Undaunted - Shirleen Davies Page 0,46

his gear and leave out the back door, Gunner looked at Fuse. “You two good now?”

Fuse scrubbed a hand down his face. “Hell if I know. Last night was probably a mistake.”

“Guess you broke down and shared a bed with her,” Gunner said.

“Don’t be an ass,” Fuse bit out. “Yeah, we were together last night. Damn, I didn’t expect it to happen. It shouldn’t have happened.”

“You want my opinion?” Gunner asked.

“Not really, but I know you’re going to give it anyway.”

Swallowing the last of his eggs, Gunner set the empty plate on the counter. “You two were young when you were together before. Forget about how it ended and concentrate on what it could be after this op is over.”

Washing his plate in the sink, Fuse turned around, resting his hand on the counter behind him. “She’s changed. Her goals are different. Hell, I don’t even know if she’s interested in marriage and children. Most of all, I don’t know that I can trust her commitment to us. Last time, it blew up in my face.” Fuse walked across the kitchen, shaking his head.

“Nah. It’s better to leave it at having a good time until this is over. Then I’ll be able to let Brit go. And maybe find someone I can trust.”

Chapter Nineteen

Brittany stood in the hall, hand against her chest, sucking in gulps of air. Retracing her steps, she backed into the bedroom, softly closing the door.

Hot tears slipped down her face. She didn’t try to stop them. Humiliation washed over her, body pulsing with shame.

Scott had been honest, even warning her before they made love last night that having sex wouldn’t change anything between them. While they were together, he’d never lied to her, not even about small things. She could always count on his honesty, loyalty, and support. It hurt to admit she hadn’t possessed the courage to offer the same to him.

Brittany had fought her parents over their decree she give Scott up for a man more acceptable. Young, inexperienced, and easy to control, her family had carved out her future with logic and subtle threats. It had taken months, but her parents finally succeeded. She’d succumbed to their constant badgering, knowing it wasn’t what she wanted.

Scott would never trust her again. When she and her father were safe, the threats eliminated, she’d return to her life, and he’d continue his duty to their country. Expecting more made no sense, unless you were a woman who’d been in love with the same man for years.

A knock on the door had her scrubbing both hands over her face, hoping to erase any trace of tears.

“Brit?” Scott opened the door, walking to her. “Have you been crying?”

“What? Of course not.” She turned away, grabbing a sweatshirt to pull it over her head. Keeping her back to him, she picked up a brush, drawing her blonde hair into a ponytail, all the while hoping the redness in her eyes would disappear.

“Mitch made a plate of bacon and eggs for you.”

The hunger of earlier had disappeared, yet if she didn’t eat, Scott would be suspicious. After making love twice the night before, she’d woken with a raging appetite.

“There’s also toast, juice, and coffee.”

Forcing a smile, she turned around. “Sounds great. Have you eaten?” Brittany walked past him into the hall.

“We have. Whatever’s left is yours.” Following, he knew she hid whatever bothered her. With all that had gone on the last couple weeks, it could be almost anything.

Placing the last of the food on a plate, she took a tentative bite of bacon, adding eggs.

“Here.” Fuse held out a glass of orange juice. He stood beside her, resting a hip against the counter. “About last night—”

Brittany held up a hand, stopping him. “Don’t worry about it. You were very clear sex between us shouldn’t be taken for more than what it was.” She picked up another piece of bacon, holding it out. “Hey, it was great, so I have no complaints.”

“Brit…” Stuffing his hands into his pockets, he shuffled his feet.

“You haven’t lost your touch. In fact, it’s obvious you’ve learned a lot since the last time we were together. Great for me…huh?” She tried to keep her voice upbeat, expression neutral. “I’d love a repeat tonight. That is, if you don’t have other plans.”

Taking the plate from her hand, he set it on the counter, placing his hands on her shoulders.

“Hey. I’m not finished.”

“Stop bullshitting me, Brit.”

Shrugging off his hands, she moved around him. “I’m not bullshitting you.