Page 40 of Army
“Anyone currently?”I wish I could keep my damn mouth shut!
A big grin lit up his face. “I’m not fuckin’ anyone right now if that’s what you wanna know. I also use a condom when I fuck, and I get tested regularly. I’m clean.” He winked and she froze, wanting nothing more than to disappear into the floor’s terra cotta tiles. “Is the food too spicy? You’re all flushed.”
“Yeah, the jalapeños are a bit much.”Talk about too much information. Damn.She picked up her water glass.
“You got anyone around?” There was a slight edge in his voice.
“No. I broke up with a guy about five months ago, and I’ve been focusing on my business and training.”
“Everyone needs to play a little.” His gaze bored into her.
“Do they call you Army because you were in the military?”
His gaze never wavering, he nodded. “Served four years. I did three tours of duty in Afghanistan. Fucked-up mess over there.”
“I bet that was tough.”
“Life’s always tough. So, you do hair?”
“I do. I have my own booth at Salon on the Boulevard. I love being my own boss even if my pay fluctuates from month to month. You don’t like talking about things that bother you, do you? I mean, I notice when we start talking about something deep, you change the subject. Sometimes it’s good to let things out.”
Army sat back and folded his arms against his chest. “You think talking about how I killed people who were in the wrong village at the wrong time is gonna make it seem right? You’re wrong. And if you think talking about my mom, who abandoned her kids because she was a selfish bitch is gonna make me feel better, you’re wrong about that too. Life is the way it is. Sometimes it’s great and sometimes it’s shit, but the way you react to the shit determines if you’re a survivor or a victim. That’s the way I look at it.”
Mia wanted to tell him that not dealing with the deep hurt or the horror of things can affect the present and the future. She could tell just from their short conversation that Army was still hurt over his mother’s abandonment, and that was probably why he only had hookups.He probably doesn’t trust women.
“Do you want another drink?” Army asked.
Again, he was changing the subject, but she didn’t want to push him. After all, this was their first date, and probably their last because she had no intention of sleeping with him that night even though her body had been humming since he’d briefly kissed her.
“No thanks. How do you like your food?”
“It’s damn good.” He pushed his plate away. “I’m having a good time.”
“Don’t sound so surprised.” She propped her elbows on the table. “I’m having a good time too.” Then she leaned forward and he met her halfway and their lips pressed together in a warm and tingly kiss. He threaded his fingers in her hair, pulling her closer as she gave herself into the pleasure of the kiss.
A few minutes later, she pulled back, and the thrill of his heated gaze tingled over her skin. For an endless moment they stared at each other, then Army took her hand and brought it to his lips. “You do something to me I can’t fuckin’ explain,” he said hoarsely.
“Do you want any dessert? Sopapillas?” the waiter asked as he cleared away their dishes.
Breathing deeply, Mia struggled to regain her senses.
“Fried ice cream? Flan?” The server darted his eyes between them.
“Nothing for me, thank you.”
“Just another beer for me,” Army said, his gaze still on hers.
When the waiter left, Mia stood up. “I have to go to the ladies’ room. I’ll be right back.” She couldn’t get to the bathroom fast enough. The intensity between them startled and thrilled her, but she didn’t want to get mixed up with a guy who was only interested in casual hookups. Staring at her reflection, she groaned when she saw the sparkle in her eyes and the glow on her face. “You know he’s danger. He just wants to fuck. A no-strings-attached deal. You’re better than that.”
The door swung open and two women walked in, both dressed like they were planning on going clubbing later on. The woman with deep plum hair took out a wand and swiped it over her lips. “If they’re duds at the club, we’ll ditch them. Agreed?”
Her companion, a short brunette nodded. “Or if we meet someone like that hunk sitting across from us. Did you see his arms? They’re delicious and I’d love to get up and personal with all his tattoos.”
“He looks like a model for a cover of a romance novel. You know the ones about alpha males.”
“Why aren’t there any guys like that on Tinder?” the brunette said.
Mia went into the stall and leaned against the cool metal door.I can’t get involved with him.Over and over she repeated the sentence, but each time, the feel of Army’s lips on hers overpowered her mantra.I can’t. He doesn’t even live here. I’d just be another name on his long list of conquests.But he was being so nice and respectful, and he acted like he really cared when she’d told him what had happened to her.Mia, don’t. You can’t get involved with Army.
