HOWARD
15
Having lunch with Meeks confirmed what I already knew. I wanted her now just like I’d wanted her the moment I laid eyes on her. Hell, maybe even more. Every time I got within so many feet of that woman, I had a battle with my libido.
By the time I’d dropped Meeks off at the front door of her building, she was smiling. That was a good sign. Even though she still refused to let me take her out after hours.
“Nope, I already told you. I don’t date military men, but I appreciate you taking me to lunch.” She leaned down inside the window of my vehicle so I could see the depth of her gorgeous eyes when she said, “Oh yeah, and don’t forget I need those folders ready no later than tomorrow.” She was all business once again and, despite it, I felt the power of my imagination kick through me.
I watched Meek turn on the heels of her boots and sashayed her sexy ass back into the building. I pulled off laughing and more determined than ever. I had a plan. She just didn’t know it, but she was about to find out.
I made my way back to work. When I stepped out my vehicle, I found Chief Master Sergeant River Reid coming across the parking lot.
“Just the person I need to see,” he said with a grin.
“What’s going on?” I asked.
We both saluted a lieutenant as he passed and then were interrupted by a master sergeant. While Reid stopped to answer the female senior NCO’s questions, I made my way into the building and down the hall. I stopped and stuck my head in the office on the corner. Senior Airman Jenner sprung up from her chair.
“Yes, Chief?”
“Where’s Washington?” I asked and gestured for her to return to her seat.
“He’s at lunch, sir.”
“Tell him I need an update on those mobility folders before he leaves today.”
“Yes, Chief. I will tell him as soon as he returns.”
I grinned. “Thank you, Airman Jenner. By the way, you’ve been doing a great job with scheduling medical appointments.”
She beamed. “Thank you, Chief.”
I moved to my office and over to the small refrigerator and removed a bottle of water. As soon as I took my seat, Reid appeared at my door.
“What’s going on?”
“Just dropping by. I’ve been trying to catch up with Rice for the last week to get on the vice wing commander’s calendar. I think she’s been avoiding my calls.” Master Sergeant Robyn Rice was the XO—executive officer’s—assistant.
“Probably heard the rumors about you.”
“Then it’s all good news,” he replied and straddled the chair.
“What’s on your mind?” I asked because Reid never dropped by.
Reid looked at me long and hard as if he was looking for the proper words to say. Expressing himself was something he had no problem doing so whatever it was, he was wrestling with. “I’ve been thinking long and hard about something.”
“And what’s that? Spit it out.” I lifted the water bottle and took a long swig.
“I’m thinking about pushing the button.” The expression on his face was dark and intense.
“You’re serious.”
He nodded. “I think it’s time.”
I leaned back on the chair and breathed. “Wow.”
Reid released a sigh and dragged a hand down the length of his face. “I’ve been doing this for twenty years. I’m tired. I’m ready to retire and start working on my next life.”
“And what is that?”
“Probably go ahead and start a security firm. I’ve been looking around at spaces to lease,” he said, not quite meeting my eyes.
I drew a long whistle. “Damn. You are serious.”
He nodded. “Yep. I have one more deployment coming up but after that, I’m out.” We’ve toured together. Afghanistan and Iraq. Neither of us spoke a word about our experiences but Reid’s quiet intensity told me he’d seen and done more things than he’d ever forget.
“Good for you.” I reached across the desk and gave him a fist bump. “I don’t know what I would do if I wasn’t wearing this uniform every day.”
“You’d start spending more time with your family.”
I met his hard stare. “By the time I retire my daughter will be finishing college.” I took another swallow. Like myself, Reid was single. “Maybe now you can make time for a relationship.”
Usually he scowled at that idea but today he had this solemn look on his face. I sat up in my chair and tried to read his expression.
“Maybe. If I find the right woman,” he said calmly.
I gave a rude snort. “Bruh, you really need to get out of my office because I can’t believe what I’m hearing.”
He rose and walked over to my refrigerator and grabbed my last water. “People change,” he replied between sips. “I’m ready to be a part of that change.” He turned to me. “What about you? You ready to put that player card away and meet someone with some substance.”
His comment caused me to grin. “Actually, I think I’ve already met her.” Before I could elaborate there was a knock at my door. I looked over to see Washington standing in my doorway.
“Enter.”
He stepped in and stood with his arms behind his ramrod-straight back. “Chief, I’m here to report that all of the deployment folders have been signed and, other than pending medical appointment, the rest are now ready for Bailey to review.”
“Good job, Washington.” I couldn’t wait to call and share the good news with Meeks.