“Other than the sports leagues, we do a few fundraisers. We petition colleges for their used equipment. We get a few veteran-owned businesses to donate here and there. But it’s not about the sports equipment or the donations. Sure, the kids think they’re here for the sports, but our aim is to build a comradery or community with other kids who understand each phase of grief they’re going through.”

“And it doesn’t hurt that you understand them,” I add, and his eyes grow somber.

“Yes. We all understand them. Me. Ellie. You. It’s a club none of us want to belong to but unfortunately do.”

“What happens when they get too old?”

“It’s the military. We do the best we can with the time we have. Most kids move in and out, staying only a few years. Some kids have both parents in the service, so they’re stationed elsewhere. Most aren’t here that long.” He looks down and then back at me. “And some, like Joey . . . man, they hit you straight in the gut.”

They are making a difference. The smile on Joey’s face today and his laughter bubbling up showed that earlier.

I’m excited to do this. To be a part of this.

I smile and take another step closer to him. Gunner’s smile turns shy, and his eyes darken as he reaches out to take my hand in his. Just that simple touch has my body aching for him.

“Is it against the rules for me to kiss you?” It’s all I want to do right now. Kiss him. Touch him. Connect with him.

“It’s allowed,” Ellie teases as she walks in.

“Go away, Ellie.” Gunner laughs and waves a hand at her. “I’m about to be kissed.”

Her laugh can be heard with the squeak of her sneakers as she heads down the hallway. “Enjoy yourselves, children. I’m heading home. You’ll lock up?”

“We’re kissing here,” Gunner says, before pulling me against him and brushing his lips against mine. It’s gentle and tender. He leans back and looks at me for a moment before doing it again. This time his tongue slips between my lips and I welcome it. There’s a softness to the kiss compared to those we shared the other night in the throes of passion. The kind of gentleness that warms me from the inside out and makes me want to melt into him.

And when the kiss ends, Gunner slips his hands around my waist, clasping his fingers at my lower back, and pulls me against him. It’s an unexpected move, and one that takes me by surprise, but more so because I welcome it rather than want to push him away as would be my usual MO.

“The last thing I want to do right now is head into work.”