Worlds Without End: The Mission (Book 1)
Page 72
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Celeste squeezed Jake's hand. He turned to look at her with concern on his face. "Don't look at me like that," she said.
"Like what?"
"You look as if you don't have any faith that this mission will work."
Jake sighed and looked around the hangar, which was busy with activity. Troops scattered to-and-fro as everyone prepared for a battle that they had no chance of winning.
"Jake," Celeste said as she grabbed his face and turned it so that she could meet his eyes. "Answer me. What is wrong?"
Jake shook his head. "I don't know. I just ?"
"Just what?"
"I just don't want you in harm's way."
Celeste laughed, which caused Jake to frown even more. She stopped laughing and looked at him with compassion. "Jake, I don't understand. Just a few days ago, you were afraid of me because of my abilities. And now ?" She giggled again. ". . . You seem to want to protect the little lady."
Jake managed a shy smile and said, "Well, you've grown on me and I just worry about you, that's all."
Celeste smiled at him and was about to respond when a short, dark-haired soldier approached Jake. "General Palmer," he said.
Jake turned and looked at the soldier. "Yes, Corporal?"
"Your Wildcat has had its pre-flight inspection and is ready."
Jake nodded and said, "Thanks, Corporal. Go and tell my father that my squadron will be ready to take off within ten minutes."
The corporal saluted and said, "Yes, sir." Then he turned and made his way to Adrian.
Celeste grabbed Jake's hand and pulled him in close. She looked at the man she was growing to love more and more each day and hugged him. Their lips met for a few seconds and then they pulled away. "Be careful," she said.
"I will. And you take care of yourself as well."
"I will."
"Promise."
"Yes," Celeste said.
Jake gently placed both of his hands on Celeste's face and kissed her again. After the kiss, Jake whispered into her ear, "I love you, Celeste." He then turned and jogged to his fighter.
Celeste's spine tingled. Never before had a person that she was fond of told her that he loved her. She swallowed and managed to control the tears that were beginning to form in her eyes. At that same moment, she suddenly worried for Jake's safety. She wondered if she would ever see him again as they were about to walk into a no-win situation that could cost them both their lives.