Read Online Soldier Boy by Megan Slayer - Free Book Online Page B

scrubbed one hand across his forehead. “I don’t know if I look cool or not.”
    “You’re very handsome.” She tugged at his collar. “I like a man in uniform — even if it’s borrowed. Bet you look sexy in your dress blues.”
    “I do okay.” His cheeks burned. At twenty-six years old, he’d only had one serious relationship and three girlfriends. Most of the women he’d dated wanted a pilot. He fueled the planes. Would she dismiss him, too? He gazed into her eyes and noticed her shivering. Shit. He shrugged out of his coat, then draped the garment around her shoulders.
    “Thank you.” She smiled even wider. “Gentlemen are hot, too. Tell me about yourself. What brings you to this loud Halloween party?”
    “Levi,” he blurted. “He told me if I didn’t show up, I’d wish I had. I gave in to him and came along. I’m glad I listened to him.” Charlie balled his fist to keep from reaching for her and moving too fast. But he’d already admitted she was pretty...might as well go whole hog. “You’re the prettiest girl here. What are you doing tonight?”

Three
     
    The laughter started low in her chest and burst forth. Vada grabbed the front of the coat. Usually, she was the one to ask the guy out. He’d beaten her to the punch, and he’d been so awkwardly cute about asking.
    “I am at this party until midnight, but if I slipped off I doubt anyone would notice. What about you? Any exciting plans beyond the party?” She nudged him to the darkest corner of the porch. “Or do you tell every girl she’s sexy?”
    “I...” He blushed again.
    The man got embarrassed so easily. If they ended up seeing each other beyond the night, he’d either have to get a whole lot more comfortable with her bluntness or they wouldn’t have any sort of future. She snorted to herself. A future? She only knew his name!
    “I’ve only had four girlfriends.” He averted his gaze. “I’m twenty-six, and I’ve only been out of my home state of Pennsylvania because of the Air Force. Most of the women I know have told me I’m boring.”
    “That’s okay, baby.” She caged him in her arms. The awkwardness continued to endear him to her. Such a shy man. She trailed her fingers down his cheek. “We don’t have to go get married right now. How about a glass of cider? You can tell me all the things you like or dislike about Halloween.”
    “I’d like that.” His blue eyes glittered in the low light. “I really am glad I came to the party.”
    “Me, too.” She disengaged from him long enough to stroll into the kitchen. She fanned herself with the open refrigerator door. Damn, he was fine and shy.
    “What are you doing?” Maya nudged Vada with her butt. “You’re letting out all the cold air.”
    “I’m looking for the cider.” Vada grabbed the plastic jug, then closed the door. “I’m thirsty.”
    “That boy out on my back porch isn’t quenching your thirst enough?” Maya narrowed her eyes and a sly smile spread across her lips. “He’s cute. Levi said he’s really shy. He talked to you, right?”
    “Is this high school?” Vada poured cider into two plastic cups. “Yes, he talked to me. Yes, he’s shy and yes, he’s handsome. He’s also in the Air Force.” She closed the cider. “I like him.”
    “ Vada ?” Maya’s eyes lit up. She clasped her hands together. “Does this mean you’re ready to enter the dating pool again?”
    “Maybe.” Vada adjusted the front of her dress again. The girls were about to burst from the bodice. “Let me do this my way. I’ve dated guys you’ve suggested, and it was a disaster. Terrence found me, and that was hell. This is something I have to navigate on my own.”
    “Okay, but if you need me, shout. I will break his legs if I need to.” Maya winked, then headed back into the living room.
    She’d break his legs. Vada shook her head, then picked up the cups. Instead of being in the corner where she’d left him, Charlie sat on the back steps. He’d