Cadence of Love Read Online Free Page B

Leland hoped it was good.
    “I wait tables down at Dark Tavern. If you two want a drink, it is the best place in town. The only other bar we have is Bud’s. It is a rough crowd, and doesn’t have the dance floor we do. Tonight is buy one get one free on all tap.”
    Brody immediately noticed the robotic advertisement, and furrowed his eyebrows. Two jobs? Where the hell was the kid’s dad? “Actually, we had planned on getting a couple beers before crashing. If we come in and request you as our server, we aren’t going to get punched out by your husband or boyfriend, are we?”
    Okay, that wasn’t as discrete as Leland would have been, but Brody was more of a ‘cut to the chase’ type of guy.
    Alaina’s face dropped, making Leland kick Brody in the shin under the counter. When he looked over, he understood. “No. Neither. I have to get back to work. If you need anything else, please just dial ‘front desk’ and I will get you hooked up. Enjoy your stay,” her voice shook out in a whisper, revealing emotion she fought so hard to hide. She turned on her heels and walked back into the adjoining laundry room, shutting the door behind her.
    Brody and Leland went and parked then hauled their bags to their room, keeping conversation to a minimum.
    ****
    Alaina had to bolt at the simple question, unable to keep the tears from falling. It was normal conversation and yet it made her ache inside whenever the subject arose. She couldn’t help feeling overwhelmed every time she was hit on. It was just so unnatural. She had been married for so long that she forgot what it was like and how to act. The chiming of the door signaled another customer, so she quickly wiped her face and walked back up to the computers.
    Instead of it being a new guest, Leland stood with his elbow leaning on the wall. He looked concerned about something, and she quickly drew up enough inner strength to face whatever was coming. “Is something wrong with your room?”
    “No, the room is great. I…um…well I wanted to ask you something, and please don’t get angry or think we are creepy. Brody and I were wondering if we could take you and your little girl out to eat. It seems like you are busting balls working all the time, and to be honest, we would love the company. Both of us just got back from a two year tour in Afghanistan, and haven’t enjoyed anything in a long time. We are on our way back home to Montana, but I don’t even have family to share meals with when I get there. It would mean a lot to us both.” His eyes dropped to the ground, watching his boot scuffle along the floor.
    Alaina’s heart dropped. How could two smoking hot sexy soldiers who just happened to be cowboys to boot, not have a parade waiting to welcome them back? She knew what it was like to feel alone, but she guessed it was nothing like these men. Without thinking, she blurted out, “Sure, we would love to.” Her hand flew over her mouth in surprise. Brody looked up and grinned, chuckling.
    “Did I miss you yelling out your social security number or something? Why are you shocked?”
    “Sorry…I, well, to tell you the truth I am surprised. I don’t usually accept offers, and it seems my brain answered without consulting with me first.” Her face heated.
    “Oh. Well, you are still free to take your answer back. You and your brain can discuss it if you like…I believe they call it a woman’s prerogative. Either way, we won’t have you hung for saying no.” His eyes captured the hope that shone from inside.
    “No, I mean, yes we will go. I haven’t been out in a very long time.” She could hear the sadness in her own voice. Instead of him asking why, he reached over and rested his hand on top of hers. Her skin immediately tingled at the close contact. He slowly picked it up and placed a slow, soft kiss in her palm, and turned to walk away.
    “Good. We will meet you at the diner at say—six?”
    “That would be great. See you in a bit.” She watched