Page 36 of Summer with a SEAL

Jessica laughed. “And that’s supposed to get me to throw the game so you’ll win? I don’t know, buddy. I don’t like to lose. What about if I win?”

He winked at her. “Just let me know what you want, angel.” He chuckled as he saw her cheeks pinkening. “Interesting,” he said huskily. “Maybe if you win, I’ll just surprise you with your reward.”

He slung his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. Jessica’s sexy little red bikini was doing him in. She might’ve been sweet and a little bit shy, but she’d certainly enjoyed their make-out session.

They walked back over to their group a few minutes later. “You guys were gone a while,” Michelle teased.

“Did you miss us?” Jessica asked, sinking back down into her chair. “My beer’s totally warm now, yuck.”

“I’ll grab you another,” Jacob said, opening up the cooler.

“You’re so screwed, man,” Mason said with a chuckle.

“Says the guy with a woman draped all over him,” Jacob said with a laugh. Taylor and Mason were both sitting on a towel together in the sand, looking totally content as she leaned back against him.

Jacob grabbed two beers and popped the caps off, handing one over to Jessica. “What time did Noah leave?”

“Just before you got here,” Ryker said, tossing the football up in the air and catching it. “They should be back with the food soon.”

“How long do you guys want to stay down here?” Amy asked.

Michelle shrugged. “Another hour or so? We can all grab dinner later on if you want.”

“How about I grill some burgers at your place?” Ryker asked. “The guys and I can pick up some food later when you ladies are changing.”

Jessica glanced over at Jacob. “What do you say? We could do dinner out another night.”

Jacob shrugged. “I’m cool with whatever you want. We can grill out tonight at your place. There’s always time for a game of putt-putt afterwards if you’re up for it.”

She laughed, taking a long pull of her beer, and he tried to ignore the slight swelling in his chest. Hell, she was beautiful. Even without doing anything at all, she had him under her spell. The funny thing was, she didn’t even seem to realize it.

Chapter 16

The scent of charcoal wafted through the air on the deck, and Jacob wrapped his muscular arms around Jessica from behind as she watched their group of friends. She relaxed into his embrace, inhaling the fresh scent of his soap as he pulled her close.

It was crazy how he could send shivers racing down her spine every time he touched her. They’d spent most of the day together, and it still felt like she couldn’t get enough of him.

“It feels crazy that everyone gets along so well,” she mused, watching as their friends laughed and joked around together.

Jacob nuzzled the top of her head before resting his chin atop it. “Why’s it crazy?” he asked.

“I don’t know—we all just met, sort of, and it feels like we’ve known each other for years.”

“Well, I have known my buddies for years,” he said with a chuckle. “And it’s the same with you and your friends.”

She watched as a seagull swooped through the air, eventually landing on the sand twenty yards away. She’d enjoyed plenty of nights on the deck since they’d rented the beach house, but tonight it really felt like home with a group of friends there.

It was crazy to think that since it was just a vacation. She felt like she could see herself living here though—good friends, the beach. Jacob. Having him at her side all day long felt totally natural. They didn’t even have to be talking, she was simply content to be with him.

“I think Amy wishes she had a date tonight, too,” she said. “I don’t want her to feel left out.”

“Hmmm,” Jacob said. “Maybe I can round up someone from base next time we all get together. There’s plenty of single guys who’d love to meet someone like her.”

“Too bad Bailey had to work tonight,” Michelle said, carrying out a pitcher of margaritas. “She makes killer drinks.”

“That she does,” Noah agreed from his seat at the table, adjusting his aviators. “I’m going to head over later on tonight and see her.”

“Aww, that’s sweet,” Taylor said. “I was lucky to get a Saturday night off from Anchors. But I’d requested it a while ago—you guys all know how crazy it is on the weekends.”

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