Page 43 of My Grumpy SEAL

“Stephanie is back?” he asks, and I nod. “Oh, shit! But you and Bella just started your relationship.” I nod again.

“And she is feeling threatened and jealous, and I am struggling trying to reassure her but it seems like I also need reassurance myself because this thing I feel for her scares the hell out of me.”

“Why?” He gives me a confused look. “Love is one of the most beautifulthingsanyone can ever experience. And even if it doesn’t work out in the end, you should always treasure those beautiful moments.”

I give him a look. “What are you, the love doctor?”

He raises his shoulders. “I might as well be because you are very sick love wise. Locking your heart up like that. You should let the poor thing breathe.” He smiles at me. “You were so adamant that nothing could happen between you twoand yet here you are.” He gestures at me and I narrow my eyes at him.

“The beautiful thing about love is that it happens when we least expect it, even to the toughest of us. So stop trying to control your life and just live.” His phone dings, announcing that a message has come in and he picks it up before getting up. “I have to go now. Cecilia is freaking out about something. We will talk more on this and on the fact that she was the one you had a one night stand with.”

I look up at him surprised and he returns it with a look of his own. “I know you, Jake. It’s really not that hard to figure out. Also, stay away from Stephanie. She sounds like bad news”

He leaves me at the café with my thoughts. I really like Bella that much I know. But being in love with her is a whole different level of feelings I don’t want to explore. I realized howmuch I loved her the night she quit. Itscared me shitless, the thought of never seeing her again.

I return to the resort. Stephanie had been here this morning, asking for more money because Marilyn needs surgery. I noticed how inquisitive she was about Bella and her subtle advances at me, but it surprises me to say that I felt nothing for her. Once upon a time this woman used to drive me crazy with want, but in that moment, I wanted her as far away from me as possible.

I haven’t seen Bella all day and I am not sure what to say to her, so I keep my distance. It’s past office hours, and I still have a lot to do so I make Samantha stay past her closing hours so I have an extra hand.

I have my head deep in a file when my door opens. Samantha has never walked into my office without knocking. I look up to see Bella walking towards my desk and smile. She goes around it and places herself behind my chair and wraps her hand around me while nibbling on my ear. “You should take a break, Mr. Hunt,” she whispers. “Want me to help you with that?” I swivel my chair around so I am facing her. She has this determined look on her face and I feel myself react. She looks so beautiful right now.

Shelowers herselfto the floor and rubs my crotch through my trousers. I feel myself rise and shesmiles with satisfaction. “Try not to moan. Samantha is right outside thedoor.” She starts to unhook mybelt.

Something crosses my mind and I ask,“Does this have anything to do with Stephanie?” She doesn’t reply, focusing instead on pulling at mytrousers. “So it does,” I confirm and grab her hand before she continues.

“I remember someone being insistent that welay off the sex for a while.” I give her an inquisitive look and she looksaway. “Are you jealous, Bella?”I persist when I don’t get a response.

Shescoffs and I raise my brow. “Of your saucy ex? Don’t be ridiculous.”

That definitely sounds like jealousy.Pulling her up, I place her on my lap. “There is nothing to be jealous of. Stephanie is in the past and you are my present.”

She rolls her eyes, but I see a small smile playing on her lips. “Is that supposed to be comforting? I’ve heard better.” She links her hand with myhair andthe feeling is so satisfying it makes me groan.

“I don’t like her.”There it is. She is starting to open up.

I try to pacify her. “She is a bit rough around the edges but she is actually quite nice.”

“Don’t defend her,” she suddenlysnaps and I narrow my eyes at her

“Or what?” I challenge her and she glares at me. It’s so adorable it makes mesmile. “Are you going to withhold sex from me? You’re alreadydoing that and its pure torture.”I try at a joke but she doesn’t laugh.

“It’s for the best for ourrelationship,” she says. “So stop acting like a horny teenager.” I respondby burying my face in herclothed breasts. “It’s not happening, Mr. Hunt,”I hear her say and groan.

“You were just about to…never mind. I’ll just suffer in silence.”Knowing what I was about to say might not go down well with her. I just settle for a sad look and it makes her laugh.

Since I can’t go home yet, she stays with me while I work and soon dozes off on my couch. I stare at her with adoration. She looks too peaceful to wake up, so I carry her to the car myself. Samantha raises a brow when she sees me but doesn’t say anything. She’s probably just thrilled that she can finally leave.

I drive us home and tuck her into bed before joining her. She shifts closer to me and I tighten my arms around her waist.

I’m in love with this woman, more than she would ever realize.

After some minutes of silence, I hear her whisper. “I love you, Jake. Please don’t leave me.” She is so quiet I barely hear her.

I love you too; Bella and I would be shattered if you left me. But I don’t say anything and her breathing soon becomes leveled again, indicating she has slept off.

* * *

It’sthe wedding day andI wake up to shuffling sounds in the room. I look at my bedside clock. It’s six a.m.

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