Free Military Daddy by Patricia Davids Page B

couldn’t contain her curiosity any longer. “What does he want?”
    â€œHe wants to ask Olivia about the boys who supplied the alcohol. The Army is looking into the incident. They recognize that underage drinking is a very serious problem in the community and they want to help. The military police are questioning Heather. Shane offered to come here because he felt Olivia might feel less threatened by a friend of yours.”
    â€œHe’s not exactly my friend.”
    Marge pulled a sheet of paper towel from the holder under the cabinet and dried her hands. Turning to face Annie, she said, “He wants to be.”
    Looking away, Annie chose to ignore the remark. “I hope she tells him what she knows.”
    â€œI hope so, too. She didn’t want to tell me anything that would get Heather in more trouble, but perhaps she won’t feel the same misguided loyalty toward those young men. Tell me—why don’t you believe that Corporal Ross wants to be your friend?”
    Startled, Annie frowned at her. “I didn’t say that.”
    â€œNot in so many words, perhaps, but the look on your face plainly says you don’t believe he does.”
    â€œDo you think he does?”
    â€œI think it’s worth taking the chance to find out.”
    Annie focused her attention out the window. Shane had risen to his feet. He offered his hand to Olivia. She stood and shook it, looking almost grown-up and shyly proud. Dropping the curtain so Shane wouldn’t see her spying on him, Annie moved away from the window. When the pair came into the kitchen, she busied herself pulling a stack of plates from the cupboard. She chanced a peek at him. He grinned and winked at her, then spoke to Marge.
    â€œThank you for letting me speak with Olivia. She’s been very helpful.”
    Marge smiled at her daughter. “I’m glad. Have you had dinner, Corporal?”
    â€œPlease call me Shane. No, I haven’t eaten.” He glanced at his watch. “I’ll pick something up on the way back to the base.”
    â€œWhy don’t you join us? We have plenty.”
    Annie spoke up quickly. “I’m sure that the corporal has to get back to his duties.”
    â€œActually, I’m done for the day. Whatever you’re having smells good. If you’re certain it won’t be a problem, I’d be happy to stay.”
    â€œWonderful. Pull up a chair and join us. It isn’t fancy, but it’s filling. Olivia, would you please tell Crystal that dinner is ready. Annie, could you set another place for Shane? I’ll be back in a minute. I need to put my tools away. They’re forecasting rain tonight.”
    Annie’s apprehension about the approaching weather jumped a notch. “Are they calling for severe weather?”
    Marge patted Annie’s arm. “No, dear. Just a few showers. Are you okay?”
    Nodding, Annie turned back to the cupboard. The sound of the back door closing told her Marge had left the room.
    â€œNot scared of a little thunder, are you?” Shane asked, his amusement plain.
    Annie bit her tongue to keep from making a rude reply. He probably wasn’t scared of anything. It must be nice.
    She didn’t want him here, but this was Marge’s home and Marge had invited him to dinner. Pulling a plate from the shelf, Annie spun around, determined to make the best of it.
    â€œCan I do anything to help?” he offered.
    â€œLeaving would be good.”
    â€œBesides disappearing forever through a crack in the floor, is there anything else I can do?”
    â€œThat’s all I had in mind.”
    â€œSorry. Army regulations strictly forbid military personnel from melting.” The hint of humor in his tone had her struggling to hide a smile.
    â€œThe front door would work just as well.”
    â€œAh, but then Marge would think that you ran me off.”
    He was right, but she hated to admit it. She moved past him,