Her Unbroken Seal: A Navy Seal Romance

by Caitlyn O'Leary

  “The docs aren’t being real upfront about when they intend to let him go, right?” Finn asked.

  She nodded.

  “Well, Dex’s been doing some more snooping. Here’s the deal. If he can spend another week acing his ADLs, having his pain levels handled by just prescribed meds, and no more episodes.” Finn put air quotes around the last word. “Then he can be released as early as the end of next week.”

  Lydia thought her face would split in two with how wide her smile was. “That’s great news!” All of her concerns went out the window with the thought of Clint coming home to California. “I just know that he’ll do better when he’s out of the hospital. I know it.”

  “It’s still a big if, Lydia,” Drake warned. “I think number one and two will be easy as long as he gets enough rest. But number three is going to be tough.”

  “What set him off today?” Lydia wanted to know.

  “Basically nothing. It was Finn’s attitude. Clint said he didn’t like how calm he was. Said that used to be him.”

  She tried to assimilate that. Everyone was quiet as she processed Drake’s words. “I know I’m supposed to be expecting illogical behavior from him. But that takes the cake. I don’t know what to say.”

  “It’s nuts. That’s the word you’re looking for.” Drake took another sip of his coffee and studied her over the rim of his cup. “Now do you see what you’re going to be dealing with?”

  “They will have people at the facility to help me.”

  “But you’re not going to be at the facility, you’re going to be spending nights together at the hotel nearby,” Finn reminded her.

  “Clint would never hurt me.”

  “My gut says he wouldn’t either,” Finn said. “But I want more than my gut. I’d say he’s two months away from being ready to spend days and nights with you, Lydia, no matter what the program suggests.”

  Lydia sat up straight and glared at the two men. “That’s horseshit. I am not staying away from him for two months.” She set down her cup of coffee. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go visit my fiancé.”

  She stood up and left the lobby.

  Behind her, she heard Drake say, “Well, that went well.”

  Clint was asleep when she got there. She liked it when he was; he seemed like the same Clint she’d been sleeping beside for the last five years. She hated this for him. She couldn’t give a shit how it was impacting her, she ached for him. She knew that every single time he didn’t behave the way he normally would, and he came to realize it, he blew it gargantuanly out of proportion and agonized over it. That was no way to live your life. He needed to be patient with himself. Who the hell cared if this was his new normal? She didn’t.

  “Blow up as much as you want to, I don’t care. I just want to be part of your life,” she whispered close to his temple.

  “Lydia?”

  His beautiful hazel eyes opened. They were clear and bright, but then they dimmed.

  “Stop that,” she admonished softly.

  “Stop what?” he asked as he looked at the wall behind her.

  “Stop feeling guilty about whatever petty nonsense you’re feeling guilty about. Enough is enough already.” She ghosted her hand down under the sheet and blanket and found the one special spot beneath his ribs and tickled him.

  He gasped.

  She did it again.

  He jerked.

  She did it one more time.

  He laughed.

  “You are not tickling the brain-damaged man, that’s so not right,” Clint protested.

  “I’m tickling the man who is taking himself far too seriously. What has your dick in a wringer today? It has to be big, because Drake and Finn were bent over too when they came to the hotel.”

  Clint laughed some more. “My, you have a way with words. I think you’ve been hanging around with Evie because I damn well know that English is your second language.”

  “Evie might have taught me some of the colloquialisms,” Lydia grinned. “I only use them when they’re appropriate. So, tell me what’s wrong.” She stood up beside the bed and leaned her hip against it, happy that she’d put down the rail so she could be closer to Clint.

  “Lydia, I ended up going off on Finn for no good goddamn reason. Drake had to hold me down. I was a mess this morning.”

  “I could understand you going off on Drake, but Finn?” she teased.

  “My point exactly.” He looked at her with eyes filled with sorrow.

  “I don’t get it, what is your point exactly?” Lydia wasn’t going to let him get out of not stating exactly what his worry was about.

  “If I can blow up at Finn Crandall, how in the hell can I be trusted around you?”

  “Well, first of all, let’s not forget all the training I had to do to become a cop. You’re not exactly dealing with the average woman. I’m armed and dangerous most of the time. And those times I’m not armed, I’m still dangerous.”

  Clint gave her a long stare.

  She sighed and her shoulders dropped. “Fine, when it comes down to it, you’re going to win every single time. I get that. But I don’t think it would ever come to that.”

  Clint slid his palm against hers, then twined their fingers together. “I want to believe that, I really do, but how can I? From the moment I carried you out of that jungle, I swore to keep you safe. I’m not going to break that promise now.”

  Her fingers tightened in his. How could she make this better? What could she do or say?

  “So how do we solve this? I’m not letting you go. That isn’t an option. You’re the Nerd King. You’re the smartest man I know. I’m the Dork Queen. Come on Clint, we have to be able to solve this.”

  She stopped.

  “Did I just whine?”

  He gave a ghost of a smile. “Sure did. It was kind of cute.”

  “Fuck you.”

  “Hey, I said you were cute.” This time she got a real smile. She lived for his smiles. But…

  “We’ve got to figure this out.”

  “I think I have, but you’re not going to like it.” He stroked back her hair.

  She closed her eyes and waited, sure he was right.

  “I read over more of Dex’s notes. That man is good. He’s Lydia-good. Seriously, between the three of us, we could rule the world.”

  “I’m glad to see you included me with the two of you SEAL computer geniuses,” Lydia said wryly.

  “I always include you, Baby. Now stay on track. I read through Dex’s info. Couple that with Jack’s place to rehab, and I gather I’ll be an outpatient.”

  “That’s my assessment too,” Lydia leaned into his stroking hand. “I’ve already found a great place for us to stay that’s twenty minutes from the facility.

  He kissed the top of her head. “Here’s the part you won’t like.”

  She gently grabbed his wrist and moved so she could look him square in the eye. “If you think I’m not going to like it, then I won’t. So spit it out, Archer.”

  “I want to do this alone for a while. I think it’s best that for at least the first month or two. I need to work to get control of these mood swings before I’m spending the nights with you.”

  She blinked back tears. She didn’t know if they were tears of sorrow or anger. Maybe both.

  “Ah, Baby, don’t look at me that way, it breaks my heart. Or scares the shit out of me, I’m not sure which.”

  She dropped her head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat. “I can’t stand this, Clint, I need you so bad. At least come home for a day or two. I don’t know how, maybe Drake or Finn can stay at our house and just monitor the situation. But before you abandon me, I need some time with you.”

  “Lydia, that’s not a good idea.”

  She shifted and once again looked into his eyes.

  “Do I have to beg?” she whispered.

  Now his eyes filled up with tears. “Never. Never that.”

  15

  Jesus, I’m walking
like an old man. And if Drake looks at me like I’m going to tip over one more time, I’m going to take a swing at him.

  Clint gratefully grabbed the handrail of the stairs leading up to his townhome. He needed to get to the gym at the base. This was ridiculous.

  “If you even think about more strenuous exercise than what they’ve recommended over the next three days, I’m driving your ass straight to your girly spa early. Got that?” Drake’s voice rumbled. “Anyway, you have other activities you want to save your strength for.”

  Clint perked up at those words. Damn right he did.

  Thank God his townhome was rather large, so the master bedroom had some privacy from where Drake would be sleeping.

  The door opened and Lydia’s smile felt like the sun beaming down on him. She was even wearing a yellow sundress. He made it up the last four steps even faster so he could take her into his arms. It was the first time he had hugged her standing up. She’d left Walter Reed a week before he was discharged so she could deal with the San Diego Police Department and put in for a six-month leave of absence, which she got.

  God, she felt wonderful. But soon he felt himself flagging, and he didn’t want Lydia forced to take his weight, so he stepped back. He cupped her cheeks and kissed her. It didn’t last nearly as long as he would have wished, but he needed to sit down. Damn, seven weeks at the hospital and he was still this weak, how pathetic!

  “I have cake.” She smiled. “Why don’t the two of you come in and sit down, and I’ll cut you each a piece.”

  She was a sharp cookie, his fiancée.

  He got inside and looked around the living room. He breathed a sigh of relief that everything looked so familiar. There was even that crazy vase that Lydia had gotten at a farmer’s market, the one he really hated, but he’d never said a word. God, just looking at all the vibrant colors was giving him a headache. He looked back at Lydia—now she was a sight for sore eyes.

  Drake sat in the armchair beside the couch so that Lydia and Clint could eventually sit together. Since it was an open floor plan, they both watched from the couch as she cut huge slices of chocolate cake for both of them. This was right up there with sex, but sex was definitely first on his list, and with Lydia in that sundress, that was about all he could think about.

  He watched her unconscious sway as she brought over the plates and put them down on the coffee table. Drake better not be eyeing her cleavage. He gave him a sideways glance and Drake winked. The bastard, once again he knew exactly what Clint was thinking.

  “What would you both like to drink?”

  Clint was struck by her slight Spanish accent. How come he hadn’t noticed that all the time he’d been in the hospital? It had always turned him on. Then again, everything about Lydia Hildalgo turned him on. Her nose. Her imagination. Her curves. Her heart. Her soft skin. Her compassion.

  Stop!

  He put the plate on his lap to cover his erection.

  Get it together, Archer.

  “What?” he asked.

  “I asked what you would like to drink.”

  Drake smirked at him.

  “Milk,” Clint answered.

  “Good choice,” Drake smiled. “It was my choice too.”

  “I should have known that you growing boys needed calcium to keep your bones strong.”

  If my bone gets any stronger, it will lift the plate.

  Lydia went back to the kitchen and Drake snickered.

  “Go to hell, Avery. Don’t you have to be with Karen and the kids?”

  “Her mom came to help for the week I was in Maryland with you. I’ve got a reprieve.”

  God help me.

  “I was hoping it was Finn who was going to babysit us.”

  “If wishes were horses, beggars would ride,” Drake said solemnly.

  “Huh?”

  “Here’s your milk.” Lydia leaned over as she placed the glasses in front of them. Clint tried not to ogle her breasts. It was a losing proposition.

  “Aren’t you going to eat any cake?” Clint asked as Lydia sat down close beside him.

  “I licked the icing bowl, so I’m good.” She smiled. “Oh yeah, I also licked the batter off the beaters, so I’m really covered.”

  My dick is going to explode if she says the word lick one more time.

  “Clint, is something wrong? Don’t you like the cake? I know it’s not up to Sophia’s standards, but I used her recipe.” She looked worried.

  “This is great, Lydia. Ignore him.” Drake grinned. He’d already eaten most of his piece. “I’m going to want another slice.”

  “I think it was the flight and the excitement to get home. I’m sorry, I’m exhausted, Baby.” He kept his plate on his lap as he reached out and caressed her cheek, his thumb teasing her lower lip.

  “That’s right, it’s ten o’clock East Coast time. No wonder you’re tired.”

  “I have to check in with Karen. I want to talk to Andrew before he goes to bed,” Drake grinned. “Maybe I’ll have a chance to tell him a bedtime story. He loves the ones about dinosaurs, soldiers, and angels all fighting against the evil troll named Derwood. It’s still not finished yet.”

  Clint chuckled. “How does it end?”

  “Damned if I know.” Drake shook his head. “I’m just playing it out as long as I can. Mind cutting me another slice and showing me to my room?” Drake asked Lydia.

  “I have some chili mac simmering on the stove, and cornbread. I just thought you might want a treat before dinner,” she protested.

  “I can help myself to dinner when the sugar rush evaporates,” Drake assured her. “But I’ve got to tell you, I think I’m done for the night. I’m exhausted. You can put that in the fridge, and I’ll have it for breakfast.”

  Lydia got up and Drake picked up his duffel and followed her down the hallway. Clint put down the plate and looked at his lap.

  “Behave,” he admonished his penis.

  He got up slowly, something he had learned at the hospital, so he didn’t have a head rush. He went over to the mantel and frowned. He picked up a picture of him and Lydia at their engagement party. There should be a wedding photo by now. He set it down.

  “I’ve always loved that picture,” Lydia said as she put her arms around his waist and laid her cheek against his back. He turned around and pulled her in for a real hug.

  “Did you get him settled?”

  “Yep, he was talking to Andrew. He put it on speakerphone for me a little bit. That kid is really something. He was talking so fast, and he has a little bit of his father’s Southern accent. He was already trying to figure out the ending of the story and was peppering Drake with questions.”

  “Sounds like Drake, always wanting to be one step ahead.”

  Lydia walked her fingers up his chest, then clasped her hands at the back of his neck. “What about you? Can I interest you in some chili mac and cornbread?”

  He shook his head slowly.

  “More cake?”

  Another shake of the head.

  “Milk?”

  “You’re kidding, right?”

  “Do you remember the way to the bedroom?” Lydia teased.

  “Not only that, I remember making love to you, but I think this is going to feel completely new, and I can’t wait.”

  He just hoped he had the stamina to give her the pleasure he had in the past. The pleasure she deserved.

  Lydia saw trepidation in Clint’s eyes, and for the life of her she couldn’t figure out what it was for. Maybe she was confused. That was it. Because now she saw heat and need—now that made sense.

  “I can’t carry you tonight,” he whispered into her ear.

  “Can I tell you a secret?” she asked quietly.

  “Absolutely.”

  “After being carried five days in the Mexican jungle, I’m okay that you don’t always carry me.”

  Clint laughed. Just as she’d hoped.

  “Then walk with me.” He held out his hand and she took it, and everything
clicked into place. She hadn’t lit candles or anything hokey like that, just made the bed and kept only one bedside light on so his head wouldn’t hurt. She’d turned down the covers. She had done one thing, however.

  When he reached for her, she demurred. “Let me go change.”

  “Honey, the only way I want you to change is by letting me take off your clothes.”

  “But I bought something you’ll like.”

  His eyebrows raised as he pulled her into his arms. “Baby, I appreciate the effort, I truly do, but there’s no need for props tonight. It’s finally just you and me. Do you hear me? You and me, stripped down to our very souls. I need to reaffirm our connection.” He began to unbutton her dress and she shivered.

  It took a moment for her to clear her throat. “I need that too. I need you, just you. I love you so much. My life would be nothing without you in it.”

  He stopped where he was and took her by her shoulders. “Don’t say that, Lydia. Don’t ever say that. You’re too important. Too beautiful and good. You’ve got to promise me if something happens to me, you’d go on. You’d live a wonderful life.”

  What was he talking about? “No, I promise no such thing.”

  “Lydia, you have to promise.” He sounded desperate.

  Her fingers scraped through the scruff on his cheeks, pulling so she had his attention.

  “Would you promise me such an idiotic thing?”

  He stared at her as if he were made of stone. His expression flat.

  “Exactly. Never, ever ask that of me again, Clint. It’s a non-starter.” She jerked at the front of her sundress, buttons flying as she worked it off her body. She watched his hazel eyes gleam as she stood there in front of him in a yellow thong and pretty yellow lace bra. Yeah, she’d had a gorgeous negligee planned, but she liked to have all of her bases covered, just in case.

  Clint reached out and touched the top curve of her breast. She shuddered. It had been too long. Too damned long. She waited, wanting, wanting so much, wanting everything. His other arm stretched around her waist and pulled her close.

  She closed her eyes and smiled. He still knew how much it turned her on to have him clothed and her naked against him. She loved him taking power in the bedroom, it felt so good to her. His hand stroked up and down her back, and she felt her bra loosen. Stinker had unlatched her bra and she hadn’t even noticed.