Page 53 of SEAL by Fate

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THE BEEPING OF his cell phone paused his words.

He growled in frustration.

“You need to get that, don’t you?” She blinked.

He frowned. “I should, but I don’t want to.”

“No, you should. I understand. It could be about the case.”

With a deep moan, he stepped away from her and went to his phone, reading the screen. “It’s Jamison. I need to step out for a moment and take this.”

She followed him inside and he headed into the office and closed the glass French doors behind him and she crossed her arms over her chest, still reeling from what they’d shared—what they could have shared until the intrusion. Needing to get her head back on straight, she left the kitchen and stepped into the living room. Although it was furnished with luxurious items, it still had a comfortable feel. From the large, sturdy couch and chair that would fit brawny, masculine men to the stone fireplace that demanded all the attention. The built-ins were lined with horse statues, framed pictures of Gray when he was younger and until recently and a picture of a woman who must be his mother. Gray looked so much like her.

She stopped and stared at an elegant painting on the wall. She wasn’t an art authority, but it was obvious the piece was an original. The bold strokes and vibrant colors reminded her of Gray, which made her grin. She was now comparing him to works of art.

One wall was covered with a glass shelving unit and lined with a variety of books. She recognized a few big suspense authors and some not. Were they Gray’s books or his father’s? Maybe both. She took one book off the shelf, a western romance with the name Cowboy Paradise. She opened the cover and read the message from the author and Stormy smiled. There were so many things left to learn about Gray.

Hearing a soft click, she replaced the book and listened. Someone was at the door. Who was coming inside? Gray would have known if his father was coming home. Wouldn’t he?

Quickly surveying her surroundings, she searched for something to use as a weapon and settled for a statue of a horse. Holding the piece high above her head, she waited behind the door as it slowly opened as if the person on the other side was uncertain.

The petite brunette took a step inside, and when she turned, saw Stormy with a statue held high in the air, the woman’s mouth dropped open and her hands came up in defense.

“I’m sorry.” Stormy lowered the makeshift weapon, feeling her heart drop into her feet. “I-I didn’t know…wait, who are you?” Maybe she lowered the statue too soon.

“I’m Hannah.”

Stormy recognized the name, but could she be certain. “How did you get in?”

“I used my code. I’m a friend of Mr. Carlisle. Wait…who are you? What are you doing in here? I’m calling the cops.” She took her phone out of her pocket.

Stormy placed the statue back onto the table. “No, don’t do that. I’m here with Gray.”

The other woman blinked. “You’re with Gray? He’s here?”

Nodding pathetically, Stormy took a step back, giving the woman some room. “We just got in a few hours ago. He’s in the office on a business call.”

“Ah, okay. I didn’t know he was coming in. Mr. Carlisle asked if I’d keep an eye on the place. Are you and Gray…?” She twirled her finger through the air as if she couldn’t come up with the right word.

“Oh no! No. No. We’re just…” What were they exactly? “Friends. I’m sorry about the statue. I’m a little nervous. I didn’t expect anyone.”

The woman scanned the room. Probably making sure nothing was missing. She was pretty and voluptuous with deep brown eyes. “So…, this is shocking.”

“This was the woman Gray broke it off with. His high school sweetheart.

“I should go.” Hannah took a step toward the door.

“No, don’t. Gray should be done soon and I’m sure he’d like to say hello. Can I get you something to drink? Lemonade? Water? There’s even an open bottle of wine.”

Her mouth twisted. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure.” After threatening the woman with a statue, Stormy felt she needed to do something to make it up to her.

“Okay. I’ll take a glass of wine.”

Five minutes later they were sitting and sipping wine. “Gray told you about me, didn’t he?” Hannah asked.

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