Page 49 of SEAL'S Secret Vows

“Spectacular,” he replies. “Would you like to have a taste?”

“Yes. I'd love to.” He hands me a spoon and eagerly awaits my reaction.

“Hmm...” my lips purse in an exaggerated frown while internally stifling a chuckle.

“What is it? Is it tangy?” His eyes widen in alarm as he watches my reaction.

“There’s something…” I make a look of disgust and drop the spoon in the sink watching a flicker of panic flash across his face.

“Let me have another taste. I can fix it.” A pang of disappointment mixed with anxiety shimmers in his eyes as he takes another spoon.

“It’s perfect, Javier.” I burst out laughing and watch relief wash over his features.

“You had me scared for a moment.” He places one hand on his chest and releases a deep sigh, dramatically wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead.

“I know, right? You’re a great cook, Javier. But damn! You were scared.”

“Yes. You got me right there.” He chuckles, shaking his head in disbelief and starts prepping some vegetables.

“What else do you want to make?”

“Oh, take a guess,” he says excitedly, pointing the knife to the kitchen island which is covered in ingredients.

“Okay… I see mussels, clams, shrimp, chorizo… You’re making paella.”

“Yes. I’m making everyone’s favorite dish. Well, at least what I know to be their favorite dish. Lauren loves seafood so I’m making Cioppino, and when she gets here, I’ll toast some sourdough bread to go with it. She’s a local, that one. Chase and Lauren both love cake, but Chase prefers chocolate cake. He’ll just have to settle for vanilla, which is Lauren’s favorite, as it’s her day today.”

“Yes. Speaking of cakes, that reminds me. Chase’s birthday is in two days. Are you going to bake a cake?”

“Yes. I’ve got the ingredients to make the chocolate cake. I don’t know if Lauren will still be around then.”

“She might. I haven’t heard either way.” The oven dings as if on cue, and I pick up the oven gloves Javier placed close to the oven and bring the cake out, placing it on the counter.

“My chocolate cake is very good. It’s rich in flavor. He loves it strong and sweet.” He gives me a smile of gratitude and proceeds to chop the rest of the ingredients.

“Strong, yes. Sweet? Hmm… maybe sweet isn’t a word suited to Chase.”

“Then what is?” He stops chopping and looks up at me strangely.

“Adorable.” His face widens in surprise, and I burst out laughing. “Isn’t he adorable?”

“Well, I guess he is.” He mutters some words under his breath, clearly confused as to how Chase could be described as adorable.

“He can be as adorable as a kid sometimes. What else are you making? Do you need my help with anything?”

“I’ll be making grilled steak and some vegetable salad. The steak is on the grill already.”

“So, the only thing left is the vegetables?” I grab a knife and pick a few vegetables from a basket.

“Oh, no. You shouldn’t. This is my job.”

“Come on, Javier. It’s not a big deal. I certainly should help out, and I’d like to see what the great Chef Javier has to say about my cooking.”

“Oh, you flatter me.” His cheeks turn red as he waves a hand in the air. “As adorable as a kid you say…” he says referring to my compliment about Chase. “Hmmm… speaking of kids, if you don’t mind me asking, how many kids would you like? I have six.”

“Six?” I squeak.

“Yes, six. The commander also likes children. I think he mentioned one time that he would love to have six children just like me.”

---