Rescuing Barbi: A Special Forces Protector Romantic Suspense Novel by Ellie Masters

Author:Ellie Masters [Masters, Ellie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: JEM Publishing
Published: 2023-07-31T16:00:00+00:00

EIGHTEEN

Alec

The Las Vegas Strip is alive with a mesmerizing display of lights, sound, and the energy of the crowded streets. It never fails to captivate. My anticipation grows as we approach our destination. Barbi sits beside me in my Jeep, full of cautious excitement.

During the drive, we traded off stories of our youth, getting to know each other on a deeper level. I can’t wait to see where the next few days take us.

My goal is to get her away from her townhouse, so we can spend quality time together. So far, it’s a complete success. We’re spending time outside of sex, exploring whether the fragile emotional connection we’re trying to build will last.

For other couples, the getting to know each other part is usually the first step in a relationship. Leave it to us to do things backward.

Barbi lets out a soft laugh as I recount a particularly embarrassing moment from my teenage years.

“You really wore a fedora to your high school prom?” she asks, still giggling.

“Hey, I thought I looked pretty cool, but looking back, I was clearly trying too hard.”

“But I thought you were a stud in high school, plowing your way through all those nubile bodies?”

I chuckle at her comment, shaking my head in amusement. “Yeah, I guess I did have a bit of a reputation. But the truth is, I was just trying to live up to this image of what I thought a ‘popular’ guy was supposed to be.”

Barbi raises an eyebrow. “And what did you think that was?”

I let out a sigh, my gaze growing distant as I recount my youth. “I don’t know. I guess I thought I was supposed to be this suave, confident guy who could charm any girl he wanted. I guess that made me feel like I had something to prove.”

“It’s hard not to get caught up in what other people think of us, especially in high school.” She nods sympathetically.

I reach over and take her hand in mine. “But you know what? All of that feels so far away now. When I’m with you, I don’t feel like I have to be anyone but myself. And that’s a pretty amazing feeling.”

“When I’m with you, I feel like I can be myself too. And that’s pretty special.” Her smile lights up her face, but then a shadow overcomes her. “At least you were trying. I spent most of my high school years trying to blend in with the wallpaper.”

I turn to her, intrigued. “Really? I find that hard to believe. You seem like the kind of person who’s always been comfortable in their own skin.”

She shrugs, a hint of vulnerability creeping into her expression. “I guess I just got used to fading into the background. It was easier that way.”

“I’m glad you’re not trying to blend in with the crowd anymore. You stand out in all the best ways.”

“Why did you join the Navy and want to become a U.S. Navy SEAL?” She’s genuinely interested in learning more about my past and I love it.

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