Page 25 of A Very Grumpy Navy SEAL

An hour later, she comes up to me with a spring in her step.

“How’d it go?”

“I think it went well,” she says, grinning.“They seem friendly, and the job sounds perfect for me.I could do a lot of it from home.I told them about my background, and they all seemed interested.”

“Of course they were,” I say, opening the door for her.“You’re a catch.”

Her cheeks go pink, but she doesn’t argue.“God, I needed this.I needed to feel like I could still do something.That I’m not just floating.”

“You’re not floating, Bunny.You’re building.”

She glances at me, eyes soft.“Thank you.For coming with me.For being here.”

“Of course.”

My stomach growls, and she laughs.

“Want to get some lunch?”

“How do tacos sound?”I ask.

“I’m sold.”

I smile and link our fingers as we head a few blocks down to Salsa Supreme.We find a spot outside, shaded by an umbrella, and order enough food for a small army.Lula talks nonstop between bites, rehashing her favorite moments from the interview, and I listen, hanging on every word.

I could watch her talk forever.

After we finish, I pay the bill—despite her protests—and we stroll back to the hotel.

By the time we reach my room, she’s yawning.

“Long day,” she murmurs, dropping her bag and slipping out of her shoes.

“Yeah, plus we didn’t get much sleep last night,” I whisper.

She giggles.“That’s true.”

“Want to take a nap?”I ask, reaching for her waist.

She smiles sleepily.“With you?”

“Yeah.”

I pull her into my arms and kiss her slowly.The kind of kiss that saysyou’re mine, andI’ll always be here, even when I’m not.

She melts against me, her arms sliding around my neck.

“I think I suddenly have extra energy to burn off,” she whispers against my lips.

“Let me help you with that,” I offer, taking her hand and leading her to the bed.

We undress each other slowly, reverently.There’s no rush this time.No urgency.Just need.Familiarity.Worship.

I lay her on the bed and kiss every inch of her, relearning her curves and freckles, the sensitive spot behind her ear, the way she gasps when I drag my tongue along the inside of her thigh.

She comes apart in my arms, and I follow her there, losing myself in the softness of her body, the sweetness of her kiss, the promise in every breath we share.

After, we lie tangled together, the late afternoon light spilling across our skin.I know I have to leave in two days, but right now, I’m here.

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