Match (Coronado Series Book 5)

by Hart, Lea

  “As an end goal…yes. But not as an opening move. We need to talk about this, first.”

  “I know.” Slipping his hand around the front of her T-shirt, he rested it on her stomach and sighed. “I got ahead of myself.” Shifting his weight, he let out a big breath. “I’m fine now. My body took over for a second, but my mind is firmly back in control.”

  “You may want to send that message to your body again, because what is pressing up against my back has not received the memo.” Laughing at her own joke, her eyes began to water. “Sometimes, I crack myself up.” She flipped over, pressed her hand against his chest, and felt his hips push into her as a devilish grin creased his face. Gone was her funny best friend. In his place was full grown man with full grown desire. “Oh.” Gazing into his dark green eyes, she realized that his brain had taken a hike, and his body was back in control. Her body was starting to heat up and respond, so she scooted back and tried to behave rationally. “We’re too old to screw this up. So let’s have breakfast and figure out what we’re going to do.”

  “Okay, my mind agrees with you. My body, however, wants to stay in bed and rip your clothes off and have at you.”

  “I understand. But we’re going to go with our brains first. If that fails, then we can let our hormones rule the day and jump back in and act like a couple of teenagers.”

  “I can live with that.” He sighed.

  “I thought you might.” Throwing the covers off, she got out of bed and slid her feet into her slippers. She turned and searched for a sweatshirt. Digging through the pile of clothes, she decided to forget about it and moved toward the door. “I’ll make breakfast. Do you want sweet or salty?”

  He lifted himself out of their warm cocoon and glanced down at her feet and let out a crack of laughter. “Those rabbits are pretty awesome.” Putting his hand out, he waited for her to slip hers inside of his. Once she did, he felt his heart click into rhythm. “I am in the mood for salty. And you, but I know that’s for later on.”

  “Okay, I’ll make an omelet and hash browns.” Shuffling behind him, she wondered why he held onto her hand. It wasn’t as if she was going to get lost between her room and the kitchen. Maybe this was all part of his plan to change their relationship. Sweet Lord, have mercy.

  “Are you talking to God?”

  “Yes, I’m asking for a little guidance because I’m way out of my comfort zone and I don’t want to make a monumental mistake.”

  “We are not going to screw this up.” Spinning on his heel, he grabbed her hands tightly so that she would know that he was serious. “I want you to be the love of my life, so I’m going to do everything I can to make sure that it happens. In many ways, you already are, so I figure it can’t be that hard to go all the way.”

  “Well, I hope you’re right. My brain is all twisty with thoughts of you naked. I’m going to let you take the lead on this because I’m scared out of my mind and I don’t know which way is up.”

  Resting his head against hers, he took a breath in. “I can’t imagine that I’m wrong, Jane. We just have to give it a chance.”

  “A chance?” Dear God, please help me. And when I say help, I mean send me a big obvious sign. Like a bolt of lightning or something. Thanks.

  “Are you calling in the big guns in those prayers of yours?”

  “Absolutely.”

  ********

  David tipped back in his chair after consuming a massive amount of food. Jane had outdone herself and made them an amazing breakfast. “Thanks for cooking.”

  Sipping her coffee, she looked at him and smiled. “No more fiddle faddle. Start from hello.”

  “All right, I hope you’re ready.”

  “I’m more than ready to hear why you think that I’m the one that you want to spend the rest of your life with.”

  “I blame Birdie.”

  “Of course. That’s seems reasonable.”

  “It all started when she wanted to set me up about a year and a half ago. She and Rory got snockered one night, and they decided that they needed to save the men of SAI from being single. Birdie is head over heels in love with Mark, and she wants everyone around her to feel the same way she does. Apparently, under that rational accountant exterior lies the heart of a hopeless romantic. I don’t think she will be satisfied until she has done everything she can to bring hearts and flowers to those around her. B-T-W, she owns a flower shop. Her first big match was a complete success. In fact, Ed and Amelia just got married last month. Anyway, after she tasted that initial victory, no one was safe from her efforts. I soon became her focus, and it wasn’t pretty. I resisted…of course, which only made her more determined to find someone.”

  “Why would you do that? It seems like she had your best interest at heart.”

  “I was being stubborn and ultimately got in my own way. After I canceled on one of her friends, she gave up on me. Just like that, she said I was hopeless and never tried again. In fact, the friend she thought would like me ended up marrying Derick.”

  “I still don’t see the connection between Birdie wanting to match you up and your decision that I’m the one for you. Even I can’t make that leap.”

  “To make a short story long…all of my friends have found the love of their lives. Most have gotten married, some are having kids, and all of them are so damn happy that it makes me sick. I thought I was the smart one by holding on to my freedom, but the only thing I’ve got is a lot of lonely nights.” Holding up his hand, he shook his head. “I know it’s shocking, but the one-night stand lost its appeal for me.”

  “That is shocking. You have been enjoying the bounty of women for years, and I never thought it would change.”

  “My friends have shown me another way. They have women who love them, take care of them, and have their best interest at heart. I see how happy and relaxed these guys are, and I want that, too.”

  “Wow!”

  “I know. Pretty surprising.”

  “So how do I figure into this mess?”

  “Now we get to the good part. I started dating women who I thought would be a good match, and every woman I went out with…I compared to you. Were they as funny as you, smart, pretty, and kind as you? None of them were. Every woman paled in comparison. And then me being the genius that I am, I finally realized that I should see if the real thing was available and interested. Because, ultimately, I just wanted to find someone exactly like you. So here we are.” Watching her study her hands made him incredibly nervous. Was she going to laugh or yell or just pat his hand and dismiss the idea? It was a hell of a risk, but he didn’t have a choice, because she’s who he wanted. “It’s Birdie’s fault because she started the whole matchmaking thing.”

  “I can see that.” Before she could lift her gaze, he was on his knees holding her hands. Staring into his leaf green eyes, she hesitated. “Does this have to do with me or is it just a desire to have what your friends have? We’ve never talked about an attraction between us, and it feels weird that it’s happening now.”

  “Let’s be honest. There was no way anything was going to happen between us before I left the Teams. I didn’t want to pursue anything when I was an active SEAL. Also, it took me a long time to mature.” Her nod of agreement and snort told him that she understood. “You also have been traveling for the last five years with the non-governmental organizations, so it’s not like we’ve spent a lot of time together. I’ve been attracted to you before. I just never did anything about it.”

  “I guess there have been occasions over the years where I thought, ‘Why not us?’ But then the timing was bad or you were seeing someone. I haven’t considered it in a very long time.”

  “Well, I’m hoping that you will pull it out again and consider me.”

  Standing, she pulled his hand so that he would get up. His big warm arms encircled her waist, as she rested her head against his heart and listened to it thump under her ear. Soft and steady, it felt like a lullaby. The sound was soothing all the arguments in her he
ad away and putting them gently to sleep. Rubbing her nose against his T-shirt, she inhaled his scent, and a wave of calm washed over her body. Somehow being in his arms was dousing the flames of fear in her heart. Maybe falling in love with her best friend wasn’t such a crazy idea after all. “I guess we can give it a shot.”

  Lifting her off the ground, he swung her around and kissed her loudly. “You are not going to regret this, J-bean. We are going to go all the way and have an amazing life together.”

  As he let her down slowly, she stood without moving. In the soft morning light that filtered through the window, his face looked both familiar and mysterious. She knew almost everything about him, but in this way, she knew nothing at all. His face moved closer to hers, and his kiss reached into her soul. Maybe it was him all along. Slipping her arms around his neck, she tilted her head and opened her mouth as he consumed her. It wasn’t a gentle seduction. The kiss demanded that she surrender. He kissed her as though he owned her, and it was a relief to kiss a man who knew what he wanted. There was no hesitation in the way his mouth tasted hers, and she realized maybe that’s what she had wanted all along. A man who knew her, wanted her, and made sure she knew how he felt.

  Lifting his mouth from hers, he slowly opened his eyes and gave her a half-smile. “I knew it.”

  “Wow! Amazing and weird. I’m not sure which one is winning out.”

  Pulling her hand, he walked into the living room. “Let’s smooch on the couch and see if amazing can be the victor.”

  He fell back against the couch and dragged her on top of his body. She braced herself on her arms and laughed. “I’ve never been kissed like that. I kind of wish we would’ve tried it earlier.”

  “I know what I want to do for the next week…make up for lost time. I want my mouth on you until I have to take you back to the airport.” Pulling her flush against him, he felt every soft curve of her melt into his body. As far as he was concerned, this was one of the best feelings in the world. It could only be improved by the removal of all of their clothing. But the fact that he was kissing the woman that he desired was pretty much a win in his book. Clothes or no clothes.

  Gasping for air, she lifted her mouth away from his. “I think we should talk about this more.” Dragging her hand out of his jeans, she tried to sit up and glanced down at the hand that covered her breast. “That means that you have to let go, David.”

  “But I don’t want to.” Moving his head, he took her nipple in his mouth again and let his tongue move across her sensitive bud. The way her body arched told him he had a half a chance. A moan escaped her lips as he tugged harder and took a little nip. “Carpe Diem.”

  “We don’t need to carpe all in one day, David.”

  Releasing her breast, he grinned unabashedly into her eyes. “I think today is a fine day to see what we have.”

  “I know, but I need a beat to figure out what I feel. I did not fly all the way from Honduras to become your love slave.”

  “Your body is telling me how you feel, so I know we’re heading in the right direction. How about if I become your love slave? I will give you more pleasure than you thought imaginable.”

  “I’m sure that you believe that, but I need to get my head in the game along with my body. Unless, of course, you’re just interested in a quick shag?”

  Smoothing his hands over her delicious skin, he released her and sat up. “I want everything.” Glancing around, he searched for her shirt, and once he found it, he slipped it over her head. “There we go.” Looking like he just accomplished a major feat of restraint, he smiled and held her hands. “What would you like to do today?”

  “Take me somewhere I’ve never been and show me something that you love. Let’s act like best friends for the rest of the day, so that I can get used to the idea of you being more.”

  Tilting his head against hers, he rested it there for a moment. “I want us to be everything, and I want it to happen right now. I know that’s not how it works, but that’s what I want. I’ve had months to think about this, and I just sprung this on you last week, so take your time. I promise that I will do my best not to ravage you.”

  “That’s all I need. A little time.”

  “I’m going to take you down to the beach and show you this amazing sea cave. Get your suit on, and let’s go.”

  Slipping off his body, she stood shakily and grinned. “Perfect. Give me fifteen minutes, and I’ll be ready.”

  He watched her move away and took a deep breath. He knew he was right about them, but he needed her to be in this with him. Take a breath, man, and relax. Don’t screw this up by being overanxious. Standing, he adjusted himself and went to his room to change. He had done a million hard things since joining the navy. This was just another one of them. Waiting to see if his best friend was willing to take him on and become the love of his life? No big deal.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Wednesday

  David walked in through the kitchen door with a box of donuts and saw Jane sitting in a puddle of light at the pine table, drinking coffee in her polka dot robe. “Happy birthday.”

  Standing up, she opened her arms. “Happy birthday.”

  Dropping the box on the table, he lifted her up and squeezed her hard. “This is going to be the best birthday we’ve ever had.”

  “Turning thirty-two doesn’t seem like it should herald such a proclamation.”

  Letting her down, he held her face in his hands and made sure that she was paying attention. “I love you, Jane, as my best friend and as the woman I want to spend my life with. Happy birthday, baby. I’m going to make sure that I do everything to make you happy for the rest of my life.”

  “Okay.” Wiping a tear from her cheek, she sniffed. “That’s the best present that I’ve ever received.”

  Burying his face in her hair, he let out a laugh. “I have a real present for you that I will give you later on. But I wanted you to know what I was feeling. I know this is scary as shit to have your best friend change all the rules. But I also know how precious life is, and I don’t want to waste time. I see you, and I know that you’re the one for me.”

  “Just like that?”

  “Yeah.” What else could he say that would convince her? Nothing. He had laid it all out on the line, and there wasn’t anything else to be said.

  “All right.”

  What does that mean…exactly?”

  “It means that when I’m done with school at the end of May, I will come back here and see what we have. I will not sign on for another year with the NGO.”

  Momentarily stunned, he knew he would do whatever it took to make sure that she returned and stayed in the same house, the same town…with him. Forever. “Thank you. For giving this crazy idea of mine a chance.”

  “I’ve found that most of your crazy ideas turn into something amazing. So I’m hoping that this one does, too.”

  “You know, that’s pretty much what I’ve done since I joined the Teams. That’s my normal. But I’ll give you whatever time you need to see if this is what you want.”

  “Okay, let the birthday celebration begin.” She refilled her mug and then returned to his side. “I like your new tattoos.” She traced her hand along his bicep over the pattern that covered his skin. “Is this a phoenix?”

  Her small fingers traced over the bird, and his eyes followed the movement as shivers ran down his back. “Yes, it’s a phoenix. I had it done almost a year ago. After I left the Teams, I decided that I had to do something to mark it. I wanted to believe that there was something still out there for me. My life was defined for ten years by being a part of the brotherhood, and I was worried about the transition to civilian life. I didn’t know if I could handle it.”

  “You seem to be doing okay.” Pointing to his chest and then his stomach, she let out a sigh. “You won’t be getting any more of those. Jeez, David. How did you get such big scars?”

  Looking down, he ran his hand over his abdomen and shrugged. “I had a disagreement with
a hostile.”

  “I’m assuming it turned out worse for him that it did for you.”

  “You would be right.” He pulled out a mug and filled it up. “Let’s have our birthday donuts and then decide what we want to do to celebrate everything that is happening in our lives.”

  Sitting across from him, she grinned and took a chocolate twist out of the box. “There is nothing quite like American donuts. People try and replicate them, but they never succeed.”

  “Have you gotten the traveling bug out of your system?”

  Wiping her lips, she took a sip of coffee and stared at him. “I think so. I feel like I’m ready to come home and set down some roots. After my parents died in the car crash, it was all I could think to do. I didn’t know how to stay in Kansas and stay sane. I thought if I traveled then I could somehow get a new perspective and recover from the grief. It worked because the people that I was dealing with were living among the ravages of civil war. When I went to Arusha in Tanzania and saw what the people had suffered through, it made me get out of my own pity party. My parents had had an amazing life. It was cut short, but they never suffered. My priorities got straightened out right away, and it was through my helping others that I healed.” Taking a sip of coffee, she covered his hand. “I’m not telling you anything that you don’t know. Being on the Teams must’ve given you a whole new perspective on the world.”

  “I don’t quite have the warm feeling about humanity that you do, because I got to see human nature at its worst. But being out there and doing my part in protecting this country’s interests was the best job in the world. I never worried about the meaning of my work. I was damn fortunate to last as long as I did. Hell, I’m still part of it, since I’m on the reserve Team of SEALs for another year.”

  “You’re so fortunate to have made such a smooth transition from active service. Are you going to extend your commitment after the year is up with the reserve Team?”