Chapter 3

You know how it is, I know you do.”

Yeah, I know, but I can’t help the

stab of jealousy that twists through me because the 49th will have

him the next few weeks and I won’t.

Kissing me, he whispers, “I’ll be back

soon enough.”

I help him finish packing and at the

door I hug him tight, trying to burn his touch into my memory so

I’ll have it on the cold, lonely nights ahead. I want to remember

the exact shade of his eyes, the feel of his short trimmed hair

beneath my palms, the crush of his lips against mine, the way his

knee presses between my legs like a sweet promise that leaves me

aching for more.

“Go,” I tell him, pulling

away. I open the door before he can respond, and with the world out

there we can’t touch each other, we can’t kiss, and there are no

words to say all that needs to be said. “Be safe. Come back to

me.”

“You know I will.” With a

wink, he mouths the words, “I love you.”

I frown and nod; then he’s trotting