Sweat rolled into his eyes and Luke automatically pulled off his white tank top and wiped his face, keeping the deadly weapon in hand. He pushed the shirt into his pocket and went back to work, enjoying the only good thing that had come from his time in the service.
Frank, his mind insisted, Frank had been good. The POW hadn't been from Luke's platoon, but he had been another American soldier (teenager much too young to be killing people) and they had formed a bond that was stronger than with the other prisoners. They had been hostages together, tortured together for their friendship, and when they'd gotten the chance, they had escaped together, taking nine other survivors along.
It had gotten them both medals and citations, but there was no erasing everything that had happened during the escape. An award couldn't bring back all those lives. Regret rolled over Luke in waves and he stopped swinging, breathing harsh. That world was decades gone, but it always seemed much closer.
Bright blue-gray eyes drawn to Luke's bare back, Kendle was surprised by her reaction. She hadn't expected the hard, sexy muscles or narrow strip of hair running down his flat stomach to capture her attention so completely. And then he'd started swinging again, tan, naked back flexing gracefully, and her mouth went dry.
Luke turned in time to see her staring and there was no way he could mistake the desire as a light breeze blew deliciously over his sweaty skin. The male inside him demanded he grab her, kiss her…claim her.
Sun beating on his gritty neck, LJ took a single step before stopping, pulling back. He turned away instead, putting his shirt back on. Would she have denied or welcomed him?
Kendle's face was red, but with his sweaty, sexy skin covered, her mind seemed to wake from the sexual daze she'd fallen into. Her eyes went back to the machete, realizing the weapon hadn't left his hand once. Must be special to him, she thought, and was surprised when he came over and gently pushed the handle into her grip.
"You can do the rest."
She hesitated. "I don't have a clue."
Luke threw her a challenge in response, very aware of the salty air and the thick green jungle around them. It felt like he was caught between the past and the present. "I'll show you. Unless you don't think you can?"
Kendle carefully took hold of the sharp weapon's worn handle; stepping over to the area that was almost a third cleared, and looked back at him expectantly.