Possession: A Little Harmless Military Romance by Melissa Schroeder Page B

did, but why did he do that? Does Deke strike you as a man who walks away easily?”
    “But he does every time.”
    “And every time it was what you told him you wanted. I’m not saying he didn’t make mistakes. He made a lot of them, but the man who talked my ear off last night wasn’t giving up on you. I’d say he was just taking a break. Give him a chance. He truly adores you.”
    “I don’t know.”
    He took off his glasses, and that was when she saw the shiner. “He didn’t do that, did he?”
    “No, that jackass brother of his did. But we worked it out.”
    “Men. How does the military entrust you with a million dollar plane?”
    “Cuz I’m the best.” He frowned. “And stop trying to change the subject. I have a question for you, and I want a straight answer.”
    “Okay.”
    “Do you think we aren’t marriage material because of our folks?”
    She sighed, and she blinked away the tears that burned the backs of her eyes. “I worry about that. I was married once. I screwed it up.”
    “You both did. I can’t believe I am here pleading his case. Seriously, you both were stupid, but do you think you would end up back together over and over if you weren’t meant to be together?”
    “Fee says the same thing.”
    “Fiona’s right,” she said from behind them.
    Samantha turned and found her standing just a few feet away. “You usually are.”
    “Go get him, Sam. For all three of you, do it.”
    Could she do it? It would mean apologizing, something she hated. And it would mean getting over her insecurities and learning to control her temper. But was it worth it? The image of Deke popped into her head.
    “Okay. But I need to get one thing.”
    “I’ll drive you back over.”
    She looked at her brother and laughed. “No. If I need backup, I’ll take Fee. You can sit here and rest.” She leaned forward and kissed his forehead. “God, Mitchell. Didn’t you bathe or brush your teeth before you came over?”
    He opened his mouth but Zoe came in with her vile family recipe for him to drink.
    “Have fun, kids.”
    She ducked into her room and went to her dresser, pulling out the chain with the rings. She looked at them then slipped the chain over her head and hid the rings under her shirt.
    She walked to the door and found Fee waiting for her. “Ready to go get your Seal?”
    “You’re damned straight.”
     
     
     
     

Chapter Twelve
     
    Deke showered and dressed, wondering all the while what had happened to Mitchell. Deke had left early to run but when he returned, the major’s car had been missing.
    He figured he would show up some time soon. Before he could figure out what to have for breakfast, the door opened. He expected Mitchell, so he was stunned when he saw Samantha and Fiona.
    “Samantha?”
    She smiled shyly. “I hope it’s okay that we came over.”
    Deke heard something behind him, and he looked over to find his brother sauntering toward them. “Sure it is. As long as you introduce me to your friend,” Jonah said.
    He wanted to beat his brother. He loved Jonah, but he had one thing on his mind when he was off duty.
    “This is Fee..Fiona Farelli. This is Diablo.”
    Fee smiled and nodded. “The Marine.”
    Jonah smiled at her, and Deke waited for Fee to melt. When she just continued to stare at him, Deke could tell his brother was a little disconcerted.
    “Yes, the Marine.”
    She nodded. “Well, Diablo, is it? We need to leave these two alone. They have a lot to tell each other. Right, Deacon?”
    “Yes, we do.”
    He was smiling as he watched Fiona herd his brother out to the lanai.
    “Your brother fared better than mine.”
    “Looks can be deceiving. I think Jonah has some bruised ribs.”
    “What were they fighting over?”
    “Not what. Who.”
    She studied him, her eyes clouded with confusion.
    “Zoe. Your brother took objection to the idea that my brother was interested.”
    She chuckled. “I bet he did.”
    Then silence. It was odd that two people would