Between Duty and Desire Read Online Free PDF

almost set.”
    Brock grabbed plates and cups from the cupboard, Callie collected the flatware and, within moments, they took their plates into the den to eat.
    “Sorry I don’t have a kitchen table,” she said as she sat on the floor across from him. “That’s on my to-do list.”
    The lights flickered and he could almost feel her hold her breath. They came back on and she sighed.
    “I know they’ll probably go out for hours, but I want it put off as long as possible.”
    “Are you afraid of the dark?” he asked, then took a bite of steak that was slightly overcooked, but still tasty.
    “No,” she said, taking a sip of water. “And yes.
    “I’m not really afraid of the dark. I just don’t like not being able to have light when I want it.”
    He nodded, amused. “So it’s more of a convenience issue.”
    “For the most part,” she said. “There’s also the side effect of how other senses are sharpened to compensate for the one you can’t use.”
    “Things that go bump in the night.”
    “Yeah, aliens under the bed, in the closet.” She took a bite of steak and swallowed.
    “But you’re not really afraid.”
    “Right,” she said, as she opened a biscuit and poured honey on it. “If I keep telling myself that, it will come true, right?”
    Brock chuckled. “Yeah, right.”
    “Are you afraid of anything? Oh, wait, you’re a Marine, so you’re not allowed to be afraid.”
    “Everybody’s afraid of something, Callie.”
    She met his gaze, and understanding and something more flickered between them.
    “I just try not to let my fears get in my way, and when they do, I do something about them.” He took another bite of steak and thought about why he washere with Callie right now. It was because he was afraid he would never be able to sleep at night and face his image in the mirror each morning if he didn’t at least try to help Rob’s widow. He knew he couldn’t bring back Rob, but he could at least make sure the woman his buddy left behind wasn’t hiding from humanity for the rest of her life.
    The lights flickered again and again, and the house turned dark. “Looks like you got the food ready just in time. Where do you keep your candles and flashlights?”
    “In the kitchen,” she muttered and he heard her stand.
    “I can help.”
    “No, that’s okay. Just guard my plate so the cat doesn’t get my food.”
    He chuckled. “I can do that.”
    He heard her stumble around in the kitchen, bumping into things, opening and closing drawers. After a couple of minutes, he couldn’t stand it anymore and he picked up both plates and carefully walked into the kitchen.
    “I’m right behind you,” he murmured, not wanting her to back into him and upset the plates.
    She gave a squeak of surprise and he successfully avoided her then set the plates on the counter.
    “Matches,” she said. “I can’t find the matches. They should be in this drawer.”
    “Let me try,” he said, finding her arm with his hand and following it to the drawer. Some part of him was reluctant to trade the smooth sensation of herskin for the articles in the drawer, but he did. His hand brushed hers in the search for the matches and he felt an odd sensual thrill. He heard her catch her breath and wondered if she felt it, too. His fingers closed around a small rectangular cardboard object. “Got it. Where are your flashlights anyway?”
    “Bedroom,” she said.
    “Ah, to ward off the aliens under the bed.”
    “Right. I’ve got the candle right here.”
    Brock struck the match, lighting it on the first try, and quickly lit the candle. He looked at the soft light illuminating Callie’s features and felt a warmth grow in his belly. “You look like an angel.” The words spilled out impulsively and he immediately felt self-conscious.
    “It’s the candlelight. Everyone looks angelic.”
    “Not me,” he said dryly.
    She smiled. “Maybe a dark angel.”
    “That’s a stretch.”
    She laughed. “Here,” she said,