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She hopped off the bar stool and strolled around the counter. Nadia removed the knife from my hand and placed it on the counter and turned to me. She rested her hands on my chest.
“I’ve had a crush on you for a long time.”
My eyebrows rose.
“I know I am asking an awful lot of a man like you. You’re afraid to be loved by a woman because you don’t think she can love you unconditionally. You think she will leave at the first sign of trouble. I want you to understand we can build a special life. We can do everything the way we want together. I am not saying it won’t be hard. I am stronger today than I was a few years back when I was admitted to rehab. I didn’t want anything good in my life. One day I decided to do better for me. I am resilient and won’t let anyone tear me down. I know for the first time in my life, I picked a good man. Your career path is dangerous. I am not naïve. I understand you could return to active duty and never return.”
I clenched my fists. Her words cut deep because for the first time I’d understand how my men felt fighting for their country and in the back of their minds wondering if they’d ever see their loved ones again.
“This is what I didn’t want.” I smoothed my hand over her wavy hair. “The pain of knowing you are at home worrying about me.”
“Listen, at least you know I care. Don’t think about me worrying. Think about this day. The day you cooked are first romantic dinner of many.” She grinned.
“I know you are sacrificing your life for me. Again, thank you. If we make it out of this mess alive. Promise, you’ll come over to my parents for dinner.”
I squeezed my eyes with two fingers. “Yeah, I can agree to that.”
She pulled me close until her soft lips met mine. Nadia slid her hands over my neck, deepening our kiss. She stepped back. “I want forever with you, Aiden Wilder. Whatever our forever looks like. I’ll be right back.” Her eyes glassed over.
I wanted to follow her, but I gave her a moment alone.
Forever, huh?The thought scared the shit out of me. I tried so hard not to allow my negative thoughts to manifest. Aiden, give yourself a shot at happiness.
