Alone With You by Aliyah Burke Page B

and recognised as welcome. So you truly wouldn’t have to knock at all. You can come right on in, unless I specifically want to keep you out and either counter the auto approval or take you from the safe list.”
    “Is that what you have at Prometheus?”
    “Partially.”
    He was impressed. Grinning at her, he made his way to where she sat on the couch and drew her near. “How long do we have until dinner is ready?”
    She tossed her book onto the coffee table and wrapped her arms and legs around him. “Long enough.”

Chapter Eight
    Ariel opened the door with a squeal. “Roxi!”
    The women embraced and laughed.
    “Ariel, look at you. You’re looking better, I think, than when I saw you at the wedding.”
    “You are positively glowing. Come in.” Past her friend, she saw Sam standing there, patiently waiting. Silent as ever. The smile was still in place when she hugged him as well. “Hi, Sam.”
    “Ariel.” His voice was deep and she totally got why it affected Roxi so. “Good to see you.”
    “And you as well. How was the honeymoon?” she asked, ushering Sam in.
    “It was wonderful. But I told you that, it’s been months.”
    And Roxi was right. It had been. She’d been swept back into work and, combined with spending any free time with Tuck, it had flown by. She got them something to drink and sat down in her overstuffed chair, watching them together on the sofa.
    Roxi still wore earrings all along her ears. It had been the one thing she’d missed while being in the Corps, Ariel knew. She loved wearing all her hodgepodge of earrings. With curves to die for, dark skin that shone with good health and coffee brown eyes that twinkled with humour, Roxi was the picture of happiness. Roxi had her long hair pinned up, even though they were in the latter part of summer and early autumn. This was Texas and it did get warm.
    Ariel turned her attention to Sam. The man was just gorgeous, no bones about it. Broad shoulders and a lean waist, he was fit. He moved with the grace and aura of a man who had lived in dangerous situations for most of his life. Sam was sombre—he didn’t smile much or laugh a lot but he doted on Roxi, so that made up for it in Ariel’s opinion. As long as he took care of her friend, she couldn’t care less how much he talked.
    Sam still wore his dark hair in that easily identifiable Marine high and tight style. His chiselled features made him appear harsher than he was, she knew that. It had been her misconception the first time they’d met. His eyes were a startling shade of sapphire blue. Roxi had told her that when she’d first seen them, they’d reminded her of the evening sky’s deep blue with an exceptionally understated violet tinge. Personally, Ariel had to agree with her.
    “So what are the two of you doing here?” she asked.
    “Visiting my friend.”
    She narrowed her eyes. “Roxi?”
    “I’m pregnant.”
    Ariel jumped up. “Oh my God!”
    Her screech was echoed by Roxi’s. They embraced again.
    “How far along are you? Do we know if it’s a boy or a girl? And why the hell don’t you look fat?” She tipped her head to the side. “I saw that smile, Sam. You can’t fool me.” She winked at him before turning her attention back to Roxi.
    “Just started my second trimester.” She rubbed her belly. “I am getting fat.”
    “Oh, don’t make me kick your ass. You’re pregnant and weigh less than me.”
    “You’re taller.”
    “Was that supposed to make me feel better?”
    “Yes.” Roxi kissed her cheek. “Of course it was.” She held up a finger. “I’ll be right back. Bathroom?”
    Ariel pointed her in the right direction and as Roxi scampered off, she faced Sam. “You know if you don’t stand up and hug me, I’m going to straddle you on that couch.” She placed a hand over her heart as he basically shot up. “I think I’m hurt, Sam.”
    He rolled his eyes and pulled her in for a hug.
    Wrapping her arms around him, she whispered,