Soldier's Choice Read Online Free PDF

windshield, a faint smile on her face. “We came up here after that dance,” she said. “Remember?”
    “Yes,” he said softly, surprised at how much the memory stung.
    “The town seems so much bigger from here,” she said. “When you’re in it you only see the same places, the same faces. It’s like the most boring TV show in the world—all Covendale, all the time. But the view’s not so bad from the top.”
    Reese shrugged. “Seems pretty small to me,” he said. “Small and safe.” At least now that the population had decreased by one retired gunnery sergeant.
    “Oh.” Something in her face changed. “I guess you must’ve seen a lot more of the world than me,” she said. “What was it like? Did you…fight?”
    “Yes.”
    “Where were you?”
    “Let’s not talk about this.”
    She flinched a little, and he realized he’d sounded harsher than he meant. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I just…it’s not easy to talk about.”
    “I understand.”
    No, you don’t. At least he hadn’t said that out loud. He desperately wanted to have a conversation like a normal person, but he’d forgotten what normal felt like.
    “Let’s try something else,” she said. “What have you been up to since you got back?”
    Okay, this was easier. “I bought the house next to Mom and Georgia,” he said.
    “The old Ward place?”
    “Yeah. It needs work, so that’s been keeping me busy.” Which was exactly what he needed—to keep busy. “How about you?”
    “Oh, you know. I’ve got my job, and my brothers.” The lines of her body stiffened. “So basically I’ve done nothing.”
    “What about your painting? I thought…”
    “That I’d be a famous artist?” She laughed bitterly. “I know what I am, Reese. Trailer trash doesn’t get to move up in the world. Even if they leave the trailer behind for a respectable house.”
    “You’re not trash.”
    This time she reacted to his barely concealed anger with a glare. “I’m a Dawson,” she said. “Ask anybody in town. They’ll tell you I’m trash.”
    He grabbed her hand and leaned over the seat, looking directly into her eyes. “Don’t ever say that. Understand?”
    And before she could respond, he kissed her.
     
     

Chapter 4
     
    Luka had a tirade ready on the tip of her tongue. But suddenly, Reese’s mouth was in the way.
    Between her anger and the kiss, there wasn’t even a competition. Firm lips, hot tongue, a hungry demand for more—she’d take that over anything else. Especially the more part. There was no denying she wanted all of him, no matter how hard she’d tried.
    She tilted her head and deepened the kiss, felt him groan deep down in his throat. The vibration coursed through her like sparks. His tongue teased her, sliding and stroking, and she teased right back.
    He eased away, and she said, “Back seat?”
    “Got something better. Give me a minute.” He smiled, squeezed her hand, and darted out the driver’s side door.
    A moment later, the hatchback opened. She turned to watch him fold the back seat down flat and spread a blanket out—and she couldn’t help poking him a little. “Are you always prepared for sex at a moment’s notice?” she said.
    “No.” His eyes glittered under the dome light. “Just lucky this time.”
    He slid out of sight, and reappeared opening her door. She took the hand he offered, twining her fingers through his and letting him lead her to the back of the Jeep. Everything inside her fluttered with anticipation.
    She started to climb in, but he pulled her to him and wrapped an arm around her waist.  “I want this,” he said in rough tones. “I want you . But I need to know if you want it, too.”
    “Yes,” she whispered. “More than anything.”
    He responded with a growl, and claimed her mouth again.
    She embraced him fully, losing herself in the kiss and the feel of his body against hers. His hands caressed her waist and slid down, leaving trails of warm shivers. Then he cupped her