Page 9 of SEAL'S Secret Vows

Istep out of the steamy bathroom, wrapping a towel tightly around myself. I pat myself dry till I hear a soft knock and wrap the towel around me again.

“It’s Chase,” he says, his voice muffled through the door. “I got you some of your clothes.”

I open the door just a crack, peeking out to see him standing there with a bag in his hands. His eyes widen slightly, and his mouth parts in surprise, clearly not expecting to see me in so little. I see him trying to compose himself, his gaze flickering away and then back to me.

“Thanks,” I say, my cheeks warming under his scrutiny.

He clears his throat, trying to act nonchalantly about it. “Yeah, It’s no problem. I… uh, I hoped I picked the right ones or rather some useful clothing, I sort of just swiped the clothes into your bag.” His voice is unsteady, and there’s a hint of something in his eyes.

Suddenly, I feel self-conscious that I even asked him to do this. I take the bag from him, our fingers brushing for a brief moment. He holds my gaze a bit longer than usual, then quickly looks away again, his face a touch redder than before.Stop looking, Nora!I blink, and he clears his throat.

“Meet me in my office when you’re ready,” he says his voice more controlled now. “There’s work to do.”

“Okay.” I reply, nodding, and I watch him walk away before I shut the door. I scan through the outfits and opt for my matching lounge set with a cozy hoodie and joggers. That’s what I frequently wear anyways.

I pour the items on my bed, he’d even picked underwear!What was I thinking, sending him!?I take a deep breath trying to shake off the lingering embarrassment from earlier. I need to focus.

My phone screen lights up with Ethan’s name.

I let it go to voicemail, and he sends a text seconds later.

Why aren’t you picking up my calls? We need to talk.

I’d been avoiding his calls and contemplated blocking him, but I don’t want to cut him off completely. I know I should if I’m not going to answer…

My phone rings again, and I look at the screen for some seconds, hesitant to pick up his call.Well, it’s now or never.

“Nora,” he says, voice high with surprise. I open my mouth to reply, but he continues, voice turning dark and bitter. “So you finally pick up my calls. You owe me an explanation and apology. How could you do that?”

I hate his tone—it’s condescending and makes my skin prickle. But he’s not wrong. I take a deep breath.

“I’m so sorry I did that. I just couldn’t marry you.”

“Really, Nora, how can you treat me this way? What did I do for you to leave me on our wedding day?”

“I… I… You didn’t do anything. I just couldn’t do it. Our paths are different. I’m not interested in being a politician’s wife.”

Ethan’s inhale is sharp and measured. I know it well—he’s trying not to scream at me. I appreciate the effort. I’m not sure I’m worth it right now.

“So why didn’t you just say so?” he asks. “Rather than putting me through such a mortifying experience.”

My hands shake. I switch my phone into the other hand, trying to say something that is true but not mean. “I thought you wouldn’t listen to me. I’d… I’d tried to bring it up…” Not well, of course. I take a deep breath. “I had no choice.”

“You had a choice! I can’t believe you could do such a thing to me.” He screams. “You’re going to regret this.”

“I’m sorry. I wish things could have turned out differently.”

“You’re selfish, Nora!” He starts yelling into the phone. “You’re a selfish bitch, do you know what this looks like? How this affects my image—”

He continues ranting. This, at least, is familiar territory for me. I’m used to Ethan ranting and raving, usually because I’ve done something wrong. I’ve gotten pretty good at listening without hearing.

Chase will be waiting for me, I muse. I wish he was here, that he could swoop in and fix this for me. If I don’t find a way to stop this conversation, Ethan will go on and on.

“I’m sorry… I have to go. Can we talk later?”Hopefully not!

“No! You will not hang up on me!” He yells. My lungs are shaking, but I hang up anyway.

My phone starts ringing again immediately, and I suck a breath through my teeth sharply. I answer, intent to tell him to stop or I’ll block him.

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