Page 22 of Bad Decisions

Two hundred and twenty miles. That’s all that separates DC from Brooklyn. But it might as well be the other side of the world, given how difficult spanning those miles has become. We got close to agreeing on a date a couple of weeks ago, but when I checked my calendar, I needed to be on call, as Parker was out of town. The ad hoc nature of the work I’m doing at Capital Security hasn’t given me a chance to plan in advance. Until now.

Hooah. Ben has replied, and this weekend looks good. Hopefully, it’s the same for Jewel.

Dropping back onto the sofa, I dial her number, not wanting to delay another moment in locking in a plan.

She answers on the first ring. “Hey you.” A smile breaks out across my face at hearing her voice. We don’t talk a lot on the phone or for very long, but when we do, it makes living alone for the first time in my life feel a little less lonely.

“Hi, beautiful. Are you missing me still?”

“I’ve told you before I’m a busy woman, I don’t have time to be daydreaming over a ripped former military man who delivers multiple orgasms like he’s giving out candy,” she teases.

“That’s it, darling. Keep busting my balls. You know it turns me on.”

She moans. “Please don’t remind me what it’s like to turn you on. Not when you’re too far away to do anything about the situation.”

“You’ve got a situation? How about I come and help you with that this weekend?”

“What? This weekend? As in five days?” With each question, her voice rises another decibel.

I chuckle. “Yes, the weekend that starts in five days. Are you free?”

“Yes. Absolutely. Lock it in,” she says in a rush.

“Good. I’ll be there Friday night, so plan on being in because I have every intention of getting you naked the moment I step through the door. And then keeping you that way all weekend.”

“Damn, I love it when you talk dirty. And it’s even better when you deliver on those dirty promises.”

“I will, beautiful.”

Then, before our conversation gets too out of hand and my palm is going to my cock, I change the subject and ask her about her day.

I love listening to Jewel’s stories from the clinic. If we can’t be together, this is the next best way to spend a night alone.

Sorry.

I stare at the single word I’ve typed so far in my text message to Jewel. It’s totally inadequate and doesn’t even come close to the disappointment I feel at having to cancel our planned weekend in New York, one day before I’m due to arrive.

How do I explain the demands of my job when I can’t tell her why I’m about to fly to South America? Or that what I’m going to do there could mean life or death to a young girl?

This text canceling our weekend is all wrong, and although I don’t really have the time, I dial Jewel’s number instead.

“Hi, I wasn’t expecting you to call tonight when we only talked this morning.” She sounds happy, and I hate that I’m about to ruin that.

“Hey, I don’t have long to talk.” My grip tightens around my cell. “But something important has come up at work. I’m really sorry, but I’m going to have to cancel.”

The line is silent except for the sound of her taking a couple of deep breaths. “You’re … not … coming?” Disappointment oozes from the gaps between the words. My heart sinks at having stolen her earlier happiness.

Fuck, I feel like such an asshole.

“I’m so sorry. And I promise if there was anything I could do to avoid this trip, I would.”

“You’re going on a trip?” she asks, her voice faint.

“Yes. I’m at the airport with the guys now, we’re about to board our flight to …” I take a breath before choosing my words carefully because I don’t want to lie to her. “To meet the client.”

“Come on, man, shift your ass,” Ben growls from behind me. He’s not usually an impatient man, but this mission is different, and the speed with which we respond could literally save the life of the young woman taken hostage.

I lengthen my stride, picking up the pace as I follow him across the tarmac.