Wild Nevada Ride by Sandy Sullivan Page B

on her shoulders, unable to meet his all-knowing look. It wouldn’t do any good to deny it; he could read her like a book. “Yeah Dad, I’m afraid so.”
    “You haven’t talked about him at all. Do you want to now?”
    “Not really.” Her eyes met his again. “There isn’t much to tell.”
    “He kissed you before he left. I would think by those actions, there was something going on there.”
    “I haven’t seen him since.”
    “Well, that would explain your lack of concentration.” He stood up and moved toward the window. “You need to get out of this funk. The mistakes you’re making up there could get you and your weapons officer killed.”
    “Maybe I need a break. I haven’t had a real vacation in about two years.”
    “Good idea. I would suggest you do something, young lady, before you ruin your career.”

    * * * *

    Stepping into the sunshine, she slid the aviator sunglasses on her face and headed back toward her jet. Grabbing her helmet, she started back for the hangar, but stopped when she heard her name called.
    “Yeah?” She squinted, trying to figure out who walked toward her.
    “Hey, sweet thing. How about you and me go out tonight? Some place cozy and intimate.”
    She rolled her eyes even though she knew the man couldn’t tell. “Not interested, Parker.”
    “What’s up with you, Kat? We used to be good together.”
    “Used to be—optimum word there indicates past tense.”
    “You know, since you came back from Iraq, you’ve turned into a real bitch.”
    She made a smooching sound as she pursed her lips and said, “Thanks, lover, but I’ve got other fish to fry these days.”
    “Well, if you ever get tired of whomever you’re doing, call me. I’m sure I can warm up the block of ice between your legs.”
    “Trust me, it’s warmer than you ever made it.” With a wicked smile, she turned on her heel, and headed straight for her locker, whistling softly.
    Three hours later, she hurried out to her car with her leave paperwork in her hands. Sometimes it helped to have your father in an administrative position to push things through. The smile on her face was genuine when she thought about having the next couple of weeks off to relax and recuperate.
    Slipping inside her car, she put the top down and unpinned her hair while she revved the engine, loving the purr that met her ears. Putting the car in reverse, she had to be careful not to peel out of the parking lot as excitement rolled down her arms.
    When she parked at her townhouse about thirty minutes later, she almost couldn’t contain herself when she took the stairs two at a time. Before she opened her front door, she heard a soft feminine voice call, “Well, hello, Katrina. You’re home early.”
    “Good afternoon, Mrs. Abraham,” she said, smiling at the elderly woman standing on the grass below her. She loved the old lady even though she did tend to be a busybody sometimes. Right now, Mrs. Abraham stood looking up while her little dachshund sniffed the ground at her feet. “Yes, I am early. I managed to get a few days off this week so I’m going to enjoy it early.”
    “That’s nice, dear. You work awfully hard, I’m sure.”
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    “What you need is a nice man around.”
    Kat laughed before she answered, “Yes ma’am, but most men are a little afraid of a woman like me.”
    “Very true my dear. If they only knew how soft you really are underneath, I’m sure there would be a flood of them at your door in no time.”
    She had heard this little speech more times than she could remember since she had returned from Iraq. “Thank you for the advice.”
    “You’re welcome, sweetie. Now go relax for a while. I’m sure you’ve earned it.” The little old woman grabbed her small dog in her arms and started to walk away while Katrina watched with a smile on her lips.
    Opening the door, she almost sighed as the soft pastels of the walls met her eyes. She loved having things in her home more feminine.