Ford, page 1
FORD
ALPHA COMPANY RENEGADES BOOK 14
KALI HART
Ford is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Copyright © 2020 by Kali Hart
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval systems, without express written permission from the author/publisher, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
CONTENTS
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Epilogue
Alpha Company Renegades Series
1
TARA
“Your boyfriend’s here,” Kiera, friend and faithful employee, says to me with a playful elbow nudge.
“He’s not my boyfriend,” I hiss under my breath. It’s all I can do to keep my smile fixed as one customer slides to the pick-up end of the counter and another steps up to the register. Good grief. I can already feel the heat of my cheeks. They must be glowing. Not that it stops me from looking past the growing line and through the storefront windows. His massive truck is unmistakable—a pretty, dark blue color that reminds me of the ocean.
Kiera leans against my shoulder, dropping her voice. “I don’t think he’s going to give up until you say yes.”
“Caramel latte with extra cream?” I ask the next customer in line, ignoring the erratic pitter patters of my heart. Betty’s a regular of mine, and unless the season changes, she always orders the same thing. Normal. Right now, I need normal.
“That right there is why I love coming here,” Betty says to me in that sweet grandmotherly voice as she slides a five-dollar bill to me. “None of those chain coffee joints ever remember my order like you do.”
“That’s their loss.” My smile is meant to be of gratitude, but really it fills my entire heart. I opened my coffee shop, Cup of Joe, in honor of my late grandfather. I talked over the concept with him for months before he passed away, and he made me promise I’d always put the customer first in every inkling of the business. He reassured me that business would flourish if I built my brand around the customer and not the dollar.
Betty’s compliment lets me know I succeeded.
“My grandson’s coming for a visit next month. I should bring him in here to meet you,” Betty says to me, that mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
“I think she’s already taken.” Kiera volunteers her opinion before I can get in a word.
Betty looks back at the front door as Ford struts in. His presence is noticed by every person in the room, and I know it’s not just his Army uniform that’s drawing attention. Ford has a way of commanding attention everywhere he goes, and I don’t even think the man tries.
“Ah, I see,” says Betty, offering a wink, and sliding to the side to wait for her order.
Every day this week, he’s come in, ordered an Americano with an extra shot, and before I’ve finished making it, he’s asked me out. I have to admit, the first day it caught me off guard. The word yes nearly flew past my lips.
But I have one rule: I don’t date military guys.
I’ve been burned one too many times by a man, okay—a boy, in uniform. Looking for a good time, and nothing more, they seem to only know one speed for everything. Double time.
That doesn’t stop my wandering gaze from stealing glimpses of the sinfully hot soldier. My traitorous eyes have a mind of their own. I do my best to ignore him and help the next customer in line. But he stands taller than all the others, and I feel his gaze sear into me. I feel naked and fear the man has a secret channel straight to my soul.
“Kiera, white chocolate mocha,” I call over my shoulder. “Extra hot.”
“On it.”
I scribble the customer’s name on the cup and move onto the next. The soldier moves closer in line.
The second day he asked me out, I found it a little humorous. His persistence—definitely an attractive trait—made it a little harder to say no. I think that’s what scares me the most. He can sense I’m wavering. It’s the only reason he keeps coming back. Well, maybe for the coffee too. It is pretty damn good stuff. I made sure of that.
“Good morning, Tara,” Ford says to me. That soothing voice of his could damn near convince me to do anything. He has to know the power he has over women with that weapon.
“Ford. Back again?” I give him a smirk as I reach for a large cup. But the damn thing seems to be stuck. My smile wanes under the struggle. I tug harder. Just as the cup is about to slide free, it catches. I yank harder. A dozen cups launch into the air, dropping like shrapnel.
I squint my eyes shut in embarrassment.
“I just need one,” says Ford.
Daring to open one eye, I ask, “Anyone hurt?”
“Everyone is safe and accounted for,” Ford says, his laugh deepening and my nipples tightening. This is so not fair. I want to say yes to the question I know he’s going to ask. But I can’t. I can’t put my heart on the line again for a soldier when it’s been stomped on so many times.
FORD
I first stumbled upon Cup of Joe’s on Tuesday morning, when a detour forced me to take a new route to base. At first, I was annoyed at the inconvenience. I haven’t lived here long, just a few months, and I was starting to feel like I finally had a routine down.
Until that detour changed everything.
With no drive thru option, I was forced to get out of my truck and go inside. And with the shitty way I’ve been sleeping, coffee was a must.
The second I stepped inside, bell jingling overhead like an angel’s herald, I saw her. The woman I’m destined to be with. As I waited in line that first morning, I swore to myself I’d do whatever it took to make her realize we’re soulmates.
I’ve never felt this way about a woman before, and I’ve been around this earth long enough to know it’s not likely to happen again.
Tara is my future.
“So sorry about that,” Tara says in apology as she gathers the last of the stray cups. “They don’t normally do—that.”
“No one got hurt.” I wink. “I’ll take that Americano now, if you don’t mind. Don’t want to upset my commander by missing formation.”
“Of course.”
I slide over so the next customer can order, but I don’t go all the way to the end of the counter like everyone else. I follow Tara as she makes my coffee. I bet she thinks I haven’t noticed how she prepares my order when she doesn’t prepare many others. “You know what’s coming, Tara,” I say, folding my arms across my chest and flashing her my most flirtatious smile.
“Do I?”
“Oh, you do. But let’s skip the part when I ask you out and you say no.”
Tara raises an eyebrow at me. Good. I’ve made her curious.
“Let’s skip right to the part where you give me your excuse du jour.”
She arches a brow. Damn she’s cute.
“That means excuse of the day,” I explain, earning a hint of a smile from her. “So? What’s the reason you can’t have dinner with me tonight?” I raise my own brow, daring her to make up a good one.
“That’s easy,” Tara says, snapping the lid on my Americano. “An employee called in sick. I’m working a double.”
“I’ll take the shift,” Kiera chimes in. The look on Tara’s face is priceless. It’s all I can do not to burst out in laughter. “You know I could use the money.” Kiera turns her attention to me. “My boyfriend just moved to Alaska. I’m saving up to follow him. Isn’t that exciting?”
“Alaska. Beautiful place.”
“You’ve been?” Kiera asks.
Tara pretends not to be interested as another employee takes an order and slides a cup her way, but that raised eyebrow gives her away every time.
“I was stationed there for three years,” I say. “If you can suffer through some cold, I promise it’s worth it.” I turn my attention to Tara who’s refusing to make eye contact with me. I should probably wrap up this exchange or I will be late for formation. Not the example I want to set for my soldiers. “Sounds like you’re free tonight. Pick you up at seven?”
“What—I didn’t—I mean—”
“Go on a date with the man,” Kiera pleads. “The suspense is killing all of us.”
“It’s true, dear,” an elderly woman chimes in.
Tara looks around the coffee shop twice before she looks at me. “Since everyone’s already decided for me, I guess I’ll go.”
“So that’s a yes?” I remain calm and cool on the outside, but inside my heart is pounding loudly against my ears.
“Pick me up here at seven,” Tara adds. “One date.”
I flash her a devilish smile. “I promise one date will never be enough. You’ll see what I mean come tomorrow.”
2
TARA
I can’t believe I let Kiera talk me into this. Or rather, I can’t believe I let her back me into a corner until I agreed.
I wish I could deny the nervous fleet of butterflies fumbling around in my stomach, but they’re too prominent. I haven’t
A gentle knock sounds on my office door. “Tara, your date’s here. Can I come in?”
If I say no, she’s just going to keep knocking. “Sure.”
“Damn!”
Her reaction makes me feel like I’ve gone overboard. “Should I change? I brought jeans too—”
“You try to change out of that dress, and I’ll wrestle you back into it. Tara, you look amazing. He won’t be able to keep his hands off you.”
I don’t let her see the doubt that flashes across my face—I know it’s there because I can feel it. But incredibly gorgeous men like Ford…well, they don’t get into relationships with curvy women like me. “He probably lost some bet or something,” I mumble under my breath.
“I heard that.” Kiera shackles both hands on my shoulders. She’s the best friend I have, which is a little sad when I admit we only became friends after I hired her. Add to that she’ll be moving to freaking Alaska in a few months…I need to work on making friends. I’ve spent so much time building my business that I kind of neglected that part of my life—the social part.
“This is pointless, Kiera.”
“Your dress doesn’t say that.” She pushes me toward the door. “C’mon. He’s waiting.”
I’m suddenly wishing I’d asked Ford to pick me up at home. Or even offered to meet him at whatever restaurant we’re going to. That way I wouldn’t have to be a spectacle in front of not just my employees, but my customers too. What was I thinking?
“I will drag you,” Kiera threatens.
I swallow my nerves and force confidence I don’t quite feel to center stage. Fake it until you make it, and all that…
My eyes land on Ford half a second after I close the office door behind me. He’s facing away, staring at a chalk-written menu off the side of the counter. I’ve never seen him in anything but an Army uniform, but tonight he’s wearing dark jeans and a button up shirt that matches his blue eyes. Blue is definitely your color.
I’m given three whole seconds to sweep my gaze over his muscular body before he turns and sees me. A smile spreads across his lips and illuminates his eyes. “Tara, wow. You look stunning.” He meets me at the edge of the counter and offers his arm.
“Thank you.” The second my fingers slip around his thick bicep, shivers attack my body. I’m reminded of the not-so-appropriate dream I had about Ford just last night. He wasn’t wearing a shirt. I feel a blush slink up my neck and am suddenly thankful I decided to leave my hair down tonight.
“Are you ready for your life to change, sweetheart?” he asks as he holds the door for me.
I let out a laugh. “You sound so confident.”
His eyes lock onto mine. “I am.”
If I had any sense, I should probably be afraid of the magnetic pull I feel to this man I hardly know. I can pretend that he hasn’t had an effect on me all week, but it’d be a lie. “Guess we’ll have to see how this date shapes up, huh?” It’s my best attempt at flirty; the best I can manage with the nerves I feel around him.
Ford opens the passenger door and helps me into the truck. The chivalrous gesture makes me feel special. As I wait for him to get in, I try to remind myself that getting too complacent tonight is a bad idea. Once he gets what he wants, I might never hear from him again. It’d be okay if I didn’t already feel things for him. Things I can hardly explain.
“I really love you with your hair down, Tara.”
“Don’t get many excuses to leave it down,” I admit as he backs out of the coffee shop and takes me to who knows where. He might be an axe murderer driving me to my death, and yet, I’d be helpless to stop him.
Now that I’ve said yes, now that I’m in his truck with him, I realize how much I’ve yearned for this night since the moment we met. I just hope I don’t get my heart stomped on when it’s over.
FORD
Despite the confidence I keep on display, I find myself second-guessing my restaurant choice the entire drive there. It’s rustic, and the food is better than any I’ve had since I relocated here. I just hope Tara appreciates it. I hope that it’s good enough for the woman I someday plan to marry.
“How long ago did you open Cup of Joe’s?” I ask, though I already know the answer. A picture with a date from the ribbon cutting ceremony is hanging on the wall. I’ve noticed it every day I’ve stopped for coffee.
“Four years ago.” The way she fidgets with her purse tells me there’s something she’s holding back, but we have plenty of time to get to know each other.
“It’s a great place. Best cup of coffee in the whole county.” I pull into a graveled lot, hoping that the dive-looking restaurant won’t turn her off. All the charm is inside. When I park, I turn in my seat. “Give it a chance, okay?”
The skepticism is written all over her face. Shit, I screwed this up.
“We can go somewhere else,” I say.
“No, I’ll be brave.” She gives me a wink, but I can feel the disconnect happening already. She said more than once that she doesn’t date military guys. I have a suspicion why, and this venue might be solidifying her resolve.
“I know you think there won’t be a second date,” I say, helping her out of the truck and looping her arm through mine. “But I promise I picked this place for a reason. You’ll see.” Some of my confidence returns when I lead her inside. The interior is a stark contrast from the outside.
“Okay, I see what you did there. Making me think this place was a hole in the wall when really it’s quite charming,” Tara says to me as we slip into a table near a window. A candle flickers in the center of the table, the shadows dancing on cloth napkins. “How did you find this place?”
“I like to explore the local haunts at the different places I’m stationed. Find the hidden gems.” It’s why I can’t believe it took me so long to find Cup of Joe’s. “Kind of a hobby of mine.”
“Sure it’s not from another date?” Tara asks, that eyebrow raised. I have to admit, it’s one of the sexy quirks I’ve come to love about her. It makes me yearn to lean across the small table and kiss it.
“I haven’t been on any other dates since I moved here.”
She lifts the water goblet to her lips, but before she takes a sip, she asks, “When was the last time?”
I stiffen at the question, but I promised myself I’d be honest with Tara the moment I laid eyes on her. I know all too well what secrets can do to a relationship. “I’ve been single for almost two years. I was engaged.”
“Engaged.” She sets her glass down.
“It was a mistake,” I admit. “I’m not proud of it.”
The server interrupts us long enough to take our order, but I know the question is coming the second he leaves.
“What happened?” Tara asks.
“I came home to a note after a month-long training. She packed up and left. The note told me she met someone else who was around more.” I let out a heavy sigh, hoping that Tara hasn’t sworn off military guys for that very reason. “I haven’t been on a date since. Satisfied with my answer?”
Tara reaches across the table and touches my hand. “Thank you for being honest.” The way she says those words makes me think that honesty in a date has been rare. “Aren’t you going to ask me about my last date?”
I shake my head. “No need. Because the only date that matters to me is this one. Anything before…it doesn’t matter.”
“Did you fall out of a romance novel or just memorize the lines in one?” A mischievous twinkle in Tara’s eyes warms my heart. I’ve only gotten very small doses of her sense of humor, but it’s one of the things I love most about her.
We talk all through dinner about family, dreams, and the Army life. Conversation with Tara is far from forced. It flows effortlessly between us, an equal give and take of thoughts and observations. It’s how I know I was right about her being the one. Already I can picture future date nights, evenings snuggled on the couch with a movie playing that we’re not really watching, and someday kids.
