Page 33 of Baby, It’s Hot Inside

"You loved every minute of it."

"I did. Because I love you."

"Y'all are gross." I say the words, but I say them with a smile, because the fact that my baby sister is this happy means everything to me. I stand. "Thanks for the advice. And the tiny food. I believe I have a woman to apologize to."

“Oh Kris, she’s working right now. Photographing some guy down at the park,” Ginger says.

I nod and head out. I’ve got to make a quick stop and then find her with some guy. Nothing about that sounds or feels right. She doesn’t belong with any other guy. She belongs with me. If only I had something to offer her.

chapter twenty

Annie

“Yeah, that looks great,” I tell Matt. “This time let’s put the shirt back on, but only partially.”

He laughs. “What is that about? I’ve seen that on lots of covers. Makes it looks like the dude doesn’t know how to take off or put on clothes.”

“It sells books, that’s all you need to worry about.” I hold the camera up to my eye and check the angle. “Put your right hand right at your abs like you’re rubbing your stomach.” He does as I instruct. “But don’t cover up the goods.”

He laughs again.

“Matt, stop laughing. You’re supposed to be serious and brooding.”

He tilts his head back and shakes it. Then looks forward again with a scowl. “Okay, I’m serious now. But you’re fucking hilarious, Annie.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m everyone’s favorite funny girl. Now stand there and look hot and moody.” I take several shots, give him a few more instructions. Then I notice him seeming distracted by something behind me. I glance over my shoulder and my heart trips at the sight.

Kris is standing there glaring at Matt, while holding a bouquet of flowers.

“Maybe we should take a break,” Matt says. “That looks like a man on a mission.”

I force out a laugh, but inside my nerves are in knots. I say my goodbyes to Matt and let him know I’ll send him proofs when I get them cleaned up.

He puts his shirt all the way back on, then walks past Kris and mumbles something that sounds like ‘good luck.’

I finish putting my camera away in my bag and close everything up. Then I finally turn to Kris.

“I owe you an apology,” he says. He comes closer, holds out the flowers to me.

There’s something about them that looks familiar but I can’t immediately place them.

“And an explanation.”

“It’s okay, Kris. I know I ambushed you yesterday. I’d just found out and was still reeling and then the other thing happened.” I shake my head.

“I was relieved of duty because I was having panic attacks. On the field, in the middle of important operations. I put myself in danger. I put the rest of my unit in danger.” He scrubs a hand down his face.

There’s so much pain in his voice and his expression that I just want to hold him. I knew there’d been something that had happened, but I’d assumed it was an injury of sorts.

“PTSD was the official diagnosis with acute panic attacks. I haven’t had one since I’ve been back in Texas, but yesterday—”

“Oh my God, I triggered an attack? I’m so sorry.” I can’t help myself now, I reach for him, putting my hand on his arm and giving it a squeeze.

“No, you didn’t do anything. And, as it turns out, it wasn’t a full blown event. But I was worried I could hurt you. There were two incidents when everything first happened where I lashed out at people when they touched me in the middle of an attack.” He cups my face. “I couldn’t live with myself if I hurt you, Annie.”

“I’m not afraid.” I step away from him to fiddle with my camera bag because standing this close to him hurts. “And I understand your reaction better so all is forgiven. We can decide together how and when we want to tell our perspective families. I know your mom is going to be over the moon. But my parents don’t get back for another week and I don’t want them accidentally finding out on social media or something.”

“We can wait however long you want to tell people. Though obviously Ginger and Brock know.”