Page 16 of SEAL's Secret

Muttering under his breath, he shook his head. He was shocked as hell to learn that Layton was a mom. Somehow, this new information threw his entire idea of who she was out the window. He didn’t really know her at all. He knew what it felt like to be inside her but didn’t know the first thing about her day-to-day life.

Damn. Seeing her today had Hudson all out of sorts, and he wasn’t even sure he could pinpoint why. Hudson wasn’t the type of man to mope around, stuck in his own head. He took action. Took charge. And he was ready to solve this little mystery right now.

Grabbing his phone, he scrolled to her name on his contact list and quickly thumbed a text.

Hudson:Hey.

Not the greatest of beginnings, but it was a start. He quickly shot off another message.

Hudson:You seemed upset on the beach. Hope I’m not the reason you left.

Layton:You weren’t.

Hudson:Nah. I was. You flew all the way to Oahu but left the moment you spotted me.

Hudson:You don’t need to be scared of me.

Layton:Hudson.

Hudson:Princess, I may not know you well, but I’m not blind. You ran out of there like someone was chasing you.

Layton:We were…together. I hadn’t seen you since that night.

Hudson:Best night ever.

Hudson:Don’t deny it.

His lips quirked as he read her response. Despite it all, he still thought Layton was cute as hell and hot as fuck. It was weird to want to keep her safe and also make her scream out his name. Not that they’d be having a repeat of sex on the beach tonight.

Layton:I’m not denying it. I was just flustered because everyone else was around.

Hudson:Plus, there was a cute as hell kid there. Looks a bit like her mother?

Layton:I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Caroline. I figured I’d never see you again.

Shaking his head, he pushed the button to call her. “I figured it was easier to call you,” he explained.

Layton laughed, but he could tell she was slightly nervous. “Since when do men like to talk?” she asked.

“Dunno. Since now I suppose. I’m not usually up for late night phone calls, but I don’t mind talking to you, princess.”

“How sweet,” she joked.

“Look, I’m feeling a little guilty about our night together. I should’ve called or texted you. I knew you headed back to D.C., but I should’ve made sure you were okay.

Layton’s voice shook. “We both agreed it was just one night.”

“We did, but you’re not just a one-night-stand to me, Layton. Hell, your sister is dating one of my best friends. I don’t want you to feel awkward or embarrassed. Whatever you called it.”

“Flustered,” she said softly.

“Yep. That’s it. No need to feel flustered. I didn’t tell the guys what happened that night. We went wheels up the next morning, remember?”

“Very well,” she said.

He huffed out a sigh. “And that’s why I don’t date. We’re always coming and going. But seriously, are you okay? You panicked on the beach earlier.”

Layton cleared her throat, hesitating. “I just wanted to talk with you alone sometime. It’s important.”

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