Remember the Night: a Heroes of the Night military romance novel by Nicole Leiren Page A

and decisions had done enough harm. What she wanted or needed to make her happy was irrelevant at the moment. The logical side of her brain applauded her sacrifice and reassured her. Her heart, on the other hand, couldn't even muster a small bit of cheer at the thought that, when this vacation ended, she might never see Cody Jenkins again. One simple truth which robbed her of the small measure of happiness she'd found since the moment he and his complications strode back into her life.
    "Time to eat!" The captain's voice over the loud speaker brought Jason running toward her followed closely by Michael and Natalia.
    "Mom, is it okay if Cody sits by us for lunch?"
    "Of course, Michael, if that's what he wants."
    Cody arrived from his conversation with his sister just in time to hear Michael's request. His dark eyes were troubled, but he smiled at her son. "Sure thing, sport. We'll see who can eat the most burgers and not get sick."
    "You're on!" Michael smiled and moved to walk in step with Cody as they made their way to the picnic tables.
    Jason hurried to keep up and took Cody's hand for assistance.
    Despite everything, Evelyn smiled at the sight of the three of them walking side by side. She shook her head, grabbed all the bags, including Cody's, and headed in their direction. Let the complications begin.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN
     
    The orange flames danced against the darkening sky while the sound of the ocean waves provided soothing relaxation in the background. Cody stared into the flames. It was either that or stare at Evelyn since everyone else had gone to bed. They claimed the day's activities tired them out. Liars. Without a doubt, this was some great cosmic setup to force him and Evelyn together. What no one had bothered to tell the cosmos, or all the matchmakers residing in the villa, was that Evelyn had been crystal clear. He couldn't be a part of her life anymore. Sucked, but true.
    Because she was a classy lady, she wouldn't ignore him or avoid activities with the group. He grinned. She'd tried that with the volleyball game, but he'd figured out how to get her to play. He understood a competitive nature, and he damned sure knew she had one.
    "Is everything all right with your sister?" Evelyn's question sobered his line of thought.
    "I'm not sure."
    Her gaze left his and returned to the dancing flames. "If you don't want to tell me, that's fine."
    Women. Why did they have to assume men were trying to be difficult?
    He ran his fingers through his hair. "I'm not trying to be evasive. I'm answering the best I can. There's some shit going on, and I don't know if it will be all right."
    Her focus snapped back to him. The intensity of her eyes, even in the darkness, pierced him to his very core. "Do you want to talk about it?"
    So, she didn't want him in her life, but now she was trying to be friendly and concerned? He didn't want to play along tonight. "Not really."
    "Fine."
    This woman could really piss him off. "Don't fine me."
    "I just did. We're here, together, for a few more days. I'm trying to be sociable." Evelyn sat up straighter, and the aggravation shone clear on her face as if it were high noon rather than midnight.
    High time to set this woman straight. Springing to his feet, he moved with quickness and grace, not the norm for a man his size, to loom in front of her. To her credit, she didn't even flinch or back away.
    She's hot!
    Not the time to get distracted. The woman was in yoga pants and a sweatshirt, for God's sake.
    "Listen. You're the one who keeps pushing me away. I'm trying to abide by your wishes when what I really want to do is drag you from that chair and kiss you senseless."
    She rose, standing almost toe-to-toe with him. Her sharp fingernail pressed into his chest. "Is your skull so thick you can't figure this out?"
    He grabbed her hand and lifted it behind his head, pulling her body flush with his. Did she just gasp?
    Yeah, still got some surprises in me.
    Her face, mere inches from his. Her