“You sure you’re okay?” Brock asked, his dark eyes searching hers.
“Yes.”
Brock frowned. “I just thought, with Max—”
“This isn’t about Max,” Jo snapped.
“I know, I’m just stating the obvious,” Brock replied, his voice laced with tension.
Jo swallowed her grief. “Do you think I need to be reminded?”
“I loved him, too,” Brock growled. “He was my brother.”
“I know that,” she hissed. “We all do, Brock.”
Jo’s brothers all shifted uncomfortably. And this was the problem with Brock. He would always be a part of their life, whether she wanted him to be or not. A constant reminder of everything she’d lost.
Hayden
Hayden passed his medical evaluation without any issues. It took longer than he’d expected once they pulled up his charts. But after a long and thorough exam he’d been diagnosed with a mild case of hypoxia and cleared.
Hypoxia sounded worse than it was. It was really just a fancy name for when the body doesn’t get enough oxygen. This wasn’t the first time Hayden had battled the organ damaging diagnosis. Strangely though, this was the first time it had been caused by swimming.
He ran his hand over the jagged scars on his chest as he fought an unpleasant rush of memories. Hayden had wasted too many days in hospital rooms just like this. He was eager to trade his hospital gown for a pair of green military issue scrubs and leave the disturbing reminder of his youth behind.
Once Hayden was dressed he started to feel guilty. He hadn’t meant for his stunt to cause this much concern. And he hated that it now drew attention to his condition.
Hayden despised being labeled. It was something he’d dealt with his whole life. Whether it was due to the medical defect he’d been born with or his father’s infamous reputation, it was not a fate he’d wish on anyone. Medically, Hayden had mostly been able to keep his issues under wraps thanks to privacy laws and his father’s ability to grease certain wheels when necessary. Archibald Anderson certainly must’ve paid the right person at ACE to overlook Hayden’s medical records. Unfortunately, the doctor who’d been examining him today didn’t look like he had a clue about whatever arrangements had been made.
The doctor walked back into Hayden’s exam room, concern creasing his features as he held Hayden’s charts. Moments ago the doctor had seen Hayden without a shirt on. Unless he was blind it was glaringly obvious that Hayden shouldn’t be at ACE. He was a fool to push his body to the extremes the ACE athletes did. Hayden was lucky to be alive. He had no right to ask for more. But that never stopped his father from wanting more.
The doctor cleared his throat. “We’re done here for now, but I hope you understand the seriousness of—”
Hayden cut him off. “I do. Trust me.” The last thing he needed was another lecture about his health.
“Well, if you experience anything out of the ordinary make sure you come back and see me immediately.”
“Thanks, I will.”
The doctor gave Hayden a stern look. “I mean it. Hypoxia is extremely dangerous to someone with your history. You were lucky today. You’ve passed your exam, but I’ve recommended you take some time to recover fully.”
Hayden hardened his jaw. He wanted to punch something, but he knew that would probably only get him sidelined longer. Instead he nodded curtly and asked, “How long until you think I’m fully recovered?”
It was a loaded question. Someone like Hayden would never be fully recovered.
The doctor brushed off his question. “I’ll need you to take this paperwork to Jack Wright. You’re suspended from training until he signs your release. He’s expecting you in his office as soon as you leave here.”
That was it then. Dead man walking.
Hayden took the folder of paperwork begrudgingly. He was not looking forward to a conversation with Jack. Especially one about how his father altered his medical records—and who knows what else—to get him into ACE.
Plus, knowing that Jack was Joy’s uncle made him even harder to face. The man had intimidation down to a science and that was without knowing Hayden was in lust with his niece. What if Jack knew? Hayden was pretty sure his infatuation was a living, breathing thing, clearly visible for all to see. His only hope was that he’d have time to speak to Jack alone and be spared the embarrassment of being called out in front of Joy.
The doctor spoke again, stealing the last of Hayden’s hope. “Your squad leader is waiting to accompany you to Jack’s office.”
Squad leader—aka: Joy.
Hayden hung his head as he made his way out of the exam room and down the hall that led to the waiting room. He didn’t know who he was more afraid to face, Jack or Joy? But as he came to the door that led to the waiting room, Joy’s voice floated toward him, replacing his dread with desire. That is until he heard what she was saying.
“This isn’t about Max,” Joy snapped.
Max? Hayden’s interest piqued. Who the hell is Max?
He better not be your boyfriend, Joy.
I want to be your boyfriend, Joy.
Hayden shoved his possessive musings away and focused on the conversation.
“I know, I’m just stating the obvious,” a harsh male voice replied.
Joy’s voice was full of pain when she spoke next. “Do you think I need to be reminded?”
“I loved him, too,” the harsh male continued. “He was my brother.”
“I know that,” she hissed. “We all do, Brock.”
Another male spoke. “He still is your brother. What happened doesn’t change that.”
“Well, she sure doesn’t act like his loving girlfriend anymore,” the harsh voice barked.
The words slipped into Hayden’s heart like ice.
No, no, no! Joy, you’re not supposed to have a boyfriend.
I’m supposed to be your boyfriend.
But of course Joy had a boyfriend. There was no way a girl like her was single. Still, that didn’t explain the kiss. Yes, she said it had been a dare. Yes, she said it wouldn’t happen again. But that didn’t explain why that damn kiss was still driving Hayden crazy. Everything about it felt so real.
And what about the kisses on the beach afterward? The kiss in the bar may have been a dare, but everything that happened on the beach later had not.
The other male voice spoke up again trying to diffuse the tension Hayden could feel pulsing on the other side of the door. “How about we leave Max out of this and focus on today’s events?”
“I should go check and see what’s taking Hayden so long,” Joy said.
Her words released Hayden’s legs, which had been momentarily rooted to the floor. He didn’t want to be caught eavesdropping on Joy. He already had enough strikes against him without adding creeper to the list.
He pulled open the door right as Joy reached it. She fell into his chest with a whoomph as the air left her lungs on impact. Hayden’s arms circled around her to keep her from bouncing off him and onto her beautiful ass. In the split second he held her he knew he was holding too tight, too long and for too many wrong reasons.
And although it was probably wishful thinking, Hayden swore, for just one second, Joy’s arms squeezed back.
Once he was sure she was steady, Hayden released Joy and stepped into the waiting room. The four guys in the room instantly assaulted him with their glares. If looks could kill, Hayden would be dead, despite being in a medical facility. He couldn’t help wondering if any of them were Max—the boyfriend.
He prayed to God the largest one wasn’t Max. At six-foot-three, 180 lbs, Hayden was no slouch. But this dude had Hayden by at least three inches and possibly a hundred pounds. Hayden’s heart cowardly climbed to his throat. He couldn’t compete with a guy like that. And what the hell was Joy doing dating a caveman? The man would break her. Disappointment stabbed Hayden, swift and true. Goddamn, he had it bad for this girl.
I shouldn’t fight this caveman, Joy.
But for you, I will.
For you, I’d do a lot of things I shouldn’t.
Luckily, Joy broke the hostile staring contest by making quick introductions. “Hayden, these are my brothers. You know Lucas and Brock, and this is Ethan and Ryan.”
Hayden glanced between the boys as elation filled his chest. Brothers. She said brothers!
You nearly gave me a heart attack, Joy.
Things were snapping into place. Hayden remembered Joy mentioning she had three over-protective brothers and one annoying Brock. But seeing them all together was intimidating as hell. Hayden found himself feeling lucky Lucas had been the one at Locos that night rather than Ryan, aka: the caveman. The dude was a giant! Thank God he wasn’t Joy’s boyfriend.
Ethan stepped up to shake Hayden’s hand. “You okay, man? You gave us a scare.”
Recognition rolled over Hayden as he placed Ethan. He was the lifeguard who’d been driving the jet ski. “I’m fine, thanks.”
“Good to hear.”
But Hayden wasn’t paying attention to Ethan. He was too busy looking around the waiting room for the alleged Max. He continued to study Joy’s brothers. Ethan seemed nice enough. He looked like a normal surf bum. His face was similar to Ryan’s, but he wasn’t as tall or as roided-up. Then there was Lucas. He was the link between the caveman and the surfer. Hayden got why they were here. They were Joy’s brothers. They worried about her. But that didn’t explain Brock. And strangely, he was the only one still giving Hayden a warning glare.
“So,” Joy said, interrupting the staring contest brewing between Hayden and Brock. “If you’re ready, we need to head over to the office. Jack is waiting to speak to you.”
21
Joy
Jo was silent as they walked to her uncle’s office. There were a million things she wanted to say to Hayden.
I’m so glad you’re okay.
What the hell were you thinking with that kiss?
Don’t ever do that again, even though I can’t stop thinking about your lips . . .
Jo didn’t trust herself right now. Her head and her heart were at war and she was terrified of the casualties that might occur if she opened her mouth. The only thing that reassured her was the warmth radiating off of Hayden like he possessed his own personal sun and hid it somewhere beneath his perfectly sculpted body. Perhaps that’s why Jo was so inconveniently drawn to him. How was a mortal expected to resist the pull of the sun?
She glanced up at him through her lashes and was instantly overwhelmed with the desire to reset her orbit with him at her center. She hated how much she was drawn to him. But she was also comforted, knowing he must be strong and healthy to exude such a hold over her.
Hayden
Jack Wright’s office was impossible to miss. It was the size of a press box and located directly above the mess hall with 360 degrees of windows, allowing him views of the entire ACE compound, making it appear that he was watching at all times. The effect was intimidating as hell.
Hayden was reduced to feeling like a petulant child dragging his feet on the way to the principal’s office. At least he had Joy by his side. Though he wasn’t really sure if that was a good thing or not. Hayden still wasn’t sure his feelings for Joy weren’t transparent. And the last thing he needed was to get on the bad side of the guy in charge of ACE. Especially since he was about to have to beg to stay.
Joy opened the office door like she was just as nervous. Hayden followed her in and Jack looked up from his desk pinning them both with a stare. Christ, how the hell did men actually report to this guy? Jack Wright looked like he chewed people up and spit them out for a living.
Jack was everything Hayden had ever imagined a Marine would be. From the buzz cut to the dog tags. Not to mention that the guy’s muscles looked like their sole purpose was to punish the material taxed with covering them. If the guy flexed, Hayden wouldn’t be surprised to see the tight navy blue shirt covering Jack’s chest shredded to pieces. Jack gave ripped a whole new meaning.
Hayden glanced at Joy, regret pumping through him.
Joy, I think your uncle might kill me, and I really wish I could kiss you one more time before I die.
Jack gave them a nod. “Take a seat.”
They did.
“Jo, I’ve taken a look at your report. Is there anything else you care to add?”
Shit, she’d already written a report?
“No, sir,” Joy replied.
“Then you feel Anderson here can be trusted to continue on with the program?”
“Yes, sir.”
Hayden eyebrows jumped in astonishment. You believe in me, Joy?
Jack continued his interrogation. “What about the claims that he put you at risk?”
“Who said that?” Joy asked, an edge to her voice.
“One of the other lifeguards on duty with you today.”
Joy’s eye narrowed and her jaw tightened. “I think we both know it was Brock. And we both know his tendencies to let his emotions influence him.”
Jack’s jaw tensed as his lips pressed together in a hard line. After a moment he gave Joy a curt nod, then pinned Hayden with a glare that made Brock’s stare look like a happy puppy’s face.
Finally, Jack turned his attention back to Joy and his eyes softened. “I’ve reviewed all the reports from the incident. It’s clear that emotions didn’t cloud your judgments today. I’m proud of you, Jo.” He lowered his voice. “Max would be, too.”
Hayden watched Joy swallow hard.
Max again.
Who is this Max, Joy?
Hayden didn’t have a chance to dwell on it though. He was the subject of Jack’s scrutiny again. “Mr. Anderson, do you feel fit to continue with the ACE program?”
“Yes, sir, I do.”
“Did you bring me your medical report?”
Hayden nodded and handed over the folder.
Jack didn’t even open it. “On our physician’s recommendations I’m suspending you from training. You’ll receive another DQ for tomorrow, but what you’ve done to this point will be enough to secure you a spot in next week’s rounds.”
Hayden felt the bottom drop out of his world. He’d already been disqualified for today. If he got another big fat zero for tomorrow’s score that would put him in the bottom for week two. He was good, but not that good. Besides, who wanted to work their way up from the bottom if they didn’t have to?
He opened his mouth to argue, but Jack held up a hand.
“This isn’t up for negotiation. Based on information you omitted from your application, you shouldn’t even be here. But based on Jo’s report, I’m willing to look into your charts and give you another chance if the physicians agree. But I’m warning you, I don’t give second chances easily, so don’t screw this up, Anderson. You won’t get another.”
Hayden was on his feet, ready to flea the room before Jack could change his mind. “Thank you, sir. You won’t regret it.”
“Just a moment,” Jack said, stopping Hayden in his tracks. Jack turned to his niece. “Jo, you take tomorrow off, too.”
She balked. “But I—”
“That’s an order.”
She crossed her arms and pouted. If Hayden wasn’t so terrified of Jack he would’ve been distracted by how kissable Joy’s pouty bottom lip looked.
“What am I supposed to do with a day off?” Joy demanded.
“Actually, three days off. I’d like you to spend the next three days with Anderson and report back to me Monday. Then I’ll make my final decision if he’s fit to go back to training.”
Joy turned to look at Hayden the exact moment he looked at her. Their eyes met and the air immediately crackled with electricity.
Joy looked away first, her cheeks turning a mild shade of coral. Hayden had to fight his grin. That was his new favorite color—the same color he’d seen in her cheeks after kissing her on the beach.
You like me, don’t you, Joy?
She faced Jack. “With all due
respect, I’m a lifeguard, not a babysitter.”
“With all due respect,” he replied. “I make the assignments around here and right now yours is ensuring Mr. Anderson stays safe and follows my orders. Am I clear?”
“Yes, sir,” Joy replied, her face flushed bright red.
Hayden didn’t like that color nearly as much.
Jack folded his arms, satisfied. “Good.”
“What are we supposed to do for three days?” Joy asked.
“Nothing strenuous. Take him for a tour of the island. Do typical tourist stuff. Nothing ACE related. I want you to monitor his vitals. Resting heart rate, bp, etc. I need to know what his baseline is so we have something to compare it to if he returns to training.”
Both Joy and Hayden were silent and Jack studied them. “I’m assuming I can trust you both not to have any repeat trips to medical?”
“Yes, sir,” Joy said, though her voice lacked confidence.
Hayden’s heart however was doing backflips. Maybe Jack wasn’t such a bad guy after all. He’d just ordered Joy to spend the weekend with Hayden.
As they left Jack’s office Hayden mentally added near drowning to a list of things he would do again to spend time with Joy.
22
Joy
Jo chewed her lip as she marched toward her ACE apartment. Hayden followed her, his long legs effortlessly keeping up with her brisk pace. She was fuming. Not only did her uncle humiliate her, but she was losing three days of experience at ACE and on top of that she was stuck babysitting the last person on the island she should be around.
Spending time with Hayden wouldn’t benefit anyone. If anything it would only jeopardize both of their futures. Before today, Jo had been willing to sweep her feelings for Hayden under the rug.
She’d been pretending he was just another jock getting his kicks in Hawaii. She’d been pretending her stomach didn’t knot when he was near. She’d been pretending her heart didn’t flip each time they touched. She’d even begged her lips to forget the feel of his. But today, when she’d seen the bright blue flame that dwelled deep in his eyes go out while they were still underwater, she knew . . . she could pretend and beg all she wanted, but Hayden wasn’t someone her heart would let her ignore.
The Summer Boyfriend Page 9
