Cadence of Love Read Online Free Page A

guests.” She teased him back, smiling more at the twinkle in his eyes that sparked from her response. “If you don’t mind me asking, what branch are you in?”
    “Army, Green Berets. The baddest of the bad. Sergeant Major Reynolds at your service, ma’am,” Leland answered followed by a gentlemanly bow. His eyes danced over her again, creating heat to warm her veins and dampen her panties. “This is here is Captain Williams, toughest leader and hard ass the military has ever seen.” He crooked his thumb over toward Brody.
    “Wow, that is like the SEALs right?”
    “No. We made the SEALs look like pantywaists. Our unit went through the SERE, Pathfinder, Airborne, and Air Assault training. Berets go through the worst of the worst, and come out the best of the best. We had our own G.I. Jane that went through it all with us actually. SERE training was a lot like that movie, only worse.”
    “That is impressive. You guys were the tough guys of the military. I don’t know how you all do it, but thank you for your sacrifices and service. My daughter is a huge military fan. She wants to join when she gets old enough.” Alaina rolled her eyes and snickered. “I just hope she changes her mind.” She printed off a paper and pointed for him to sign. He scribbled on the line, and she filed it in the small metal cabinet on the desk. “Okay, let me get your credit card, and we will get you two settled in.” She swiped the card they handed her and activated their keys.
    “We were, now we are normal civilians. I gotta say, it is weird being in the ‘real world’. I think we have already gotten soft.” He patted his torso, jeering.
    She glanced down and about choked on her tongue. Instead of making a bigger buffoon out of herself, she forced her eyes back to his and snapped back to business. “It is room one nineteen, just down the hall. Breakfast is at six, the pool is open until ten, and checkout is at eleven. If you are going to be taking advantage of our free Wi-Fi, the password is ‘guest’. Is there anything else I can help you with?” Her winded, well-rehearsed pitch left her inhaling deeply.
    Leland grinned, loving her sudden professional persona. “Well yes, ma’am, you can. You see, we are both starving to death and need to find a place to eat. I am craving a fat, juicy steak, and didn’t see any steak houses on the way in.”
    “Oh, we don’t have one. We do have Linda’s Diner, and Ol’ man Herb can make one hell of a steak. Order the Cattleman’s special with all the works. You won’t be disappointed.”
    “Sounds great. Where is it located?” Brody asked.
    “It is right out the back door. You can also order room service from there until midnight. Their pies, cakes, ice creams, and cobblers make a good treat for that midnight sweet tooth.” She smiled angelically, and Leland wondered how many times she had ordered in one of the sugary confections. Curiosity got the better of him. “Which is your favorite?”
    “What? Oh…uh, I am a sucker for their blackberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream. It’s served hot and is just to die for.” Her eyes twinkled at the simple thought.
    “Great! Thank you. We will definitely try it out. What time do you get off work?” Brody leaned over, resting his chin in his hand.
    “I get off at five. Why, is there something else I can get for you two?”
    “Yes there is. Would you join us for dinner? We can go get cleaned up and settled and be back to get you at five.” Brody watched her fidget and her face sadden.
    “Oh, thank you for the offer. I have to rush home to my daughter and get her settled before I rush off to my other job in a never-ending rat race. I am trapped in my very own hamster wheel. I don’t have time for such excitement.” Her eyes twinkled and her features molded into a saucy, cocky lopsided smile.
    “Or sleep from the way we found you. Where do you work tonight if you don’t mind me asking?” Brody was up to something, and