Homecoming Hero Read Online Free Page A

enthusiasm.
    Inappropriate. That’s the word that came to mind as the two finally untangled from each other’s arms.
    When J.T. kept his hands on Hailey’s shoulders, a white-hot ball of emotion roiled in Wolf’s stomach. He ignored the sensation and detached himself emotionally from the situation. He was a master at compartmentalizing. It was a gift.
    Besides, what did it matter whether he approved of the relationship between Hailey and her pastor?
    It was none of his business, emphasis on none.
    â€œJ.T.,” she said, “I have someone I’d like you to meet.” Hailey shifted out of the pastor’s reach—which was good—and turned those compelling green eyes onto Wolf. Not so good.
    His breath tightened in his throat and that ball of emotion rolling around in his stomach tied into a tight knot.
    So much for detachment.
    â€œWolf, this is J. T. Wagner, our mission’s pastor.”
    Despite his instant dislike of the guy, Wolf shook J.T.’s hand. With his surfer-dude, spiky, sun-streaked hair, ratty cargo pants and rock-star T-shirt, J.T. looked like a grown man masquerading as a teenager.
    Something wasn’t right.
    Other than a diamond stud in his left earlobe, the pastor wore no jewelry. Not even a wedding ring.
    Yeah, Wolf had checked.
    After another moment of inspection, Wolf realized why the picture didn’t fit completely. Despite the civilian clothing, J.T. had military written all over him. It was in his stance and the way he moved.
    A former soldier turned pastor. Talk about a walking, talking nightmare for a man who didn’t want to discuss the military or what had happened in Iraq or anything to do with the good Lord.
    Wolf had to give the guy points, though. J.T. didn’t flinch under his scrutiny.
    Hailey cleared her throat. “J.T., Wolf was a friend of Clay’s. They were together in Iraq.”
    J.T. nodded at Wolf, and a moment of camaraderie passed between them. Wolf didn’t know what to do with that. He’d decided to dislike the man, on principle if nothing else. But he realized that wasn’t going to be as easy as he’d first thought.
    â€œHow long have you been home, soldier?”
    â€œSince this morning.”
    J.T. cocked his head. “Did they have a welcome-home parade at Cottrell Field?”
    Wolf rolled his shoulders uncomfortably. “I chose not to attend.”
    He’d told himself it was because he’d been focused on getting to Hailey and fulfilling his duty. But his reasons were more complicated than that.
    Without Clay and the others marching by his side, Wolf didn’t deserve a welcome-home celebration.
    Had he seen that bump in the road, had he paid more attention to that sick feeling in the pit of his stomach that day, all four of his fallen friends would be here today.
    He—
    Hailey touched his sleeve, her soft voice breaking through his thoughts. “You didn’t look for Clay’s tree?”
    â€œNo.” He hoped she’d leave it at that.
    It wasn’t that he hadn’t tried to pay homage to his friend. But when he’d pulled alongside the long row of evergreens, one planted for each fallen soldier of the Third Infantry Division, Wolf had lost the stomach for it. Literally.
    Disgusted with himself, for his self-indulgence as much as his weakness, he’d climbed back on his motorcycle and had headed straight to Savannah.
    â€œYou really are determined,” Hailey said, shaking her head in resignation.
    Wolf stared into her eyes, silently communicating his resolve. “I made a promise to a friend. I—”
    A loud whoop of feminine shouts cut off the rest of his words. “Hailey, Hailey. There you are.”
    A group of teenage girls swarmed her, giggling and laughing at such a shrill decibel Wolf wanted to cover his ears with his hands.
    â€œCome on, Hail. The program’s about to start.” One girl after the other tugged on her,