MILES

  ALPHA COMPANY RENEGADES BOOK 9

  KALI HART

  Miles 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

  Sneak Peek ARCHER

  1

  KIMBERLY

  “I’m allergic to pumpkin patches.” It’s a lousy excuse, not to mention a total lie. But I’m running out of reasons to decline, my dear friend, Breea’s invitation.

  “No you’re not.” My older sister Darci posts her hands on her hips and narrows her eyes at me, much like she does when she starts the three second countdown with one of her kids.

  “Am to.”

  “You’re allergic to apple donuts too?”

  Well, let’s not be rash now. I forgot all about those delicious specialty donuts. Damn, she really knows how to play dirty. I switch tactics. “You know I don’t date military guys.”

  “Or any guys,” she mutters under her breath. “So what, Kimmie? You’re not going on a date. Your nice friend invited you to a bonfire that just so happens to be a welcome home party for the guy she likes. It’s an invitation for you to get out of the house. I love you, but please go. You’ve been hiding out here since…”

  She doesn’t have to say it out loud. The wedding.

  “Why don’t you tell me how you really feel?” I joke.

  “Besides, who said anything about military guys?”

  I wiggle my phone at her. “Because the guy she likes just returned home from a deployment. He’s an Army guy. Of course there will be other Army guys there. Tell me this isn’t a setup.”

  Darci’s harsh expression softens as she takes a seat next to me on the bed. “So what if it is? Would that be so terrible?”

  Um, yeah it would. There’s not much worse than being dumped on your wedding day. One minute my sister’s zipping up my dress, and the next I’m jilted. “It’s only been six months, Darci. I’m not ready to get back out there.” Maybe I never will be. I like it here in Darci’s spare bedroom. It’s safe with family. They don’t rip your heart out and serve it to you on a platter.

  “If this is a setup—and that’s a big if—it’s not like you’re required to fall in love with the guy.” Darci drapes her motherly arm around my shoulder and pulls me close for the reassuring hug I desperately need. I’m over Dustin. Not much to pine for when he took off on our honeymoon with one of my bridesmaids. But I’m a far cry from ever trusting a man again.

  “I’m not going.”

  “Maybe you need a rebound guy.”

  “Mommy! Mommy!” Hunter, my three-year-old nephew, screams down the hall to my bedroom. In the doorway he stops. “Mommy, Justine dumped her juice in my Lego box!”

  “Hunter ripped the head off my Barbie!”

  “She pushed me!”

  “He pulled my hair!”

  Darci locks her eyes with mine, taking a slow breath in the process. “Would you rather stay here and help me deal with this?” she asks through gritted teeth. Her husband is in the Army Reserves and gone for drill this weekend. Since Darci is letting me stay with her rent free while I finish putting the pieces of my shattered life back together, I should stay and make sure her wine glass stays full tonight. It’s the least I could do.

  “Are you sure—”

  “Go!” Darci yells, and I’m not sure if it’s directed at me or her kids. Probably both. “Escape while you still can. It’s about to get ugly here. Time outs. Crying. Early bedtime. I’m drinking wine straight from the bottle. Don’t worry about me.”

  “Fine, I’ll go.”

  “Great!” She hops off the bed, warning her kids she’s coming to straighten them both out. “Wear skinny jeans. They give you amazing curves.” She leaves me with a wink and graciously closes the door behind her seconds before the yelling really escalates. She’s the most loving mama I’ve ever met, but she’s also the fiercest.

  My phone hovers in my hand. Am I really going to do this?

  I type out a text to Breea confirming I’ll be there in an hour and force myself to hit send before I chicken out.

  MILES

  Outside the red building designated the Apple Donut Barn, I take a deep breath, inhaling that crisp fall air mixed with bonfire smoke. Man it smells so good. It smells exactly like fall should: home.

  Less than twelve hours ago, I stepped off a bus and into a hangar full of civilians waiting to greet their loved ones after a year apart. It’s great so many people come out. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make me swell a little bit with pride to see the size of the crowd and hear the massive roar of excitement they can produce when they see us. It’s a reminder that I’m part of something bigger.

  But when the sergeant major tells the formation to fall out, and everyone goes to their loved ones, that’s when my heart sinks a little lower in my chest. I never have anyone to greet just me.

  The first deployment didn’t phase me. I was young, single, and stationed too far away from my family to expect anyone to show up. My mom’s afraid of flying, so I’d never ask her to get on a plane just to stand in a crowd when I can easily go see her within a few days of returning stateside.

  Today, I came back from my third deployment without anyone holding a sign or wearing a special smile reserved just for me, and I have to admit it’s getting old. I’m a lifer, so there will be more deployments in my future.

  Something has to change.

  “I’m here,” I hear a female voice say with exasperation. “I’m getting a damn donut first.”

  I chuckle at her determined tone. No one is going to stand in her way today. I discreetly swivel my stance to catch a glimpse.

  She’s stunning.

  Dark blonde waves with light purple tips cascade down her back, the sun giving it all a golden hue. I can’t help but look her up and down. She’s rocking a pair of skinny jeans that accentuate her curves, and don’t even get me started on that sweater. Fuck me blind that red sweater hugs those tits in a way that should be illegal. I’m suddenly jealous that any other guy here tonight gets the privilege to check her out. I’m never the jealous type, unless I know what I want.

  It takes a single heartbeat to decide that what I want is her.

  “Don’t you have kids in time out to deal with?” she huffs into the phone, pacing just outside the small barn. “I’ll bring you a donut if you’re nice, Darci.”

  I could go inside to get in line, but I’m too enraptured by this woman to move. Pretending to read the single flyer posted right outside the door will only work for so long. It promises a dozen donuts for the low-low price of seven-ninety-nine.

  “I don’t need rebound sex!”

  I’m not the only one who darts a gaze at her. We’re in a pumpkin patch filled with children. One mom glares at her as her kid tugs on her arms and promptly asks what rebound sex is. It’s almost impossible not to laugh.

  “I have to go,” she says, poking the end button with extra emphasis.

  I’m doing everything I can to hide my amusement, but when the laugh is the hardest to hold in, that’s the moment she decides to spin around and glare at me.

  “Is this funny to you?”

  I nod and keep nodding until I’m able to talk. “I’m just here for the apple donuts.” But now that she’s standing a mere couple of feet away, the scent of her vanilla perfume drifts to me. Damn, it’s intoxicating.

  “Then why are you outside?”

  I point at the flyer. “Reading about the special deal.”

  She charges toward the poster, bumping into me in the process to get a better look. “Took you that long to read all ten words, huh?” Up close, her hazel eyes cast an almost gray hue. I’ve never seen anything like it, and I can’t seem to stop staring.

  “I’m ready to order,” I say like some tongue-tied idiot. “After you. Unless you’re going to take that?” I nod at her phone. Whoever Darci is, she’s calling back. Despite the narrowed eyes I get, I don’t try to hold in my laughter this time. I don’t even know who this woman is, but I like her. I like her a whole lot.

  2

  KIMBERLY

  Really Darci? I hit the ignore call button and shove my phone into the depths of my purse. She’s the one who insisted I get out, and even had to call to remind me I should get laid tonight. Who knows what she wants now.

  I’m done making a fool of myself, thank you very much. “Turning my phone off for the night,” I say to the insanely hot man who’s been laughing at my misfortune this entire time. If his smile wasn’t so damn sexy, I’d be a little more annoyed.

  In fact, if I had any sense, I’d leave now and come back for my apple donuts later.

&n bsp; This stranger isn’t just attractive. He’s hot. Drink of cold water in an endless dessert hot. Melt your panties right off your thighs hot. The second I saw him, my breath was stolen away and tingling I haven’t felt in months set in between my legs. The attraction to him was so instant it’s unsettling.

  “Friend of yours?” he asks.

  “Sister.”

  “Never had one of those. What are they like?”

  Despite my best efforts not to laugh at anything he says, the smile busts through anyway. He’s funny in a really refreshing way. Another reason I should flee and find the firepit area. Every minute I stay here near him, the pull grows stronger. “Oh you know, wonderful and a huge pain in the ass all in one. I’d be lost without her, but she knows the best way to do everything.”

  “Sounds like I’m missing out.” He nods ahead and we move forward in line.

  Guess I’m committed to these donuts now. Oh well. In a few minutes, I’ll get my dozen—of course I’ll bring Darci and the kids back apple donuts. I’m not a selfish heathen!—and be on my way. Odds of me running into Mr. Too Hot For His Own Good are slim. “You just have brothers then?”

  He shakes his head. “Only child.”

  “I don’t know whether to call you lucky or feel sorry for you.”

  “Both?”

  The lady behind the counter grabs my attention. “A dozen please. Half glazed, half plain.” I turn to Mr. Hotness feeling like this massive order requires an explanation. “I’m sharing these with my sister and her kiddos. These things are like currency in that house.”

  He winks at me and I swear my panties incinerate on the spot. “You’re kinder than I would be.”

  I’m almost sad to be paying for my purchase. I’ve really enjoyed this little exchange and am reluctant for it to end. But it’s for the best we part ways. Flirting banter is one thing. Dating a man … don’t even get me started.

  “We have a military discount,” the lady behind the counter says to Mr. Hotness. My head snaps to him so quickly it’s embarrassing. But now that my eyes are locked on him, I can’t tear my gaze away. All the obvious signs are there. The haircut, the broad shoulders, the silver chain around the back of his neck that is no doubt holding dog tags beneath his T-shirt.

  I tense up automatically. My ex was military. That doesn’t mean all military guys are jackasses¸ I remind myself. No, my ex is a jackass who just happens to also be in the military. It’s not fair to assume Mr. Hotness is among that designation. “Did you just get home then too?”

  “Today.”

  “Any chance you know someone named Breea?”

  “You know Breea?”

  Damn, this really was a setup. “Friend of mine. You’re probably here for the bonfire then too, aren’t you?”

  “For Pierce?”

  “That would be the one.” I’ve only listened to her talk about this Pierce guy nonstop for a year while he was deployed. She’s had a crush on that man forever, and tonight she has every intention of making it known.

  “Guess we’re headed to the same party.”

  So much for making an escape from Mr. Hotness. My nipples will be hard and cranky all evening long now with him in eyeshot. Damn you, Darci. I’m starting to think that rebound sex doesn’t sound so terrible after all.

  MILES

  “I see I’m not the only one who ordered a dozen donuts,” the beauty says to me.

  “You talked them up so much that it felt wrong to leave with any less.” The truth is I thought my mom might enjoy them. I’m not getting on a plane to see her for a few more days, but from what she taught me, I can freeze them to keep them fresh.

  Since the odds of bringing a flesh and blood woman with me are slim, I figured donuts might soften the blow that she’ll have to wait a little while longer for grandkids.

  “You’ll thank me later.”

  When she turns right instead of left toward the firepit area, I stop. “I think you’re headed the wrong way.”

  “You think I’m bringing these delicacies to the party?” She lets out a quick laugh. “I do that and there won’t be a single one left by the end of the night. If you’re smart, you’ll put them in your car like me. Otherwise you might never know the sheer pleasure these magical donuts can bring a person.”

  “No car. Still in storage.”

  “How—”

  “I caught a ride. It’s a rule our commander gave us. We’re not allowed to drive for twenty-four hours.”

  She full-on stares at me, an incredulous look in those grayish eyes. “You really did just get home, didn’t you?”

  “Today, like I said.”

  She lets out a heavy sigh, like a big decision has been made. “If I’m going to let you store your treasure in my car, you at least have to tell me your name.”

  “Is that the price?”

  “I think it’s fair.”

  Damn I’m into this woman. She’s witty, confident, and genuine. Qualities I really haven’t found in anyone I’ve dated in a long time. I might be going back home alone this time, but next trip to visit my mom, I’d sure like to bring her. “Miles.”

  “Nice to meet you, Miles. Hope you’re prepared for a hike. I had to park far, far away. I think it’s in the next county over. But I promise your donuts will be protected.”

  I fold my arms over my chest, planting my feet. “You think I’m wandering off into the unknown without knowing who I’m going with? You could be an axe murderer.”

  She laughs at that, her dazzling smile highlighting her already beautiful features. What I wouldn’t give to see that smile every day for the rest of our lives. The thought is so sudden, and so certain, that it rocks me to the core. I think I might mean it.

  “Hi, I’m Kimberly and I’m not an axe murderer. There, happy?”

  With the sun fading away and the stars already starting to pop out in the sky, walking alone with Kimberly into a dark parking lot is probably unwise. I’d never do anything she didn’t want me to, but I’d do everything she begged me to.

  “Kimberly. I like it.”

  “Don’t get any funny ideas,” she says to me with a raised eyebrow. Her darkening eyes say just the opposite. The attraction between us is undeniable. No way we’re trekking half a mile away without at least one helluva steamy kiss. I’d bet my truck on it.

  3

  KIMBERLY

  It’s nearly dark when we finally find my car, far in the back of the field parking lot like I promised it would be. In fact, I’m not sure a person can park farther away than I did in that dark shadowy corner.

  “Great setup for a horror movie,” Miles says to me. “You sure you’re not an axe murderer?”

  “Nope. I prefer chain saws. They’re a lot more fun.”

  I don’t know what it is about this sinfully hot man, but I feel so at ease around him. Like I can just be myself and not worry if he likes me. The attraction between us crackles stronger than a lightning bolt. I’ve been thinking about making out with him since we left the confines of the pumpkin patch. No, that’s a lie. I was thinking about that the moment I caught him laughing at me outside the donut barn.

  “You’re funny,” he says to me as we reach my car. “I really like that about you.”

  Our eyes lock as the chilled fall air swirls around us. But we don’t need a bonfire to keep us warm when we’ve managed to light our very own with one heated gaze. Those damn eyes will do me in. There’s no question about it anymore.

  When I nearly fumble my precious box of donuts, I remember why we came all the way out here. I open the passenger door and secure them on the floor. “Here, give me yours,” I say. “I promise they’ll be safe.”

  “You won’t leave without me and steal my donuts?” he asks.

  I find myself laughing a lot with him tonight. It’s so damn nice. I may not be ready for full-blown dating again, but Miles gives me hope that I’m not a lost cause. Someday, my heart will finish mending and the iron shield I’ve put over it will fall away. “I promise.”

 

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