Free Latched (Coronado Series Book 1) by Lea Hart Page A

with someone on the first date would make me a tart. I am a little desperate, but I am not a tart.”
    “Understood Birdie, not on the first date. I knew you were a relationship girl.”
    “I guess I really don’t know what I am. I think I would like to take it one day at a time.” She picked up her menu again, “What are you going to have for dinner?” The waitress brought their drinks and they ordered, and after that they had a totally normal first date.  
    They had a lot to talk about even though they were very different. While they were listening to each other, they were both thinking about the amazing sex that was going to happen soon. He kept a hold of Birdie’s hand. He wanted to make sure she didn’t get away. “Should we walk to the club and see if we like the music or do you want to do something else?”
    “I think the music sounds great, let me just use the ladies’ room before we go.” Mark helped her out of the booth and watched her walk back to the restrooms. He noticed some men checking her out. The waitress came to the table with the bill and he paid with cash - he didn’t want to wait around for a credit card receipt. He decided to walk back and wait for Birdie because he didn’t want those guys to get ideas. “Why are you back here? Did you have to use the boy’s room?”  
    “No, I just wanted to make sure that you were ok.” He put a possessive arm around her and stood at his full height as they walked out of the hall. He threw the guys that were checking Birdie out the same look he gave recruits and the men looked away. That’s right asshole, don’t even look at her. They walked out headed for the club and he kept her tucked under his arm, nice and close and that is where he was going to keep her.  
    They found a table at the club and the band turned out to be pretty good. Birdie sat very close to him and at one point she leaned her head on his shoulder and sighed. “I love the music, thank you for bringing me here.”  
    He kissed the top of her head, “I am glad you like it. I haven’t planned a date since college - good thing it worked out.”
    They left the club and started walking towards the truck, Birdie noticed he was more relaxed but still observant. He could probably tell you how many cars were on the street and what every person was wearing. Birdie couldn’t tell you anything beyond what Mark smelled like and how his arm felt around her shoulders. Going out on a date with a big man was nice, she didn’t feel like she had to be looking around. She could leave that to him. She’d never left anything to anyone.  
    He noticed when she relaxed against him and pulled her in a little closer. He still couldn’t believe what she said at dinner. I still think she is a relationship girl. But if she wants to believe this is going to be a short fling, he would let her and then make sure it turned into something else. “Do you want any dessert or coffee? We could stop in that shop over there before we go home?”
    “Nothing for me, I think I’m ready to go home. I have a lot of work ahead of me for the next two days. What are you doing?”
    “We have a training op with the new equipment tomorrow. We are leaving in the afternoon and won’t be back until Friday night. Do you still want to go to the beach on Saturday?”  
    “That sounds great, I should be done at the shop in the afternoon. I can meet you at my house, just text me what time.”
    They got in the truck and she watched him walk around and her heart made a little thump. I hope I survive sex with this man and I don’t fall for him accidentally. I don’t think I could endure another broken heart.
      He grabbed her hand and drove them home, she noticed he had nice wrists. Is it weird that I like his hands? “Thanks for a great night Mark, I loved the restaurant and the music. I liked spending time with you. You were not bossy at all - you were completely charming.”
    He brought her hand up to his mouth and