Page 82 of Undeniable

“Thank you all for coming.” She cleared her throat, and even though I could tell she was nervous, I doubted anyone else could. She was poised and classy and…fuck. I was pretty sure I was falling for her. Pretty sure I already had before we’d ever met.

“I’m touched by the outpouring of support for Spines for Soldiers,” she continued. “Even in the short time it’s been running, the response has been amazing. So, thank you for being part of that.”

A round of applause erupted before she continued.

“My grandfather served our country, as have several dear friends.” She sought me out, meeting my eyes in the crowd. “To those of you who serve—thank you. I’ve seen the sacrifices you make, and I’m pleased that Igloo Books can offer you some solace from the harsh realities of your service.”

She glanced down at her notes, her hand shaking only slightly. “I’ve also had the pleasure of participating, and I’ve loved—” she swallowed, forcing a smile “—every minute of it.” She gave some statistics about the program, some background on Igloo Books. And then she said, “Now, let’s hear from some of the other participants before we break into smaller groups.” She glanced down at the podium. “First up, Shane Williams.”

She made a quick introduction, and the audience applauded as a guy in army dress strode toward the stage. He spoke candidly about the struggles he’d been facing and how just knowing someone else was out there, someone who cared, had helped. I couldn’t have agreed more.

When it was my turn, I headed for the stage, flashing Olivia a big smile.

“First of all,” I said, “I’d like everyone to give a big round of applause to Olivia and the team at Igloo for this amazing program.”

She blushed, and all I wanted to do was march across the stage, take her in my arms, and kiss her. Instead, I gripped the lectern and focused on my speech. This wasn’t the time or the place. And as much as I wanted her to be mine, she wasn’t.

I honestly wasn’t sure what the hell had come over me in the elevator. It was as if I’d been staking my claim, telling her she belonged to me, when I had no right to. Because in just a few days, I’d be back in New York, and she’d still be here.

And then I remembered that the audience was waiting. Watching. God, I was a fucking mess. All because of this amazing woman. A woman who was smiling up at me now, counting on me.

I cleared my throat. “I was nominated for the program after injuring my knee. As Olivia will attest, I wasn’t too thrilled about it at first. That’s an understatement. I acted like an asshole.” The audience laughed, as did Olivia.

“I hadn’t picked up a novel in years. For so long, reading had seemed like a waste of time. But then I started the first book, and it gripped me. I had to talk to someone about it.” I laughed, thinking back on our early emails and how much had changed since then.

“I’m so incredibly thankful for this program.” I met her eyes, feeling as if an invisible string tethered us together. Even in a roomful of people, it was just her and me. “And I know it has made a positive impact on my life.Oliviahas definitely made an impact on me.”

She dabbed at the corner of her eyes, and there was a pang in my chest.Fuck. If this was difficult, it was going to be damn near impossible to say goodbye.

I made it back to my chair in a daze. There were several other speeches, but I didn’t hear most of what was said. Even as I participated in the panel discussions, my mind was elsewhere—with Olivia. Like my heart.

The event was winding down, and I was exiting the bathroom when a woman called my name. I glanced over to find a fiery redhead eyeing me up and down, arms crossed as she leaned against the wall. I recognized her from the skydiving picture on Olivia’s mantel.

“Mm. So you’re the sexy SEAL,” she said, seeming to accept my acknowledgment as confirmation.

I walked over to her. “Alyssa, right?”

She pushed off the wall, and we shook hands. She was petite, but I knew better than to underestimate her. From everything Olivia had told me, Alyssa was a firecracker. I also knew her opinion was important to Olivia, which meant it was important to me.

“That’s right.” She circled me. “Attentive. Good-looking. Smart.” She narrowed her eyes at me. “Surely you have some flaw.”

I lifted a shoulder, afraid she’d see right through me. “No one’s perfect, right?”

“Olivia’s about as close to perfect as they come.” She glanced over to where Olivia was talking with some of the other soldiers.

To think that she’d started this program and had such a positive impact on so many people’s lives—military and civilians. It was incredible.Shewas incredible.

“I can see you think so too,” Alyssa said.

I nodded, a smile playing at my lips. “She is pretty amazing.”

She was kind, passionate, giving, hot, and—to top it all off—an amazing cook. She was the full package.

I could easily imagine coming home to her after a long day or upon returning from an assignment. She always seemed to know when to push and when to just listen. And she could brighten the whole room with her smile.

“She’s not as strong as she seems,” Alyssa said, interrupting my thoughts.

I nodded, understanding her unspoken warning. She didn’t want to see her friend get hurt. Neither did I.

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