Autumn Bliss by Stacey Joy Netzel

Author:Stacey Joy Netzel [Netzel, Stacey Joy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: IDS@DPG, Anthologies, Romance, Military, dpgroup.org, Literature & Fiction, Contemporary, Collections & Anthologies
ISBN: 9781500496487
Publisher: Createspace
Published: 2014-01-01T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

“How long have you been here at Whispering Pines?”

Mallory sensed surprise and relief in Levi’s hesitation before he answered, “Two years.”

“Right after they opened?”

“Shortly after, yes.”

She cast him a sideways glance through the shadows. She knew he’d been expecting a different question, one that still sat on the tip of her tongue, begging to be asked. Did she dare return to the potentially land-mine-laden army conversation, or continue along the relatively safe emergency detour?

He’d been short with his replies a few minutes ago, but not once had he refused to answer. And he hadn’t pulled away, either. His large hand engulfed hers, strong and warm as it kept her physical awareness simmering right below the surface.

It suddenly seemed important to know if he could trust her with the stuff he wasn’t comfortable talking about. Only, after her earlier retreat, she figured she’d ease back into it with what she hoped was a fairly neutral question.

“What did you do in the army?”

His pause was shorter this time. “Specialized in EOD.”

“EOD?”

“Explosive ordinance disposal.”

The word explosive catapulted her heart into her throat. “Like diffusing roadside bombs?” she asked, unable to keep the alarm from her voice.

“Yes. Relax.” His fingers gave hers a little squeeze. “It’s not like I’m still over there.”

“Right.” She gave a self-conscious laugh, then blurted out, “Do you miss it? The adrenaline rush, I mean, not the life-endangering part.”

“No, not at all. I tried law enforcement for about a year when I first came home, but couldn’t stand the politics. Working here fits. Doing a little bit of everything and not a whole lot of just one thing keeps things interesting, and I prefer not being cooped up in a building or a squad car all day.”

Maybe that explained the occasional cornered-animal flashes of panic in his eyes. Did it have something to do with his time in the service? That was back along the path of land mines, so she skipped right on by.

“I know what you mean about doing different things. I enjoy managing the gift shop as well as organizing the festival. I could see moving into special event planning in the future where I’d work with all kinds of different companies and organizations.”

Her step slowed as they approached the driveway to his cabin. She was reluctant to have the conversation end, but she’d already taken up enough of his time.

Instead of halting to say goodnight like she expected, he gave a tug on her hand to keep walking. After a slight hesitation, she increased her stride until she was side by side with him again.

Her cabin was maybe another hundred yards down the lane. He truly didn’t have to walk her home, and yet the gesture warmed her heart like nothing else. She didn’t want to make comparisons, but after the years with Doug, she couldn’t help noticing all the little things Levi did that made her aware he was aware of her.

“What are you doing tomorrow?” he asked.

“Thursdays are my day off.”

“I know. Are

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