Chapter 14

The second chance we both deserved. 8

“What happens next?”

My voice sounded a little childlike, but I didn’t care. I was about to lay my heart on the line with this man—again—and even though he had made it clear he didn’t want to hurt me, it was still a possibility. I could admit it, at least to myself. I was scared.

“What do you mean?” Cooper shifted so we were full on facing each other. I wanted to be back in his embrace. It would be easier to have this conversation not looking at him. But it was time to stop hiding. I reached for his hands, and Cooper quickly gave them to me. I threaded our fingers together, and he immediately started rubbing soothingly with his thumbs.

“I mean…” I had to take a deep breath, then force out the words. “When you go back on duty—if you’re deployed again—I have to know what’s going to happen, Captain.” I gave him a small quirk of a smile.