Page 1 of Stranded with a SEAL

Chapter 1

Bailey Franklin flipped her blonde hair over her shoulder, turning to grab a bottle of whiskey from the shelf behind the bar. In her hot pink tank top, snug jeans, and trendy sneakers, she was in her element tonight, serving drink after drink to the patrons at the crowded bar along the Virginia Beach oceanfront.

A slight breeze blew in from the open door leading onto the deck overlooking the beach, and she snuck a quick glance out, seeing the moon beginning to rise in the evening sky.

Although it was cool outside, heat lamps were set up around the deck, interspersed with a few fire pits. Couples were cozied up together, the alcohol was flowing, and groups of friends were laughing and having a good time.

“Shots for everyone!” a young guy seated on a barstool called out. “My buddy’s getting married tomorrow!”

“Hoorah!” a few men shouted, followed by the whoops and hollers of other patrons.

“Married?” a drunk guy called out from across the bar. “More like pussy-whipped!”

Bailey resisted the urge to roll her eyes as she lined up shot glasses on the bar, neatly pouring the whiskey into them. The young guys sitting there eagerly each grabbed a shot glass, downing their shots in a single gulp and chanting for more.

“Hey sweetheart,” one of them said, leaning over on the bar to get even closer to her. “My buddy may be getting married, but I’m single. What do you say? Want to come back to my hotel later on?”

“No thanks,” she said dryly, clearing the empty glasses and lining up a second row. “I don’t date patrons.”

“Who said anything about dating?”

His friends chuckled as one of them punched him in the arm. “Easy, asshole. Sorry about that,” he said to Bailey with a shrug.

“No worries,” she said, flashing him a smile. “I’m used to it.”

She poured them a second round and then crossed the bar, heading over to the older guys seated there. She gathered her blonde hair back, tying it into a low ponytail as she moved. “Anything else for you two tonight?”

“We’re all set. Keep the change, hun,” one of the men said, handing her a fifty.

“Thank you,” she said. “Have a great night!”

They stood up to leave, and she tucked the money into her pocket. Usually the older patrons tipped well. Some of the young guys were too cheap or too clueless to care. She didn’t have a good feeling about the group of guys having their bachelor party bar crawl. Guys like that were more interested in drinking as much as they could as quickly as possible, not tipping their bartender.

She walked back over as they slammed their second round of shots down, noting with interest the tall guy wearing aviators that was headed toward them. With short cropped dark hair, broad shoulders, and impressive biceps, she had a feeling he might be from one of the Naval bases nearby.

The Virginia Beach strand frequently had sailors from Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek stopping by. Anchors, the bar and restaurant where her best friend Taylor waitressed, was probably the most popular amongst the military men, but the bar she worked at had more than its fair share. Single men and available women did well in this town.

Not that she was in any sort of relationship herself.

The guy in aviators grinned as he noticed her watching him, and she did a double-take. He looked slightly familiar, like she’d seen him around Anchors before. And Taylor had been dating her Navy SEAL boyfriend Mason for the past month. Maybe this guy knew him?

He moved easily through the crowd, fist-bumping the guy who apparently was getting married tomorrow.

“Noah! It’s awesome that you could stop by. I can’t believe you’re stationed down here. It’s been fifteen years since high school, man!”

Realization clicked. Noah. Hewasfriends with Mason. She’d seen him one day when she was sitting in her convertible at Anchors after dropping off Taylor. Funny that she hadn’t placed him at first. Then again, those guys usually didn’t hang out here.

“It’s been too damn long,” Noah agreed. “But look at you—walking down the aisle? Hell, I didn’t think I’d see the day.”

His friend chuckled, gesturing to Bailey for another round.

“Hell, neither did I. But we’re all getting older, right?”

“Not if I can help it,” Noah quipped. “I’d love to be young and single forever.”

Arousal pooled in her center, coiling from her belly down lower still. Something about the deep sound of his laughter sent a thrill shooting straight through her. And with his muscles upon muscles and tall, confident vibe, he was attractive as hell.

Of course, guys like that also always had a million women chasing after them. She was usually up for a good time but drew the line at the guys who were players. She didn’t mind a hot night with a man, but she at least wanted to feel somewhat special.

---