A Navy Homecoming by Gail Chianese

Author:Gail Chianese
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Gail Chianese

CHAPTER 6

She woke to gray skies, more rain, and thunder so loud it rattled the windows. She rolled over, grabbed her phone, and checked the time—ten fifteen, holy smokes—before bringing up the weather app. The day called for rain and more rain. Lovely. There went her day of lounging by the pool with her book. Oh well, the bed or even couch would work just as well, plus she wouldn’t have to worry about sunburn. In between rumbles, she noticed a lack of sound.

Had Casey left already without even saying goodbye? She grabbed the plush robe and slipped it on over her sleep shirt, then tiptoed across the room in case he was still sleeping. She stopped at the doorway and looked around. The spare pillow and blanket were neatly folded and set off to the side of the sofa. Casey’s duffel bag was nowhere to be seen.

Her shoulders dropped and she tugged the robe closed, suddenly very cold. The idea of spending the day snuggled up—alone—reading on the couch had lost all its appeal, as had spending the rest of the week in the cabin by herself. She should have begged Kibble to join her or her friend, Margie. Stop it, she silently admonished. What was wrong with her? A few days around Casey and all her independence had flown out the window? It was like being whisked back in time. Well forget that. She’d luxuriate in the hot tub, and if it was still raining she’d curl up with her book. She didn’t need anyone else to keep her company.

Just as she turned around to head into the bathroom, the lock on the front door clicked and Casey walked in.

Relief washed through her and she didn’t know if she should kick herself or be happy. He was carrying a drink holder and two takeout cartons. The aroma of fresh coffee and bacon filled the air. Happy it is.

A slow smile lit up his face. “About time. I almost starved to death waiting for you to wake up.” He walked over and set everything down on the dinette for two before handing her a cup. “Earl Grey, one packet of sugar and a splash of milk.”

“Thanks,” she murmured before taking the cup and sitting down at the table. “What’s in here?”

“A better question is what’s not in there.” He lifted the lid to show her eggs, bacon, sausage, hash brown casserole, fried apples, grits with cheese, and a blueberry muffin. “Chef Nick sends his regards.”

Colette gave a little laugh. I’m not going to be able to eat half of that. “It’s enough to feed a platoon.”

“Nah, not even a baby platoon. Don’t worry. What you don’t eat, I will. It’s practically lunchtime.” His face lost all playfulness as he set his coffee aside. “Did you sleep okay?”

“A few weird wine-induced dreams.” She stirred her tea and thought about how to broach the subject she wanted to discuss with him. “Thanks for breakfast.”

He shrugged and dug into his eggs. “Self-preservation.”

“Funny. Actually, I wanted to apologize for last night.

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