He was a man who enjoyed his space and privacy, and he rarely felt that ugly word, 'lonely'. His unfocused eyes searched the ceiling of his camper for answers from his mattress. How did this happen so fast? Would he be in trouble if someone finds out he's macking on his female trainee? Was she thinking about him?
That was the big one, and once it occurred to him, it was the only thing he could think about. He hated to admit to himself that he wondered about her the way he used to agonize over girls in his youth. Back when he did that dating thing. All the turmoil of trying to read another person's mind, to gauge if they were as obsessed with you, as you, so vulnerably, were obsessed with them.
It was way too soon to be having these thoughts. But beyond being bloody gorgeous, which she was, she just felt so right today. The long hours they sat in patient silence together had soothed an agitation in him he did not even know had been building. He could sense she had enjoyed the uneventful afternoon and evening with him. Just sipping quietly, and taking in the scenery. She did not sap his energy the way most people did. She was a special case. Time spent with her somehow had both the warmth of companionship, and the restorative peace of solitude.
He raked fingers through his hair and sat up to go out for a smoke. He needed his head on straight tomorrow, he thought. He needed to come up with some kind of battlefield tour. He needed to actually think about what she might need to know to do this strange job.
He shivered outside his camper, thinking immediately he should have thrown on more than boxers and an unbuttoned short sleeved shirt for this. He pinched the cigarette in his lips, flicking down the lighter's trigger again and again, at war with a slight breeze. He pictured her first day. The starting alarm. Her dash to the first strategic vantage point.
He turned his back to the wind and cupped his hand protectively around the feeble flame. She squared her stance in his mind, tracking her first target. A Soldier. BANG. An Engie. BANG. Ooh, trying to line up a Scout, good luck, luv. BANG. A miss. Her skilled fingers flipped the bolt open and shut for a quick re-load, BANG. The Scout just zigged when she zagged. C'mon now luv, third time's the charm...
He sucked air through the ciggy hard to kindle the glowing tip as it finally lit. He turned to face the base as the fantasy played on. Oh no, an instinct told him she had been standing in the same place too long. His mind conjured a spy to punish her for her novice mistake. Her first re-spawn. Terrified, shakey, blood coursing with adrenaline. He remembered his own first shocking resurrection.
He needed to be on his game tomorrow, he thought has he took a long drag. He was not looking forward to seeing her shot, stabbed, charbroiled and exploded. He wanted to protect her, at least by ensuring she was actually ready. He resolved to leave his distracting interest in her at the door... As best he could...unless she seems keen and starts teasing again...No! it's for her own good. He was going to be all business tomorrow.
He took another pull from the cigarette, listening to it sizzle softly. Trying to wrangle his thoughts away from her.
Meanwhile, she was also awake, though she did not wonder if he was thinking of her. She knew he was. At least, she assumed he was thinking of her, the way she expected a man would; especially after they had been a little physical. She knew she had bolted out rather abruptly after their kiss, and it had been somewhat by design. Leave a little mystery she had thought. Leave him wanting more. Wind him up.
His handsome presence was a surprising perk of this job, she smirked to herself in the mirror as she brushed her teeth. But, this was a crucial first week on a new job for her. She had a professional impression to make around here. Tomorrow could not be about the two of them giggling and disappearing into caves and sheds to make out like silly kids. She spit her toothpaste, and rinsed her face in cold water to bring her back to the here and now.
She arranged her clothes for tomorrow. How nice it would feel though. To be in his arms. Continuing where we left off. The two of us tucked away in some hiding spot... The imagined scenario interrupted her. No, no, no. Gotta keep sharp and prove I am worth this paycheck. Save that nonsense for later. She fiddled with her alarm clock, trying to decide how early to set it...Let's see, how early seems impressive, but not overly keen?...I wonder what he looks like under that shirt.