Nori's Delta (Delta Team Three #1) - Lori Ryan Page 0,68
cause. In the end, he didn’t save either of them.”
“He still has his army and more supporters than most groups in his position. He’s still got a real shot at taking over the country and ousting the King.”
Eleanor nodded. “He does. I don’t think the US can trust him, but he’d probably be better for the people of Kazarus than the current regime.”
Heath didn’t like the sorrow in her voice so he brought the conversation back around to something that would make her smile. “What are we naming our new puppy?” It was clear she was keeping the little stray.
She studied the puppy. “Maybe Bruno.”
Heath tipped his head back and laughed. “That’s a lot of name for such a small fry.”
She only smiled back at him.
Heath looked at the dog, dividing his attention between the dog and the road. “Maybe Norbert. Or Squeak.”
She drew the dog up to her chest. “Quiet. If you keep that up, he’ll figure out he’s tiny.” She wrinkled her nose. “He needs a bath.”
“And food and a bed. A collar and tags.”
As much as Heath thought he would have wanted nothing more than to run straight home and get her in to bed—and he did—he liked this. Liked planning for their future, even if, for now, that was only sharing a dog together and flying back and forth to see each other whenever they could.
Because having her in his life meant he finally had more than just work and the mission and his team. He had her love. And that was everything.
Trent’s heart skipped a beat at the sound of Destiny’s voice. He would recognize that sweet voice anywhere. Even in this crowded bar. He spun around and spotted her quickly. She was sitting at a booth with several other women. The table was littered with shot glasses, both full and empty.
Though he’d known Destiny most of his life, she hadn’t looked him in the eye or intentionally spoken to him in twelve long years. She’d never been far from his mind in all that time, but he’d never had the balls to approach her.
“Zip?”
Trent jerked his gaze back toward his Delta team at the sound of his nickname coming from Woof.
“Have you heard a word I’ve said?” Woof asked.
Trent drew in a breath. “No. Sorry. I see someone I know. I need to speak to her.” He couldn’t fathom why he thought that would be a good idea. Destiny had never given a single indication she would appreciate him approaching her in over a decade. Nevertheless, he slowly made his way toward her.
The past rushed back to slam him in the chest as he stepped between bar patrons at the Ugly Mug. Flashes of her laughing when they were children and she first moved in next door to his family. The time they snuck out of their houses late at night to catch lightning bugs. Evenings sitting at his mother’s kitchen table doing homework.
Those were the happy times. And the two of them had not been alone during those years. Trent’s twin brother, Sean, had been there too. The three musketeers. They’d been the perfect balance until Sean asked her out on a date and ruined their dynamic. Nothing had ever been the same after that.
“Des,” he breathed out when he reached the table.
Five women looked up at him. Their faces were a mixture of emotions. They knew exactly who he was even though he’d never met them. Interesting.
“You must be Trent,” the dark-haired, petite woman said.
“I am. And you are?”
“Libby.” She smiled broadly and sat up as tall as her small frame could. “This is Christa, Bex, and Shayla.” She pointed at the rest of the women as she spoke.
Trent nodded politely at each of them.
The blond, who he thought was called Christa, spoke next. “We work together.”
“For the airline. Open Skies,” Libby added.
Trent nodded at each of them and shifted his gaze to Destiny. “Do you have a few minutes? I’d love to catch up.” This might possibly be one of his worst plans ever. For one thing, she might shoot him down in front of everyone. It wouldn’t surprise him. For another thing, he knew he was opening a wound by confronting her. They’d gone their separate ways after Sean died. It had been too hard to face each other.
No. That wasn’t true. Trent would have liked to have talked to Destiny after the funeral. He’d have given anything to have her even glance at him. But she’d ignored him entirely.
He’d