Page 61 of SEAL'S Secret Vows

Frowning, I make my way downstairs, the confusion clearing from my mind as I hear laughter and chatter coming from the living room.

Taking a few more steps forward, I see Nora surrounded by my team, a bright smile on her face as they all shout, “Surprise!”

“What's going on?” I ask, overwhelmed with both surprise and amusement.

Nora turns to me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Happy birthday, Chase!” she exclaims, gesturing to the group around her.

“You did all this?” I ask, a mixture of disbelief and gratitude in my voice looking at all the decorations in the living room.

She nods, her smile widening. “Lauren and Javier helped, too! This is not like your other birthdays, you know,” she says pulling me forward. “We're celebrating a victory. Not just any victory, and it's just perfect that it happens on your birthday so it's only typical that we have a celebration.”

I wrap her in a tight hug, feeling overwhelmed with emotion. “Thank you,” I whisper, knowing that this is a birthday I won't forget anytime soon.

“Joseph, Lena, Mark, Emma, thank you all for taking the time out to celebrate me.”

“And me!” A voice declares. I look up and see Sarah, the woman who Nora invited to the fake wedding. “I crashed,” she says with a grin. I see Nora roll her eyes affectionately, her expression soft, and resolve to invite Sarah to all the parties.

“I wouldn't miss your party for the world.” Emma declares.

“As we know, our favorite chef Javier is in charge of the cooking, and is whipping up a feast fit for kings,” Lauren announces, and Joseph whistles and cheers for Javier but I know it's only for the food. “There's grilled steak, shrimp skewers, barbecue meats, and a variety of salads to choose from. And, of course, plenty of wine to go around.”

“It's going to be a pool party.” Nora says, and points to the rooms. “So, you can go ahead and change, while Lauren and I set up by the pool.”

“A pool party sounds perfect!” Lena exclaims, a grin spreading across her face as she heads to the changing room with Emma.

“You should go up and take a bath and change into a swimsuit. I'm going to change in Lauren's room; she has an extra swimsuit I can borrow.” Nora winks, grabbing a few dishes from the kitchen and taking them outside.

I head upstairs, still feeling elated from the love I have received. I take a quick shower and opt for a brightly colored swimsuit like I'm sure Joseph will be wearing, but choose one with geometric patterns.

I head downstairs, and Nora emerges from the changing room in a small bikini. A rush of desire floods through me, my breath catching in my throat at the sight of her. The way the fabric hugs her curves, accentuating every contour of her body, leaves me spellbound. I’m unable to tear my eyes away.

Now that I’ve told her how I feel, it’s like the floodgates have opened. I didn’t realize how much I was holding myself back from feeling things for her until I gave myself the permission to just love her.

Now, I can’t look at her and not see a goddess.

“Nora,” I murmur, my voice husky with desire as I take in her beauty. “You look absolutely stunning.”

A blush rises to her cheeks as she meets my gaze, a shy smile playing on her lips. “Thank you, Chase,” she replies, her tone hinting at something deeper.

I grab some drinks, including a bottle of rum, while Nora shakes her head at me.

“The rum must remind you of that day.” I step closer to her, unable to resist the pull between us.

“I can't help but imagine how incredible you'll look when we're alone,” I whisper in her ear, my words sending a shiver down her spine.

“Let's join the others at the pool, okay? Don't get ahead of yourself.” She places a palm on my chest drumming a beat with her fingers. “I set up a karaoke; we can't wait to see you perform.”

“Don't tell me you told them about it, Nora.”

“I didn't. I only told them you'll be singing a special song.” She shrugs and grabs a wine glass swaying her hips as she goes.

Joseph is wearing a pair of colorful swim trunks as I predicted. Spontaneous guy, I muse. He raises his glass the moment he sees me, grinning at the similarity of our outfits. He hands Emma and Lena their drinks and proceeds to make another one.

Mark, sporting board shorts and a tank top, jumps into the pool, splashing Lauren in a flowy cover-up over her bikini lounging close to the pool. I observe everyone, taking in the attire of our friends as they enjoy the pool party.

As the sun begins to set, the party kicks into high gear. Mark cranks up the music and laughter fills the air as we lounge by the pool, soaking up the warm summer breeze. It’s a chance to let loose and forget about the dangers we face.

“I think we should all get into the pool, have a splash, you know, and have fun with the birthday boy.” Mark bellows, motioning to everyone to join him. I hit my glass with a spoon gaining their attention.

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