Loco Read Online Free PDF Page A

typically much shorter, allowing them to return more often. At the same time, most military wives didn't worry about hardass criminals targeting them for revenge. A trade off.
    "Earth to Loco. Come in, Loco." Spoon's amused tone snapped him back.
    "What?"
    A short chuckle followed. "You've got it bad, soldier."
    "Marine. And no, I don't." Military records and branches of service were common knowledge among the Wind Warriors. Spoon damn well knew he was a Marine. It was an old game, a way to yank his chain, one that no longer ruffled Tanner's feathers.
    "Uh-huh." A beat later Spoon continued. "Want to hit the town tonight? I've got some time and energy to blow."
    "Maybe. But I can't stay out all night."
    "A little pump and dump kick your ass last night?"
    Tanner snorted. "As if. No, I have a 5K race at seven-thirty in the morning."
    "Huh?"
    For the first time, Tanner grinned. Not often could he shake Spoon. "I'm running in a 5K tomorrow morning."
    "What the hell? On purpose? Ohhhhh." The tone indicated puzzle pieces clicked together. "Oakley. You're running with her." A moment passed as he laughed quietly. "You do have it bad, bro."
    Rolling his eyes, Tanner set the man straight. "The entry fee money goes to buy new tennis shoes for underprivileged kids. I'm doing it for the charity."
    "Uh-huh. So, what time do I pick you up?"
    "I'll meet you there on the slim chance you get lucky."
    "Slim chance? You forgot who you're talking to, soldier."
    "Marine. And twenty hundred."
    "Make it nineteen thirty. And I'll meet you at your place; it's on the way. Besides, that pretty neighbor of yours might have some treats to share."
    "Apple crisp."
    "Mmmm. That sounds good."
    "But only if you don't call her Annie." Tanner grinned, remembered the rise he got out of her before.
    "Why would you call her that?"
    "Annie as in Oakley."
    Spoon snorted. "Call her that and she just might shoot you with your own gun."
    "That's what she said." Laughter flooded the lines on both sides. "Okay. Nineteen thirty here at the condo."
    "Got it. Later."
    Tanner snapped the phone closed. Damn Spoon and his cat-like curiosity. He had to watch his tongue tonight or the former Green Beret would declare him besotted. A grin slipped out. That word labeled Dillon, much to the young Navy Seal's chagrin. He didn't squabble more than a couple of times, though, telling them all that Della was worth all the teasing they could throw at him.
    "If you're hungry, I have enough dinner for two," Oakley's voice called from a few feet away.
    He turned to meet her gaze. "I'm always hungry." His breath caught with the sheer glow of her smile. Off-limits, Marine.
    His long strides ate the distance between them as she led him back to her kitchen.

    * * * *

    "Loco? You around?" Spoon's voice came from the front.
    "Back here," Tanner answered, watching as his buddy rounded the corner dressed in jeans and a snug T-shirt, his uniform for a night of patrolling for babes.
    "Loco? Meaning you're crazy?" She snorted. "Somehow, I'm not surprised."
    Tanner's lips twitched at her dry humor.
    "Could be. Although, it really comes from the way he does high-risk jobs, living in the gray area between insane and extremely courageous," Spoon explained as he walked up to them.
    Tanner glared at the slightly shorter man. The less she knew about their work, the better.
    "Dessert?" Spoon ignored Tanner, flashing a large smile with dimples at Oakley.
    "Since you asked so nice." She took the bait, hastily heading inside to get the newcomer a share.
    Shoveling another bite of apple crisp into his mouth, Tanner shook his head at Spoon. "Leech."
    Not taking offense, Spoon pulled up the extra fold-out chair and plopped down. "Hey, I'm a growing boy. Besides, those muffins were tasty."
    "Yeah, yeah." He brushed off some crumbs from the white button-down shirt before wiping his hands across the faded jeans. Right after dinner, he'd zipped over to change clothes, making sure to be ready in plenty of time.
    Oakley