Page 7 of SEAL's Secret

An hour later, Layton was opening the door of her sister’s apartment, suddenly feeling shy. Hudson stood there in cargo pants and a dark tee shirt, freshly showered. He smelled of pine again, clean and woodsy and oh-so-yummy. His gaze was dark as it flickered over her, taking in her floral, strappy sundress and moving down her bare legs. She had no idea where he wanted to grab drinks, but she was ready to throw her cares to the wind and simply live in the moment.

Hudson grinned as he took her hand. “I feel like I’m sneaking out,” Layton said with a giggle as the door closed behind them.

“Why’s that?” he asked, looking amused.

“Emersyn’s already in bed. The change of time zones is throwing us off,” Layton admitted.

“Yeah, I get that. Thankfully, I’ll have some time to crash on the C-17 tomorrow. I’m changing time zones, too,” he quipped.

“I guess you can’t tell me where you’re going.”

“Nope, and it’s not because I don’t trust you,” Hudson assured her, his gaze serious. “It’s classified, but it’s for your safety as well. If our enemies thought that military families or friends knew all the details of our missions, you’d be in jeopardy.”

She shuddered.

“Don’t worry,” he assured her. “We’re highly trained, and you’re safe here. I’d never do anything to put you or your sister at risk. This feels like déjà vu,” Hudson said as they got in the elevator, clearly trying to lighten the mood. “I’m a little bummed you don’t live here. I don’t really have time to date much, but I’d have changed my ways for you.”

She huffed out a laugh. “You’re a sweet talker. What ways are those exactly?”

His eyes danced with amusement, and he flashed her a boyish grin. “Maybe I just know what I like and what I don’t.” They exchanged a look. “I definitely like what I see right now. You look beautiful.”

“Thank you. And I get what you’re saying. Who knows what would’ve happened if I’d been the sister moving to Oahu? Emersyn and Aaron will have to live out that fairytale. I’m up for a quick drink though before you have to deploy, sailor.”

He chuckled, the low and husky sound doing something funny to her insides.

“What would you say if I told you I had a better idea about where we can grab a drink than at a local bar?”

“Don’t say your bed.”

Hudson’s laughter filled the elevator, and he flashed her a knowing look. “Good idea, but no. I grabbed an ice-cold six-pack from my fridge, and it’s sitting in my trunk right now. If you’re more of a wine girl, we can swing by a store real quick and graba bottle. I thought we can hit up a secluded little beach and watch the waves crash in the moonlight. I’ll get you home before midnight,” he promised with a wink.

“Sounds perfect,” she said. “And I’m more than okay with a beer.”

“Awesome.” He lifted her hand to his mouth and pressed his lips to her skin, his stubble tickling her. She shivered, imagining that roughness on her neck. Between her thighs. “By the way, I texted my team leader Wyatt to let him know I was with you tonight. Since we’re deploying in a matter of hours, I wanted to let him know I might be out of touch with cell reception on the beach.”

“Are you sure you shouldn’t be getting ready or something?” she asked as they got off the elevator. “Aaron came by and disappeared.”

Hudson lifted a shoulder. “This might be my only chance to see you, and I intend to make it count.”

Chapter 4

Hudson took a pull of his beer an hour later, nearly choking on it as he caught a glimpse of Layton in the moonlight. Her blonde hair blew gently in the breeze, her feminine hoop earrings dangling from her ears. His gaze raked over her delicate features, taking in the slender column of her neck and the swells of her breasts in the little sundress she wore. Layton was so fucking pretty, he almost felt like a big oaf sitting beside her. They’d talked and laughed, and he was actually bummed she didn’t live here.

Layton was funny. Whip smart, too. She’d told him more stories about her real estate clients. He hadn’t really opened up much but didn’t mind listening.

She shivered slightly as a breeze blew in from the ocean. “You’re cold,” he murmured. “You can lean against me if you want.”

While he’d joked about getting her into his bed and hoped the upcoming weekend would involve some sexy time with her, not roughing it with his teammates, he wasn’t about to rush her into anything. Still, when she looked over and their eyes locked, it was like something shifted. The balmy air blew over them, the waves continued to crash on the shore, but the evening was now about the two of them. This moment. This girl.

His hands gripped her hips as he lowered her onto his lap, Layton’s sundress riding up her bare thighs and revealing more of that creamy skin. Her silky hair caught on the scruff of his beard, and he brushed it aside, smiling. She fit perfectly against him, so soft and petite. He gazed over her shoulder, noting that Layton’s breasts were rising and falling. She was nervous. Hewrapped his arms around her, holding her close. “This okay?” he asked quietly.

Finally, she relaxed against him. “Umm-hmm. More than okay. How come you’re so warm?” She wiggled against him to get comfortable, and Hudson held back a groan. Her ass against his cock had his soldier quickly rising to attention.

“I’m bigger than you,” he said with a husky laugh. “But I told you I’d keep you warm,” he quipped.

“You’re big in other places, too,” she said, flushing again.

“Ummm. I do have a beautiful woman in my arms. I don’t think you even realize how sexy you are.”

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