Read Online Fire for Effect by Kendall McKenna - Free Book Online Page B

Now, he was unquestionably all man.
    Corey grasped Jonah’s hand and shook it briskly. They pulled each other in for the ultra-masculine, back-slapping hug of the alpha male. Corey was smiling wide when he stepped back, his eyes shone as he looked up into Jonah’s face. He released Jonah’s hand but now stood gripping his bicep.
    “I had no idea you were coming in for this!” Corey exclaimed. “Why didn’t you email me?”
    “It was last minute and I didn’t think about it,” Jonah replied. “You remember Kellan, of course,” he said, reaching back and gesturing Kellan forward.
    Kellan’s brain was processing what he was observing. Corey’s open, flushed expression of joy, his brightly shining eyes as he stared up at Jonah. The implication was just sinking in when Kellan stepped forward to shake Corey’s hand. He watched Corey’s smile falter, his eyes shutter as he took Kellan’s hand.
    “Of course I do,” he said politely. His grip on Kellan’s hand was firm, his gaze direct, but his greeting lacked the enthusiasm of the one he’d given Jonah. “It’s good to see you again, sir.”
    Oh, but it wasn’t. How had Kellan missed that before? “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Corey,” Kellan said genuinely. “I often inquire after you, it’s good to see for myself that Jonah’s reports are accurate.”
    Kellan didn’t blame Corey for his crush on Jonah. He understood it better than anyone. It just saddened him that it would probably always make things awkward between them. Kellan wondered if Jonah knew.
    Corey appeared taken aback at Kellan’s words. “Th-thank you, sir. I appreciate your interest in my well being.”
    “Please, call me Kellan.” He gripped Corey’s bicep in a friendly gesture. “It’s the weekend and we’re here informally. Besides, I’m out of the Corps.”
    Corey blinked. “That’s…not exactly why people call you sir, sir.”
    Jonah chuckled. “I keep telling him that and he doesn’t seem to get it.” He gripped Corey’s neck affectionately. “So, why aren’t you competing today, Corporal Yarwood?”
    “We got word that First Recon is deploying again in nine months.” Corey grew serious. “I didn’t need the additional stress in my life.”
    “Christ. You deployed two years ago,” Jonah growled.
    “And by the time I deploy again it will be three,” Corey said with a shrug. “I think I’ve been stateside this long because I kept getting accepted into training classes.”
    “What are you up to now?” Kellan asked. “You did Mountain Warfare, Survival, and Jump School, right?”
    “Affirmative, sir, uh, Kellan.” Corey flushed slightly and folded his arms over his chest. “If I make Sergeant before we deploy, I might get to go as a Team Leader.”
    Jonah held up a hand and he and Corey bumped fists. Kellan chuckled, but he couldn’t help being impressed. Corey was moving up in rank quickly, much the way Jonah had. If he survived his upcoming deployment, he’d most likely return with a chest full of medals, also like Jonah.
    “Are you guys here just for the Challenge?” Corey inquired.
    Jonah glanced at Kellan. Kellan held his gaze for a heartbeat before looking away. Jonah knew Corey better than he did and he had good judgment. If he thought it was wise to read Corey in, Kellan had no objection.
    “We’re here on a special mission,” Jonah replied. “And what I tell you goes no further.”
    “You have my word, Jonah,” Corey said solemnly.
    Kellan listened to Jonah explain Kellan’s work for the Senate, and how they were looking into the denied medal for Sergeant Restrepo’s valor during the Second Battle of Fallujah.
    “Yeah, it’s kind of shitty that no one will take the word of the Marines who were there,” Corey said.
    “Does your platoon sergeant ever talk about it?” Jonah asked smoothly.
    “No.” Corey shook his head emphatically. “If I hadn’t seen the ribbon on his uniform, I would never know he won the Silver