Two in the Afternoon by Cora Cade

opportunity to interject, “That girl is as headstrong as they come, son. Can’t recognize yourself in her, I reckon.”
    Molly had to laugh when Cal snapped his mouth shut, obviously thinking about what Chief had said. He was a bit blind about his sister, but it really did come from the heart. The big bruiser would do anything to protect Lainey, even if it was misguided.
    Men. They really had no clue about women, even their sisters.
    They drank their coffee in silence for a few minutes before Cal finally spoke. “We could catch a movie, maybe even lunch, since you’ve got the day off.”
    Chief was watching her as intently as Cal. From across the bar he gave a brief, sharp nod and a wink. Her mouth fell open. Was the old man matchmaking? Holy shit, he was.
    â€œSure. I’ve got to shower and find some clean clothes.”
    â€œI did the laundry this morning, so everything you’ve got here is clean and stacked on the dresser.”
    â€œYou did my laundry?”
    â€œYeah. Why? Is that weird for you?”
    Yes. Yes, it was weird. “Nope.” No one had done her laundry for longer than she could remember. And why did it make her want to jump his bones? She would not melt for a guy because he did her laundry. Absolutely not happening.
    As she slid off the barstool and headed for the shower upstairs, she berated herself. Not freaking happening. She was not falling for Callum Eversman. They had four more days until Sunday.
    Four days to enjoy him and prep for the final goodbye. Because she was not falling for his bald head, hot tattoos and sexy smile.
    No.
    When Bo greeted her at the top of the stairs, she said it again. “No. I’m not falling for him.” Maybe the dog believed her.
    Their date had been a success. Chief had casually mentioned that Molly loved sushi and even directed him to her favorite place over in Mumford. Cal didn’t mention to either of them that he’d never had sushi, but he was game for anything if it meant Molly enjoyed their date. And to be honest it wasn’t too bad.
    They caught a movie that suited them both and then headed back to the pub for dinner and a beer. They joined Lainey at the bar and passed the evening bantering with Chris.
    Now he was wide awake, next to Molly, in the big king bed. She’d made good on her promise to take full advantage of him in the shower earlier that night. A memorable event to be sure, but he was currently going back over the conversation with Chief in his head.
    â€œHey, soldier. You’re thinking awful damn loud for someone who should be sleeping.”
    â€œAm I?”
    She curled into his side and rested her head on his chest. On a yawn she said, “Hmmm…definitely.”
    â€œMolly, you know I’m headed back to base in a few days.” His chest tightened, just thinking about her response. “I’d like to date. After I leave, I mean.”
    She stiffened. There was no way for her to hide it, tucked up against his side, but she didn’t move away. “Cal, we talked about this. You know I can’t date you.”
    â€œCan’t or won’t?”
    This time she did pull away. Sitting up and pulling the sheet closer to her chest she said, “It’s the same thing for me. I can’t get more attached. Your life is far away from mine, so different from what I live. You’ll go away, overseas again, and you’ll be fighting a war without end. How do I survive that if I fall in love with you?”
    She took a deep shuddering breath before going on. “One of two things will happen. You’ll get tired of me and it will end. I’ll be heartbroken and curse the day I ever met you. Or you’ll die at war. And I’ll never get over your loss.” She didn’t speak for a moment. Then she said, “Never.”
    He pulled her close, rubbing her back gently while she fought back tears. “Okay. It’s okay.” When he felt