Free Man Of Few Words by Ursula Whistler Page B

“When you have more than one, you’ll get challenges.”
    “That’s not my problem. Just one.”
    “The lady I met last night?”
    “That one.”
    “Is it you or her?”
    “Do you need to ask that question?” Stone knew about Duff’s series of failed relationships and the troubles that still followed him because of one woman in particular.
    “Right. What did you do?”
    “Lost my temper. Well, not exactly.” He thought about the naked lieutenant prancing so easily through Kirsten’s house and how she stared at the younger man. His reaction was jealousy and a need for privacy—not outrage at unbecoming conduct. As he turned a chair backward and straddled it, he told Stone the story.
    After a long laugh, Stone asked, “This was Groveman, the jokester?”
    “Yeah, that’s the one, and he’s dating her roommate. You know I can’t kick him out. The shit’s going to cost me an amazing woman.”
    Stone propped up his feet on the table in front of him. “That kid deserved whatever you gave him, Duff. Don’t feel bad about that. But, the lady and the situation. Want me to see if Groveman is real about the roommate?”
    “Out of bounds, even for you.”
    Stone threw up his hands. “Hey, all I have to do is suggest that I’m interested, and bam! That kid will go running.” He leaned forward. “Is she hot?”
    “Kirsten? You saw her. Yes. Hell, yes.”
    “No, the roommate.”
    “I don’t know. Didn’t stay around to see her.”
    “Let me deal with Groveman. He’s up for a flight with me. I won’t press him too hard. Whatever I learn, I’ll tell you.”
    Duff rubbed his face and contemplated the ethics of it all, which he wished he’d done earlier. “Don’t tell him to dump the roommate. We can’t do that.”
    Stone turned on his high beams, those ridiculously white teeth. He had to spend a fortune on whitening treatments. “I’m going to be a saint. Perfect officer. And you’ll end up with what you want. But you do know that you should get over there and apologize if she’s worth it. Is she?”
    Without having to think much about how he felt with her in his arms last night, he answered, “Yes.”
    “Then stop jawing at me. Go do it.”
    “Sure you don’t need help with the crew about to come in.” Duff motioned with his head toward the growing rumble of conversation behind the door.
    “Nah, but you stay in here until they file in. Gotta take this opportunity to make Groveman squirm.”
    “You’re a cruel man, Stone.”
    “It’s got me where I am today.”
    Duff shook his head, but he leaned in like a conspirator when the flight students streamed into the room. He said, “If you like being alone, buddy, keep at it.” He patted Stone on the shoulder, winked at Groveman, and got a small delight from seeing the poor kid grimace. He felt better. He had a mission.
    ****
    Kirsten braided her wet hair after her second shower of the day. She wanted to greet Duff at his apartment looking nice, but not like she tried too hard. Going as she was after finishing the staircase turned out not to be a good option once Suzy pointed out that Boomer’s cologne lingered on her. That wouldn’t make the right impression at all. Duff would only think the worst of her if she arrived smelling of musk. Even she wouldn’t forgive someone who smelled of someone else’s cologne.
    Suzy yelled at her from the front door. “I’m headed to the store. Need anything?”
    “More condoms.” She grinned as she walked into the common room from her side of the house. She had three left from the six she had last night. If her plan went well, she’d need more.
    “Sure. There’s also a box under my sink if you want to grab a few. I doubt I’ll be using them for a bit. Aren’t you so happy that you’re back to loving life?”
    “Yes and no. It’s been an up and down day.”
    “Yeah, I saw that thing between you and Boomer. When it rains, it pours on you.”
    “For good and bad, apparently.” She referred to