Free Touch Me by Melissa Schroeder Page A

over the last three years. She had made connections, found her place…and a sexy new interest.
    “There has to be another choice. I can’t keep doing this.”
    “Just keep it in mind you might have to move. We aren’t doing anything right now, but I just wanted to give you a warning.”
    Unlike the three times before this. “Okay.”
    After hanging up moments later, she wished she hadn’t answered. It was just like the last time the marshal had called. Her life had been settled, and she had been happy enough. Then he showed up and let loose a bomb.
    She didn’t want to think about the consequences or the idea of giving up the one true relationship she’d had in years.
    She glanced at Hercules. And she couldn’t leave Hercules.
    With a sigh, she realized she might not have a choice in anything. Again. One thing was for sure; she was going to have to make the break with Jack. She could be selfish and refuse to do it, but if there had been a breach. She would put him in danger.
    Tomorrow, she would do it tomorrow. Tonight…well, she would just let herself have a good cry.
     
    *  *  *  *
     
    “I think things went well last night,” his father said as they watched a cab pull up to the curb.
    “I wish you would just let me drive you to the airport.”
    His father shook his head. “Naw, you’ve got stuff to do.”
    As he walked him down the sidewalk, he realized his father and he never really discussed the job offer.
    “I think you shouldn’t take it,” he said as they stopped at the end of the driveway.  His father looked at him, confusion filling his eyes. “The job.”
    “Oh,” he said. Then, slowly he smiled. “Yeah?”
    “I think if you don’t want to do it, don’t. You don’t need the job, and well, if you’re in the mood to be a civilian again, do it. Life’s too short.”
    His father handed his bags to the taxi driver then turned back to face him. He gave Jack a hug. “Thanks, Jack. I needed to hear that.”
    He stepped back, nodded, then sat in the car.
    “Hey, Dad, why did you talk to me and not Jesse?”
    “You understand me better.”
    That surprised him. “I always thought Jesse was the most like you.”
    His father smiled. “Maybe when he was younger, but you have the same determination I did. You see the Marines as your life; Jesse didn’t always see it that way. Just remember to have a life, Jack.”
    “No worries on that part,” he said, glancing at Hannah’s house. “And, I don’t think of the Marines as the only thing I want out of life anymore.”
    “Good. I’ll text when I land.”
    He waved as the cab sped away. He looked at Hannah’s house again. He wanted to go over there, wanted to spend time with her, but he wanted to give her space. Besides, he needed a good run.
    With that thought, he hurried back into the house ready to take on the day so he could have time to spend with her later.
     
    *  *  *  *
     
    Hannah had deliberately kept herself busy all day. She had been thankful Jack hadn’t popped in when his father left. When she saw him head out for a run, she decided to be a coward a little bit longer and head into work. She did get a lot of stuff taken care of just in case.
    When she arrived on his doorstep, Hercules by her side as the sun was already starting to set. She raised her hand to ring the doorbell, but he beat her to the punch and opened the door.
    “Hey,” he said smiling at her. “I take it the paperwork took longer than you expected?”
    “Yeah, a bit,” she said, fibbing only a little. She had texted to tell him she was in the office working. She had spent most of her time walking through the clinic. With each step her heart broke a little bit more.
    “I’m being rude. Come on in.”
    He stepped back to let her walk by him.
    “Did your father get off okay?”
    “Yes.” He led her to the kitchen. “Want something to drink?”
    She shook her head. “We have to talk.”
    He eyed her warily. “About what?”
    “I think