Loving An Airborne Ranger Read Online Free PDF Page A

necessary but thank you.”
    “I could use some air anyway.”  He walked with Lisa to her car and held the door for her.  As she got in, he asked, “Could I give you a call sometime?”
    “Tom, I don’t mean to be rude, but I don’t go out with pilots.”
    “Oh, I understand.  I didn’t know.  You be careful and it was nice meeting you.”
    “Thank you,” was all she said.
    When she got home and let the sitter go, she automatically checked Chuck’s house.  There were no lights.  The evening had opened her eyes to one thing.  If she stayed here, her friends were going to try matching her up with the single and divorced men.  This was not something she wanted.  She made up her mind.  She was moving back to Texas when the time came.  Knowing her mother would probably be doing the same thing Susan just tried wasn’t something she looked forward to, but at least they wouldn’t be pilots.
    Two weeks later…
    One afternoon she returned home from the Post Exchange and saw Chuck’s car in his driveway.  She felt relief, pleasure and apprehension all at the same time.  She was relieved he was safe; pleased he was home and apprehensive at what this would mean in their undeveloped relationship.
    The evening passed and there was no call or visit.  “Well, after all, you told him not to call,” her little inner voice said .   Well, he could be a good neighbor and let me know he’s back .  Would you listen to that?  Now I’m carrying on conversations with myself.  I need a shrink. 
    The car was gone.  “Good grief, I’m practically stalking him.  That’s it.  I’m crazy.”
    The doorbell rang.  It was Chuck.  “Hi.  I picked up some barbecue and slaw and potato salad.  Would you like to join me?  I promise to behave.”
    “I would love to.  What time?”
    “Whenever you’re ready.   It’s in plastic containers so it won’t take any time to prepare.”
    “Kyle’s taking a nap. I’ll be over when he gets up.”
    “Okay.  See you then.”
    “Chuck?”  He turned.  “I’m glad you’re back.”
    “Thanks.”
    She went through the usual cleanup of Kyle and freshened her makeup, grabbed the half empty bottle of wine Chuck had brought to her house, and went next door.  Dressed in shorts that revealed his muscular legs strengthened by training, and a “Go Army” tee shirt that revealed his powerful chest, he invited them in.  He had everything set up on the patio table.  The barbecue was covered with tin foil; the other food was in quart size plastic containers.
    She asked how his mission had gone, and he said it was okay.  It was a prisoner rescue and that was all he could or would say.  She wanted to ask why he hadn’t called to ask her to look after his mail and his house but chose not to.  Conversation was not as lively as it had been in the past.  She had lugged a folding chair for Kyle but just let him roam free in the yard for the time being.
    She helped uncover the dishes, and accepted the glass of tea offered.  They helped themselves to the food and with a minimum of conversation, began to eat.  Neither brought up the trip to Nashville, nor the ensuing events.
    She told him about the dinner at Susan and Tom’s house and Susan’s attempt at matchmaking.  “Are you going out with him?”
    She thought that question to be rather personal, but she said, “No, he’s a Night Stalker pilot.”
    After several failed attempts at attempting to jumpstart the conversation, she decided to be blunt.  “Why did you ask me over tonight?”
    “I wanted to see you,” was all he said.
    “But you’re not going to talk?”
    “I’m talking.  What do you want me to say?  You sort of defined things and I’m still in the Army so nothing’s changed.”
    “We’re friends.  Friends talk.”
    “I wanted to be more than friends, but I’m not going to leave the Army.  I like the Army.  It’s what I do and I’m good at it.  Not everyone gets to do what they like,