Read The Santinis: Leonardo, Book 1 for Free Online Page B

couldn’t fight the little sigh that slipped from her lips. There was nothing like seeing a military man, dressed in his uniform, striding down the hall like he owned the place. Just seeing him made her heart do a little tap dance. The familiar rush of excitement rushed through her, brushing over her nerve endings. She shivered in reaction.
    It had been a long two weeks. While they hadn’t made it into bed, the heavy petting had left her frustrated. Of course, she hadn’t had a choice with Jack around.
    “Hey, Johnson. Your brother keep you busy last night?”
    His tone told her he was joking but she couldn’t really summon a smile for him. “No, he had a late flight.”
    “Gee, sorry to see him go.”
    That did make her laugh. Jack had made sure he had either accompanied them or was waiting outside when they got home. Her brother definitely knew how to cock block a fellow serviceman.
    “How about lunch?” he asked.
    She glanced at the overhead clock. “I have less than thirty minutes to my next appointment.”
    “That’s okay. I brought some with me.”
    She looked down at his hands then back up at him. “Yeah? Is it imaginary, Santini?”
    He chuckled. “Naw. I have it in the lounge.”
    Maryanne blinked. “You’re not supposed to be in there.” In fact, it was considered impossible to get the charge nurse to agree.
    “I talked to Nurse Samantha and she let me in.”
    She just bet she did. Samantha ran the floor like a four star general but she had a notorious weak spot for young men in the military. She had two herself serving and with Leo’s charm, there was a good chance that Samantha would let him throw a party in the lounge if he wanted.
    When they stepped into the lounge, she spied the table covered with the red and white checked cloth. She stopped, but he grabbed her hand and tugged her toward the table. Heat filled her face at the knowing looks her coworkers were tossing in her direction.
    He let go of her hand when they reached the table. She really didn’t know what to say.  
    “Leo.”
    “Maryanne, sit down. I ran out to Rudy’s to get you some brisket.”
    She hesitated and looked up at him. “That’s a long way.”
    He shrugged as he pointed to the seat and waited for her to sit. She did, but not before she saw the little smile curve his lips. He leaned over placing his hand on the back of the chair. When he spoke, she felt his breath against her ear. “You said you liked it, and so I thought I would get it for you.”
    Then he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. The Styrofoam containers were sitting there as neat as could be, and there was even a little bud vase in the middle of the table.
    “I...”
    He laughed as he sat down. “And the quick ride out there was worth it if it left you speechless.”
    She didn’t know how to respond. She’d never really had anyone try to romance her before…and that is what it felt like. They were involved but...they hadn’t been to bed and it was nothing serious. Not really.
    “You look stunned. It’s just lunch, love.”
    She shook her head and leaned over to keep her coworkers from hearing. “Guys just never do this kind of stuff for me.”
    He offered her a crooked smile that did funny things to her insides and chucked her on the chin. “Then you’ve been dating the wrong kind of guys.”
    She leaned back and even as emotions she didn’t want to feel tried to force their way out, she smiled. “Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome. I just thought you needed it. You seemed...upset Saturday and I wanted to do something for you.”
    It was scary how much he could figure out about her. She hadn’t told anyone about Jack’s assignment but Leo knew something was bothering her. They had spoken for five minutes on the phone. Her brothers had known her from the day she was born and still couldn’t figure that out.  
    “Jack’s being deployed.”  
    He nodded and dished out the food. “Ah. So not nursing a broken heart.”
    She shook her