Read Wyne and Dine (Citizen Soldier Series Book 1) for Free Online

just a little bit intimidating in his
uniform, but without it? He was more…human. Accessible. He was just as
gorgeous. Just as hot. But now he appeared more approachable. And the way he
hesitated on the sidewalk, muscles rippling in his forearms as he flexed his
fists, caused something inside her to catch. She didn’t often see the vulnerable
side of Sgt. Benjamin Wyne. In fact, Lea didn’t think it existed any more. Not
since he’d come back from basic training.
    “Well, then you don’t need to be
talking to me. Grab your stuff and go get him.”
    Lea jerked her head at Brandi’s
voice in her ear, having forgotten she was still on the phone.
    Chimes from the doorbell echoed
loudly through the older, two-story house. The butterflies swarming in her
stomach increased their frenzy. But it was going to be okay. Ben was anxious,
too. No doubt nervous about jeopardizing their friendship.
    He needn’t worry. It was like she’d
told the sullen teen with the fresh crew cut all those years ago when she’d sat
down beside him on the dock at the lake. She’d always be there for him. Always
be his friend.
    After promising to fill Brandi in
on Monday, Lea hung up the phone, then grabbed her purse and suitcase and
headed downstairs where she could hear her dad opening the door. Henry ‘Gabe’
Gablonski hated to be treated like a baby, so she’d deliberately waited until
he’d welcomed their guest. The doctor had said a little exercise was good for
him. It was tough at times, but Lea had to force herself to stop playing mother
hen and allow the man to do more. Answering the door fell on her list of
acceptable chores.
    Now, she had to accept hers.
    The weekend was happening whether
she was ready or not. No sense in delaying the inevitable.
    Rushing down the stairs before she
could change her mind, she heard her father talking to her date in the
front room.
    As usual, Ben’s deep baritone did
funny things to her pulse. Willing herself to remain calm, she stepped onto the
foyer and set her suitcase down. The rush of nerves hiccupping through her
veins was as unavoidable as breathing. With her shoulders back, she headed to
the front room where her dad enjoyed sitting in his recliner watching reruns of Kojak and The Rockford Files on TV.
    The swoosh of her periwinkle
sundress brushing just above her knees proceeded her into the room. Lea had no
idea of the dress code for the weekend, so she went with the suggestions from
Brandi and the bridesmaids to keep things casual chic. Comfortable white lace
flats, minimal make up and jewelry, hair pulled up and secured with a clip at
the top of her head. If she was dressed totally wrong, it was too late to
change now.
    “Hi, Ben,” she said, smiling when
the man rose to his feet. A gentleman with great manners. All the Wyne brothers
had them. Judging by the approval in eyes, she had dressed appropriately.
    “Hi, Lea. You look nice.”
    Her dad sat in his chair, gaze
bouncing between them, big smile on his face.
    Ah great, here it comes.
    “’Bout time you two got together.”
He pointed a finger at Ben. “I always said you were dating the wrong daughter.”
    Her sharp intake of breath echoed
loud enough to rival the car chase on TV. “Dad! I was eleven when he dated
Gwen.”
    “I know. He just had to wait for
you to grow up, that’s all.” He chuckled as he jabbed a thumb in her direction.
“There she is, Ben. All grown up.”
    More like all red in the face. God ,
she was so ready for the proverbial floor to swallow her whole. Now. Right now would be really good.
    “I know.”
    Her gaze snapped to the guardsman.
What did that mean? And did he have to look so darn unhappy while saying it?
    Deciding to ignore the sourpuss,
she walked to her father, set her hands on her hips and frowned down at him. “I
told you the truth about this weekend. You know it’s just f— ”
    “Yeah, yeah. I know what you told
me. You’re there to keep Mrs. Velcro off Ben.” He waved a hand at