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

them.
“But mark my words…it’s more than that.” Carefully folding his arms across his
chest, he cocked his head and dared her to argue.
    Since the weekend was more
than that to her, she had no argument, so she bent to kiss his cheek instead.
“You’re incorrigible. Love you. Call if you need me. Ben will call out the
National Guard.”
    “True,” Ben said, genuine smile
finally lighting his face. “Just say the word. I have them on speed dial.”
    Her father laughed. “Of that I have
no doubt. You hang onto him, Lea. He’s a good man.”
    “Will do,” she said, knowing it was
easier to get out of the house if she played it safe. “I labeled the food in
the freezer and—”
    Again her dad waved her off. “I
know. I’m not an invalid. I’ll manage. I’ve been cooking since I was a toddler.
You just go and have a good time.” He grabbed her hand. “You deserve it. You
work too hard. And you shouldn’t even be here. You should be in the Big Apple
talking about historic buildings and such, not waiting on people at the eatery,
or talking about coal on weekends.”
    “But I enjoy both. And I’m right
where I want to be.” Mostly. She couldn’t stop her gaze from shooting to Ben.
    His green eyes were intent,
studying her, reawakening her pulse that had finally slowed to normal.
    “Well, I just feel bad that you’re
saddled with me,” her dad continued, drawing her attention away from her date.
    “I’m not saddled. I love you, and
if it makes you feel any better, I sent out a few resumes this week.”
    “You did?” Joy beamed from her
father, erasing the sudden haggardness from his face, making her feel less
guilty at the little white lie she’d just told.
    The resumes were written and
sitting on her hard drive; she just hadn’t hit Send yet. She needed to know her
dad was going to be all right first.
    Lea straightened her shoulders and
lifted her chin. “Yes. So, who knows? Maybe I’ll be in the Big Apple this year
after all.”
    Before the holidays would be great.
It was so pretty there that time of the year. She still had time. If she sent
them out in the next few weeks, and they went through channels and up against
boards and committees, she might have a job by Christmas.
    “I’m so glad, sweetheart. I hate
that I’m holding you back.”
    “Nonsense. You know I love it here,
too. And everyone at the restaurant. The regulars and the soldiers from the
armory.” She nodded to Ben whose face wore a neutral expression. “I’d ideally
like to commute.”
    On weekends. But, she’d definitely
commute daily if the guardsman asked.
    He continued to stare at her,
emotionless.
    Her dad patted her hand, regaining
her attention. “Well, as long as you do what’s right for you. I don’t want you
commuting because of me.”
    A shaft of guilt pierced her heart.
Her father hadn’t been the original inspiration behind the mention of
commuting. Still, she’d certainly be willing. She bent to look him in the eyes.
“I promise, commuting is what I want.”
    The smile returned to soften his
features. “Okay. So, now you need to concentrate on having fun this weekend and
getting to know your future husband better.”
     “Dad!” She straightened up. How
was she going to be able to face Ben now?
    “It’s okay. The two of you will
come to terms with it at your own pace,” he insisted, then nodded toward the
door. “But you’d better get going before traffic gets too thick.”
    “Yes, sir,” Ben said, already
standing in the doorway, holding her suitcase.
    Poor guy. He was more than ready to
get the hell out of Dodge. She didn’t blame him.
    And had no idea what to say to him
ten minutes later, in his truck, heading for the colonel’s estate. But she had
to say something. Her father had just pushed her on him in no uncertain terms.
    Lea chanced a glance at the silent
man. The strong hands gripping the steering wheel weren’t white-knuckled. That
was good. Her gaze wandered up his muscular