Page 24 of SEAL'S Secret Vows

Nora’s smile is dazzling. “I’d love that but I’m not sure we'll be coming home today, I don’t want you to waste your time.”

“Not a problem,” Javier says. “What can I get you for breakfast?”

“I can do it—”

“No, no,” Javier immediately waves her off. “It’s my job. Please.”

She looks at me, uncomfortably, but I just shrug. Itishis job.

“Whatever Chase is having is fine for me,” she says, sliding onto the stool next to me.

“Right away.” Javier replies as he pours her coffee then gives her a plate.

“Enjoy your breakfast,” he says with a slight bow and turns hesitantly.

“What is it, Javier?” I ask noticing his body language.

He looks like he’s about to say something. I raise my brows, and he deflates. “It’s none of my business,” he says instead.

I sigh, about to reply, but Nora beats me to it. “You can talk to us, Javier.”

Javier looks at me, so I nod, and Nora beams at me.

“I was thinking, sir, Is—is it best to go back to work so soon?”

I’m so surprised, I can’t even be offended. “What?”

“The honeymoon,” he says, and relief floods in me. He’s not talking about the failed mission. “It’s important. You were only marriedyesterday.”

Nora and I exchange a look. She tilts her head, and I know what she’s saying instantly.

We’ve got to tell him. “The thing is...that was not a real wedding. We’re only married for pretend. It's just a cover for a mission. I can't give too many details. I hope you understand. We're not really married, as you can see.”

Surprise flashes across Javier’s face followed by relief. “I knew something was off. You are not an impulsive man. I found it so strange that you would get married and inform me on such short notice.”

“Nora is a friend and colleague from work, and she's helping me on my next mission. We're going to be working together a lot, and this is the best way to do it.” I explain.

“Why didn't you say so from the start?” He asks, eyes hurt. “I would not betray you, sir.”

I feel bad. “I know, I’m sorry. I should have told you. It was just sudden.” I reply sheepishly.

“We should have just told you from the beginning. We’re sorry.” Nora adds.

“It’s fine. Don't worry, your secret is safe with me.” He places his palm on his heart, sealing his promise with a dramatic nod. He goes back to the sink, and Nora sips her coffee.

I turn to her, considering. She raises her brows over her mug.

“Well, since that’s out of the way, Javier’s question has got me thinking that we should know more about each other. Say, if we have to go on a mission together as a fake couple and people start asking, you know, questions that couples should know about each other.”

“I know you like swimming and cycling, but you can tell me some other things you like. Favorite color, for example?”

“Aside from those two... I like singing, cooking, mountaineering, and traveling. This job affords me the luxury of that once in a while. My favorite color is red. As you can see.” She makes a funny attempt to point out the color of her lipstick, and I laugh. “I love dogs. Where’s Titan, by the way?”

I glance at the clock. “Probably out in the yard. Javier lets him out after he feeds him. So, what about me? What do you know about me?”

“Okay, so, I know that apart from the obstacle courses at work that you seem obsessed with, you like jogging or working out. When it comes to food, we both know you love coffee. Toast is something we have in common, and yeah, before I forget, whiskey.” She smirks, and I scoff in response.

“Very funny. I love skydiving and motorcycling. Anything with adrenaline. Joseph and I bike race sometimes. My favorite colors are red and white which have nothing to do with Valentine’s Day.”

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