Read Hold On (Delos Series Book 5) for Free Online Page B

And now I’m going to change the subject.”
    “I’d sure like to be in your shoes,” Callie sighed. “Or out of them!” She ate her oats and saw her sister’s cheeks turn red. Dara was conservative, elegant, beautiful, and introverted. Unlike Callie, who was the exact opposite. Callie knew she was attractive, but she’d never kidded herself that she was the beautiful sister. Dara was the one with that soft, natural blond hair that fell like a cloak around her shoulders.
    “What about that other Delta guy? Beau Gardner? He seems to really like you,” Dara pointed out. “Sometimes, I see him watching you, and the look on his face belongs to a man who yearns for his woman.”
    “Yeah, to get into my pants,” her sister mumbled.
    “Oh, that’s mean, Callie. He’s as nice as Matt is.”
    “Yes, and look what happened to you once Matt came along!”
    Dara grinned and shook her head. “Okay, so this isn’t my norm with a man. I know it takes me months to warm up to a potential prospect.”
    “Yeah, this one took . . . what? All of six days? Wow, you’re setting a new personal best for yourself, Dara.”
    “Jealousy will get you nowhere,” her sister laughed. “Come on! He’s a wonderful person. I really enjoy being with him.”
    Callie sobered. “But, Dara, you’re going to be gone in another four days, back home in Alexandria to finish your residency. Matt Culver is staying here until March, and what then? God only knows where the Army will send his team next. He’s a shadow warrior—not the best type of guy to hook up with.”
    “Matt’s enlistment is up next March, Callie, and then he’s getting out.”
    Brows raised, Callie said, “Really?”
    “Yes, and did you know his family lives in Alexandria? He’s coming home to Virginia to help his mother run Delos, her global charity.”
    “Oh,” Callie murmured thoughtfully. “So that makes a difference. After all, he’ll be in your area.”
    “It does make a difference,” Dara agreed. She sighed. “Callie, I’m falling for this guy. He’s the real deal. I realize I don’t have your experience with men, but I have enough to know Matt is someone I’m very serious about.”
    “And is he serious about you?”
    “I believe so.”
    Callie stirred her oats. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt, Dara.”
    Reaching out, Dara squeezed her hand. “I know that, Callie.”
    “Yes, well, I can tell you from too many experiences that falling for a military guy isn’t the best choice.”
    Dara munched on her toast. “So what’s with you and Beau, then? Sometimes I’ve come out of my examination room and found him watching you from a distance. Not stalkerlike, but he’ll be diapering the babies or helping the little ones, and he’ll lift his head and watch you pass by.”
    “Really?”
    “Yes.”
    Shrugging, but secretly pleased, Callie said, “I’m too busy to check out who’s looking at me.”
    “Well, I swear, he looks like a puppy dog who’s falling in love.”
    “Great!” Callie choked. “Just what I need.”
    Laughing, Dara smiled over at her. “Callie, you’re young, you’re beautiful, and you have a killer body most women would die for. I see the looks you get here in the chow hall every morning.”
    “But I don’t want to be a damned sex object, Dara. You know that.”
    “Well, you and I agree on that one. I want a man who treats me like an equal too. One who respects me . . .”
    “Like Matt Culver does?”
    “Yes.” Dara’s voice went soft. “He’s wonderful, Callie. I tried to ignore him when he met us outside those exit doors after our belly-dancing routine. But he has a way about him.” She sighed. “He’s so sensual. And charming. And funny. He even makes me laugh, and you know how few men can do that!”
    “Well, it sounds pretty good, and I’m happy for you, sis,” Callie agreed. “Enjoy your last four days here, and don’t forget, we’re driving out to that Shinwari village. It’s all