The Ranger's Heart: A Clean Army Ranger Romance Book Three Read online

  That was the million-dollar question. She’d forgiven Gunner, so why not Justin? Was the difference in motive that big of a difference? It really was, but maybe she could move past it. “I think so,” she said, lifting her gaze to his.

  “That’s good to hear. I truly am sorry. I won’t lie about another thing. Not that my word has much meaning right now, but I’ll do what it takes to earn your trust back.”

  Smiling, she leaned into him, and they spent the rest of the ride in silence. It was nice being cuddled next to him, and had he not lied to her, maybe she’d be feeling more than just comfortable.

  Once they reached the house, Travis held the door as they got out of the vehicle. Cameras were already waiting for them. As she reached the door, Sophia paused and faced Justin. “This was so much fun.”

  “I had a great time. Well, for the most part.”

  She palmed his chest. “Don’t beat yourself up. You’re still a good guy in my book.”

  With a smile, he said, “I’m glad to hear that.”

  He dipped his head to kiss her goodnight, and she leaned back. “But it might be a little too soon for a kiss.”

  Justin nodded. “Right.” He stuffed his hands in his jeans pockets. “I think we both know you’re not going to be able to get over me lying to you. I don’t fault you one bit, and I’d feel the same way. I know the ceremony is tomorrow, but I’m taking myself out of the running.”

  “You don’t have to do that.” He really didn’t, but at the same time, how would she ever trust anything that came out of his mouth? Unlike Gunner, he didn’t have a good reason to lie to her.

  “Yeah, I do. Because of that look right there. You’ll never trust another word I say. I’m sorry for putting you through this. If nothing else, this has taught me that I need to do some soul-searching and figure out some things.”

  “I’m sorry.” She felt terrible, but she couldn’t deny how she felt.

  “Thank you for this experience, and I really do hope you find someone who will love you. You’re an incredible woman.”

  It was a sweet thing to say. “I hope you find someone too. You’re a good guy, Justin. Next time, just be yourself.”

  Justin smiled. “Yes, ma’am. That’s my plan.”

  The director called cut, and Sophia sighed. She was sad to see Justin go, but at least she wasn’t choosing between him and Landon. That made finding out he’d lied to her a little easier to swallow. Plus, it was a white lie. Not like Blake, who’d been on the show to make himself look good.

  Sophia did wonder what the ceremony would be like tomorrow. Would they continue to keep Christopher now that the real choice was between Landon and Gunner? Well, real according to the audience. What would it be like to spend more time with both of them?

  She definitely wanted to spend more time with Gunner. The little information he’d shared wasn’t nearly enough to satisfy her curiosity. Not that she wasn’t happy with what he’d shared, but she knew there were things hiding beneath the surface. The things that really made him who he was, and those were the parts she wanted to know about.

  Five weeks. Three guys. Hopefully she’d make it through with her heart still intact.

  Chapter 17

  Another incident with the letter writer, another bachelor gone. At least Justin wasn’t using the show to improve his image, nor had he taken a trip in an ambulance. The little white lie he’d told had been enough to kill his chances with Sophia, though. Why hadn’t Gunner’s? The motives may have been different, but Justin was a decent guy. At least his initial intention was real. If he’d told the truth, maybe things would be completely different.

  Just the little bit of time Gunner had spent with Sophia on their second one-on-one date had been enough to cement what he’d feared the moment he met her. He was falling for her. No, more than that. Fallen. He had no explanation for why it happened so quickly, but it had, and it would be a lie to deny how he felt about her.

  Nothing deep was discussed. Just surface topics like family and things like that. He hadn’t kissed her either, nor had he tried. The kiss at the hospital was hot and incredible. And the one after the movie date was even more so, but he wanted no chance for her to wonder if he was using her. He’d had fun on the date with her. He liked how he felt when he was with her. She still needed to know a few things about him, and that did make him a little nervous. What if she didn’t like what she heard?

  “Hey,” Gwendolyn said as she stepped inside the room where he was waiting.

  They were being kept isolated at the moment as they waited for whatever was coming. It was ceremony day, and instead of having it at night, it was bright and early in the morning. He had no idea what was going on or why it was being held so early. The fact that the bachelors were being kept separate did make it feel odd.

  “Hey,” Gunner said. “How are you today?”

  She shrugged. “Eh, another day, another dollar.” She chuckled. “I haven’t seen you in a while. I’m sorry about your trip to the hospital. You’re okay, though, right?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks for asking.” He smiled.

  Mostly, he was frustrated that there were still no clues about who was behind the letters. He’d really wanted to interview the guy who outed Justin, but Hillary was more afraid that Gunner’s cover would be blown. He’d gone over the police transcript, and it was much like Blake’s outing at the bowling alley. A letter from the show with instructions was taped to the door of the carousel. Again, the guy had assumed the show was trying to create drama. Unfortunately, they’d found no fingerprints on that letter either. Whoever was behind them knew the workings of the show well. Finding the person, without blowing his cover, seemed nearly impossible.

  Gwendolyn fidgeted with her fingers. “I’m really sorry about that. I’m the one who did the setup for that restaurant. I never thought the letter writer would put something in your food.”

  He shrugged. “It wasn’t your fault, and I’m fine.”

  “Still…” She chewed her lip as her gaze dipped to the floor.

  Touching her arm, he leaned down to catch her gaze. “Really, it’s okay.”

  She lifted her head, and her big brown eyes seemed to shine. “I think if that letter writer knew what a nice guy you are, they wouldn’t have done that to you.”

  Gwendolyn knew it was the letter writer? He didn’t think they’d released that information, but she did have access to information most didn’t since she was the go-between for the executive producers and the director. Although, something did feel off, and he couldn’t put a finger on why. She’d set up other locations, and it didn’t take a genius to figure out that the letter writer had struck again.

  “That’s sweet of you to say. How are you? Have they been working you hard?”

  “I’m fine. Work is always crazy while we’re filming.”

  “I hope you’re taking care of yourself when you go home.”

  The corners of her mouth turned up. “You’re a really nice guy. I don’t know why Hillary had to pull a favor to get you on the show.”

  Gwendolyn knew about that? That shocked him. “I had no idea anyone knew.”

  “Only because I see the notes for the show. I haven’t told anyone. I can’t believe a nice guy like you even wanted to be on this show.”

  Gunner shrugged. “Hillary’s a good friend.”

  “How long have you known each other?” Gwendolyn asked, her smile widening. “I can’t see her keeping you under wraps unless she was interested in you. You look like her type.”

  “Her type?”

  “Tall, muscular, hot.”

  He was used to attention from women, but typically not this direct. “Uh…”

  She rolled her lips in. “I made the hot guy blush. I can check that off my bucket list.”

  Shaking his head, he tried to come up with something clever in return and failed.

  “And the hot guy is speechless. Two wins in one day.” She giggled.

  “I—” He didn�
�t like the flirting. It didn’t feel right.

  She touched her ear. “Oh, hey, they’re ready.”

  He followed her out of the room and met up with Landon and Christopher. The three of them stopped in the living room where Daryl and Sophia waited for them. Over to the left of Sophia was a table with two boxes on it.

  Someone was going home? Gunner figured because Justin went home the day before that it would be the three of them left for at least a couple weeks. His head and his heart weren’t in communication at all. He knew he was assured a spot to the end, but it didn’t make his palms sweat any less.

  Daryl looked into the camera and grinned. “Welcome to the ceremony.” He held up a finger. “Now, I know what you’re thinking. Justin went home, so the last three bachelors are safe for a while, right?” He paused a moment. “But this season is full of twists. One more bachelor goes home tonight. The final two will have a full five weeks with our bachelorette. And believe me, you won’t want to miss it.” He turned to Sophia. “How are you feeling tonight?”

  “I guess I’m okay. I wasn’t expecting to send someone home.” She laced her fingers together and shifted on her feet.

  The host nodded his head. “I can’t say I saw this coming either. Are you excited to narrow it down to two? Do you think maybe the odds are in your favor that you’ll make a connection with one of the two remaining bachelors?”

  It was so slight that if Gunner hadn’t been staring at her, he’d have missed it, but she flicked her gaze to him. In an instant, his heart was racing.

  “I’m not certain excited is the right word, but I do think having the opportunity to really get to know the two who are staying will give me a better chance of finding love.”

  “Good answer,” he said as he turned back to the camera. “Now, Sophia, would you please hand out the boxes to the bachelors who have made it through to the next round?”

  She picked up the first box and hesitated. “Landon.”

  Landon palmed the spot over his heart and breathed a loud sigh of relief. He walked to Sophia, kissed her on the cheek, and said, “I so look forward to getting to know you better.”

  “Me too.”

  Gunner held his breath. It was irrational, insane, and completely unnecessary, but there he was, waiting to hear his name called. This show was the devil, but he was so caught up in her that he didn’t care.

  Sophia picked up the next box. “Thomas.”

  “The screamer?” Christopher scoffed and shook his head. He turned and walked out of the house.

  Gunner ignored him and strode forward. As he touched the box, their eyes locked. The lapel mic had to be picking up noise interference with how hard his heart was pounding. Instead of giving her a lame line, he bent down and kissed her on the cheek, letting his lips linger there. “You deserve better, but I’m grateful for the mercy.” He leaned back and smiled.

  Her bottom lip was caught between her teeth, and a smile played on her lips. “I hope I get to know you better.”

  “You have my word. I’ll answer all of your questions.”

  Her head bobbed up and down as the smile grew. “I’m gonna hold you to that.”

  He winked, took the box, and joined Landon.

  Daryl turned to the camera. “There you have it. Landon and Thomas have made it through. Stay tuned the next five weeks as our bachelors and bachelorette get cozy. You can go to our website and vote weekly on who you think Sophia will pick.”

  The cameras stopped, and Daryl’s smile faded. He touched Sophia’s shoulder. “That was great.”

  “Thanks,” she said, and one of the crew escorted her out of the room.

  Gwendolyn walked up. “Okay, guys. Um, we’re actually not done filming. The next five weeks, we’ll be flying all over the place. You’ll need to pack, and the limo will be picking you up in an hour. I’m told you should pack everything because there’s no telling what’s going to happen.” She waved her hand toward the door. “We’ll see you at the tarmac in a little while.”

  As she walked off, Landon turned to Gunner and shook his hand. “Congratulations.”

  “You too.”

  This was good. Gunner could deal with Landon for the next five weeks. He cast a glance over his shoulder to where Sophia had exited. He could also deal with spending more time with her. His odds had definitely increased now. Promising her he’d answer her questions was new for him, but he’d made the promise, and he’d keep it. If they were actually going to try to see where this went, she needed to know everything about him. He just hoped she didn’t hate what she found out.

  “I can’t believe you, Sophia. Gunner? Really?” Travis grumbled.

  Hillary sighed. “Travis, he’s a decent guy. Just because he wasn’t who we thought she’d pick doesn’t mean she’s picked the wrong one.”

  Listening to Hillary and Travis discuss her love life was nothing new. They often did it when she was dating. Typically, her choices were terrible. She’d pick the charismatic, charming guy, and he’d break her heart. Most of the time it was her own fault because she’d excuse away bad behavior, but she’d been better about that recently. Well, better as in she hadn’t dated in a while.

  “Hillary’s right, Travis. He’s a good guy. He’s been nothing but a gentleman, sweet and kind. I’ve only gotten two one-on-one dates with him. Two without an ambulance ride anyway. But that was enough to convince me he was being genuine.”

  Plus, when he’d leaned forward during the last ceremony, kissed her cheek, and whispered in her ear, it was a wonder she wasn’t a puddle on the floor. He smelled fantastic. Leather and citrus? Whatever it was…she loved it. That sparkle in his eyes and the way his lips quirked up. Part of her had wished they were alone in the room so she could kiss him again. Just to make sure that scorching kiss they’d shared on that makeup one-on-one date wasn’t just in her imagination. Not to mention the hospital kiss.

  Travis crossed his arms over his chest and flopped down on the bed. “Yeah right. He’s playing you just like all those other guys. You’re just a glutton for punishment.”

  Sophia stopped packing and turned to him. “That was rude and mean.”

  “And every bit true. You find a good-looking guy who treats you like dirt, chase him like he’s a prince, and then wonder why your heart gets broken. Gunner’s no different than the rest,” Travis replied.

  Hillary faced him. “What’s gotten into you? I get tough love, but seriously, you’re using a right hook at the moment.”

  “I just don’t want her to get hurt because of this guy. You weren’t honest with her. If she’d known, she would have steered clear of him.” Travis had always been tough on Sophia, but it was because he cared, and she knew it. “Could I talk to Sophia alone for a second, Hillary?”

  Hillary narrowed her eyes and then closed them. “Sure, but you know—”

  “I’ll risk it.”

  Sophia looked from Hillary to Travis. “Risk what?”

  Hillary held up her hands and walked out of the bedroom. A second later, the front door opened and closed.

  “What’s she talking about? Risk?” Sophia asked.

  Travis stood and raked his hand through his hair. “We have been friends forever, and I’ve been okay with that until recently. You remember that Christmas party you invited me to as your plus one?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I realized that night that the reason I’ve had trouble dating is because I’m in love with you.” Travis took a step forward. “I promise I haven’t felt that way since high school, so this isn’t some hormonal teenage crush. You are…you’re just perfect for me. I love the way you get that crinkle between your eyes when you’re frustrated with a recipe. I love how you talk, walk, light up a room.” He took her hands in his. “I want to be with you. You know I won’t hurt you. These losers on this show, they’re in it for everything but you. I may not be one of the bachelors, but pick me, Sophia. I promise I will never treat you like those other guys.”

  Sophia was gobsm
acked. Travis was in love with her? “Travis, I—”

  “Don’t. Just…think about it. I’m not in a hurry.”

  She didn’t know how to feel. She loved Travis, but it had never been romantic at all. There had never even been a reason to think about a relationship with him. They were friends. End of discussion. It didn’t stop her from wondering, though. Could there be more? “I’ll think about it.”

  He smiled. “That’s all I ask. And if you don’t pick me at first, I’ll be here to pick up the pieces like I always am. And if you don’t pick me and the loser turns out to be not so much of a loser, I’ll shake his hand, threaten his life good and proper to never hurt you, and then I’ll politely step back and be his friend too.”

  Smiling, she circled her arms around his neck and hugged him. “You are without a doubt the best friend I could ever ask for. I’m holding you to that second option, okay?” She leaned back. “You’re my friend, and I don’t want to ever lose you.”

  “No relationship is worth our friendship. If this show works out in your favor, I’ll tell Hillary to sign me up for the next bachelor.”

  “You aren’t famous.” She laughed.

  “It’s a year away, and it’s Hollywood. Give me fifteen minutes.” He winked.

  Sophia hugged him again and then let him go. “Why was Hillary so worried?”

  He shrugged. “She’s known for a while, and she’s been telling me I was going to get my heart broken, but she didn’t understand that it would be broken if I didn’t say anything.”

  “Why did you wait until now to tell me?”

  “I don’t know. I had planned to tell you that night you called to tell me you were doing the show.”

  Her hand flew to her mouth. “Really? That’s why you took me to that nice restaurant? You did have it booked in advance!”

  “Once you said you were doing the show, I just didn’t see the point in telling you. I love Hillary, and I knew the people who watch the show would love you and it would help her.”

  “She really wasn’t trying to hurt me.”

  “I know, and I would have waited until after the show, but then you started talking about this Gunner guy. He’s not here for you, Sophia. He’s here to catch a bad guy, and he’s undercover. Of course he’s going to make it look good. That’s his job.”