Free Special Forces: Operation Alpha: Protecting Love (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Saints Protection & Investigations Book 7) by Maryann Jordan Page A

want what you and mom had, dad. I want to wake up every morning, so happy to be beside the man in bed with me. I want him to look at me the way you looked at mom.
    She leaned over, setting the mug on the table and walked to the railing, looking out over the peaceful night. Maybe…if I had that…I would not be so afraid to step out of my comfort zone. Walking inside, she set her mug in the sink and made her way back to bed. Sliding under her covers once more, she felt sleep begin to take her over the edge. What could we have built together, Patrick? she wondered, slipping into a deep sleep.
    *     *     *
    Miles away, in the pre-dawn morning, the sound of Patrick’s feet pounded a rhythm along the American River at Sutter’s Landing Park. Unable to sleep, he finally decided to sweat out the frustration coursing through his body.
    After ending the kiss that rocked him to his soul, they continued to discuss the case as though the clench of the century had not just happened. Rounding a curve he slowed his pace, taking in the rising sun over the water. Fuck! Why now? Why when I’m leaving, do I have to find someone I could see forever in her eyes?
    Walking for another mile, his mind turned once more toward his grandfather. Just because parts don’t fit, don’t mean they weren’t good parts. Sometimes when you’re building somethin’, things just don’t go together.
    Making his way to his jeep in the parking lot, he climbed in and began the drive back to his apartment. Several minutes later, stepping into the hot shower, washing off the sweat, his mind continued to focus on Evie.
    Damn, Granddad…I think these parts coulda fit together perfectly. Maybe I just need to work on them a little more. With that thought giving him hope, he dressed proudly in his uniform, ready to face the challenges of a new day with renewed vigor.

Chapter 9
    S aturday morning, Patrick pulled up outside Evie’s condo and watched as she bounded down the steps toward his jeep. Dressed in jeans that fit her curves perfectly and a lightweight green sweater, her thick hair was pulled back with a headband and curled about her shoulders.
    Hopping out, he jogged around the front, opening the door for her. “Your chariot awaits, m’lady,” he said, offering her a hand up.
    Placing her hand over her heart, she cooed, “Oh, thank you!”
    Once on their way to the address of the errant driver, their conversation became more stilted. Looking sideways, Patrick asked, “Are you nervous?”
    “Yeah,” she confessed. “To be honest, I am.”
    He reached across the console, taking her cold fingers and linking his with hers, offering a squeeze of comfort. “It’ll be fine,” he promised. “We’re just going to ask some questions and not be threatening.”
    Glancing at the large man holding her hand, she lifted her eyebrows. “Seriously? As big as you are, you don’t think you’ll be threatening?”
    Chuckling, he said, “Well, that’s why I agreed to let you come with me. You’re supposed to mitigate the threat, right?”
    Grinning, she settled back and tried to still the knots in her stomach. Too soon, they pulled in front of a small, older house. A tricycle and bicycle littered the otherwise neat lawn, and a man, tinkering with a lawnmower, squatted in the driveway.
    Parking in the street in front of the house, Patrick hopped out, walked around, and assisted Evie down from his Jeep.
    The man stood as the two approached him, a questioning expression on his face. “Can I help you?”
    “I hope so,” Patrick replied affably. “I’m Captain Cartwright of the Army Corps of Engineers and this is Ms. Sinclair from GMS.” He noted the man’s eyes sharpened as he looked between the two. “We’re looking for Chris Tompkins and wanted to ask a few questions about the shipment that was delivered to the base.”
    Scowling, Chris grumbled, “I already made a statement about that.”
    Before Patrick replied, Evie spoke up. “I know and