Mission Happy (A Texas Desires Novel Book 3) (15 page)

“Why are you throwing shade at the grill?” he asked mockingly. That had her covering her full mouth, laughing at his indignation. He’d never laughed and teased with a woman like he did with Julie.

“It is shocking, isn’t it, that some people cook in the kitchen?”

“I’ve made some other dishes. I like cooking. It’s kind of what I do in my free time. Weird, huh?” he said, losing all interest in his food to the woman sitting in his lap.

She looked at him like he was crazy, so it surprised him when she said, “Not at all weird! You’re very talented. The beans are perfect; the salad mix is wonderful. Did you make this salad dressing?”

“Are you sure you’re not making fun of me?” he asked before answering that question.

“No! It’s wonderful. You’re clearly talented. I can tell I’ll be exercising more if we continue things,” she said. His arm wrapped around her hips as he laid his fork back on his full plate.

“I can help with that too. I work out an insane amount. And stop saying
if
we continue.” After he said that last part, they both looked at each other a little shocked. He wasn’t entirely sure why he’d just said that. He hadn’t planned it. Hell, he’d been more than clear the timing wasn’t good for him.

Her face changed, and her slow smile melted his heart, making it easy to ignore any doubts he had.

“You want me to be your girlfriend?” she asked. Her hands clasped together at her heart, and her pretty face turned into a fake dreamy expression. She really, seriously couldn’t be any more fun. He lifted her plate and tossed it on the table before grabbing her leg right above the knee. The squeeze caused her to have a fit in his lap while trying to get out from under his tight hold.

They were both laughing hysterically when she wrapped her arms around his neck and looked him in the eyes. “I want this to continue, Connor. I do like you. I sometimes have a hard personality to swallow and you just roll with me.”

He could honestly say that he hadn’t ever seen that in her. She had a charming personality. Julie filled in all his dead air perfectly. He tightened his arms around her. Connor didn’t want to let her go, but he had to be honest with her.

“I don’t know what’s gonna happen with me. Where I’ll end up. I’m pretty certain I’ll be leaving California.”

“Shhh. One day at a time. Okay?” she said, placing two fingers on his lips. “But now that we’re somewhat official, will you be my date to Lara’s baby shower?”

“You’re going?” he asked, surprised.

“Kenzie sent me a text, inviting me there, and I thought I’d go. I haven’t worked out the details, but I’m staying through Sunday for their big Thanksgiving dinner. I think Kenzie’s parents are even coming down. I guess that means I’m part of the crew now,” she said excitedly, waggling her brow.

“Wait, I thought Thanksgiving was a couple of weeks from now,” he said, tightening his arms around her.

“It is. It’s just been made early because someone’s going out of town or something like that,” she said, filling in the holes.

“Probably Bray. Makes his mother crazy.”

“So, baby shower on Saturday, Thanksgiving on Sunday. Yay, family weekend.”

“It’s a surprise for Lara, right?” Connor asked.

“I think so, yes. So you’ll be my date?” she asked again.

“You’ll have to meet my parents. I’m sure they’re invited,” Connor said. He couldn’t remember the last time he had taken anyone home to meet his parents.

“Great! Meet the man and woman who created such a fine man.” Julie pushed back off his chest, reaching for her plate, putting another bite of steak in her mouth.

“Oh God,” he said, rolling his eyes as he lifted her to put her back on her feet. “I’ll put the steaks back on the grill to warm.”

Julie shoved another bite in her mouth, moving her hand to cover her chewing as she spoke. “I’m full. Don’t do mine, but you didn’t eat. Do you want me to go warm your beans?” she said, wrapping her blanket back around her.

“Nah, I’ll eat later,” he said, changing course. He stacked one plate on top of the beans and did the same with the salad.

“Why not?” she asked as he started for the back door.

“Because we have much more interesting things we could be doing before you have to leave.” He tossed a look over his shoulder to get her reaction. When her face lit up, he said, “Grab the glasses, for me. I’ll get the rest later.”

She did as he’d asked before following him inside. She shut the door and then the blinds. He barely got the plates on the counter and the beans in the refrigerator before his T-shirt, the one she’d been wearing, landed on top of his head. Connor looked over as her bare ass disappeared around the doorframe.

Connor started removing his clothes as he automatically followed her retreating form, not entirely certain he’d closed the refrigerator door when he’d left the kitchen. He shook his head. He was in so much trouble with her.

Hours later, Connor opened his front door, barely extending a hand before Julie unexpectedly darted past him, never breaking stride as Bruno opened the back door of her town car. Connor picked up his speed, moving quicker toward the both of them. Bruno was a professional; he kept an eye on Connor while also always watching his surroundings. When Connor got closer, standing no more than a few feet away and Julie was fully inside the backseat, Bruno shoved the door closed in his face. After learning what the two of them had been through, he didn’t begrudge the distrust or dislike radiating from Bruno like he had before. He found he appreciated the care Bruno took in looking after Julie.

A step or two away, Connor stuck out a hand toward the man. Bruno didn’t immediately shake it, but Connor held it out there for him anyway. “It’s late. Are you good to drive? You two could stay here tonight.”

“I’m fine to drive,” Bruno said and finally shook his hand with one iron shake before turning away.

“I’m Connor McDaniel. I’m guessing Bruno isn’t your real name,” he said, tucking his fingers inside his jeans.

“She can call me whatever she wants,” he said, opening the driver’s door. Connor stayed rooted in his spot, trying for calm and patience. If Bruno worked for OverWatch, he’d already run Connor’s background. He didn’t figure Bruno would be pleased with what he’d found.

“I’ll be in Texas next week. She told me what happened. She’s agreed to stay with me while she’s in town. I don’t know how you’ll coordinate her security, but my life’s an open book, and I’ll cooperate with whatever you need.”

Bruno stopped with a foot inside the car and turned back to him, confirming what he’d assumed. “I know who you are. It’s not that open.”

He nodded and started for Julie’s door, walking those steps backward while keeping an eye on Bruno. “Same still applies. I want her safe. Whatever you need from me, I’m happy to give. I have a place in the back of my parents’ land. It isn’t much, but it has room for you or whoever’s going.”

Bruno didn’t say another word. He got behind the wheel and closed the door. Connor reached over and opened Julie’s door. He bent at the knee at the same time the brightest flash he’d ever seen blinded him. All he could see was pitch black, and he reached for the door to steady himself.

“I should have warned you. I’m sorry. I wanted a picture.”

“It’s okay. Wanted one too,” he said, casting his head down, closing his eyes, giving them a minute to readjust. She caressed his head with her hand, before she reached under his chin to gently lift his face.

“Then come here. Let’s take one together.” She moved closer to him, angling her face with his and lifting her phone. “Smile for me.”

He got his vision back and did as she asked. She snapped the picture, blinding him again. “That’s it, I promise. It turned out good. I’ll send it to you.”

“All right,” he said, still unable to see, but chuckling at her excitement. “What’s your last name?”

She stayed in his face and kissed his lips. “Banks, and I’ll get my schedule worked out and call you to get everything arranged.”

“Okay. I’m leaving at sunup tomorrow,” he said. He’d already told her that several times tonight, but he didn’t want her to go just yet, so he extended the conversation—a skill no one would claim was his strong suit.

“Be safe on the road.” Now they were having the exact same conversation they’d had not five minutes ago before she’d run out his front door.

“Kiss me so y’all can get on the road.”

She did. One of her spectacularly passionate kisses, sweeping her tongue over his like they’d been doing this forever. When her hand cradled his face and she opened wider, he forced himself to break away, taking both her hands in his.

“Be safe getting home tonight,” he said, rising but not letting her go. “Call me if you need me.”

“We will,” she said, still holding his hand until he stepped too far away to maintain contact.

“Text me when you get home.” He stood there with his hand on the door, staring down at her. She had his heart, and for some reason, he was okay with that. He didn’t want to close the door and break contact with her.

“Thank you for letting me come tonight.” Her big bright eyes stared up at him.

“Thank you for driving all the way here.”

Even then it took a second before he lifted a hand, shut the door, and took several steps backward. Between the dark skies and blacked out window, he couldn’t see inside the car, but he still stared at the window where he thought she might be waving.

He watched until they pulled out of his complex before slowly turning to go back inside. That lightness she always gave him continued. For whatever reason, and even though it made no sense in his current situation, he was happy. Maybe happier than he remembered being for a long time.

At his front door, he forced himself to stop and not overthink this. One day at a time. No thought of the future. That would make this fragile balance he’d discovered take a certain nosedive. Julie had been right about that. Day by day only. So today he needed sleep and then tomorrow he’d get on the road.

Connor flipped the deadbolt, securing the front door, and went for the sliding glass door to do the same. He smiled and shook his head as he walked into the kitchen. He had a lot of food to freeze before he left in the morning. They hadn’t eaten much of what he’d bought. He put the steaks in the refrigerator and decided he’d do the rest in the morning.

In his bedroom, as he began undressing, the phone vibrated in his pocket, alerting him to a new message. He managed to undress and crawl into bed before opening the message from Julie. The sheets smelled like her perfume, and he grinned at their selfie filling his screen. She clearly couldn’t take a bad picture. He on the other hand barely had a smile on his face. She was beautiful, a light to the world. He was dark, devilish, and… He stopped thinking his next thoughts. No. His past was in the past. He’d done what he’d done to protect this country. He’d do it again if need be.

He saved the picture and sent her a text. “
I really enjoyed tonight
.”

“
Me too. I can’t wait until next week
,” she texted back.

“
Me either. Be safe. Get some rest. Tomorrow’s coming fast
.”

“
Goodnight, Connor
.”

“
Goodnight, babe
.”

~~~

Julia sat back in the town car’s seat, knowing she should get some sleep. She’d stayed longer than she’d planned, but damn, he was hard to leave. Looking out the side window, she smiled to herself. They had agreed to keep seeing each other. She was unreasonably excited about the prospect. Connor was an incredible man. He didn’t seem to ever get sick of her silliness, which made absolutely no sense. Everyone got tired of her teasing nature.

“We need to talk about him,” Bruno said.

She looked forward, catching his gaze shifting between the road and the rearview mirror. She knew this was coming and put down the phone, giving a deep sigh.

“I know. It’s just nice to feel normal,” she said, looking down at her joined hands in her lap.

“I got his record back from OverWatch tonight.” His voice was sterner than normal. She hadn’t thought Connor’s attempt to win him over with a handshake would work. Dread filled her heart.

“He’s an open book. He tells me anything I want to know,” she said somewhat lamely, looking back out her window.

“Are you sure about that?” His voice was snide that time. She took a deep breath, remembering he was on her side even if it didn’t sound like it.

“What did you find out?” she asked, making sure her voice sounded uninterested.

“Lots and lots of dark holes in his past.”

She wasn’t even sure what that meant. When Bruno came to a red light, he hooked an arm over the passenger side seat and looked back at her.

“Are you sure you know this guy as well as you think you do?”

She heard the concern in his voice, but her feelings for Connor were solid and very real. She edged toward becoming defensive and had to rein that back in, reminding herself that Bruno was just doing his job and keeping her best interest at heart.

“I’m certain I do. I’ve known him for years. Both he and Ty have alluded to his job being secretive, but he’s stable. I promise. I’m not rash where men are concerned.” She hadn’t dated anyone since she’d hired him. Bruno had to see the truth of her statement.

Bruno just stared at her, then nodded. “Is he aware?”

The light turned green and a honk forced his attention back to the front. The cryptic question grated on her nerves. She’d never get past that stalker who’d invaded her whole life and turned everything upside down.

“I told him tonight. He was sweet about it.” Her eyes lifted to his in the mirror again. “Even though you don’t care about that kind of stuff, I do. He did mention the company you worked for, that he had friends who’d started it, then he was glad I’d found you through them.”

There was silence for several miles before Bruno spoke again. “Overall, they came back with a solid on him. I just don’t like the months and months with no documentation.”

Lost in thought, she continued staring out at the dark night, wondering what those months of darkness had done to Connor. She decided right then not to mention the PTSD or Connor’s impending discharge to Bruno. She was working on nothing but her gut, but she knew in her heart Connor wasn’t a bad, scary guy. She just
knew
it. Bruno was on the fence about him. She’d give them time to get to know each other before she dropped any new worries on Bruno.

“Be careful with him, Jules.”

She turned back to the front, making her voice convey what it needed too. “I like him, Bruno. I need you to get along with him. He’s going to Texas. He offered to let us stay at his place. I’d like to do that. I’ll get the details and you can decide,” she said, hoping she was acting like she was willing to compromise.

“I need to be close by. You can’t stay there and me in a hotel. It’s part of the contractual boundaries—” Bruno started, but she cut him off.

“He offered for us both to stay there. He also wanted to invite you in tonight, spend the night there—both of us—instead of driving back tonight.” Her gaze stayed focused on the rearview mirror. “He’s a good guy. He agrees I need solid protection. I’m lucky to have found someone like him.”

The silence continued before Bruno finally nodded. She guessed the discussion was over when he turned on the radio to her favorite station, but kept the volume low. “You need to get some sleep.”

“Wake me if you get tired,” she said, reaching for the small pillow she’d brought along.

“Like that’s gonna happen,” Bruno scoffed.

She rolled her eyes and laid the pillow against the glass. “I had to try.”

Nothing else was said. She was glad he wasn’t fighting her too hard on Connor. Connor had an underlying vibe that he was a force to be reckoned with, but she didn’t know that side of him, not really. She honestly hoped to never witness it, because to her, he was an utter gentleman, an old-school, treat-women-with-respect kind of man. He was fun, charming, and too dang gorgeous for his own good—or for her own good was more like it. She was taking a wild leap. They’d only agreed to continue like they were, but she had moved Connor into boyfriend status. She hoped that was okay. It made her heart happy to think such a man would want to spend any time with her and her crazy life.

~~~

Connor had made this trek a hundred times over the last twelve years, but he couldn’t ever remember being this tired while doing it. He twirled a toothpick between his teeth as he let the restaurant door swing shut behind him. He ate at The Steak Shack every time he came through Las Cruces and stayed at the Holiday Inn, exactly three point seven miles from the restaurant. He hopped back in his truck and started the ignition. Thank goodness the truck almost knew the way.

At the hotel’s front desk, Connor gave at least three solid yawns while checking in. With his duffel slung over his shoulder, he went in search of his room.

He dropped his duffel on a chair when he walked in, undressing as he located the thermostat and knocked the temperature lower. Thank God he wasn’t a clean freak. He tossed his T-shirt on the desk, his belt in the general direction of his duffle and his jeans landed on the floor by the bed. He was under the blankets, head on a pillow, less than ten minutes after he’d arrived at the hotel.

All the anxiety, alcohol, and general lack of sleep over the last few days had caught up with him. Funny, not one frontline war zone had been as stressful as his civilian life over the last few weeks. He didn’t understand at all how people did this every single day.

The drive from San Diego to Las Cruces had taken much longer than normal because he’d pulled over to text, then when that became too frequent, he’d broken down and called, talking to Julie off and on for much of the day.

For the first hour or so of the ride, he’d firmly made the decision to just go with whatever was happening with Julie. Julie seemed to make his attitude a million times better than it had been in weeks. Maybe karma had intervened on his behalf, putting her in his path. Whatever the reason, Connor wasn’t dumb enough to let that go because of the unknowns plaguing his future. The dark place that brewed just behind his carefully placed façade wouldn’t have been good for anyone in his life. At least he’d been honest with her. She knew the deal. If there had been any doubt, he’d driven those points home today.