Page 25 of The SEALs' Single Mom Baby Surprise

I shrug. “Just people to get in our way. Audit.”

I’m not exactly sure why I lie, but it slips from me easily. Cole’s gaze lifts to mine, and I swear he approves, even though his expression is completely stoic.

It takes a second to tamp down the flutter of heat in my belly when we look at each other. Yup. Rebounding is a strange phenomenon.

But what do I know? I’ve only ever been in one real relationship, and it wasn’t the one that conceived Reese.

I march up to my desk where Shepard is sprawled in my chair. My fists find my hips as I look down at him. “Ugh, so I’m stuck with you again? Where’d Rhett go?”

Shepard smirks. “Stuck with me, sweetheart. Your knight in shining armor has gone home to catch a few Zs.”

Well, that makes sense. He was staked out in front of my apartment building all night. I bet he didn’t take so much as a cat nap, even though he seemed perfectly aware when he came up to my apartment.

Shepard stands and bends close, lowering his voice and winking. “No need to worry, Sloane. Jack’s got your back.”

“How chivalrous.”

He full on grins at me as I sit. It’s a bit devastating.

I push him out of the way and sit behind my desk, putting my bag down and signing in to check on the day’s work. Two deliveries today. At least today won’t be a busy one.

Jack leans on the desk again, looking over my shoulder. He smells like cedarwood and orange blossom.

“You mind?” I ask as he stays hovering in my space.

Edmund gives me a wild look as he settles behind his computer.Do you need help?He blinks at me.

I shake my head. I’m fine, really. Even if this man thrives on being overbearing.

“I’ve been through it all already. No need to be shy.” His mouth is at my ear, and I have to suppress a shiver from the heat of his breath across my neck.

“Then, why do you need to look over my shoulder?”

“Just want to know how to score myself a breakfast burrito. Heard you make a mean one.”

Fucking bastard.

12

JACK

Teasing Sloane is too much fun. She pushes back nicely instead of backing off, and it’s too easy to rile her up.

When her elbow digs into my rib, I step back, but only because she put a little force into it. Rounding her desk, I sit in the chair opposite her and smile at how the boss man shakes his head at me. Yeah, I’m a glutton for punishment. Always have been.

Sloane glares at me. “I don’t need a babysitter.”

I fold my hands in my lap and relax, legs sprawling as I sink low in the chair and watch her watch me. “It’s a good thing that’s not what I am.”

Her frustration furrows her brows and makes her frown. Her gaze shifts over to her co-worker, then back to me. Do the two of them have some history? If so, why did she lie for us?

A slew of texts pings her phone, and she reaches into her bag to silence it. She’s retreating again, and I don’t like it. I know where she is when she’s battling with me.

I roll my head to the side to pin her with a look. It takes a long few seconds for her to return her attention to me. “What are you, then?”

Welcome back, sweetheart. I smile, cocky and knowing as I flex my pecs and shoulders at her in an easy squeeze. “Why, I’m your ruggedly handsome protector, of course.”

Her hands splay across the top of her desk, and she closes her eyes, taking two measured breaths. Then those midnight blues threaten to pin me in place and slice me open.

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