Page 28 of Invaluable

24

Sara

I changedout of my uniform. My nerves rattled. I’d been anticipating my reunion with Kyle for well over six weeks. But I hadn’t been prepared to see him today. On any given day, the time sped by or moved slower than molasses. I was ready then I wasn’t. I just wanted everything to be perfect. Finally enjoy this. Enjoyus.

Maya spritzed me with perfume. “Look, I want you to be happy. Maybe I was wrong about Kyle. Just make sure he treats you right or he’ll have me to deal with me.” There was the Maya Iknew.

“Maybe?”

I laughed and she hugged me. “Okay, I couldn’t have been more wrong. I love you, Sara. You saved my life. You’re my family. I want to see you happy. You deserveit.”

Her eyes watered and I pulled back. “Don’t make me cry. I just touched up my makeup. Horror show is not exactly the look I’m goingfor.”

She threw her head back and laughed. “I love you. Take care of yourself.” Bringing her hand to her chin in fake wonderment, she added, “See you in what? A week? I’ll know it’s you by the penguin waddle.”

“Oh my god. Stop.” She winked at me before walking backward in the opposite direction, heading to meet up with the other girls. As we separated, I walked out of the locker room and made a beeline to my right. I didn’t make it far. Kyle was standing there across the hall in the corner holding a dozen roses. He had shed his parachute gear and uniform and looked so handsome in a fitted designer suit. Too handsome. He took my breathaway.

“Hey, beautiful.”

“Hi. I still can’t believe you’re here,” I intoned softly, inching closer tohim.

He put his arm around me and led me outside. Even though it was January, San Diego was still warm in the evening. A stretch limo awaited us and suddenly I became overcome with emotions. It was foreign to see him go allout.

He kissed the side of my neck, causing goose bumps to travel across my skin, then opened the door, stretching out his hand so I’d go in first. The limo driver promptly set off and Kyle and I wasted no time and necked like two teenagers. I’d never get enough of him. His scent. His touch. They intoxicatedme.

“I don’t roll like this anymore. But tonight is a special occasion.”

“Oh really? What is that?” I teased. All I really needed washim.

“Our firstdate.”

I couldn’t help it. I laughed. We’d had sex twice, once was a hot one-night stand, next time was on a war bunker. We were kind of doing this backward. Then he’d saved me from terrorists. Yep. Most definitely backward.

But that didn’t change the fact that we didn’t really know each other at all. I had strong feelings for a man I knew only on the surface. We were bound together by these incredible experiences, but did we have enough in common to build a future?

I’d find out tonight.