Page 10 of SEAL'S Secret Vows

“Listen, Eth—”

“Hey, are you coming?” I look at my screen in surprise. Chase’s voice is calm, but there’s an edge of impatience to it. I thought it was Ethan calling again.

“Sorry, I got caught up. I’ll be there in a sec,” I hurriedly throw the clothes on, brush my hair, and leave it hanging down wet. I half race, half walk up to his office and see him entering commands into a large screen monitor and mapping out unfamiliar terrains, as he tries to connect the dots on a mini tactical map. I look at the screen closely hoping he doesn’t ask about my reaction on the call, and luckily, he doesn’t.

“You can do this without me, you know,” I say, as he gestures to a seat beside him.

Already, I’m feeling more normal. Loath as I am to admit it, Chase was right—going back to work has been good for me.

“Yes, I can. Yet I choose not to. Alright, get to work, techie.”

“I prefer analyst,” I grumble. He waves a hand in the air dramatically and points to the monitor screen before he continues to highlight different parts on the map.

“It seems a communication line was breached in the messages you decrypted, and they're speaking in code, but I could still pick up a few things. Try to see if there’s something more.” He hands me a pair of headphones as I turn the monitor towards me. I play the record multiple times and begin to work on it.

As I go through the data for Chase's mission, I notice his gaze lingering on me. His hazel eyes flicker with intensity, but I pretend not to see, focusing on my work instead. I feel torn in two—Chase’s attention always makes me feel joyful, like I am worthy of his sharp gaze. But it’s a double-edged sword today. I don’t want him seeing all my secrets when I’m still reeling from talking to Ethan.

I duck my head down, forcing the thoughts out of my mind. For a long while, I only focus on work.

When I finally make it through the recordings, I look up. He’s still watching me.

I clear my throat and begin to analyze my findings to him. “There isn't much information, but I think we can track the source and coordinates, and it should be a smooth evacuation from there.”

He nods without saying a word, watching me type some code to determine the coordinates, and he writes them down. We trace the location on the map, but I sense Chase's eyes on me instead.

I glance up to get his attention and continue my explanation. “You can come in from this angle.” I move a pin to another point on the tactical map before tying my hair up, since it is getting in the way.

I notice his eyes trail my hands as I tie my hair up into a bun, and I can't stop myself from calling to get his wandering attention. “Chase? Chase.” I call out, and he blinks, clearing his throat.

“What? Where were we?”

“Trying to find a way to get you in undetected.” I remind him. I can’t help but smirk. “What were you thinking about? You were miles away.”

He doesn’t say anything.

I cock my head to the side. “Are you thinking of the mission? It’ll be fine. Don’t worry. You have the best team with you. You have me here, and Titan.” I point to the Belgian Malinois whose ears prick up when he hears his name. “And you are one of the greatest lieutenant commanders I’ve ever worked with.”

His expression brightens. “Oh, now, that’s flattery.”

“Okay. Well, you’re the only lieutenant commander I’ve worked with so far, and I’ve seen you fight. You’ll do great and make the nation proud. I know it.”

“Thanks.” He smiles warmly. “I’m not worried, but thanks for encouraging me.”

“You’re welcome. Let’s wrap this up so you can leave early. How do you keep yourself occupied all alone in this big house?” I'm finally realizing that I'll be the only one here till he gets back. Except for Titan, of course.

“It’s not as lonely as you think. I have Titan, and my sister comes around sometimes.”

“Oh, your sister. I'd love to meet her some time. Yes...” I pause, scanning through the data again. “And I think we're done. You have all the information you need about this mission. Whatever it is about. I'll be in the living room if you need me.”

“Sure. I'll let you know the next time she comes to visit. Thanks, Nora. You've been a great help. You could switch on the TV.”

“You sure?”

Chase is notorious around the office for hating noise distractions.

He nods, though he’s already looking back at the screen.

“That doesn't sound like a bad idea, then.” I leave him to pack his gadgets and equipment thinking of what to do with my free time and decide to take Chase's advice. “TV it is,” I say out loud.

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