Page 17 of SEAL's Secret

He frowned. “Can you tell me now? We are talking,” he gently teased.

“No. It has to be in person.”

“All right, well, can we meet up this week? I’m still in a bit of shock that you have a daughter, but maybe Emersyn could watch her? Unless you want to bring her along,” he added, suddenly feeling like a dick. She’d flown here with her child. Maybe she didn’t want to leave her alone with Emersyn just to see him.

“No,” Layton said quickly. “I’d rather it just be you and me.”

“All right. I can pick you up from Emersyn’s place again. Or are you at a hotel?” he added. Layton had jokingly complained about the sleeping situation a month ago. Maybe she’d be wanting an actual bed this time. Or maybe her sister had gotten furniture.

Weird how much he remembered given the short amount of time they’d spent together. He still recalled unpacking the box in the kitchen, wondering right then what it would be like to kiss her. Layton was flushed and flirty and all sorts of appealing.

She still was, he realized. Normally, a kid would be a deal breaker for him. He didn’t date single moms. He wasn’t rushing to cross Layton off his list though, not when she was moving here.

“I’m at my sister’s,” Layton told him, “but I’ll meet you there. Wherever we agree to meet up.”

“Layton.”

She sniffled slightly, and he froze. “Are you okay?” he asked. “I realize we don’t actually know each other too well, but if you’re in some sort of trouble….”

“I’m okay,” she promised.

“Is it your ex?” he persisted.

Damn. It wouldn’t surprise him at all if that jackass was harassing Layton. Any man who’d cheat on his wife wasn’t a real man at all. And to know they had a child together? The entire thing rubbed him the wrong way. Layton’s ex hadn’t just thrown her away, he’d broken up his family. Hudson’s own parents hadn’t wanted or been able to care for him, and that shit cut deep. He didn’t have anyone, save for his teammates, and that was the brutal truth.

“I’m not running from him, if that’s what you think. He’s giving up his parental rights. We’ll no longer share joint custody of Caroline, which is why I’m free to move away now.”

“Shit. I’m sorry. I already didn’t like the guy, but he’s a bigger asshole than I thought.”

“He’s a pig,” Layton said. “He’d rather start a new life than deal with the one he already has. I haven’t even told my daughter yet. Sorry, I didn’t mean to dump all my problems on you.”

“You can talk to me,” he assured her.

“Yeah, about that. Maybe we can meet up one night this week? I know you have work, and I’m actually only here for a bit. I assume you might already have plans tomorrow,” she said, hesitating.

“Sunday?” he questioned. “No. I can meet you then.”

They arranged a location and time, and Hudson felt a weird anticipation coursing through him after they’d hung up. He wasn’t going to sleep with her again. They’d grab a drink or something. He’d figure out what was going on. Damn if it wasn’t going to bother him all night.

Chapter 11

Layton’s phone buzzed again the next morning, and she stifled a groan as she glanced at the screen. One of her clients had left several voicemails yesterday and today, wanting to discuss a home. She’d canceled on another client for the weekend, saying it was an emergency, and the couple had been more than understanding. This guy had been extremely upset she left. He was undecided on homes, Layton already having shown him one property twice. Now he’d been calling and texting her nonstop.

Glancing at her sleeping daughter, she quietly snuck down the hallway into the living room. Layton was up early because of the time difference, but thankfully, all the travel had tired out Caroline.

Layton tried not to cringe as she caught her reflection in the mirror. She looked like a mess with dark circles under her eyes and crazy hair. Men somehow managed to look rumpled and sexy when they rolled out of bed, but Layton felt anything but that.

Gosh. If only Hudson could see her now.

Funny that he’d immediately popped into her mind. She certainly wasn’t going to be sleeping with him anytime soon. Even if they did somehow start dating—which they wouldn’t—she had a daughter. She wouldn’t be in Hawaii for a vacation anymore, she’d be working. Raising her child. Going through a pregnancy.

Tears smarted her eyes, and she sucked in a deep breath. First things first. She needed to figure out what was going on with her client.

Layton pushed the voicemail button, starting to listen to the messages. This guy loved to complain, so it wasn’t a total surprise, but she’d clearly said that she’d be out of town and unavailable.

“Ms. O’Connell,” he said in a clipped tone. “I’m hoping to see a home we visited previously. I think you’re familiar with the one. This matter is urgent, and I’d like access to it today. Please call me back immediately.”

She clicked on the next message, which had come an hour later.

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