Page 36 of SEAL's Promise

Cal scanned his assigned area but saw nothing to raise his suspicions. A short distance away, the helo’s rotors slowly turned as the pilots awaited the patient and other passengers.

Soon, the medics and doctor exited the jet with Eric and Amy. Wolf Pack closed ranks around the pair, alert for signs of trouble as they crossed the tarmac to the waiting helo.

Within minutes, Eric, Amy, Jesse, and Max were on board the helicopter. As soon as Wolf Pack, medics, and doctor were clear, the bird lifted from the tarmac, rotors whipping dust and grit into a whirlwind.

After the doctor and medics left, Eli signaled his team to return to the jet. When Cal stepped into the cabin, his gaze sought out Rachelle. The knots in his stomach untied themselves when he saw for himself that she was safe. He turned to Brody. “Thanks.”

“No problem.”

Rachelle’s brows knitted. “Did I miss something?”

“Eric and Amy are on their way to Maple Valley.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“We’ll talk about it later. I want you off this jet and in my SUV.” Despite not seeing signs of a threat, Cal’s skin crawled. Had he missed a threat to Amy and Rachelle?

“Grab your gear,” Eli told the remaining operatives. “Time to go. Cal, escort Rachelle. The rest of us will provide protection for the two of you until you’re inside the SUV. The plans we made to escort Eric and Amy will shift to providing a secure perimeter around Rachelle and Cal.”

Cal grabbed his Go bag as well as Rachelle’s pack. He held out his hand to her. “Let’s go.”

He escorted her to the door where Rafe took Cal’s Go bag. With a nod of thanks, Cal wrapped his arm around Rachelle’s shoulders and tucked her against his side.

Gaze scouring the area as they left the safety of the jet, he hurried her to his SUV. Rafe deposited the Go bag in the middle of the back seat and strode to his own vehicle.

Cal drove from the parking area designated for Fortress and headed for Maple Valley surrounded by his teammates. With luck, they would arrive at the safe house without incident.

His jaw tightened. No matter the cost to himself, no one would hurt Rachelle on his watch.

CHAPTER TEN

Rachelle enjoyed the beautiful sunset as Cal maneuvered through Nashville traffic. “You’re good at combat driving. Would you like to apply for a job as my permanent chauffeur?”

The operative chuckled. “I could be tempted by the right persuasive technique.”

“That sounds promising. What persuasive tactics would I have to use?”

“Two things. First, I would require kisses. A lot of them.”

Did he think that would discourage her? Fat chance. She couldn’t wait to share kisses with the handsome operative. “What’s the second thing?”

“I want an exclusive dating relationship with you.”

Rachelle blinked. Was he serious? “We’ve only been on coffee dates.”

“Those don’t count, and I’ll remedy that as soon as possible.”

While she didn’t have a problem committing to a relationship with him, Cal might regret the impulse when he realized how uneventful her life was. He lived life on the edge. She lived a life of routine.

He glanced at her, his expression neutral. “Too soon to ask for that privilege?” he asked, voice soft.

“No. I’m afraid you’ll find me boring.” Her cheeks burned, embarrassed to lay her greatest fear at the feet of the most interesting man she’d ever met.

“I haven’t yet.”

“You live an exciting life, and I’m all about routine. I prefer staying home to going out. I’d rather read a book than go on a week’s long vacation in some exotic location.”

“I have more excitement than I want. Being in a crowd means I’m constantly on alert. When we’re together, I want to concentrate on you, not on protecting you from potential threats.” He glanced at her before returning his attention to the road. “If you prefer reading a book to exotic vacations, why did you go to Mexico for a week?”

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