Page 56 of The Commander

“Stop looking at me like you want me to fuck you and spend the rest of your life with me.”

He’s insane.

“I am not doing that.”

His brows lift.

“Look, you’re a good-looking man. That’s all. It’s chemistry. Biology. Science. And I’m not marrying you, Noah, so don’t ask me things like that.”

He crouches and ties his boots, glancing up with a grin. Then he stalks back over, plants his fists on the bed, and leans over me.

“I didn’t ask you. But when I do, Quinn Parker, you will say yes.” His voice is sexy and full of gravel, making me shudder.

I force out a snort, showing how doubtful that is. But then a completely uninvited picture forms inside my head of Noah on one knee proposing.

As if he knows, Noah chuckles, winks at me, then leaves the room.

I flop back down on the bed and let out a groan.

What am I going to do?

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MARLENE AND I make our way to Section D at the appointed time, ready for a big day ahead. Today’s training is focused on our marksmanship and upskilling our tactical skills in the event of an ambush.

I have my hair off my face, a bandana making sure it doesn’t get in the way, and a pair of shorts and an Army khaki T-shirt on.

She’s in a similar outfit minus the bandana.

“Impressive,” I say, lifting my sunglasses as I take in the range.

“This is what I’ve been looking forward to.” Marlene rubs her hands together, eager to get started.

I glance at my bandaged hand. Normally I’d have ripped it off, but given we’re training, I want to protect the small wound from infection and keep it from slowing me down.

“Did Noah or Josh say anything about that?” Marlene glances at my hand.

“Ah, no, I...” I remind myself that I wouldn’t have seen Noah if he hadn’t shown up at my room last night, so I can’t repeat what he said about the cartel. Plus, I promised not to repeat what he told me. “Haven’t talked to either of them.”

It’s not the first time Noah has shared little things with me when he probably shouldn’t. Nothing classified, but it showed he trusted me. I never broke that trust.

Just his heart.

I saw it that night as he was dragged out of the hallway to the mechanical bull.

The hope that he’d harbored discharging from the Army—how it would change things between us.

It doesn’t.

Yet last night...for a second I’m back in my room with his big, strong and protective arms around me as waves of pleasure echo through me. We could have that every day if I let it happen.

Could I?

Just as I’m leaning into the idea, Marlene interrupts my thoughts.

“I heard your father is retiring. That’s a big deal for the Colonel.”

Ugh.