“Is your dad still alive?” Rucker asked.
Nora nodded. “He lives in Texas. He moved to a small house with a big backyard.” She forced a smile. “He has a garden, and all the ladies in his retirement community think he’s the cat’s meow. He still misses Mom, but he’s getting on with his life.”
Rucker tilted his head. “When did you join the military?”
“When Dad sold the house and moved into his retirement community. I worried about him, but he’s doing better.”
“And you?”
“I miss her. But she’d whip my ass if I wallowed in self-pity for more than a moment. She was a strong woman and expected me to be the same.”
Rucker grinned. “From what I’ve seen, you are.”
Nora gave him a skeptical look. “You’ve only seen me playing volleyball. It’s just a game.” Not that she’d admit it, but she was a real softy when it came to caring for the sick and injured.
“If you’re half as good at nursing, which I’m willing to bet you are, you’re amazing.” He started to reach across the table for her hand. Before he actually touched her, he grabbed the saltshaker and shook it over his cold breakfast.
“You just got in this morning?” Nora asked.
Rucker nodded.
“How long will you be here?” she asked.
“I don’t know.”
“What do you mean, you don’t know? I thought when people were deployed, they were given a specific timeframe.”
“Most people are. We’re deployed where and when needed.”
Nora frowned. “What are you? Some kind of special forces team?”
His lips pressed together. “Can’t say.”
She sat back. He was some kind of Special Forces. “Army, right?”
He nodded.
That would make him Delta Force. The elite of the elite. A very skilled soldier who undertook incredibly dangerous missions. She gulped and stopped herself from reaching across the table to take his hand. “Well, I hope all goes well while you and your team are here.”
“Thanks.”
A man hurried across the chow hall wearing shorts and an Army T-shirt. He headed directly toward their table.
Nora didn’t recognize him. “Expecting someone?” she asked Rucker, tipping her head toward the man.
Rucker turned, a frown pulling his eyebrows together. “Why the hell’s Dash awake?”
Nora frowned. “Dash? Please tell me that’s his callsign, not his real name.”
Rucker laughed. “It should be his real name. He’s first into the fight, and he’s fast.” Rucker stood and faced his teammate. “What’s up?”
“CO wants us all in the Tactical Operations Center,” Dash said. “On the double.”
“Guess that’s my cue to exit.” Rucker turned to Nora. “I enjoyed our talk.”
She nodded. “Me, too.”
Dash grinned. “Tell you what…I’ll stay and finish your conversation while you see what the commander wants.”
Rucker hooked Dash’s arm twisted it up behind his back, and gave him a shove toward the door. “You heard the CO, he wants all of us.” Rucker winked at Nora. “I hope to see you on the volleyball court before you leave.”
“Same. Good luck.” Nora’s gaze followed Rucker’s broad shoulders and tight ass out of the chow hall. Too bad she’d only be there another week before she shipped out. She would’ve enjoyed more volleyball and coffee with the Delta Force operative.
He’d probably be on maneuvers that entire week.
She stacked her tray and coffee cup in the collection area and left the chow hall, heading for the building where she shared her quarters with Beth Drennan, a nurse she’d become friends with during their deployment together.
As close as they were, Nora didn’t bring up her conversation with the Delta. With only a week left at the base, she probably wouldn’t run into him again. Though she would like to see him again, she prayed he didn’t end up in the hospital.
Breaking Silence
About the Author
ELLE JAMES also writing as MYLA JACKSON is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of books including cowboys, intrigues and paranormal adventures that keep her readers on the edges of their seats. When she’s not at her computer, she’s traveling, snow skiing, boating, or riding her ATV, dreaming up new stories. Learn more about Elle James at www.ellejames.com
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Or visit her alter ego Myla Jackson at mylajackson.com
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