Page 6 of Under His Command
“You don’t mean that.” I shake my head as my brows knit together in shock.
“I do mean that. And I intend to show you, in explicit detail, how I really wanted to touch you that day but couldn’t.” He sighs. “I know a lot of time has passed. But to be completely honest, even if you don’t feel the same way I do, that won’t stop me from trying to make you mine.”
Jesus Christ.
Gathering my thoughts, I pause, hearing only silence from the other side.
How can this happen? He’s the Combatant Commander of the Army. He’s fighting a war right now. And I’m just a girl from the suburbs who likes to imagine we’re together from time to time.
What he’s telling me is insane… and so is the fact that I’m considering it without really giving it much thought.
After all, even if this is about him quenching his thirst for one night… why shouldn’t I explore it? Maybe it will show me he’s not who I thought he’d be. And then I’d finally be freed from his spell. I could start seeing other men—normal men, like Jared, or the guy on the marketing team at Miss Pratt’s law firm. Men I might have a shot at being in a relationship with, because they’re just as regular as I am.
“I’ve had… dreams, too,” I confess, keeping my voice low so nobody else hears me. “Dreams I couldn’t talk to anyone about. I kept seeing you everywhere, feeling crazy for willingly refusing to leave the prison of the memory we both have. I still haven’t moved on from it. And I don’t understand…” I shake my head. “I don’t understand why or how it happened. But I know there’s no way I’m going to say no to seeing you again.”
His breathing deepens, but it’s still very much controlled. A stark contrast from mine that alternately keeps getting trapped in my lungs or coming out too fast.
“When can I see you, angel?” he asks.
Just then, Miss Pratt enters the room, and I have to pretend I’m not utterly turned on by the voice of the man on the other end of the line… and that my panties aren’t drenched, and my face isn’t flushing hot.
I hate this. I wish I had more time to speak with him, to hear that voice for as long as I can.
“Everything all right?” my boss asks absently. “Go home. I need you rested for court.”
I only get to nod before she exits the room again, her lips thinning my way in a silent good bye.
“I’m… I’m sorry. That was my boss. I’m still at work,” I tell Rowan. “I… could see you tonight. Right now, actually. Unless that’s too short a notice. No, what am I saying? You’re a really busy man. How about—”
“Right now? I was hoping you’d say that, so I wouldn’t freak you out with my impatience.”
I relax a little, leaning back in my chair. “Patience is not my strong suit either,” I smile through the phone.
“Isn’t it now?” He pauses, a hint of something dark hanging from his question. “I’m needed at the Aerospace Command Center tomorrow morning. Could I possibly get you to join me there?”
“Oh. Isn’t that in another state? What was it…” I pause, trying to remember. “Minnesota?”
“Colorado,” he gently corrects me. “We’re flying there in an hour. And returning tomorrow morning. You don’t have to worry about anything. All you have to do is come.”
“So… an overnight stay.”
“Correct.”
“With… you.”
“You and me. Alone, for the whole night… in Colorado. Yes.” I can sense a smile when he speaks those words.
And then? What happens then?
I want to ask him, but I don’t. It sounds like a total one-night stand, but fuck it. We’re not part of the same world anyway. And I know I have to get this man out of my system before the longing starts to get the worst of me.
“Okay,” I tell him. “Okay, I’d love to join you. Meet you at the airport, then?”
“Splendid. A car is already on the way to pick you up,” he says, ignoring my question. “No need to go back home unless you want to. But I promise, you won’t need anything you might be thinking to bring. Everything will be ready for you in Colorado.”
“Why does this sound like you planned all of this before asking if I wanted to come?”
“Because I did. Because I’ve already decided that you’re mine.”
