consequence. Just everyday things like they used to do while having burgers and beer at Jarmal’s place. Talking to her also helped to restore his good humor.
Today was the first time Dan felt anything close to normal since July fifteenth. He couldn’t believe it had been nearly seven weeks since that fateful day. He would never forget that day, a catalyst for so much change in his life—both good and bad.
His head still swirled around with so many thoughts as he lay on his bed relaxing after his shower. One of them was his meeting with Dr. Tansy this morning. It boggled his mind he opened up to her. So out of character for him. Dan was no closer to having an answer on why he opened up to her. Though he actively searched for one because he needed to know what possessed him to open up to a psychologist.
Mom had been pleased he agreed to meet with the psychologist next week. Dan was still surprised he did that too because he initially agreed with Mom to do only one session. What is it about Dr. Tansy that makes me spill my guts? Dan thought on it so hard he couldn’t find an answer.
His mind shifted to another prominent worry. If I can’t return to TRF, what am I going do? Dan knew all expectations on his life had been removed after being shot in the chest. With damaged lungs, no one would question if he didn’t return to the police force. They wouldn’t expect him to go back to the military either. It hurt—physically hurt—to think he might lose everything he worked for in the past year.
His life had a purpose being part of Alpha Team. He actually saved people. Because he was with TRF, York and Green lived. Sara Clarry lived. Little Dillion didn’t go hungry. With TRF he made a difference and helped others.
Boss, Ray, Bram, Lexa, and Frank are all alive because I was there to take the lethal shot. He needed to return to TRF to watch over and safeguard all the people he cared about. Being a part of TRF gave his life meaning, like taking care of Brody and protecting his unit brothers, had given his life value.
The thought of Dr. Tansy being like Brody popped back into his head. Something in her eyes … seemed so familiar and made him think of Brody as he talked to her. Maybe that was the reason he opened up to her.
Brody believed in finding the beauty of life. He professed life had meaning under all circumstances, even the most miserable ones. Brody knew all about that because of his own wretched childhood. Brody’s life as a child was a hundred of times worse than his, Dan realized.
So many things from his early years weren’t like he thought they were. Dan wished Brody was here to help him sort out all confusing and frustrating memories. Brody always helped him. A thought struck him. Maybe Brody’s here in another way.
Perhaps Dr. Tansy might help him like Brody did. She would keep everything confidential. No one would have to know how totally screwed up he truly was. Dan stopped and drew in several deep breaths. I’m I actually considering talking to a shrink? Well, she isn’t associated with TRF so anything I say to her won’t be part of my records. I could meet with her privately for as long as I need. She did listen. Can I do this? Will it help?
He closed his eyes as the thought rolled in his head. Dan heard Brody whisper to him, “Do it, Danny. Talk to her. She can help you sort this all out and find the beauty of l
ife. Let go of your past baggage—your doubts and fears. Be open to something new.”
Dan realized Dr. Tansy must have hit him on a deeper level since he agreed to meet with her again with no hesitation. Perhaps it was time to shelve all of his thoughts, doubts, concerns, and insecurities, and live in the moment for a while. He did that during the bike ride this afternoon. Merely enjoyed the summer wind in his face. Something good might come from living for the moment.
Lexa popped into his mind. Their two times together were spontaneous actions. He had a thrilling sensation when he let go of all the governors he normally placed on his life. She made him want to do that again. He enjoyed their conversation this afternoon—nothing serious or profound, only a bit of fun. His heart rate increased slightly as he recalled Lexa agreed to come and visit him so long as they kept it secret from both his family and the team.
With that condition, Dan explained to her he would need to figure out how they could meet since he was always chaperoned by one or more of his cousins. They were not only in charge of his rehab they were his armed protection detail. Spontaneity would require planning and an ally.
During dinner, he thought hard on who to ask to help him arrange it. Though right after dinner, fortune smiled on him. He and Scott were the only ones in the library playing chess when Scott asked him about Lexa. At first, he deflected and tried to change the topic, but then Scott told him what he witnessed when Dan woke from the coma.
He sought to downplay it, but this was Scott, and for some reason, Scott always got the truth out of him. Maybe it was because they looked so much alike it was like talking to himself—like his reflection in a mirror. So he opened up to Scott and shared with him that he didn’t understand where things were going with Lexa, but he had a feeling she might be the one.
Scott promised his lips were sealed when Dan explained what he and Lexa were doing might get them fired. Scott also agreed to help him sneak away to meet up with Lexa. He knew it might take time to work out the details, but he now had an ally and confidant in Scott.
Dan drifted off to sleep with a smile on his face and an image of Sexy Lexie sleeping on his chest—she could be his one.
Cinnamon Sugar Kiss, Lipstick, and Mud
60
September 17
General Broderick’s Home – Family Room – 9:00 a.m.
Becca bounded into the family room all smiles. She swooped down on Dan and hugged him fiercely. Then plopped down on the couch next to him. “Thank you, thank you, thank you. If you didn’t talk to Dad, I would’ve missed it all. I had a great time. Unbelievable. Absolutely fantastic.”
Dan sat listening to Becca prattle on about fashion week in New York and the second week she spent touring several fashion houses, happy for her. As she continued, he glanced over at Drake sitting off to the side and staring forlornly at his sister.
For a moment Dan wondered why, but he didn’t have to wonder long when Becca rattled on about some guy she met and how amazing he was and how he would help her arrange an internship with one of the fashion houses.
Relief flowed through Dan. He never found the opportunity to go all protective brother on Drake so there would be no awkwardness between them now. He realized Mike was aware of Drake’s attraction to Becca when he sent Drake out to do a perimeter check. Smart man, he thought. Mike gave Drake something to do to occupy his mind, so he didn’t make a fool of himself.
Scott entered the room and sat on the arm of the couch as he glanced at Becca. “Sorry Becca, I gotta take Danny from you.”
“Why?” Becca asked, miffed because she wanted to spend time with Dan.
Dan peered up at Scott and waited for his reason. He had no rehab activities on his schedule until later—this is break time.
“Cause Blaze and Winds are expecting you. We’re going to meet them at the rehab center. Grab a change of clothes. Winds has quite a workout routine set out for you. We’ll be gone for several hours.”
Dan rose from the couch and smiled. “It’ll be fun to work out with them.”
Timmy’s – 9:30 a.m.
Scott pulled into Timmy’s parking lot as a sly grin played on his face. “Thought we would stop for a treat before meeting up with Blaze and Winds. We have time.”
Dan relished the thought of an iced capp. He followed Scott inside. So caught up in the idea of getting his favorite coffee he failed to see the familiar vehicle in the parking lot. He joined Scott in line and ordered his drink after Scott ordered his and some timbits.
Once their order was filled, Dan followed Scott to the table looking down into the bag of timbits. It had been a long time since he had these. Loki turned him on to them and called them little bits of heaven. Scott stopped abruptly, and Dan bumped into the back of him.
Lexa giggled seeing Dan so absorbed in timbits he ran into Scott. Dan appeared relaxed and not completely aware of his surroundings—a first.
At Lexa’s laugh, Dan’s head whipped up. His brows shot to the top of his forehead as his widened eyes landed on her. Lexa’s here?
Scott chuckled as he placed Dan’s iced capp on the table and took the bag of timbits from him. “I’ll be back in a half hour.”
Dan’s mouth gaped open as Scott left the building. He stared at the door for a long moment.
“You’re my date. Why you ogling another man?” Lexa teased.
Dan turned to Lexa as words from the past wiggled into his brain. Wasn’t that what Lexa’s drunk date said to her in the Grand Citadel bar before we hooked up for the first time?
Sitting down, Dan stared at Lexa. Beautiful Sexy Lexie. She wore her hair down today. The soft dark auburn waves screamed at him to run his fingers through them. He sucked in a deep breath. “Hi.”
“Hi.” Lexa pushed a wayward lock of hair behind her ear.
“Scott took all the timbits,” Dan said awkwardly.
Lexa laughed, got up, and when she returned she set a bag of timbits on the table in front of Dan. “Good thing they had more.” She pulled one out of the bag and popped it into her mouth. “Mmmmm tasty.”
At her deliberate choice of words, Dan laughed and pulled Lexa into his lap. Their lips met—the kiss sweetened by the timbits cinnamon sugar on Lexa’s lips. Between kisses, Dan whispered, “Wish we … could be … dining alone.”
Lexa captured his lips again and kissed him thoroughly then trailed kisses down his neck. When she returned to his mouth, she saw the smoky glaze in Dan’s eyes. She whispered, “Me too.” People stared at them, so she rose from his lap and returned to her chair across from him. “For now, we’ll just have to enjoy talking instead of dining. How is rehab going?”
The Raven – 12:00 p.m.
Blaze ordered another round of sodas as Blondie lined up a shot on the billiards table and sunk the eight ball into the pocket. “Too bad we didn’t have a pool table over in Kandahar. You would’ve been our ace in the hole.”
“Never played much, but it isn’t much different than lining up a sniper shot. All angles and such.” Dan held out his hand to Winds. “Fork it over.”
Winds slapped a twenty into Blondie’s hand. “I’m winning that back.”
“You can try.” Dan laughed as he put the pool cue away.
Scott sipped his soda enjoying the antics. “Thought you guys had a grueling rehab session to put Dan through today.”
Blaze leaned back on the stool as Winds and Blondie sat down. “All work and no play makes Blondie a dull boy. We thought he needed a break and to hang out for a while.”
“He is right here, and he doesn’t like to be talked about like he doesn’t have a say in matters,” Dan said wryly. He enjoyed himself today. The unexpected time with Lexa and now hanging out with the guys was fun.
Winds patted Blondie’s back. “Left up to you we would be in the gym sweating our asses off. You need to learn how to chill.” He leaned in close and examined Blondie’s collar. “Is that lipstick?” He lifted the collar. “That’s lipstick! Blondie, when did you find time to hook up wit
h a woman?” He glanced around the bar searching for a woman wearing that shade of lipstick.
Scott pursed his lips together hiding a smirk. Lexa’s lipstick! Yeah, Dan had it bad for her and she for him.
Concern flaring in eyes, Dan flicked them at Scott. God, Lexa’s lipstick rubbed off on his shirt when she kissed his neck. They needed to be more careful.
Blaze glimpsed the exchange between cousins. “Who is she, Blondie?”
Winds grinned. “You get laid?”
Dan shoved Winds off the stool. “None of your damned business.”
Winds laughed as he picked himself up off the ground. “That either means yes or no with you. You need to get laid, it would relax you.”
Dan glared at Winds then burst out laughing. “Christ, is getting laid the only thing on your mind, Winds?”
“Not the only thing.”
“The primary thing though.” Blaze chuckled, happy to hear Blondie laugh.
Winds shrugged acknowledging the truth. They had been in the field a long time. “We should go lady hunting together. Blondie can lure them in with his pretty boy looks, and I can seal the deal with my charm. Will be fun.”
As Dan and his buddies bantered back and forth, Scott took to heart what Blaze said. All work and no play grated on everyone—not only Dan. All his cousins needed a fun diversion. He thought on how to resolve that.
General Broderick’s Home – Backyard – 7:00 p.m.
“Move it. I know you can do it faster than that, Runt!” Jeff bellowed.
Dan moved as fast as he could across the log over the mud pit his cousins installed. Heavily breathing with sweat pouring off him he dug deep needing to finish the entire course this time. When he reached the end of the log, he wanted to sit down, but he pushed onward to the tires. He stepped into one then another. By the sixth, his energy waned, and he could go no farther. He dropped to the ground as his legs shook.
Concerned, Jeff rushed to Dan and held out a water bottle. “Drink. You did good, Runt. Faster and longer than yesterday. You’re making progress.”