Last True Hero Read Free

flowers and mentally adding the mixture to the list of things I can’t resist.
    “Y’all let me know if you need anything else.” She flounces away.
    “So.” Drake begins tentatively, and I know I’m not going to like the turn our conversation is about to take.
    I stuff my mouth full of lobster-infused mushrooms and have to close my eyes because they taste fucking incredible.
    “Your physical therapy is done, right?”
    Drake doesn’t waste time; he gets directly to the point. It’s one of the reasons he’s one of few friends I have in civilian life. I hate bullshit.
    “Yeah. It’s done, Drake. I’m clear.”
    “But you weren’t cleared for duty. So how much are you going to be able to handle in the shop? I’m serious, dude. I don’t want you getting hurt on my watch.”
    “I’m a grown-ass man, Drake, and an ex-Army Ranger. I can handle getting under some cars and getting shit done. You don’t have to worry about me.”
    Drake continues to chew a mouthful of food while he studies me, and then washes it down with a gulp from his own bottle of beer.
    “I know you’re tough. But you’ve gone through a lot, Dare. I wouldn’t blame you if you just wanted to take it easy for a while.”
    “I live at the beach now, right? I am taking it easy. But I’m going to earn my keep. Conversation over?”
    He nods, not taking his eyes off of me. “Roger that.”
    I nod, allowing my eyes to wander around the restaurant. I spot Legs over by the computer on the back wall, checking her cell phone. I keep track of her as she busies herself with bringing food and refills to her tables. Other than ours, she has only two others. I’ve arrived in Lone Sands in April, a good month before the tourists will surge in, searching for summer fun.
    Finally, she returns to us, holding our check.
    “How was it?” she asks me. The wariness in her voice bothers me. She doesn’t seem as cautious with Drake, and I want to know why.
    “Drake,” I say suddenly. “It’s on me tonight. Want to head out to the Challenger while I finish up?”
    Chucking, he salutes and heaves himself out of the booth. “Yes, Sergeant.”
    The waitress—how do I not yet know her name?—glances sharply at him as he speaks, and then aims her steadfast gaze at me while I take the check gently from her fingers.
    “Berkeley,” I read aloud. Damn, even her name strikes an image of perfect beauty.
    “That’s me. Did you like everything?” She’s asking me as if she doesn’t want to ask, but she needs to know.
    “Best meal I’ve had in a long time,” I answer honestly. “Thank you for that.”
    “I didn’t cook it.” She finally reaches up to pull that curly tendril off her face. My fingers curl on the table in response.
    “I know that. But you chose it. I appreciate that.”
    She nods. “Anything else?”
    “Yes.” She waits, and I toy with my empty beer bottle as I talk myself into what I’m about to do. “I’m new in town, and—”
    “No.”
    “What?” I haven’t even asked her yet, so I’m more than a little confused about her refusal.
    “No. I’m not going out with you.”
    “I haven’t even asked you yet!” I know my mouth is agape, but I’m unable to force it closed. This is new territory for me. I’m drowning in uncertainty.
    “Doesn’t matter. I get a lot of guys like you in here. Can you understand that? I don’t date customers.”
    I begin to nod. She takes the crisp bill hanging out of my outstretched hand. “Especially not military customers.”
    She walks away quickly before I can tell her to keep the change, disappearing behind a door leading to the kitchen and the back of the restaurant.
    I let my head fall back against the booth, muttering a curse and closing my eyes. Somehow, that had gone so much more smoothly in my mind. Not that I’d thought it through well enough.
    “Idiot,” I whisper as I slide out of the booth and head for the door with my proverbial tail between my legs.
    Lone Sands, 1. Dare