Trevor woke up feeling refreshed and hungry. When he got to the kitchen, his buddies were all talking and joking around. He needed this; he needed to feel whole just for a little while. Being with these guys made him feel normal. They made plans as they ate, cleaned up, and then headed out the back to throw the football around on the beach.
Walking across the back deck to the sandy beach, he didn’t notice the ladies next door were outside watching them. As he took off his t-shirt, he turned around and caught sight of the gorgeous lady from the pier.
He stood there staring into her face, wanting to know what she was thinking. Those blue eyes and red hair had him wondering if she had Irish blood. An army buddy on base had the same flaming red hair, and he was of Irish decent. He knew not all red heads had Irish blood, but he wanted to find out. Why do I want to talk to her or even get to know her? I’m screwed.
“Hey Trev, you playing or what?” his buddies called to him.
“Yes,” he yelled back, heading to his friends. “Not a single word from anyone. Got it.” They’d noticed how Trevor glanced at the women next door.
Trevor had fun tossing the football around. At times, a tackle turned into a wrestling match. He never had this much fun with the team he worked with on his base. Just being away from everything there took the weight off his shoulders. He knew the only thing he had to do on this vacation was make a decision whether he’d re-enlistment or leave the military.
If he wanted to re-enlist, he needed to finish the program with the therapist he was currently seeing. After finishing, he would be evaluated to determine if he could return to active duty or be medically released.
His parents just asked what he wanted. His sisters, they were all about telling him what they wanted. “Get out, Trev. We don’t want to worry about you getting deployed again. We want you here and safe.” He wondered if he would ever feel at peace.
The game done, he could feel someone behind him and swirled around. “Fuck Gannon. You should know better than to sneak up on me.”
“Edgy. You been like this since you got here. What the hell is going on?” Gannon was not only a Navy buddy but also a close friend.
“You damn well know I can’t tell you.” Running his hand over his face, he looked at his friend. “I wish I could. All I can say. My last two missions went to shit fast, and we got our asses handed to us. Lost some.”
Gannon eyed him and made him want to look away. “Noticed the two shot wounds. Had to have hurt like bitch. Is that what you dream about?” Trevor’s eyes widened, and he started to open his mouth. “I came out of my room needing a drink and heard you. Have you talked to anyone besides the therapist? Just asking, so don’t be an ass. If you need to talk, I’m here.”
“I’ll think about it.” Trevor looked over to make sure she was still outside.
“Go over and talk to her. Ask her out, man. Have fun. The military is a career, not your life. See you later.” Gannon tapped his back as he headed toward the house.
Trevor retrieved his shirt, put it back on, and headed over. Okay, I can do this. Damn, I’m nervous.
Skye sat outside and watched the sexiest man she had seen in a while run around, though she did her best not to look at the dog tags around his neck. That wasn’t the only thing that bothered her; she’d noticed his gunshot wounds. He’s military and probably active duty. I can’t get involved with someone in the military. But, damn he’s sexy.
Wearing her sunglasses, she hoped her friends hadn’t noticed. Skye listened to her friends and even turned her head in their direction, but her eyes were on Trev. She’d heard the men call him and wondered if it was a nickname or his name.
When the game ended, she watched Trev talk to one of his friends and then head to retrieve his shirt. He must be heading inside with his friends. She started to turn and truly join the conversation.
“Well, look who is coming over,” Skye heard someone say, but her eyes followed the one man that got her attention and made her heart race.
He stopped at the bottom of the steps. “Hi. Would you like to take a walk?” Trev asked.
“Umm. Sure.” Skye felt nervous, and her palms felt sweaty. Following him to the water’s edge, they started walking toward the pier. Glancing over her shoulder, her friends all gave her a little wave. Damn them. They’re going to bug me about this now. Turning back, she asked, “Who won the game, or were you playing for fun?”
“Just for fun. To release some stress,” Trevor replied. “Having fun with your friends? How do you all know each other?”
Small talk, Skye could do this. “We were sorority sisters in college. You?” She had no idea what she was doing with him.
“Served in the military together. We get together once a year. We stay in touch as much as possible.” Trevor looked at Skye.
She glanced at Trevor not really sure what to say. That’s nice or great. Not wanting to go too far she stopped. “So, are you still in the military, Trev? I noticed your dog tags.”
With a shocked look, he asked, “How did you know my name? And yes, I’m still in the Navy. Your name is?”
“It’s Skye, Skye McKenzie. Oh, I heard one of your friends say yours.” Skye could feel her face heating up from embarrassment. Being Irish and having fair skin, she could blame it on sunburn.
Turning, he held out his hand. “Nice to meet you Skye. Trevor Evans.” She felt an electric shock go through her body when she placed her hand in his. They both asked at the same time. “Do you like the beach?” while Trevor asked, “Would you like to go out to dinner?”
Chuckling, Skye looked at Trevor. “You first.”
“I wanted to ask you to dinner with me tonight.” Trevor smiled.
Before she realized it, she was saying, “Yes.”
He smiled wide, showing his dimples. “I’ll call to make reservations for six and pick you up at five-thirty. Okay with you?”
“That will be fine. See you then.” Skye started back to the house.
Reaching the house, she hurried past her friends who had stopped talking to watch her. She made her way to the shower and then needed to decide what to wear for her date. Date. She hadn’t been on a date in years. Her last date, Doug, reminded her of an octopus. She’d spent most of the night swatting his hands. Maybe she should’ve told Trev she would met him there, just in case. Too late now. Dinner and conversation with Trevor, I can do this. Eat, talk, and leave. No noticing his wide shoulders, six-pack abs, muscled arms, dimples… Oh, I may be in over my head and in so much trouble.