“Those damn reporters have already been calling our house trying to get a story,” her mom said, looking annoyed. “You’ll probably want to stay with us a few days at least, although I’m sure you’re eager to get home and see your own apartment.”
She exchanged a glance with Ethan.
“Come on, Mom,” Shannon said. “I think Kim wants to say goodbye to her friend without us here intruding. Let’s go wait with Dad.” The two of them walked over to her dad and brother-in-law while Kim turned back to Ethan.
The rest of Ethan’s team was standing off to the side, but she could see other officials walking around talking. They were giving her space while she’d reunited with her family, but she knew at any moment, they’d all descend on her. She’d have a million questions to answer and decisions to make.
Although her hair was pulled back in a tight bun since she was in uniform, a stray piece blew free. Ethan reached out, his large hand brushing it back and tucking it behind her ear as she looked up at him. She felt brittle as she stood in front of him, like at any moment, she might shatter apart. Ethan was strong, and she’d barely left his side since she’d been released from the hospital. How was she supposed to go with her family when she’d come to rely on him so much?
“I wish you didn’t have to go,” she said softly.
“Me either. I meant what I said though. I want you to come and stay with me. I know Hailey will be thrilled to see you, but I have to admit, I will be, too.”
“I…I think I will,” she finally said. “I’ll come to San Diego.”
His face gentled. “It’s going to be tough to get back on that plane and leave you. We’ve got to go back and debrief with our commander though. And I know you’ve got to speak with officials at the Pentagon and get checked out at Walter Reed.”
Tears filled her eyes as she gazed up at him.
“Hey,” he said softly. “Don’t cry. You’ll come out and see me soon. I’ll get your cell number—shit. Was your phone ruined in the bombing?”
She shook her head. “I didn’t have it with me since I was TDY. I figured I could email whoever I needed to, and it was just easier to leave it at home.”
“Okay. Tell me your number then. Maybe your family can get it to you when you’re being checked out. Otherwise, I’ll just have to call Walter Reed when we land and demand to talk to the prettiest woman there.”
Kimberly flushed. “I was a prisoner for months, Ethan. I know I look awful.”
He reached out and gently caressed her face, his calloused fingers on her skin sending shivers down her spine. “You look perfect. And while this is by far the strangest way I’ve ever met a woman, I’m not going to let that stop me.”
“Stop you from what?” she asked, her heart pounding.
“Getting to know you better. Tell me I’m not imagining the connection between us.”
“You’re not,” she assured him. “But what if it was just the situation? We were thrown together when you rescued me. We literally ran from bullets together What if none of it is real?”
“It’s real. I’m not imagining how I feel when you’re with me or how much I want to protect you. I know you were in a horrible situation, and I’d never rush you into anything or push for something you weren’t ready for. I just want to spend time with you and see you again.”
She blinked away more tears. “How are you going to remember my number? You don’t have any paper.”
“I’ll remember,” he assured her.
She recited her cell number, and he smiled, ducking down to quickly brush his lips across her forehead. It was entirely inappropriate given the circumstances. They were in uniform. There were high-level military officials all around. Even her own family was standing mere feet away. Her heart swelled and skin heated though, and she smiled as she looked up at him. Ethan was always so gentle with her. He was big and strong but made her feel safe. And the way her heart fluttered when she looked at him?
She couldn’t be imagining that.
“I’ll miss you,” she said. “I know that sounds crazy since we just met, but I will miss you.”
“Not half as much as I’ll miss you.” He handed her the small duffle bag she’d been given.