“We’re working on it.” Zip looked at him, his expression easy to read.
Merlin still needed to share his concerns with the team. He couldn’t avoid it, but would have to watch his words.
“One other thing. I’ve had a bad feeling about this mission, even before today’s briefing. I can’t tell you anything specific because I don’t know. I’m hoping when we get more information, I’ll be able to figure it out. As if we didn’t already know this, we will need to be extra vigilant.”
“Copy that,” the team replied.
They read through the intel from Sand. There wasn’t much that was helpful except the names of the Daesh leaders and more of their standard locations. If Hassan was correct, they were planning something big. The kidnapping angle made little sense to Merlin unless it was a diversion to hide the actual plot.
As he leaned back in his chair, he squeezed the bridge of his nose, then looked up at the wall clock. Shit. It was almost twelve thirty. He had a half-hour to get home, change out of his uniform, and meet Gwen at the restaurant. It would be a close call, but he’d have to leave now.
“Okay, guys, I’m hitting the road.”
“Want to head over to the Ugly Mug for a few brews?” Jangles asked. It was their usual routine after work.
“He can’t. He has a date,” Zip shared.
Merlin wanted to deck him.
“The book lady?” Woof asked.
Merlin rolled his eyes. There was no avoiding this now. “Yes, Gwen. She is meeting me for lunch in Killeen. Have fun at the Mug. I’ll see you in the morning. I don’t want to be late.”
“Where are you taking her?”
“Nope, not falling for that. The last thing I need is you princesses showing up in the middle of lunch. I’m sure you all have something better to do this afternoon.” He gave them one of his “I’m not taking any shit from you” looks, grabbed his bag, and headed for the door.
“I’ll be here for PT at zero six hundred. See you then,” Merlin said as he pulled the door closed behind him.
With twenty-five minutes until Gwen-time, he might have broken a few traffic laws on the way home. That was twice in two days, all because of the feisty redhead. If he kept this up, he’d be in big trouble and not just with the law.
Chapter 6
Just before one, Gwen pulled into the parking lot of the Tigris Grille. She didn’t see Luke’s truck yet and thought about making a quick getaway. After barely being able to sleep, she’d been a wreck since she got out of bed. A combination of fear and excitement stretched her nerves to the breaking point. She’d picked up the phone to cancel lunch at least three times.
Yet there she was, sitting in her car, wearing the outfit Belle helped her pick out over FaceTime. They’d gone back and forth, but her friend had finally won, convincing Gwen that it was a Sunday afternoon, so comfortable and casual was the way to go.
She had to admit; she looked damn good. After she let Belle talk her into keeping her hair down, she added a thin headband to keep the thick waves from falling into her face. The mint-green silk blouse had been in the back of her closet for ages, but Belle’s eagle eyes had spotted it.
Gwen had given in on the linen capris, too. They’d hung in her closet since she’d bought them on a whim last year. After getting them home, she’d decided they’d get filthy at the bookstore. But they were perfect with the silk blouse.
Belle had practically squealed when Gwen opened a shoebox with a pair of ivory espadrilles. They’d boost her height by about three inches or an amazingly tall five-foot-five. They’d increase her fall risk because she was a huge klutz, but at least her eye level would go from Luke’s nipples to his collarbone.
When she’d told Belle that, her friend had howled with laughter that woke the baby. Gwen wanted to take offense, but she couldn’t. Her friend’s laughter was so contagious, soon they were both giggling like two hyenas. It didn’t impress Sir Galahad, and with a swish of his tail, he’d left the room. Typical male.
After Gwen double-checked the clock on her dashboard, her stomach turned over with the realization it was time. She sucked in a deep breath and pushed open the door of her little red sports car. As she stepped out and noticed how wrinkled her linen slacks were, she remembered the other reason they were an awful choice. After driving for a half hour, they looked like she’d slept in them. There was nothing she could do about it. Suck it up, buttercup. You’ve got this.
As she tried to smooth out her capris, she heard Luke come up behind her. Just being close to him made her pulse race. She took a calming breath, then turned and looked up at him. His smile softened the hard lines of his face and went a long way in helping her relax.
“Hi, Gwen. I’m glad you came.” Luke’s deep voice slid over her like silk.
“Me, too.” Excited and worried that she’d say something stupid, she hoped she’d get through lunch without embarrassing herself.
“Are you sure?” He chuckled and reached for her hand.
His was large and warm, the pads of his fingers a little rough as he entwined them with hers, and she was grateful that hers weren’t sweaty. Rather than be coy, she figured honesty was best. She was too old for games. This would either turn out to be real or not. The sooner she found out, the better.
“I am a little nervous. Maybe more than a little,” she admitted.
Luke leaned down and whispered, “Me, too. But don’t tell anyone. They’ll never stop teasing me.”
His confession surprised her and eased some of her tension. How could he be nervous? She was sure that whenever he walked into the room, every woman, and probably some men, stared. It didn’t seem possible. Hell, it wasn’t a stretch to imagine him on the cover of GQ Magazine.
Like yesterday, he held the door for her to enter first. Gramps had commented on that after he’d left. They didn’t have to wait long for the hostess, and Luke asked for a table in the back.
Gwen’s mouth watered as the aromas wafted over her as they made their way to their table. It had been too long since she’d had Mediterranean food, and she’d forgotten how much she enjoyed it.
Luke held her chair, then took the seat against the wall. The hostess took their drink orders and handed them the menus. Gwen felt his gaze on her and looked up from her menu.
“Is there something wrong?” Did she have something on her face? Was her hair sticking up?
“No, nothing’s wrong. I’m ecstatic to be here with you. I thought you might cancel.”
Luke’s words touched her. Gwen didn’t know what he saw in her but sitting with him felt right. She was glad she didn’t cancel.
“I almost did. I was really close. Then when I got here, I almost left, too. I’m sorry. I’m such a chicken,” Gwen admitted.
“You’re not a chicken. I’m a stranger, I get it. Especially the way the world is now. But I promise when you’re with me, you’re safe. Anything I tell you will always be the truth. I don’t lie or cheat.” Luke’s expression was so intense, how could she not believe him?
“Thank you. For understanding and not making me feel ridiculous.”
“You don’t have to thank me. There’s a pull between us I’ve never experienced before. It sounds corny, but it’s true.”
“You’re right, there is something. It’s why I’m here,” Gwen whispered.
Luke reached across the table and threaded her fingers through his. “I figured it might be best to just lay it out there. I wish—”
“Hey, Merlin,” a male voice said from over her shoulder. “I didn’t realize you’d be here.”
Gwen turned in her chair. The couple looked familiar, but she couldn’t place them. He was tall, his voice deep, but not as much as Luke’s. The woman with him was tall, thin, with gorgeous mocha skin and a beautiful smile.
“Zip, what are you doing here?” Luke asked.
“We’re here for the food.”
Luke shook his head, his frustration obvious. “Of all the restaurants in Killeen, you come here
today. What are the odds? Gwen, this is Zip and his fiancé, Destiny. He’s on my team.”
Destiny mouthed, “I’m sorry” to Luke.
He nodded.
Gwen was able to read Destiny’s lips, but she didn’t understand why Luke was so irritated. Wasn’t he happy to see his friends?
“Gwen? You work at the bookstore in Lancelot, right?” Destiny exclaimed.
“Yes. I knew you looked familiar.” Gwen smiled and jumped up to hug Destiny.
“You’ve met before?” Luke looked surprised.
“It was a few months ago. Destiny came into the bookstore, and we had tea while she waited for…I’m sorry, I can’t remember your name.”
“Trent, but Merlin calls me Zip.”
“I’m horrible with names,” Gwen apologized.
“No worries. We weren’t there long. But a small world, huh?” Zip replied.
Gwen said to Destiny, “You even mentioned knowing a Merlin when you were in the bookstore. It’s funny. When I met Luke the other day, and he told me his nickname, and I never put the two together.”
Destiny laughed. “Well, it was a few months ago. I don’t know if I would have remembered. It is good to see you. You look great.”
“Thanks, you do, too. It really is nice to see you again.” Gwen had thought Destiny was fun when she’d met her, and she was happy to bump into her again.
“Can we join you?” Zip asked and pulled out a chair for Destiny before Luke answered. “This is great, isn’t it?”
Gwen wasn’t sure what to think. Luke hadn’t planned on having company, but it looked like his friend wasn’t going anywhere. She wanted to know what Luke had been about to say, but it didn’t look like that would happen anytime soon.
Damn Zip. Merlin ran his hand through his hair in frustration. The jerk probably thought it was funny to barge in on his date and see what he could find out. Except it wasn’t funny, not in the least.
Gwen was already skittish, though she’d relaxed when they entered the restaurant. He’d been half expecting her to cancel or just not show up. Merlin hadn’t realized how worried he’d been until she’d climbed out of her cute sports car. Then, he’d breathed a sigh of relief.
Today was supposed to be about getting to know each other, but Zip had screwed that up as soon as he’d shown up. The only saving grace was that he’d brought Destiny.
Merlin had been surprised to find out Gwen had already met them. If their whispering was any indication, they’d already hit it off, and they could be there for each other when the team was on a mission... She’d have someone to talk to who understood what it was like to date someone like him.
“How are you, Destiny?” Merlin asked.
“I’m well. I’ve been working nonstop, but I’m looking forward to the week off. I thought I would spend it with Trent.”
“Trent and Zip, Merlin and Luke. I guess everyone has two names?” Gwen commented.
“Yes, but we just use our nicknames at work,” Zip answered. “Did Merlin tell you why we call him that?”
“Yes, he did. I think it’s cool.”
Zip smiled and squeezed Destiny’s hand where it rested on the table. “Yes, it is. He’s saved our butts more than once. Probably why he has all that gray hair,” he said with a chuckle.
Merlin held back his growl—barely. After working together for over five years, Zip should know when not to poke the bear. “Okay, Zippy. Enough of that crap.”
Their server arrived. “Are you ready to order?”
Merlin said, “We need a few more minutes and two more menus.”
After giving Zip and Destiny menus, she told them she’d be back in a few.
Merlin already knew what he was having—a combo plate with shish taouk and a skewer of kafta served over rice with hummus. But first, he figured they could share an appetizer with a little of everything. Gwen had said she’d had eaten Mediterranean food before, but it was still fun to try something different.
“Have you decided what you want?” Merlin asked Gwen as she looked up from the menu.
“I’m trying to decide. I’ve tried a lot of these, but it’s been a while. Do you have a suggestion?”
“I’ll order the combo plate appetizer, and that will give you a little of everything—hummus, baba ghanouj, tabbouleh, falafel, and pita. Then, I’m ordering the shish taouk. It’s delicious if you like chicken covered in a garlic-yogurt sauce.”
“That sounds delicious.”
“It’s what I get, too, unless I’m in a vegetarian mood,” Destiny added. “You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.”
“Do you come here a lot?” Gwen asked.
“Not as often now that I live in Dallas. My grandmother enjoys it too, so whenever I visit, we bring her here.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t bring her, too,” Merlin said with a little more snark than he’d intended.
Gwen looked surprised at his tone, and he sighed. This was not going at all the way he wanted. He had no one to blame but his own big mouth. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt this attraction for anyone. But he should have kept Gwen to himself since he usually didn’t discuss his dates with the team. Now that he’d opened that door, he’d brought this on himself.
“I’m sorry. That was uncalled for,” Merlin apologized. It took a lot to get him riled up, but when he did, it wasn’t pretty. That’s why he usually kept his mouth shut, watched everything, and made plans. It was what made him a good leader.
Zip looked chagrined. “No, I’m sorry. Merlin never talks about a woman, and I wanted to meet you, Gwen. But it was rude to bust in on your first date.”
“First date? Shit. What were you thinking?” Destiny asked Zip. “Maybe we should go.”
“No, it’s really okay. It is great to meet Luke’s friends. And technically, it’s our second date. Our first was over coffee, right?” Gwen asked as she winked at him.
She had surprised him again. He should have known she’d be okay, and she’d met Destiny before at the bookstore. But his over-protectiveness could be an issue if he didn’t dial it back.
Watching her interact with Destiny and Zip gave him more insight into her personality. She was witty and genuine, and her animated chatter and giggles helped soothe his irritation at the interruption. He’d wanted to get to know her better, and he was, just not the way he’d planned. They’d have time for that. Just being around her warmed a cold place in his heart he hadn’t realized was there.
While she and Destiny were chatting about traveling, Zip leaned over and said, “I’m sorry. It seemed like a perfect idea initially. I wanted to meet the woman who had your boxers in a twist. It was so out of character. I wanted to make sure she wouldn’t hurt you.”
“So hijacking my date was the answer?” Merlin shook his head. But he understood—mostly. They were like brothers and looked out for each other. He didn’t date, not really. Just scratched his itch when it got too bad. If he looked at it from Zip’s perspective, it made sense. But he still didn’t like it.
Merlin asked, “How the hell did you know where I’d be?”
“That was easy. This is your favorite place. Where else would you have taken her?”
Damn. Was he really that easy to figure out? They’d been at Ft. Hood for less than a year, and he hadn’t had a lot of time to settle in with all of their missions. But maybe he needed to change up his routine a bit. It was never good to be predictable.
Merlin relaxed. He was still with Gwen, and now she’d met Zip and Destiny. If he didn’t scare her away, they’d have a lot more dates, and eventually, she’d meet the rest of the team.
Destiny knew they were Delta, Gwen didn’t—yet. Eventually, she’d either figure it out, or he’d be able to tell her if their relationship progressed. But did he really want it to? He’d avoided exactly this for so long. Was it fair to subject her to his life?
As they ate, Zip and Destiny shared stories from when they were kids. Their laughter had people at other
tables giving them looks, but they didn’t care. It was more fun than Merlin had expected. The stories Destiny told from some of her flights were hysterical.
By the time they’d finished eating and ordered Turkish coffee and shared some kunefe, a sweet Turkish cheese pastry, it had been over two hours.
“I can’t believe I ate so much. But it was delicious.” Gwen gave Merlin a sweet smile. “We definitely need to come here again.”
Did she realize she’d just said they would have another date? He couldn’t have been happier, even if she hadn’t meant to say it. He’d take her anywhere she wanted to go.
“So I picked well?” Merlin asked as he finished his coffee.
“Yes, definitely. It was an excellent choice.”
“I told you, you’d like it,” Destiny said with a smile. “Maybe next time I’m in town, we can get together for lunch or dinner?”
“I’d like that. Or you can come by the bookstore on your way here.”
“That would be great. Let me give you my number,” Destiny said as she reached for her phone.
Merlin paid the bill while the women exchanged numbers. Destiny hugged Gwen as they said goodbye. Then he walked Gwen to her car. Lunch had been a success as far as he could see, but would she want to be alone with him in his home? That was the million-dollar question.
“Lunch was fun. I know it wasn’t what you planned, but it was great meeting Zip and Destiny.”
“I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Would you like to stop by my house and see my book collection?” Merlin couldn’t believe how awkward he’d felt, asking her. Or how much he hoped she’d say yes.
As she gazed up at him, he could almost see her going back and forth on her answer.
“Actually, I’d love to see your books. I might even have to borrow one or two if your collection is as good as you say.” Gwen winked as she leaned against the side of her car.
“Excellent answer,” Merlin said. His huge smile was half-triggered by relief that she’d said yes. It was obvious she was more at ease with him now.
“Oh, yeah? We’ll see.”
Gwen's Delta (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) (Delta Team Three Book 3) Page 6