Read Online Disarm by June Gray - Free Book Online Page A

knew that Jason’s death hit me hard. “Yeah. He’s fine.”
    I breathed a sigh of relief all the way down to my toes. “Thanks, Dave.”
    â€œJust keep an eye out. I’ll be able to tell you more about it once the media starts squawking.”
    â€œI will. Thanks.”
    â€œSo, hey, a bunch of us are going out this Friday. Do you want to come?”
    â€œSure, why not.” That’s one Friday that I wouldn’t have to spend alone.
    â€œThe other guys are bringing their girlfriends, so you won’t be the only girl,” he said.
    I smiled, the first real one in so many weeks. “Sounds like fun.”
----
    Dave insisted on picking me up on Friday night and I accepted, not really eager to walk around Bricktown in the dark by myself. Everyone was already there when we arrived, and they greeted us with drunken shouts and cheers. I played fast and loose with the alcohol, glad that for once my thoughts were not being monopolized by a certain tall, dark, and sexy man.
    â€œHey, did you see on the news today?” Kelsie, the wife of one of the captains, asked as we sat around the booth. “The base was attacked.”
    Dave nudged me with his elbow, letting me know that this was what he had been referring to.
    â€œWhat happened?” I asked. “I haven’t had a chance to watch the news.” Honestly, I’d actually been avoiding any coverage on Operation Enduring Freedom for fear of picking up more unfounded fears. Remaining ignorant about the goings-on in Afghanistan meant less ammo for my nightmares.
    â€œA suicide bomber drove a passenger van with a VBIED to the gate and shot the poor guy on duty,” Kelsie said.
    â€œVBIED?” I asked.
    â€œVehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device,” Dave said. “The fucker was killed before he could get on base, but he managed to detonate the bomb and take out the gate and a large portion of the fence. A few of the buildings nearby also sustained damage.”
    My heart was pounding wildly even as I told myself that Henry was fine. Still, at least one person had been hurt in the attack “Were there any casualties?”
    I looked up at Dave, who was nodding solemnly. “One airman was shot and killed, while another lost his leg to flying debris.”
    I covered my mouth and realized that my hand was trembling. It could have just as easily been Henry at the gate that day.
    Dave noticed my immediate change in mood and began to rub my back. “Do you want to get some air?” he whispered.
    I nodded and tried a polite smile for the rest of the table. “Sorry, guys. I just need a few moments.”
    â€œYou okay?” Kelsie asked.
    I swallowed hard, feeling the familiar tightness in my chest. “My brother was killed in Afghanistan,” I said and excused myself before they could ask questions.
    Dave accompanied me outside, standing awkwardly by with his hands in his pockets as I paced the sidewalk.
    â€œYou should go inside,” I told him, taking deep breaths to calm my nerves. “It’s cold out here.”
    He smiled crookedly. “I’m not about to let you stand out here by yourself.” He kicked at a discarded bottle cap on the ground. “I’m sorry about your brother. Jason was a really good guy.”
    I nodded. “Yeah, he was.”
    â€œHe was so proud of you, you know.”
    I looked away, wanting to hide the tears that were threatening to fall. “He talked about me?”
    â€œYeah, all the time,” Dave said. “Logan too. He’s always talking about you.”
    That brought an unexpected smile to my face.
    Dave came closer and rubbed my shoulders, a touch that seemed comforting at first, until it went on a little too long. I frowned up at him and opened my mouth to ask what he was doing when he bent down and touched his lips to mine.
    I pulled away as if electrocuted. “What—”
    Dave held his hands up and