Her Soldier (That Girl #3) Read Online Free Page A

think I’m doing it because I’m a good guy.”
    “You are a good guy. Thank you, Beau.”
    “You don’t know me, Jenni. I try, but I’m not any good.”
    I turn around in his arms, facing him; Beau doesn’t lose his grip on me at any point.
    “You saved me.” Standing on my tiptoes, I place a gentle kiss on his cheek. I feel the roughness of his stubble, and something happens when my lips are on his skin. Something deep down in my gut twists, and I don’t know if it’s a warning sign to run or a sign of something else.
    Beau guides me again through his room, and this time my eyes are able to focus on items. I zone in on a picture of a baby girl on his nightstand, next to a pair of dog tags, and questions run wild in my head. I push down the curiosity and concentrate on making it back to the couch. Even with Beau at my side, the pain is getting worse with each step, and the main source of it is still settled in my right side.
    “You need to try to eat and take some pills.”
    We pass the couch as Beau steers me over to a small table with two chairs. I notice a dish.
    “I made you this. You need to take a couple bites so these meds don’t tear up your belly too bad.”
    Sitting down, I clearly smell the scent of the pizza pocket in front of me and then hear my stomach growl. Beau shoots me a look with a raised eyebrow.
    “Guess you know what’s best.” I shrug.
    I can tell Beau is dying to pry at certain questions, so I decide to clear the air once and for all.
    “I don’t have parents. They both left me a long time ago. They couldn’t stand my annoying personality. My aunt Danielle took me in, and she’s my only family. I only have two true friends who will worry about where I am, but not too much because I’m known to disappear for periods of time.” Dropping my head, I focus on the silver fork lying next to my plate. “You could say I have a track record of making bad decisions and having an addictive personality. If it’s all right, I’d just like to crash here for the next couple days until I can walk.”
    My face burns after the question leaves my mouth. I feel like a fool asking to stay and basically spilling my guts to him. Internally, I cringe. What the fuck, outwardly I cringe and would give anything to be able to stand and walk out that door. Too ashamed to look up at Beau, I keep my head down and nibble at the pepperoni pizza pocket in front of me. Two white pills are slid into my view. Beau leaves his hand on the table near the pills, and when I don’t look up he clutches my hand, squeezing it a bit.
    “You don’t have to be so embarrassed. I’m not sure I’d let you go right now anyway.”
    His words relax me somewhat, making it possible for me look up at him. His face is still serious with a touch of comfort to it. And when I make eye contact he doesn’t let go of my hand. Beau picks up both of the pills and holds them to my mouth, and naturally I open up for him. Before I have time to grab the glass of water he has it at my lips. The pills go down easily, and I finish the rest of my food while Beau busies himself in the kitchen. My fingers find my lips, caressing them and remembering the feel of his touch on them and his scruff from when I kissed him. There’s something about this man.
    I shake my head in disbelief. This is just like the typical Jenni, falling for the nearest, hottest guy with a pulse. I get sucked in so easily, and it’s always for the wrong reasons. I sit here broken and fantasizing about a complete stranger.
    “Are you done?” A deep voice drags me from my thoughts, and when I look up Beau is standing before me.
    I simply nod, unable to talk from everything swirling around inside me. It’s like one poisonous thought after the next, with a vicious roller coaster of emotions as a chaser.
    “I gave you two painkillers. We need to stay on top of them to control your pain. They will probably make you sleepy.”
    I nod again, saying nothing, and feel myself