Dixie Under Siege (A Warrior's Passion #2) - Natasza Waters Page 0,43
side of his cheek and onto his jaw made him look dangerous but oddly sexy as hell.
The man shrugged when Nina shook her head at him, as if chastising him for something. The other people at the party quickly closed in, greeting the new arrivals.
Dixie remained where she was.
A second later, Josh’s low timbre rumbled from behind her, “That’s Kayla and Admiral Austen.”
The men and women swarmed the couple, hugging them and smiling.
“Looks like a homecoming,” she said.
“It is. They’re moving back to San Diego. They’ve been in Hawaii for the last few years.”
Didn’t take long to see there was a close comradery between these friends. The admiral’s wife said something to Nina and the redhead slapped her hand across her mouth, but only after shouting, “Shut up!” Then she hugged her friend again.
Josh chuckled. “Think Kayla just let the cat out of the bag.”
The dark-haired man who Nina had been standing beside grabbed Kayla in a huge bear hug, squeezing the hell out of the woman, then shaking the admiral’s hand.
Elijah pushed through the crowd with a drink in his hand. “Sorry. Got a little waylaid there.” He handed Dixie a glass of wine.
She smiled her thanks. “Looks like everyone is excited to see them again.” A sip of the mellow wine called for another.
Elijah slipped his shades onto the top of his head. “For sure. Everyone here is practically family. Josh can make the introductions. Promise we won’t test you on names afterward.”
“Good, because I’m terrible with names. If you’ll excuse me, think I’ll see if Rayne needs any help.”
Dixie hadn’t totally recovered from the other night. Eventually, she’d get used to the idea he had someone special in his life. It would take time and distance. She couldn’t compartmentalize her feelings like he obviously could. Regardless of her ex’s desire to help an old friend, his girlfriend wouldn’t be happy knowing he’d kissed her.
Josh gently gripped her shoulder. “Can we talk for a second?”
“Later, I want to help Rayne.”
He and Elijah shared a look.
“We have everything under control,” Josh’s lieutenant said. “Rayne’s mom is helping inside. Relax. Enjoy. There’s tons of food. Make yourself at home.” Then Elijah headed back toward the house.
She stilled her turbulent pulse and finally turned her gaze up to Josh. With a creased brow, he looked conflicted.
If she could wipe the slate clean and forget what they once had like he could, it would be better for both of them. Unfortunately, he was more handsome and confident now than he’d been as a teenager, and that was difficult to ignore.
“Not sure whether to ask if I received any new notes or why I didn’t answer your text?”
Josh’s sculpted jaw sharpened. “Both, but we’re about to be interrupted.”
“Huh?” She swung around and the new arrivals stood front and center. Up close, Kayla’s features reminded her of a beautiful porcelain doll. Behind her, the admiral towered over his wife. Close up, Admiral Austen exuded an unprecedented male magnetism.
“Dixie, I’d like you to meet Admiral Thane Austen and his wife Kayla.”
She shook the admiral’s firm grip. “Nice to meet you, Admiral, and congratulations on moving home. CDR Hunter tells me you lived in Hawaii for a while.”
The admiral shot a look at Josh. “Thank you, Miss Hammond. Yes, we did. But we’re looking forward to moving back. Right, sweetheart?”
Dix got the distinct feeling she was being assessed by Kayla when she turned her attention to the woman. First impressions said a lot about a person. There was something stoic and reserved about the admiral’s wife.
Kayla shook her hand. “Nice to meet you, Dixie. Yes, we’re happy to be home with our friends.”
“I own a new coffeehouse on Orange Avenue called the Erotic Bean, a place where you can enjoy coffee and books. You’re both very welcome.”
Kayla’s deep brown eyes, nearly black, held a void while her mouth tipped up at the edges.
“I will definitely drop by. Rayne and I have been talking. She told me all about you.” Kayla paused. “I’m afraid nothing really stays a secret with this naval family. Thane explained your situation. I’m sorry you’re going through such stressful times. Believe me, I understand.”
The admiral’s large hand came to rest on his wife’s shoulder as if to say, “I love you. I’ll always protect you.”
Dixie’s heart swelled with bittersweet understanding. It was so easy to see and feel that the admiral and his wife’s strength came from one another. They were like one beating heart. Tinged with envy, Dix smiled over her