Violin Warrior Romance by Kristina Belle Page B

at Jamie, knowing full well she hasn’t.
“Oh! I know! Would you like to come, Brad? They let you men out of here
occasionally, right? It should be part of your therapy to see a good concert.”
    “Well yes, occasionally if our doctor OK’s it we’re allowed
to leave the hospital. It’s not like we’re prisoners and locked up here. Are
you…” Before Brad can finish his sentence, Carol closes the deal. “Great! It’s
a date then. The symphony starts at seven. We’ll pick you up here at five for
dinner. Only one condition, it will be my treat! That’s the least I can do to say
thanks for your service!” Carol only grins at the two who stare at her with open
amazement. “Come on Jamie, time for us to go. It was nice meeting you Brad!”
    Carol is excited at how well her matchmaking went and briskly
walks out of the room. In a bit of a daze Jamie starts to follow, hesitating a
moment as she reaches the door. “Good bye Brad. I guess we’ll see you Friday?”
She gazes directly into the soldier’s warm brown eyes. “Dragons spitting fire couldn’t
keep me away.” He replies, smiling. Jamie makes his day as she returns the
smile, before chasing after Carol.

Chapter 2
     
    Jamie is excited about her date. Friday night can’t come
fast enough. That is until Friday morning. As the day finally arrives she suddenly
wonders if she’s setting herself up for a major disappointment. She is assailed
with doubts “What if he has a girlfriend? What if he just said yes just to be
nice? What if he can’t come? What if he only pretends to like her so he can
better practice his music? What if he is a womanizer? ” Her stream of troublesome
worrying thoughts is interrupted by Carol’s car horn honking.
    Jamie hurries out the door. Carol’s boyfriend Barry is
driving. “Hi Barry, you’re looking sharp. Not a bad looking date either.”
    “Yeah thanks. She’ll do for the evening. Maybe quite a few
evenings.” He looks at Carol and laughs.
    Carol blows him a little kiss. ”You’re a lucky man and you
know it.  Just try to keep your eyes on the road. I know driving around with
two beauties is distracting.”    
    Jamie hops in the backseat and immediately shares her
worries with her friend who promptly laughs them off. Carol confesses to
checking around. “I spoke to some of Brad’s friends at the VA center. His
girlfriend of five years broke up with him before he left for Iraq. After that
he hasn’t had an interest in any woman. That is until you. He thinks you’re
gorgeous, extremely talented, and is really excited to be seeing you tonight. He
thinks he’s a lucky man so relax and have fun!” Jamie hopes her friend is being
truthful, not just trying to make her feel better. She leans back in her seat,
rolling her eyes at her friend’s effervescence and know it all manner.
    Minutes later the three arrive at the VA center. Brad is
waiting for them.  In his dress uniform he is truly handsome. He’s standing near
the main entrance chatting with some friends, his wheelchair pushed off to one
side. Jamie shakes her head in amazement as Carol greets all the soldiers by
name. Carol has taken a genuine interest in the VA center’s wounded warriors
and donates several hours a week of her time to play piano for the soldiers. Chatting
the entire time Carol folds the wheel chair and places it in the trunk of the
car. Jamie walks over to greet Brad and gives him a little hug.
    “Hi Brad. You’re looking great in that uniform. Ready for an
evening out?”
    “I’m more than ready. I’m really glad to see you. I thought
Friday would never arrive.” Jamie is startled and flushes to scarlet as Brad takes
her hand and gently kisses it. She carefully helps him into the car, guiding
him by holding his elbow in one hand and his hand in the other. A tremor of
heat from the contact completely surprises her as it races through her entire
body. She hasn’t been kissed in a long time, not even on the hand.
    At dinner,