Page 26 of Protected By the Billionaire Ex-SEAL

“I didn’t ask yet.”

“I’m still choosing dare, Christian.”

I’m no longer surprised when his dare involves the most mundane thing: walking a straight line toward the kitchen to get some water. We throw the truth or dare thing a few more times until the questions become a blur—mostly because Christian never chooses dare again.

“What’s the grandest gesture you’ve ever done for someone you had a crush on?”

“I’d rather not say.”

It’s the first time he doesn’t answer promptly.

“Really?”

“It’s a well-kept secret.”

“That’s why I’m asking.”

“If the town finds out, they’ll make a big deal out of it.”

Now he’s really done it. My ears perk and my body straightens, suddenly more interested than I’ve ever been.

“Really? It’s that big of a gesture?”

He shakes his head. “Nah. I’m not really into grand gestures. That’s Nick’s thing. Do you know he sang Clara’s song at his concert to declare his love for her? In front of hundreds of people. Maybe even thousands.”

“And do you know that’s an evasion tactic?”

His mouth quirks, but I can see a decision coming into his expression. Then Christian sighs.

“Okay. So, this isn’t a grand gesture, but it’s the most gesture I’ve done romance-wise.”

“Okay.”

“There’s this girl in town who I kind of grew up with. She’s friends with my sister, so she was essentially my acquaintance, too, until…”

“You grew feelings?”

“Yeah. After my first contract as a Navy SEAL ended, I went home and brought flowers and a letter. I was going to tell her how I felt after keeping it in for so long, but…”

The anticipation is killing me. “But?”

“I found out she got married.”

“Oh.”

“So, I went back and re-enlisted. Tried to avoid her over the years until we were forced to interact. Eventually moved on and every interaction was easier. I became friends with her husband. He’s a good guy. Amazing woodworker.”

It doesn’t click at first. Then it does.

And I don’t know why, but my heart drops at the knowledge.

“You had a thing for Honey Lee?”

“Yeah. I did.”

Chapter 9

Christian

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