Page 32 of SEAL's Target

She smiled at that, nuzzling closer. “You’re going to tuck me in?”

“Well, if you want. I want to take care of you.”

“Will you stay?”

His hand ran over her head, protectiveness washing over him. “Yeah. I’ve got to leave bright and early for PT and to get onto base. I can crash on the sofa if you want.”

“No. I want you with me,” she insisted.

“Whatever you want,” he assured her. “I can hold you, but I’m fine with crashing on the sofa, sweetheart. I’d never pressure you either way. I always want you to feel comfortable with me.”

“I do,” she said softly. “And I want you to stay with me tonight—all night.”

“Then I will.”

Chapter 16

THREE DAYS LATER, WYATT’S team got sent out on an op. A cargo ship had been targeted, and three American hostages were being held onboard. Callie wasn’t supposed to know any details of where Wyatt’s team deployed or what he was doing, but this incident had been all over the news. She didn’t question him, and he didn’t provide any details, but Callie knew where he was going. She knew what was at stake. Callie was frightened for his safety, but three lives hung on the line. Wyatt’s SEAL team was good. She’d witnessed that firsthand, and if they could save the lives of innocent people, then she’d never want him to feel guilty for leaving her.

Wyatt had swung by on his way into base Sunday morning, explaining the situation and kissing her goodbye. She’d been shocked to see him but also touched that he’d come to tell her in person. Callie wasn’t his girlfriend. They’d never discussed what specifically they were to one another. Things had been gradually building between them. The way he’d held her so carefully in his arms the other night made it clear that he cared for her. How many men would stay over with no chance of sex? They weren’t ripping one another’s clothes off or exploring one another with their clothing on. She’d cried in his arms on the sofa after she’d fed him dinner, recalling the worst day of her life.

Wyatt had been steady and sure, holding her through her tears.

Her mind drifted to their goodbye yesterday morning before he’d rushed to base, ready to head off with his team on their mission.

“I don’t know when I’ll be back,” Wyatt said after he’d quickly explained that he was leaving. “Even if I did, I couldn’t tell you. It’s for operational security and your own safety as well. The fewer details you know, the better.”

“I know. I understand,” she assured him.

“I don’t have any answers yet about your blog, so please be careful while I’m gone,” Wyatt said, looking slightly ruffled for the first time.

He was wearing his camo uniform, the same one he’d been in the first time they met. Her eyes tracked over him, taking in every detail. “I’ll be fine,” she assured him, feeling her eyes begin to water. “You’ll probably be back before I can even miss you.” She blinked her tears away.

“Callie,” he said, his voice cracking.

“I promise I’ll be fine. Go do your hero thing.”

His green eyes studied her, so knowing and sure, and then he was backing her against the door, his hands sliding up to cup her face. “I’m going to miss you so damn much.” Before she could utter a reply, his lips were hot on her own. Callie opened to him, letting Wyatt take complete control. She clutched onto his uniform like she’d never get enough. His tongue slid against her own, both sure and demanding as his body pressed against hers. They were both breathing heavily when he finally pulled back, Callie’s body on fire for this man.

Wyatt rested his forehead against her own, seemingly needing to steady himself. Their breaths intermingled, the moment between them turning almost tender. “Call me as soon as you get back,” she said, her voice wobbling.

He kissed her again. Soft. Sweet. “Of course, I will. The second we land. Be safe for me, Cal.”

“You too. You’re the one heading off somewhere that’s no doubt dangerous. Go get the bad guys but please come back home to me.”

“Always.”

She shook her head, smiling at the memory of their kisses but still already missing him so much. Today, Callie and Alexa were meeting for brunch at Coconuts. The bartender that Alexa had previously been crushing on didn’t work that early, but it had still become one of the women’s favorite hangouts. Callie looked in the mirror, swiping on some lip gloss. She’d donned a casual skirt and halter top, perfect for the sunny Hawaiian day. Alexa was meeting her there, having a sunrise photoshoot with a vacationing couple beforehand.

Thirty minutes later, Callie was settling into a booth at Coconuts. It was a different crowd than the nighttime group. The bar was dead, but the tables were filling up rather quickly.

“Hey girl!” Alexa called out as she walked in, grinning.

“Hi! Look at you all bright-eyed this early,” Callie joked.

“Two large coffees, plus all that sunshine and salty air are the key. I’ve been up since four a.m.,” she added.

“Ouch. That sounds painful—literally.”

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