Intensity Read Free Page A

black
leather. “How are you doing?”
    Shea Worthington was a fellow Marine and wonderful
friend. Her smile was bright against her nut-brown skin.
    “I’m fine. How are you doing? I’d heard you were off
with Admiral Davies, helping him take care of some things.”
    Sarah nodded. “Yes. You know how top brass hates to
do paperwork themselves.”
    Shea muttered under her breath. “You would think,
after all we do, we’d have a bit more responsibility than being a
glorified secretary.”
    “Roger that, Captain. Although, really, look at what
you do. Flying all those Super Cobras.” Sarah wasn’t ever able to
tell anyone about what she did. Most of her file had been blacked
out. But Admiral Davies was one who knew the truth, and he was the
one who called when she had to go. “So, where are we heading
tonight?”
    Shea slowed as they left the base then she opened up
the engine and peeled them off down the road. “I thought we’d have
us a nice dinner at Thalassa’s then, if you’re still up for hanging
out, we could go down to Jubers.”
    “That sounds like one hell of a plan to me. What
have you been up to?”
    “Training and more training. Same ole, same ole, but
I love it and wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.”
    Sarah felt the same way about what she did. Shea
parked at the restaurant, and the two of them got out. She smoothed
a hand down her dress as she waited for Shea to walk around to her
side. The valet looked at them, and together, they smiled at
him.
    “Nothing like turning heads,” Shea said.
    “Nice to wear something other than the uniform.”
Side by side, they headed up the steps. Sarah slanted her gaze to
her friend. The white sleeveless dress hugged her curves as if it
had been painted on. The asymmetrical hem skirt had pleated detail,
and Shea had matching white stilettos. Gazing at her own dress,
Sarah smiled, . She didn’t look too shabby either.
    Hers was an off the shoulder style, the body-hugging
sky blue dress covered by black floral netted overlay. Her shoes
were black.
    After weeks in the jungle and mud, this was just
what she needed. Men stared at them as they continued on their way
to a table. The Greek American restaurant was one they enjoyed
eating at.
    “So,” Sarah said, after they’d placed their orders.
“Tell me how things are with you and David.”
    She rolled her eyes. “He’s getting an issue now
because I fly helicopters.”
    “You were flying them when you two met, right?”
    “Yes. But, apparently, now it’s threatening his
manhood.” She snorted. “Or some stupid thing like that.”
    “God, that’s pathetic.”
    She shrugged. “Tell me about it. Remember the old
adage if they wanted me to have a wife, they would have issued me
one? I’m thinking the Marine Corps just needs to give me a husband
who will be okay with everything I do. What about you? Any hot men
on the horizon?”
    “Horizon is the operative word,” she said. A short
bark of laughter slipped free, and she shook her head. “You know
me, one bad choice in men after another.”
    “Not true,” Shea countered. “I don’t see you with a
lot of men.” She narrowed her eyes and pointed her straw at Sarah.
“Almost like you’ve already found your man and are just waiting for
those stolen moments you’re allowed to share with him.”
    The second she took her gaze away, Sarah knew it was
a mistake.
    “Ohhh, girl, you’ve been holding out on me. Come on,
fill me in.”
    She shook her head.
    “Please, you know all my dirty secrets. Who is he?
Someone here on base? Someone you work with?”
    “No, I don’t work with him. Well, if you consider
him being in the military, then yes, I do. But he’s not a
Marine.”
    “Outside the family. Naughty girl. Okay, let me
see.” She drummed her fingers on the table. “Are you dating a
Coastie?”
    “No. And I’m not even dating this one.”
    “Just sex, then—exciting.” Her grin had Sarah
laughing, again.
    “No, not even