by Seton, Cora
She wasn’t going through that again. Ever.
“Look, it was just a fluke. I thought I heard something outside, but I checked it out and it was nothing. Probably just a dog or something.”
“I’m coming over. Lock the doors and windows until I get there.”
He disconnected and she stared down at the phone. Partly in disbelief, part anticipation. She didn’t like that she wanted to see him again, but she couldn’t deny the desire.
Cloe groaned. If she wasn’t careful, she would do the one thing she’d vowed never to do again—give her heart away.
Chapter Four
‡
Donovan bit back a curse and put his cell in his pocket. He never should have left Cloe alone after that threatening phone call today. She sounded shaken and a bit scared and he didn’t like it one bit. The fact she’d checked out a strange noise without calling him made him want to hit something. What if there had been someone at her door? He’d never have known she was in danger if he hadn’t called.
“Everything okay?” His friend, Jack Taggart, asked from where he sat on the sofa with his wife.
Donovan rose to his feet and sent Jack’s wife an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, guys. I have to go.”
The dark-haired beauty stood and placed a hand on his arm. “Go check on her. You’ve been thinking of her all night anyway.” She cast him a knowing smile.
How the hell did Darci know about Cloe? He hadn’t said a word.
“I talked to Angela,” Darci said as if she’d read his thoughts.
Of course. Darci had friended Angela when Jack brought her to California to meet his family. Extended family, because Jack had been like a brother to him ever since they became swim buddies in BUD/s.
Jack stood and put his arm around his wife. “Sorry, buddy. You’re lucky she waited until now to say anything.”
Darci elbowed her husband, who played an injury but grinned like a love-struck fool. “Ouch.”
“Let us know if everything is all right with Cloe. And bring her over for dinner sometime. I’d love to meet the woman who distracted you from a delicious grilled steak.”
Donovan leaned down and kissed Darci’s cheek. “It’s not like that.”
She simply smiled in a way only a woman could. In that way that made men feel inferior because they weren’t in on the secret. Woman’s code, as his teammates called it. The term coined by ‘Mikey’ Kreegan, the best damn demolitions expert he knew on the teams.
“Give it up, man,” Jack said, clapping him on the shoulder. “Just bring her over.”
“Bring her with you to the Christmas Eve party,” Darci suggested.
Not all of the guys on SEAL Team 5 had family, or family close enough to celebrate Christmas with, so Darci invited them all over on Christmas Eve. It would be casual, no gifts, just drinks and dinner, which Jack would grill because Darci didn’t cook.
“We’ll see,” he said just to appease her. “I really have to go.”
Darci waved him off. “Go. And let us know if there’s trouble.” She began cleaning up while Jack walked him to the door.
“If you need backup, call,” Jack said.
Donovan stepped onto the porch. “Thanks.”
As he strode to his car he felt that familiar tightening in his chest he did every time his brothers-in-arms stood at his back. In battle, on the home front. No matter what, the guys from SEAL Team 5 would always be there. As close to him as his blood brothers. He truly was blessed to have his extended family.
In less than fifteen minutes he reached Cloe’s house. Instead of going to the front door, he detoured around the house, checking every nook and cranny for signs of an intruder. When he found nothing, he knocked on the front door.
Her stressed voice came through seconds later. “Donovan?”
“It’s me.”
The lock clicked and the door opened. Cloe stood there, face pale, bandage on her forehead tinted with blood. She looked soft and vulnerable and he wanted to wrap her in his arms, chase away her fears.
“Come in,” she offered, standing back so he could walk past her. She locked the door behind him. “I hope I didn’t take you away from your dinner plans.”
“We were finished. You said you heard the noise at your back door?”
“Yes, but it was probably just a stray dog or something. I went out there and looked around, but didn’t see anything.”
He pinned her with a hard stare. “You shouldn’t have done that. Next time, call me first.”
Her brow arched. “By the time you got here it would be too late anyway, so stop telling me what to do.”
Realizing he’d let his own fear for her turn his tone gruff, he put his hands on her shoulders. “I’m going to go check out the back porch. Wait here?”
She nodded.
It only took a couple minutes to check her back door for signs of someone trying to break in. He walked the porch from one end to the other and found nothing. Cloe waited where he’d left her, arms wrapped around her waist.
“Did you see anything?” she asked.
“No.”
“I did hear something.” She sounded defensive.
“I believe you.” He approached slowly, her posture still rigid. “How about if I stay here tonight?” At her wide eyes he added, “On the couch. I’ll sleep on the couch.”
“You won’t fit on the couch.”
He smiled to ease her nerves. “I’ve slept on worse.”
Her brows drew together. “It’s not necessary. Like I said, it was probably a stray dog or something.”
Close enough he could smell her shampoo, he said, “I’d feel better knowing you’re safe.”
That didn’t have the desired effect. Instead of comforting her, it made her expression turn angry.
“I hate this,” she said. “Why should that jerk get to control my life?”
He pulled her into his chest, wanting to take away her misery. Needing to hold her. She stiffened, then leaned into him. Damn, she felt good in his arms. He never wanted to let her go.
“We aren’t going to let him do that,” he said.
“How?”
“By taking away his power. He only controls your life if you let him.”
God, she smelled good.
“I’m jumping at every noise. Afraid to answer my phone in case it’s him. Looking over my shoulder. How does that not control my life?”
“He hasn’t made a direct threat, only a veiled one. And he could have been blowing off steam. He’s a hothead, I vote for the latter.” Even if the threat turned out to be a hoax, he wasn’t leaving Cloe’s side until he knew for sure.
“I like your vote,” Cloe murmured against his chest.
“Let’s treat this like a late night and I’m too exhausted to drive home so you offered me your sofa. Sound good?” Not so far from the truth. He’d only been stateside for two days.
Her head lifted and her gaze met his. “You do look a bit tired.”
He smiled. “So we agree? I sleep on the couch tonight?”
“You are a pushy SEAL,” she said without ire. “Yes, you can stay.”
Those words caused all of his blood to rush south, his body interpreting them completely different than his brain. Add to that the sensual scent of spiced apple, and his thoughts dove to the bedroom, where he’d much rather sleep.
Damn it. Hadn’t he learned his lesson with Jill? No way could he get involved again and then deploy, wondering if Cloe was leaving him too. That kind of distraction got people injured. Or worse, killed. A risk he couldn’t take. Not with his heart. Not with his teammates. When he was on a mission he had to be all in. Not sidetracked by thoughts of home and what was happening behind his back.
“That bandage needs changing.” Reluctantly, he let her go.
“I was going to take a bath anyway. I’ll change it after I’m done.”
Donovan smothered a groan. Staying here just might decimate him. “Let me know if you need help with the bandage.
”
Once Cloe disappeared into the bathroom, he pulled out his cell and called Jack. Darci wouldn’t sleep until she knew everything was okay and he knew his buddy needed rest after their last deployment.
Jack answered on the second ring.
“All clear,” Donovan said.
“Wanna tell me what’s going on? Darci is in the shower.”
“The asshole who hit Cloe made a threatening call to her earlier. Veiled, but still a threat.”
“What’d he say?”
“Told her to watch her back.”
“What the hell is this guy’s deal?”
Donovan rubbed his forehead. “I don’t know. He’s a hothead. Could be blowing steam, but I’m not taking any chances. From the looks of it Cloe is alone out here.”
“How’d he track her down?”
“I’m guessing he picked up her cell phone and wallet, because we never found it.”
“Damn. Well, we’ve got your back if shit gets serious.”
‘We’ meant the team. His brothers. Even during their leave they would jump in to help, no questions asked.
“Thanks.” He heard a woman’s voice in the background. Then Darci came on the phone.
“Tell me she’s okay.”
“She’s okay.”
“Good. Are you staying with her tonight?”
Donovan heard Jack muttering in the background and smiled. Darci was a feisty one and perfect for his laid-back friend.
“I am.”
“On the couch? She’s been through a lot.”
More muttering from Jack, then noise on the phone as Darci said something to Jack he couldn’t hear.
Darci came back on. “Okay, I got the scoop from Jack. I’ll let you go now. And don’t forget, you’re bringing biscotti for the party.”
Damn. He’d forgotten Darci had roped him into making his biscotti. His specialty. None of his family made it like he did and he always baked a few batches when he was home. Mostly for his dad, who loved biscotti and had taught him to make it.
“I won’t forget,” he promised. “Buonanotte tesoro mio.”
“God, I love it when you speak Italian.” He could hear Darci’s smile in her voice. “What did you say?”
Jack came on the phone. “Stop flirting with my wife.” His tone was light and teasing, not at all upset. “Catch ya later, buddy. I’m taking my wife to bed.”
Donovan chuckled when he heard Darci squeal before the line went dead. Jack was one of the lucky ones. He’d found a woman who would stay by his side through thick and thin. She’d never leave in the middle of deployment. It wasn’t Darci’s style and she loved Jack. What they’d gone through in the Caribbean left no doubt in anyone’s mind they were destined to stay together for life.
A twinge of jealousy hit him. He couldn’t be happier for his teammate, but it stung because he’d tried to have that and failed.
His phone vibrated. He glanced at the screen. Angela. “What’s up, Ang?”
“Darci called me and told me you left early because something happened with Cloe. Is she all right?”
“She’s fine. Nothing to worry about.”
“Oh, good. You’re staying with her tonight, right?”
Did everyone want to know where he was staying tonight? “Yes. On the couch.”
“Not what I was asking, big brother. But, probably a good idea. For now.”
Donovan groaned. “Don’t even think about matchmaking. I swear, you and Darci are more trouble than you’re worth.”
“You still love us,” Angela said. “I’ll let you out of this one because you just got home. You still planning on going to the Christmas Eve party?”
“I’m bringing the biscotti.”
“I got antipasto.”
He chuckled, knowing his sister was the only one in the family who hated to cook. “If you’re nice I’ll help you make it.”
“Deal.”
God, he loved his sister. His chest swelled. “It’s good to be home, sis.”
Ang said softly, “We’re happy you’re home too. This Christmas we celebrate big.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“Take care of Cloe. She needs someone.”
She disconnected and he stared at his phone for a second before sliding it into his pocket. Cloe needed someone to look after her, but that was as far as it could go. No matter how much he wanted to explore the attraction he felt.
*
Feeling more relaxed, Cloe climbed out of the tub and wrapped in a thick bath towel. Well, her muscles were more relaxed but her nerves were edgy knowing Donovan was right outside the door and he was spending the night.
Again.
A new record for her since Lance’s passing. And darn it, she shouldn’t be anticipating spending time with him. Her heart couldn’t take another break and with Donovan being a Navy SEAL his world screamed uncertainty.
Only a fool would fall for a man whose career could end his life at any moment.
Pushing those thoughts away, she towel-dried her hair and changed into her pajamas. Drawstring shorts and a tank top, since nights remained pretty warm here. So different from winter in New York.
A twinge shot through her chest. Her first green Christmas. She’d always loved the holiday in New York. The city lit up at night was breath-taking.
Sobering, she ran her fingers through her hair. Christmas held no good memories for her anymore. Only grief. Good thing it didn’t snow here or she’d be in real trouble.
Satisfied the tangles were out of her hair, Cloe walked out of the bathroom to find Donovan stretched out on the sofa watching a sports channel. For a moment she paused to stare at him. One jean-clad leg crooked on the floor and the other dangled over the arm of the couch. His hands were stacked behind his head, the remote resting on his broad chest. The navy t-shirt he wore stretched nicely over his muscular frame.
He looked as good in jeans and t-shirt as he did dress slacks and white shirt. And she’d thought him incredibly handsome in dress clothes. This relaxed, rugged side to him only made her nerves go even crazier.
It had been a long time since a man had looked good to her.
“Hey,” Donovan said. “Feel better?”
“Much. I’ll go grab some bedding for you.” Anything to get away from temptation. And, goodness, he was tempting.
She escaped into her bedroom to get a pillow and blankets, taking longer than necessary, but her darn heart wouldn’t slow down. How could a man’s presence make her respond so intensely? That had never happened before. Not even with Lance.
Unsure how to process that, she carried the bedding out to him. He rose to his feet with grace and agility, reaching for the stack in her hands.
“I can make up the sofa for you,” she offered.
“Nah, I got it. Go on to bed, you look exhausted.”
She was tired. Maybe now she would sleep knowing he protected her and no one would get past him.
If anyone tried. For their sakes, she hoped no one had and she’d heard an animal on the porch.
“Let me know if you need anything.” She headed back to her room, closing the door behind her. But only after she tore her eyes away from the sight of Donovan making a bed, muscles in his back and arms rippling.
Leaning back against the door, she drew in a deep breath. If she wasn’t careful she’d do something stupid like invite him into her bed. And not to sleep.
Oh, boy.
Maybe sleep wouldn’t be so easy tonight.
Chapter Five
‡
With a groan, Donovan pushed to his feet. He’d slept in worse places than Cloe’s couch, but that thing was worse than a medieval torture rack. A glance at his watch showed five a.m. Just like clockwork, he woke up the same time every morning.
He didn’t have a change of clothes with him or he’d go through his morning workout. He could slip home, grab his things, and return in under fifteen minutes. Routine meant everything for him. Missing it would throw his entire d
ay off. He’d already missed yesterday by staying up all night with Cloe.
After a few seconds of debate, he decided to leave a note for her, and hurried out the door. He could workout at her house; he just needed clean clothes to put on afterward.
At his car, he stopped short, a rock sinking in his gut. Someone had slashed his tires. He walked slowly around the car. All four of them. And not only once. They had been shredded. A vicious act, not a prank.
Donovan scanned the quiet street. Most of the cars were parked in the owner’s driveway or garage. Only a couple sat on the street. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. None of the Christmas decorations had been bothered and the cars he could see didn’t have flat tires.
His car had been the target.
Cloe had definitely heard something last night. The bastard who did this had probably been on her back porch. If it was the guy who’d hit her then he had something to go on. Donovan would track him down to the ends of the earth if he was making good on his threats to Cloe. He would not allow the scumbag to intimidate her. Hell, he wouldn’t let him harm one more hair on her head.
Gripping his keys in his hand, he turned on a heel and strode back into the house. He locked the door behind him and pulled out his cell. His brothers were going to have to cover for him at the restaurant for a few days, because he wasn’t leaving Cloe’s side until he got rid of the danger.
After calling Luciano he made a call to tow company to have his car serviced, then made a pot of coffee. Energy thrummed though his body, searching for an outlet. He could run to his house from here, but it would take too long to get there and back. And running in jeans didn’t appeal all that much.
Leaving Cloe alone appealed even less.
“Good morning.”
Donovan turned to see Cloe standing just outside her bedroom door, wrapped in a silk robe that fell mid-thigh. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders, slightly tousled. Stunning.
“You’re up early,” he said, tearing his eyes off her long, shapely legs.
“So are you.” Her lips tilted in a tiny smile. “I’m usually up by six. Habit from when I worked—” She stopped abruptly, dropping her gaze.
