Kris Jacen [Jacen - Learn with Me

Table of Contents

Learn with Me

Kris Jacen

www.mlrpress.com

Blurb

Josiah Siah Kent has always loved learning; now hes living his dream of teaching children to love it too. After getting his degrees in New Orleans, he accepted a teaching position outside of Washington DC. What a better place to be able to teach and continue learning?

Sergeant Carter May joined the Army right out of high school. Hes always struggled to succeed in school but has found a place in the military but has dreamed of getting a college degreehed be the first in his family if he did. Being stationed with the Presidential Firing Battery at Arlington National Cemetery will give him the opportunity to take the chance, but will he risk failing?

A chance meeting years ago in New Orleans, had sparks flying between Siah and Carter. Another chance encounter between the ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, blow those sparks into a full flame. Can Siah and Carter find some common ground to learn more about each other and a possible future together?

Copyright Acknowledgement

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Copyright 2018 by Kris Jacen

All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.

Published by

MLR Press, LLC

3052 Gaines Waterport Rd.

Albion, NY 14411

Visit ManLoveRomance Press, LLC on the Internet:

www.mlrpress.com

Cover Art by Jared Rackler

Editing by Gail Martin

Print format: ISBN# 978-1-64122-147-4

eBook format available

Issued 2018

This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines and/or imprisonment. This eBook cannot be legally loaned or given to others. No part of this eBook can be shared or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher.

Trademarks Acknowledgment

The author acknowledges the trademark status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

Tulane: Tulane University

Coke: The Coca-Cola Company

Titanic: 20th Century Fox, Paramount Pictures and Lightstorm Entertainment

Dead Pool/Peter Parker: Marvel Comics

Harry Potter/Sorcerers Stone: JK Rowling/Warner Bros

Star Wars: Lucasfilm Ltd/Disney Enterprises

Silver Dinner: Silver Diner Development, LLC

Uber: Uber Technologies Inc.

Google: Google, Inc.

Netflix: Netflix, Inc.

Stetson: John B. Stetson

Tylenol: The Tylenol Company

Justice League: DC Comics

IMAX: Imax Corporation

Murphy bed: Murphy Wall Beds Hardware Inc.

Authors Note

If theres one thing the military does and does well, its traditions. In the first two books I touched on some of them with weddings and Spur Rides, remembering those that have gone before at receptions. I dont think I could write a military book without touching on traditions. In this one, you might need some tissues with the traditions.

Im off by about a month with timing this release with the Month of the Military Child but Memorial Day anchors the story so Soldiers and spouses choose to deal with all things military. These little unsung heroes dont. Its their reality from day one out of the womb from when theyre too young to know and grow up with the idea that daddy (or mommy) is going away and might not come back. Watching these children can bring such a smile to your face and many tears to your eyes. To my own military children, you bring me strength every day. Mama loves you.

To JL, Laura, Gail, Jim and Jaymi thank you for your help and support. I know I wouldnt have gotten to this point without you. Jared once again, youve done an amazing job with little guidance from me. To my sister from another mister you might struggle a bit but you help me through mine too. To my soldier this rollercoaster were on has had its ups and downs but were on an amazing ride together. Forever always.

As always, Ive taken care to get facts as close to reality as possible, I might have taken a liberty or two (and maybe Tristan had an idea of his own). All errors are my own, I hope youll overlook them.

~ KJ

Prologue

New Orleans, Louisiana a little over a year ago

Listen, Russ? Im just going to go. Josiah Siah Kent couldnt believe hed gotten himself into this position. He knew he should have never accepted a second date with Russ. But after his repeated asking, Siah had given in. Big fucking mistake on his part.

No fucking way. Youre with me. Think I didnt notice you checking out the guys at the pool table. Russ wasnt a huge guy but Siah knew hed have no chance against him if he didnt talk himself out of this situation.

Guys at the pool table? Look, youre having fun with your friends. Im just going to head home and work on a paper I have due next week. Siah started to ease away from Russ and his friends.

Dont fucking lie to me. You can do that paper in a day and we both know it, Mister I-love-to-learn-everything, Russ sneered. Youre just trying to leave to hook up with someone else.

How the hell can I get out of this? Christ, for someone so smart, Im really dumb.

Russ? How about you escort me down to the corner and I can catch a cab? That way you know I left alone, Siah suggested, hoping Russ would go for it. Being with Russ and his friends, when they were all pushing being drunk at Lafittes, wasnt Siahs idea of a good time.

Russ turned and said something to one of his friends that Siah didnt hear. Since he was distracted, Siah decided to try and walk away quietly. Moving slowly, Siah slid toward the open balcony door before Russ turned around and grabbed him by the arm.

I said you werent going anywhere, Russ commanded.

Ive had enough. Im leaving. Siah turned around and before he knew it, Russ had spun him back around and smacked him upside the head. The hit didnt knock him to the ground but it sure made his head spin. Next thing Siah saw, stunned him. A military-looking guy moved up behind Russ and tapped him on the shoulder. When Russ turned, the guy knocked him out with one punch.

I hate when guys pick on someone smaller than them. Are you okay? the guy asked.

Before Siah could answer, Russ friends were between Siah and the guy and one of them pushed him. The guy hit the railing and flipped, grabbing hold so he didnt fall. Everyone moved toward the guy. Siah looked over and saw a cell phone where the guy had been sitting. He grabbed it and ran.

As he was running down the stairs and out the door, Siahs inner dialogue started up. Oh my God. I cant believe that just happened. What am I going to do? I cant go home right now. Russ would be there looking for me. Maybe I should go to a hotel. Or maybe Siah caught sight of a bus. Ill take a bus tosomewhere.

A little while later, Siah was on a bus to Texas. Hed bought a ticket on the first bus out of the Quarter. His saviors cell phone rang a few hours into the trip.

Hello?

Siah woke as his head hit the table in the library. When was he going to stop remembering that night? Itd been a few months and he still was looking over his shoulder for Russ to show up. Something had to change. He couldnt go on like this. He still had a few months before he graduated and could leave New Orleans.

The library is closing in ten minutes. Please pack up and exit the building, a disembodied voice announced over the speakers.