In the Line of Fire by Jennifer LaBrecque Page B

shoulder. “That was another red flag. Would you do that? Insist your wife not work or be specific about what she could or couldn’t do career-wise?”
    He paused and her lips parted, a light of inquiry in her eyes, and for the life of him not only could he not momentarily remember the question, he wasn’t even sure if he could recite his name, rank and serial number, which was right up there with breathing for a soldier. Oh, right…controlling a wife’s career…. “I would never insist she not work or put restrictions on her career, but for a lot of army wives, it’s difficult—the moves to different bases every couple of years, the long absences from home. Inevitably whether it’s fairor not, the soldier’s career takes precedence, and if you’re raising a family with one partner gone, that can make a career pretty difficult. So, my career comes with enough built-in limiters for a spouse. I would never throw any out there on my own.”
    â€œSome woman’s going to be pretty lucky one day when she snags you, Major.”
    The curve of her back, the indentation of her spine was exquisite. “I’m taking that with a huge grain of salt since you just walked out on a groom you’re not currently happy with. I’m sure you thought the same thing about Blanton at one point in time.”
    She shook her head, sending another curl to rest against her neck. “No, the truth of the matter is that everyone kept telling me how lucky I was, but I don’t think I ever felt that way—I’d just been told I was supposed to.”
    â€œYou think you can manage the rest?” Colton said.
    Andi reached around behind her. “If you can get one or two more then I can.”
    He’d never made such quick work of anything. “Done,” he said. She shifted as he spoke, sending his fingers into intimate proximity with her bare skin.
    â€œThanks. I’ve got it from here.”
    He’d never be so thankful to get out of a car. Hastily, his hand not nearly as steady as he’d like, he put the sunshade up across the windshield. “That’ll give you some privacy and then I’ll stand outside lookingthe other way and I’ll stop anyone who starts to approach the car.” He glanced out the window. “Although we’re in good shape now. There’s no one back here.” They were back in the south forty of the parking lot behind the store.
    â€œI’ll knock on the window when I’m done and then it’s your turn.”
    He nodded and got out. He was about to slam the door when she said, “I owe you one, Colton. Just let me know if there’s anything you need help getting out of.”
    He closed the door. The only thing he needed help getting out of was this mess he’d gotten himself into with Andi when he agreed to go with her.

7
    â€œW ELL , I JUST SPENT a small fortune,” Andi said as they met back at the car. It was funny how that worked when you walked out of a place with just the clothes, or in her case wedding dress, on your back. She’d had to grab makeup, toiletries, underwear, a couple of outfits, shoes, sleepwear and a small suitcase. But it had really been kind of fun. It did feel as if she was embarking on an adventure.
    â€œYou can always get your money back and we can just head home,” Colton said, popping the lid of the trunk open.
    â€œYou’re out of luck, buddy. You’re not getting rid of me that easily,” she said with a smile.
    He tossed his stuff into the trunk. “And what makes you think I want to get rid of you?”
    â€œWell, we both know you’re here under duress.” Andi was teasing, but only kind of sort of. She realized she wanted, actually needed to hear him say hewanted to be here with her. She laid her suitcase in the trunk and unzipped it.
    â€œMaybe you don’t know as much as you think you do,” he said, holding