Homecoming Hero Read Online Free

heart of the action.
    Smiling, she exited her car at the same moment a motorcycle roared into the empty spot beside her. The snarl of the engine had her jumping back. Her hand flew to her throat and she flattened herself against her car.
    Loud, obnoxious, danger-on-two-wheels—what sort of insane, crazy person rode a steel beast like that?
    As soon as the question came to her, she noticed that the person climbing off the bike wore BDUs and tan army boots. Even before he removed his helmet, she knew whose face she’d see.
    Didn’t she already recognize the powerful set of Wolf’s shoulders and the way he favored his left leg?
    There was something so familiar about the man, something that made her feel both safe and uneasy at the same time.
    Maybe it was because he reminded her of Clay.
    Or…maybe not.
    She took in a steadying breath and sighed. She might tell herself she liked the artistic type, she might even believe it in her head, but Captain Wolfson was a man. A warrior. A bona fide hero in BDUs.
    It was hard not to be attracted to him.
    Her twenty-six years of safe existence hadn’t prepared her for someone like him, someone who made her question everything she’d ever known about herself and the very real need in the world around her.
    Wasn’t that the point of her decision to become a missionary? To live out her faith among people? After all, what good did a formal education and countless Bible studies do if she didn’t put her knowledge to use in the real world?
    And this man, the one pulling off a motorcycle helmet, was here to stop her from taking the next step in her Christian walk.
    Fat chance.
    Convicted all over again, she waited for Wolf to join her on the sidewalk that led to the front of the main church building.
    They walked in silence.
    Despite her best intentions, Hailey kept sending himcovert glances from below her lashes. She was aware of the man with a sharp-edged clarity that was downright disturbing. “You won’t regret joining me this afternoon.”
    He made a noncommittal sound deep in his throat.
    Ho-kay, so he was going to play it that way?
    â€œI thought you promised an open mind?” she said, failing to keep her annoyance out of her voice.
    â€œIt’s open.” He tapped his left temple. “Wide open.” He sounded sincere. But then he gave her a grin that could only be described as…wolfish. Oh, boy.
    Thankfully, she caught sight of a familiar face heading their way. Relief spread through her. “Look, there’s J.T.” She lifted her hand in greeting.
    â€œWho’s J.T.?” Wolf asked, his voice wary.
    â€œOur mission’s pastor.”
    â€œRight.”
    Hailey wasn’t sure what she heard in Wolf’s voice, but he didn’t sound convinced.
    His next words confirmed her suspicion. “He doesn’t look like any pastor I’ve met before.”
    Hailey eyed J.T., trying to see him from a newcomer’s point of view. “That’s because he looks younger than he really is. Don’t be fooled, he’s in his thirties.”
    â€œIt’s not his age.” Wolf narrowed his eyes. “It’s something…else.”
    There was such gravity in his voice that Hailey felt the need to reassure him. “J.T.’s a good guy. You’ll like him.” She played her ace. “Clay did. They were friends. Good friends.”
    Before Wolf could respond J.T. pulled her into a tight hug. “Hellooooo, beautiful.”
    Â 
    Wolf had thought he’d seen everything. He’d survived fifteen brutal years with a mean, alcoholic father. He’d lived on his own for the next fifteen after that. He’d faced insurgents, enemy fire and an IED. But he’d never confronted anything—or anyone—like Hailey’s pastor.
    Man of God or not, the guy was overly friendly with Clay’s sister. In fact, Pastor J.T. hugged Hailey a little too long, with far too much