Never Forget: A Novella in the Echo Platoon Series by Marliss Melton

Author:Marliss Melton [Melton, Marliss]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Romance, Military
ISBN: 9781938732171
Publisher: James-York Press
Published: 2016-06-14T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

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PULLING INTO A parking space in front of Maya’s condo, Rusty wondered if he shouldn’t have bought himself a new car instead of pouring all his money into Never Forget Retreat. Luckily, Maya wasn’t the type to kick him to the curb just because he drove a beater.

Two days had passed since Draco showed off his ferreting capabilities. His guests at the retreat had settled into their various therapeutic activities, while Curtis kept Draco entertained and out of their way. Morning and afternoon, Rusty had enjoyed brief conversations with Maya as she dropped off or picked up her son. At long last it was Friday, and here he was, collecting her for their long-awaited date on the beach.

Having arrived typically early, he spared a thought for his appearance, wondering if his cargo shorts and yellow-collared polo weren’t too dressy. Blowing out a calming breath, he eyed the hazy sky and prayed that the clouds edging the horizon would keep away so they could enjoy their bonfire.

As he headed for Maya’s front door, it sprang open and out stepped Curtis looking slightly sunburned from having taken Draco down the creek in a dinghy that day.

Their gazes met, and Curtis’s face reflected puzzlement and then surprise.

“Oh.” He looked at Rusty as if seeing him for the first time. “Mom’s going out with you?” he asked.

Rusty blinked at the odd question. “She didn’t tell you?”

“No.” And given the look on Curtis’s face, the thought of the two adults hooking up had never occurred to him.

Annoyance flashed through Rusty, followed by concern. Why wouldn’t Maya have told her son she planned to date Rusty—unless she didn’t think their date would lead to anything permanent? Uncertainty ambushed him.

“Well, I hope it’s okay with you,” he said, desirous of the boy’s blessing. Crap, if Curtis said no, he’d have to get in his car and drive away. His heart thudded as he awaited judgment.

Curtis shrugged. He scratched his ear. “Sure, I guess. Who’s watching Draco?”

The boy’s concern for the dog warmed Rusty. “Couple of the guys volunteered to keep him close tonight. One of them knew Nichols, Draco’s former handler.”

“Oh, cool.” Mentioning Nichols made Curtis reflect a moment. “As long as he’s not stuck in his crate all evening,” he added.

“Nope. They’re going to keep him on his lead. What about you? Where’re you going?” It occurred to Rusty that Curtis would be on his own while they were at the beach.

“A friend’s house. Mom says I can buy one new video game with some of the money you gave me, but I’m going to save the rest,” he promised.

“Good man. And I didn’t give you any money; you earned it.” Clapping a hand on Curtis’s shoulder, he noted the density of the boy’s growing bones. “Remember you’ve got a good head on your shoulders. Make sure you use it tonight.”

“Yes, sir.”

Rusty let his hand fall. “I’ve never been a sir,” he reminded Curtis. “Your father was the officer. I’m just a retired, enlisted man.”

Curtis regarded him thoughtfully.

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