Page 44 of Undeniable

“I’m glad,” he said. “It shows me that you’re willing to put the good of the unit above your own personal wants.”

“Yes, sir. Always.”

“Good. Word is Abby Taylor is going on tour, and she’s going to need to beef up her team for that. Keep doing what you’ve been doing, and we’ll talk about adding you to the team.”

Fuck yes.I’d always enjoyed working with Abby in the past. She was a sweet kid and one of a handful of clients who actually listened to our recommendations. And this was a huge opportunity.

“Thank you,” I said.

He stood, and I followed suit. “One more thing. We’re having a party for Maverick’s birthday next week. It’ll mostly be some of the guys from our SEALs class, but you should come since you’ll already be in LA.”

“I’ll be there.”

He walked me to the door, opening it before saying, “Enjoy your vacation.”

“Thanks,” I said.

I stepped into the hall, trying to make sense of everything that had just happened. And while I should’ve been focusing on my future, all I could think about was the fact that I was going to California. That I would finally get to meet Olivia and have a conversation face-to-face. I only made it a few steps down the hall before pressing her name on the contacts in my phone. It rang twice before she picked up.

“Hello?” The sound of her throaty voice went straight to my cock. Fuck, it was sexy. She was sexy.

I glanced at my watch and realized just how early it was. Just past five in the morning her time.Shit.“Did I wake you?”

I sped toward my office and shut the door behind me.

“Connor?” I heard rustling, and I imagined her sitting up in bed.

I groaned at the image, wishing I were there. I still had no idea what she looked like, but I didn’t need to. I was attracted to her, even without seeing her.

I smiled to myself as I remembered that, soon, I would be there. With her. Maybe not in her bed, though I certainly wouldn’t complain if that happened. But in the same state, the same city, the same room. Breathing the same air.

God, I sounded like a love-sick fool. And that had me pausing.

Me? A love-sick fool?I’d never been in a real relationship. Never let myself get emotionally invested with anyone like I had with Olivia.

“Is everything okay?” she asked, sounding more alert.

I cleared my throat, trying to get it together. “I have good news.”

“Is it about your friend in the ICU?” she asked, making me realize I hadn’t gotten a chance to update her. And she’d been sweet enough to worry about him and ask.

“He got moved to a regular room last night.”

“Oh good. I’m so glad.” I could hear the relief in her voice.

“But that’s not what I was calling to tell you.” I rocked on my heels, excitement coursing through me for the first time in months. And it wasn’t even about my suspension ending. “I’m coming to California. Get this—to participate in a panel on Spines for Soldiers.”

“You what?” she practically shrieked. I told myself it was out of excitement, but I wasn’t entirely convinced. “I mean, that’s great that you’re willing to talk about your experience.”

I frowned, figuring it had been her idea.Okay.

She’d started the program, but I didn’t know how much of an ongoing role she had, apart from being my reading buddy. Well, she was more than my reading buddy, but I didn’t plan to divulge that to the publishing company she worked for.

“And I have some unused vacation time. So…I was hoping we could hang out. Meet face-to-face.”

There was a long, silent, pregnant pause. “I-I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

My chest tightened, and I stared at the floor, trying to make sense of her response. What had changed since the other night?

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