Navy Hope
By Geri Krotow
Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Books S.A.
Chapter Fifteen
“You’re obviously good at what you do, Lucas. Thanks for listening.” Val offered him a brave smile.
“I wasn’t listening as a shrink.” She raised her brows in query.
“We’re old friends, Val. That’s enough for both of us, don’t you think?” It’ll have to be, she told herself.
But all she said was “Hmm.”
Lucas was the kind of man a woman wanted to make a life with, and Val didn’t deny her attraction to him. What healthy woman wouldn’t be enthralled by all that lean muscle, those good looks, the brains behind the brawn? She hadn’t expected to be so intrigued by him—his thoughts, his manner, his kindness. In some ways, it was as if the years since she’d been with him didn’t exist. He’d made clear he wanted to keep their relationship friendly but professional. She had to agree.
And yet…Her disappointment crushed her. At least she was admitting it to herself.
He’s your employee.
That kiss had been damn hot.
She squeezed her nylon net shower puff and hung it on the door handle before she stepped out of the steaming stall and dried off.
A morning run and a cup of coffee made with island roasted beans were her staples and all she needed to get a good start to her day.
Now she had a kiss to forget about.
She wiped away the condensation from her mirror and looked at the reflection of her flushed face and wild hair. Her routine had been shot to hell with one devastating kiss.
It’d been two years since she’d broken up with Bob. Longer still since she’d been this attracted to anyone. Perhaps never had a man’s kiss been so exciting, except for those early kisses in her late teens, when everything was new and hormone-charged.
Lucas.
This morning, when he’d put his mouth on hers, she’d felt nineteen again. Better.
As she towel-dried her hair, she remembered Chet and Erin’s wedding. Even if they’d known it would end in the horrific tragedy of Chet’s death in a war halfway around the globe, she knew that both of them would do it again in a heartbeat.
Life was short.
Instant connections were rare, deeper connections often once-in-a-lifetime.
She owed it to herself not to give up. She’d just have to be patient and wait out his time as her employee.
Patience had never been one of her virtues.
