Page 6 of A Very Grumpy Navy SEAL

“No, I mean with your housing and stuff.”

“Oh.I don’t know.I mean, I don’t have a home, a job, or a plan.I’ve looked for rentals in the area, but there aren't many.I could buy a place, but I need to find a new job first.”

“Why?”

“Because I got laid off this morning, and I doubt I would qualify for a loan without a source of income.”

“Shit.I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, it’s been quite the day,” I joke.

He gives me a sympathetic smile.“I can help you look.”

I smile.“You don’t have to do that.You should enjoy your leave.”

“I don’t mind.I want to help you,” he assures me.

My heart kicks at his words, but the logical part of my mind tells me that he’s only offering because I’m Ledger’s little sister.He doesn’t see me the way I want him to.A handsome guy like him never will.I’m sure he’s got women throwing themselves at him—hot women, maybe even models.There’s no way he would be into a plus-size girl like me.

I tear up, and I know I need to get into my hotel room before I cry and make things between us even more awkward.

“Thanks,” I choke out, fumbling with the key.

“Hey,” he says sharply.

A second later, his arms are wrapped around me.Well…they’re sort of wrapped around me.The embrace isn’t sexy at all.It’s not even all that comforting.It’s more like a headlock, and I freeze in his hold.One arm is wrapped around my waist, holding me against him.The other is wrapped across my collarbone, slightly pressing on my throat.I swallow hard, shifting from foot to foot.

Koa pats my shoulder awkwardly and clears his throat.“It will be okay.”

I nod.“Uh-huh.”

Even though I know he’s not holding me romantically, I still react.My nipples harden into stiff points, and my body heats as my back presses against him.I try to get my reaction to him under control, but it’s impossible while he’s so close.

We stand like that for a moment before I turn my head to look up at him.“I’m okay now.”

He grunts, giving me an awkward pat before releasing me.“Right, well, I’ll see you in the morning.I’m next door if you need anything.”

“Thanks.”

I shove the key into the lock and give him a smile before entering my room.The door clicks shut behind me, and I take a deep breath, leaning against the door.My heart is still racing, and all I can think about is Koa and how it felt to be in his arms.

I’ve never wanted anyone before him.I focused on school when I was younger.Then, my parents died, and I was grieving.Boys weren’t even on my radar.I thought maybe I wasn’t interested in guys or sex, but one look at Koa, and I realized I was wrong.I didn’t want other guys because I hadn’t met him— my brother’s best friend.And a Navy SEAL.

Fuck my luck.

Even if he wasn’t my brother’s best friend, I can’t be with a Navy SEAL.I just can’t.I know what my life would be like if I were.I’ve had a front-row seat since Ledger joined the military.I’d always be alone and worried.I can’t live like that.

I need to distract myself,I think, as I unzip my suitcase and grab my phone charger.

I plug my phone in and get settled in my room.The place is outdated but clean and spacious.I take a shower as my phone charges and tuck myself into bed to resume my search for a new job and apartment in town.

Except every few minutes, my thoughts drift to the man next door.

What is he doing right now?I think as I put my phone away and drift off to sleep.

FOUR

Koa

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