Tangled Pursuit by Lindsay McKenna

or the guy dying that stops me . . .”
    Alexa looked thoughtful. “Of course it hurts to fall in love and then realize it’s over, whether it’s you or the guy who calls it quits. I hurt when I break up with a guy just like you do. I suffer, believe me.” And then she rolled her eyes. “I think you remember Chad Davis, that Marine sniper I met here at Bagram about a year ago? Remember how damned hard I fell for that guy? I felt sucked into him like I’ve never been drawn to another man.”
    “Yes, I recall,” Tal said, feeling sad for Alexa and glimpsing the pain in her sister’s eyes. “I’d never seen you fall so hard for a dude. What you had was really special.”
    Groaning, Alexa said, “Don’t I know it. And to tell you the truth, when we broke up and it was a godawful hot mess.”
    “Well, you two did fight like dogs and cats.”
    “I know, and we both had too much pride to back down . . .”
    “I don’t know how you survived it,” Tal admitted, shaking her head. “I really don’t. Because I’m not built like that. I didn’t have that many relationships at the Naval Academy because there was too much work, too much studying to do. Then I met Brian here at Bagram, and everything changed in an instant.”
    “I know when you were with Brian, you had never been happier,” Alexa said softly, giving her a sad look. “And to have it all torn away from you nine months later . . . that was awful. I felt so bad for you, Tal. I wished I could have done more for you.”
    “You tried, but you were busy bombing the hell out of the Taliban. Matt was always out on black ops missions. I know you both cared, but something like this? I had to go through it alone, Alexa. Just like you did with Chad Davis.”
    “At least the guy I fell for the hardest wasn’t killed, thank God.” She tilted her head. “So, let’s talk about Wyatt. Is the real reason you’re hesitating that you really feel something special for this guy? More than just sex?”
    Tal exhaled sharply. “That pretty much sums it up. I’m afraid of him, Alexa. I barely survived Brian dying. I’m afraid if I give in to Wyatt, there’s no turning back. And that scares the living hell out of me, Alexa. Wyatt’s in a dangerous occupation, just like Brian was.”
    “You’re in a dangerous occupation yourself,” Alexa pointed out. “Wyatt doesn’t seem worried about it, though.”
    “He probably hasn’t lost someone he loved in combat, which might be why.”
    “Have you talked to him about all of this?”
    “Hell, no! We just shared our first civil words with each other last evening. We just talked, Alexa. That’s all.”
    “Sure, sure. Well, something seems to have scrambled you, Tal.”
    “That’s a good way of describing it.” Tal groaned. “I woke up this morning feeling like I’d lost my center. Normally, I have a good grip on my emotions. I put them away and they stay there. That way, I’m not distracted, and I can do my job.”
    “But Wyatt’s a sudden, huge distraction for you because you can’t put your feelings in a box like you normally do. Or maybe your heart is ready to open up? And even though you’re scared as hell, you still want to try for a relationship with the right guy again? Right?”
    “Yes,” Tal admitted after a moment.
    “Were you able to put your emotions in a box with Brian?”
    “Yes, no problem.”
    Alexa tapped her chin, looking up at the ceiling in thought. “This is bad, Tal.”
    Tal gave her an exasperated look. “You’re telling me! Do you think I’m happy about it? Do you see me dancing for joy?”
    “Capricorns are known for their cutting wit, by the way . . .”
    “Oh, stop!”
    Alexa laughed gently and reached out for Tal’s hand again. She was a toucher by nature and realized that contact was always soothing to someone who was upset. “Are you asking me what I’d do?”
    “Maybe. I know you’re full speed ahead with any relationship. Nothing scares you off, Alexa. But this