Hold On (Delos Series Book 5) Read Online Free PDF

warmth dancing in his eyes. “To tell you the truth. I wasn’t looking for a man. I don’t need a relationship getting started here at Bagram. Besides, you guys are interested in only one thing, and I’m not interested in anyone who’s just focused on having a good time.”
    “Sounds like you’ve had one too many bad experiences around here,” he said, suddenly becoming serious.
    “Yes, one too many,” Callie muttered. “Which has me confused about you. You didn’t lie to me about why you showed up at the orphanage.”
    He munched and then swallowed. “My parents never put up with liars. We boys learned to tell the truth when we were real young. We were taught that your word was your bond, and you never went back on it. And I suspect that, you being a ranch gal from the West, your parents and grandparents are a lot like my parents in that department.”
    “Hah! You’d better believe it,” Callie laughed, then got serious again. “I just can’t figure you out.”
    “You mean, I’m like a Chinese puzzle box?” he coaxed with a chuckle.
    “You’re black ops. You’ve been trained to assume a cover, to be something you aren’t. You’re all chameleons. That’s what has me concerned.”
    “Look, Callie,” he said, dropping his casual demeanor and looking directly into her eyes. “What you see is what you get with me. I’m not trying to hide anything from you. Am I attracted to you? Yes. Do I think you’re an incredible dancer? Yes.”
    “You’re either the most honest guy I’ve met here at Bagram, or you’re the best liar I’ve ever run into,” she laughed.
    Finishing off his pizza, Beau wiped his mouth with the paper napkin. “You’re not a target, Callie. I never knew much about NGOs or the work you gals put in, but being with you this past week has given me a whole new appreciation for your commitment to those kids’ welfare.” He continued holding her gaze; he’d never been more honest than he was right now. “There’s just something special about you, other than being a highly talented belly dancer. It would be an honor to get to know you better.”
    How could she turn down this man? He seemed to have all the right words and answers for her. Callie sat there, the vibration of his low, Southern voice feathering through her, making her want things she knew she shouldn’t want. There was a simplicity to Beau Gardner, a down-to-earth quality. He was a man close to the land and to nature, and that called to her. She was the same way, having come from a hardworking ranch family.
    “I just don’t want to get into a relationship,” she warned him. “I’ve been suckered in before, and I swore I wasn’t ever going to be used again.”
    He pushed the aluminum pizza pan aside, resting his arms on the table, and then shocked her with his next words. “I’m not the kind of man who plays games, Callie. I’ve been up-front with you from the moment we met. I really am drawn to you for many reasons.” He opened his hands. “And I’d be telling you the world’s biggest windy if I said I didn’t think you’re the sexiest woman I’ve seen in a long, long time. And sure, I think about what it would be like holding you in my arms, in my bed.”
    Wow, this guy called it like it was! Callie sat there, stunned, hearing the grittiness in his tone, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. She wrapped her arms around her chest protectively, staring back at him. “Beau, are you always like this with a woman you want?”
    He shrugged. “Well, to tell you the truth, I’m always honest with a woman who interests me. I don’t play games, Callie. If there’s a connection, that’s great. If there isn’t, then there’s nothing I can do to change that, is there? I happen to think there’s something special between us.”
    Blunt and honest. How refreshing was that? Callie felt the clench of hunger ramping up within her. “I’ve got to tell you, I’m not open to one-night stands.”
    “I’m not