Page 34 of Tempted by a SEAL

“Girlfriend, boyfriend, spouse—whatever you fancy.”

“I’m kind of developing a preference for feisty redheads,” he said with a smirk. “But don’t worry, I’m sure I can handle one breakfast.”

She grabbed her bra and panties from the back of the door, letting them dangle from one delicate hand as she turned back to glance at him. “Whatever you say, sweet pea.”

“Sweet pea?”

“Just practicing for breakfast. All part of the show.”

He shook his head. “I think it’s fair to say that no one has ever called me ‘sweet pea’ before, princess. Ever.”

“Not your SEAL friends?” she asked innocently, a twinkle in her green eyes.

“My SEAL team, as a matter of fact, calls me Hunter. Or Hook.”

“Hook?”

“Just my nickname. Every Navy SEAL has one.”

“Because you like Captain Hook or something?” she joked.

“Right,” he said, crossing the room toward where she stood in the bathroom doorway. “Who doesn’t like him? But it might have more to do with the fact that I have a mean right hook.”

“Well, I’ll be sure to be on my best behavior,” she said, turning back around.

His gaze dropped to the back of her thighs, and he muttered a curse. If he couldn’t keep his hands off her for the next day, it was just part of the façade. Right. He’d just tell himself that enough times until he believed it.

“Get ready or do whatever the hell it is that takes women so long, then I’ll shower and we can go grab breakfast.”

“And I suppose you’ll be ready in mere minutes.”

“Yep. Unless you want me to join you in the shower.”

Her face flushed, and he winked. “No worries, princess. I’m not sure we’d both fit in that ridiculous shower/tub combo anyway.”

“Are you always this bossy?” she asked, wrinkling her nose.

He crossed his arms and gazed at her. Watched as her eyes trailed over the muscles in his arms. He didn’t exactly mind if she stared at him—not in the slightest. “No. I’m even more bossy in bed.”

She turned red and quickly shut the door without another word.

***

Emma put on her lacy bra and thong before slipping into her jeans and sweater.

Good heavens.

No doubt Hunter had gotten an eyeful when he’d arrived back at their room last night. But what did she care? He’d been with tons of women, of that she was certain. So he’d seen her lingerie. It’s not like they’d slept together or something—not even slept beside one another in the same bed. As she’d eyed him doing push-ups this morning, his biceps bulging and entire bare chest and back gleaming with sweat, she’d also noticed the rumpled blanket and pillow tossed onto the arm chair.

Of course, it would’ve completely freaked her out to wake up with a strange man in bed beside her. And as he’d already clarified yesterday, it was his job to look out for her. He’d literally been in the pub, listening to those men, because he’d thought she’d been kidnapped. Although she had no doubt he’d be up for a quickie if she were so inclined, that certainly wasn’t her style.

No matter how attracted to him she might be.

Her gaze fell to a small vase of flowers in the corner of the bathroom, and she was reminded of the vases in the bazaar.

As soon as this whole mess was sorted, she needed to get in touch with her friend Lily. She was supposed to still be in Kabul, unless she’d headed home early to the U.S. after Emma had disappeared. What had become of the other aid workers when she’d vanished? Had they been frightened enough to leave the country and head home? Abandon their work?

Guilt flooded through her.

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