Free CALLEN (Second Chance Novels Book 3) by Kemmie Michaels Page A

this about her. I hope she's willing to communicate her needs if he doesn't catch on.  
    "Ok, Shel. Sit up so I can rub your shoulders."
    She complies immediately and allows me to knead the muscles at the base of her neck and dig my thumbs gently into her shoulder blades. I work along her spine and watch her become pliable under my touch. She's ready for my words.
    "You'll get through all of this, you know," I murmur gently. "You're brilliant. You'll find another job easily."
    I move my hands to her biceps and squeeze softly. "I know you miss your parents, but they raised you to be a strong woman so you could stand on your own when they're gone. You're honoring them with your strength."
    "I don't feel strong," she whispers.
    "But you are," I promise her.  
    She shakes her head and takes a trembling breath. For the next half hour, I help Shelby relax, even carrying her to my bed for a full-body massage. She melts into my covers as I knead every muscle. Quiet tears fall more than once. When I'm finished, I gather her in my arms and hold her solidly while keeping her wrists locked in my grip. She breathes steadily, absorbing my strength and direction. I truly love Shelby, and being her hero helps us both. I watch her contentedly lost in the darkness behind her eyelids and I smile softly.  
    "You're going to be ok," I whisper again. "And no matter what happens, I'm here."
    She nods but finally admits, "This is all too much for me."
    She sighs and shakes her head. We sit in silence while she enjoys her reprieve.
    "Callen," she whispers absently after a while.
    "Shh," I return.
    "I think I love you."
    I chuckle softly at my friend. "You love being understood."
    She sighs and rests deeper into me.
    She falls asleep locked in my arms, and I wonder how much rest she gets at home. I settle us into my bed and drift off while I take care of my friend. She's gone by the time I wake up, but I don't worry too much. She'll be refreshed after last night.  

    Though the pit in my heart still bleeds tar-like blood for Evvie, the world moves on around me. Somehow its revolutions brings me along. I may find peace in Quinn while I avenge Evvie. The conflict remains in my mind, but my heart finds a corner of space for Quinn. That single kiss let her in more than I realized.
    Considering my newfound ability to experience life in addition to my thoughts of Evelyn, my plan is to place a single phone call to Quinn and set the tone for a night of stress-free time with her. This evening may be atypical compared to other duos out tonight, but I'm determined to find a way to make all this somehow work.
    I'm well aware of my atypical status in this world, and Quinn stands out among all women. Still, now that I've given in to my feelings for her, I owe her more than bizarre stressors and over-the-top intensity. I have spent years honing my skills at seductive romance, so I understand the concept of a quiet, private evening well.  
    Quinn, however, deserves a genuine evening of connection more than she would a dozen roses and another five-star dinner. Pushing my brain into a place outside of my training remains difficult, but Quinn inspires me. Pushing myself away from Evvie may be more difficult than the rest combined.
    Harder to push aside, however, is my own tension. I don't know how many of our circle of friends may be at Second Chance, but I know at least Mason will be there. Bringing Quinn into another part of my life brings familiar frustration to my gut.  
    "Hi," she says warmly as she answers.
    "Hi," I return, relieved to experience a simple interaction between us. I absorb the tone of this call already. "What are you doing this evening?"
    "I don't think I have anything," she answers noncommittally. I'm certain she needs a break from all the tension, as well, and any evening suggested by me is questionable on that front.  
    "May I take you out? There's a pub I like, and I'd like to introduce you to my friends there," I offer genuinely.