Page 3 of SEAL's Secret

“I thought it was boy scouts who were always prepared,” she joked, trying to lighten the mood.

Hudson’s low laughter filled the kitchen, and he eyed her. “I’m definitely no boy scout.” Their eyes locked for a beat, and she felt a shiver snaking down her spine. No, he certainly wasn’t a boy. Hudson was all man, much to her girly delight.

He neatly sliced through the packing tape that sealed the box, then efficiently sheathed his knife again. It was slightly unnerving to know how absolutely lethal these men were. They no doubt deployed on secret missions all over the world that she could never know the first thing about. Lived secret lives. Took out evil men.

They’d also known exactly how to rescue her sister.

“I’ve learned a thing or two from being a Navy SEAL,” he joked, lifting a small appliance surrounded in bubble wrap from the box. He pulled out a few more of the heavier items for her, neatly lining them up on the counter.

“Yeah, I’m sure the military has taught you a few tricks,” she said, flashing him a smile as she worked at a piece of tape holding the bubble wrap in place. “I actually deal with government and military officials all the time in my line of work. I’ve had clients that worked for every three-letter agency out there, not to mention the Pentagon. The White House. I’ve even signed nondisclosure agreements for several people. It takes a certain level of trust to allow a realtor to show off your home to potential buyers. I assume none of them have classified materials lying around, but that doesn’t mean they want their homes or home offices open and available for just anyoneto peruse. Sometimes we’ve even got a security detail there, hovering around during special showings to ensure nothing is disturbed.”

“I’d imagine that’s necessary for certain high-level government officials. You don’t want foreign adversaries posing as buyers to bug the place.”

She nodded, having wondered the same thing herself on a couple of occasions. “I doubt I’m privy to most of it—all the layers of security.” She shrugged. “As long as they’re not obnoxious, ruining my showing with excessive safety measures, I don’t mind. Business is business.”

“I suppose you get all types of people, what with your proximity to D.C.,” he commented.

“It’s a very different clientele than home buyers here in Hawaii.”

“Are you thinking of moving to Oahu like your sister?” he asked. Hudson hadn’t shifted away from the counter, just stood in the kitchen chatting with her. Voices carried from the living room, but at the moment, they were still alone.

Layton crossed to the fridge, grabbing them each a bottle of water. The open case of twenty-four bottles was literally the only thing inside it. She’d have to grab some groceries later on from the store—once she figured out the closest one. She turned back around, realizing that Hudson’s eyes had been on her, and felt a flush heating her cheeks. Had he been checking out her ass? His gaze trailed down her bare legs, and she swore she could feel his heated look almost like a caress. Layton knew she looked good in her shorts and tank top given the hours she clocked at the gym. Her choice of outfit today had been about practicality, not impressing a man. Hudson, however, seemed to have zero complaints.

Layton tossed him a bottle of water, trying to pretend she hadn’t just caught him ogling her. “Thanks,” he said as he easily snagged it out of the air, twisting off the cap. He had big hands, with interesting veins trailing across them and up his forearms. The dark tee shirt he wore showed off his muscled chest—broad pecs, wide shoulders. And those biceps. Good God.

She tried not to shiver in delight.

What would it feel like to have those big hands on her, moving over her body, trailing across her bare skin? She could almost imagine the weight of Hudson’s body above her own, his muscled arms caging her in as he pinned her to the bed, his lips hot and insistent on hers as he drove her absolutely wild.

He was watching her intently, no doubt waiting for her response. She swallowed, then uncapped her own bottle of water. “No, I couldn’t leave my life back home,” she finally said. “I’m just here on vacation before it’s back to reality.”

Hudson took a long pull of water, his Adam’s apple bobbing with the motion.

“You’re in town for a few more days, right?” he asked, his voice low and deep. “I have it on good authority that Aaron plans to ask your sister out. What do you say I take you out one night as well? Dinner. Drinks.” A beat passed, and she felt the implication that there could be more fun afterward if she wanted. “However you want the night to go,” he added with a sexy grin, his dark eyes mischievous.

And how would she want the night to end?

Alone with Hudson.

In his bed.

Naked.

Not that she was willing to admit that out loud.

“How I want the night to go?” she asked him as she hesitated in her response, her heart fluttering. Goosebumps covered her skin, and she felt her nipples pebbling against her bra. A date with Hudson could be dangerous. He was looking at her right now like he wanted to positively eat her up. And God, how she wanted to let him.

She licked her lips, and his dark eyes flared with interest.

“I’ll bring you back home after dinner if that’s what you want. If you’d rather come back to my place? I’m good with that, too.”

A nervous huff of laughter escaped her. “You’re good with my staying over at your place?” she asked.

“Gotta shoot my shot,” he quipped. “You’re pretty as hell, Layton.”

She felt warmth washing over her again. His interest in her was flattering. Her ex-husband hadn’t given a crap. He’d literally been having sex with another woman while they were still married. He’d lied on countless nights about where he’d really been. The chemistry between Hudson and her was obvious. With him, there’d be no strings. No complications. No worries about a future.

They’d have one amazing night together, and then she’d be gone.

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