Free Unlikely Lovers by Anna Kristell Page A

big deal to him.”
    Changing the subject, he said, “Hey, by the way, I looked at the map the other day and Manhattan, Kansas isn’t so far. I could visit you there sometime.”
    “I ’d love that.” She took a sip of her drink and looked at him, wondering if she’d missed out on a good thing by insisting they just be friends. “A weekend visit would be great.”
    The pizza arrived then, ending the moment. After they ’d each eaten a piece, Andy continued, “Missy, you have to know how special you are to me. Our friendship’s been the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
    “You mean a lot to me too, Andy.” Missy smiled at her friend then saw something in his eyes she’d not noticed before.
    “Do you think we could ever be more than friends?” he asked softly, taking her hand in his, gently caressing it with his thumb.
    Her heart was racing by now. “I ’d love nothing more than to explore a relationship with you, but with me leaving, is it a good idea?” she asked breathlessly.
    “We could try. I’ m not interested in anyone here, no one but you.”
    “I haven’t had any interest in dating anyone else either, so maybe we should give it a shot, if you can handle my being an officer and moving a lot.” She laughed and touched his cheek softly.
    “I’d like to give it a try.” He looked deeply into her eyes and in that brief moment she saw her future. It was with her best friend, Andy Reed.
    “Well, then, consider yourself from this moment on officially the boyfriend of Major Melissa Roberts.” She teased as she leaned over and planted a kiss on his cheek.
    “With pride and pleasure, Major Roberts.” He saluted her then drew her in for a passionate kiss, the first they’d ever shared.
    Missy returned the kiss, a thousand thoughts swirling in her mind. When she pulled away, she smiled up at him. “Now how about another piece of that delicious pizza?”
    “Really, that’s what you want right now?” He chuckled as he said, “Okay, I’ll get us another drink to go with it.” He walked into the kitchen and returned with two bottles. Handing the Smirnoff to her, his fingers gently brushed hers. She shivered.
    “Cold?” he asked.
    “No, getting hotter by the minute.” 
    He grinned as he walked over to where she sat on the couch and took her in his arms for the embrace they’d both waited a lifetime for.

Chapter 12
    Monday morning rolled around again and it was a rainy and dismal day. As Jessica prepared for her return to the office, she relived the special moments of her weekend with Cody, each and every one over and over again. She realized with each passing day her time here would end and they needed to have that talk. For some reason, she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She’d been awake most of the night, rehearsing the words over and over in her head. I have to do it and soon.
    Karen greeted her with a smile as she entered the office . “Welcome back, Major. How was your trip?”
    “Busy, Karen. How were things here?” she replied with a smile.
    “About the same as always, Colonel Anderson called for you again a few times from Texas. You’d think he’d have gotten the message by now.” Karen made no secret of her dislike for Jessica’s former boyfriend, even if he was a Colonel.
    “Dan called? Gee, I haven’t thought about him in ages. Guess he really wasn’t all that important to me after all.” Jessica went into her office to begin her day. She looked at the huge stack of papers on the desk waiting for her attention. If I intend to keep my lunch date with Missy, I’d better dig in.
    At noon, Missy entered the office, smiling from ear to ear, her pretty face glowing.
    “What’s with you? Get laid last night or something?” Jessica teased her friend, knowing that couldn’t possibly be the reason for her obvious glee.
    “As a matter of fact…” Missy was actually blushing.
    “Not you and Andy…after all this time?” Jessica looked at her friend in