The SEAL’s Surprise Mission (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) (Rache)

by Rachel McNeely

  Vi stared at him. What was he doing? Then she saw the twinkle in his eye and something else that gave her hope.

  “I do remember you. We had a date, and I enjoyed it.”

  “I did, too. But then some people who thought they knew better than us did a dirty trick.”

  “Yes, I found that out just recently. I confronted my mother the other night. She admitted that she and my not-so-good friends planned it together.”

  “I have to say I doubt it would have made a difference. You had a year more before you’d finish high school, and then you went to college. I joined the Navy. My dream for years had been to qualify to be a SEAL. Nothing would have gotten in my way.”

  “Perhaps it all worked out for the best, then.” Vi’s throat tightened, and she hoped her ironic tone hid the emotions swirling inside her. His words and behavior confused her, and pride kept her from saying too much to him. Her fingers itched to reach up and brush the blond hair off his forehead. She didn’t move. His blue eyes staring into hers had her head spinning.

  Hawke held out his hand. “Shall we start over?”

  She stared at it. She was puzzled by his abrupt change. Can I trust him? Her mind reeled with questions and doubts.

  He leaned closer and whispered in her ear, “You are a brave woman. Don’t tell me you can’t take one more challenge.”

  Hawke fought the urge to smile when he saw her back stiffen. She looked up at him, and their breaths mingled when she responded.

  “I barely know you, as you pointed out. Why would I be interested in furthering a relationship when we will not see each other again?”

  “But you’re wrong. You live in San Diego, and so do I.”

  “We both have responsibilities and little time for dating or whatever.”

  “True. We’d have to make a concerted effort to make it happen.” Hawke took a step back, but kept his hand out, entreating her with his eyes to take it. “The band is playing. May I have a dance?”

  Silence surrounded them. He could have hugged her when she slowly, cautiously put her hand in his.

  Hawke’s fingers tightened around her more slender ones and he led her to the park’s dance pavilion. A local band was several beats into a slow number. He pulled her close, and Vi sighed as she put her head against his chest.

  He leaned down and whispered. “Relax. I don’t know your thoughts, but you must have doubts. We’ll take it day by day.”

  She raised her head. “I hope I didn’t make a deal with the devil.”

  “Not a devil, but hard-headed at times, I’ll admit. You may have to give me a whack to set me straight.”

  “Thanks for the permission.”

  After sharing several dances, they walked over to greet his parents. His father smiled. “You’d better go get some food, or it’ll be all gone.” He took Vi’s hand. “It’s good to see you here. I hope you’re having a good time.”

  “I am, and I’m celebrating a couple who’ve managed to stay married and in love for forty years. It’s quite a milestone and an example.”

  Hawke’s Mom spoke up. “It’s not easy, but the reward is great. Now go eat.”

  As they filled their plates, Vi turned to Hawke. “I want what your parents have. Otherwise, I won’t get married again. I’ll have to feel the man loves me enough to stick with me through the tough times.”

  “It goes both ways.”

  “Yes, it does. Are you going to take that rib? I want it. There’s more meat on the bone.”

  Laughing, Hawked placed it on her plate. “I was getting it for you.”

  “Yeah, right.”

  It was a magical evening for Vi. She let herself believe they had a chance. Still, there were many obstacles. One was whether they’d be able to trust each other.

  I loved him once, and I feel like I do today. I guess I’ve known that for a long time, but never fully admitted it. I hope this last opportunity will work.

  They sat at a picnic table, and Vi glanced across it at Hawke. He smiled. “You went away again for a moment.”

  “I expect I’ll do the same many times before I can believe you are serious.”

  “I am.”

  “Why the sudden change of heart, Hawke?”

  “I had a fight going on inside me, and I ended it and made this decision.”

  “To start all over from the first?”

  “Yes.”

  “Emma’s coming back with me to San Diego. She’s already applied for her California teaching license.”

  “Good. I like Emma. She’ll do well in the big city.”

  “I hope so.” Vi let out a little laugh. “I feel like I’m leading a lamb into the fire.”

  “Emma has a strong backbone and beliefs. You do, too, but you just found out about yours. It’ll be interesting to see what happens to all of us in the future.”

  Vi grinned. “If you hurt me again, I’ll have to kill you.”

  Hawke laughed. “If I do, I’ll deserve it.”

  “You don’t mind driving home by yourself?” Vi asked Emma as they prepared to leave, not long after Hawke’s parents had called it a night and the party started to break up.

  “No. I’m surprised and pleased to see you two getting along so well.”

  “I am, too. I’ll tell you about it in the morning.”

  “Okay. Have fun.” Emma waved and got in her car, while Vi let Hawke help her into the truck.

  He took an unexpected turn before they got to Emma’s parents’ place. She slid him a look. “I know where you’re driving. We used to call it Make-out Lake.”

  His teeth gleamed white in the shadows of the truck cab. “True. Although I never had a chance to make out with you. Since we’re going back to high school, I thought we’d enjoy a little cuddling.”

  “Sounds good to me. I never allowed any of the boys my mother insisted I date take me there.”

  “Then this is a new experience for us both.” Hawke smiled down at her. He turned the truck into the narrow lane leading directly to the wide area where young people parked. Tonight, they had the place to themselves.

  Moonlight spun a ribbon of light across the surface of the lake. “It’s beautiful, but is it safe?”

  Hawke started laughing.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “You are. You had a cameraman and yourself moving around the Middle East without a gun and plenty of enemies. Tonight, you are in a small town with a Navy SEAL by your side, and you worry?”

  “I guess that is funny.”

  “Come here.” He pulled her across the bench seat and tucked her close against his side. His fingers trailed from her eyebrows, down the side of her face and tipped her chin upward. “You are lovely, and I want to kiss you.”

  “What’s stopping you?”

  “I wanted to be certain you were okay with it.”

  “I’ve been waiting a long time. Quit talking, and let’s see some action.”

  He didn’t hesitate. His lips took hers in a hungry kiss. When his tongue swept into her mouth, their tongues touched and tasted each other. Her moan made his erection harder than it had been. After thoroughly kissing her, he moved down and kissed the spot where her heart pounded.

  Hawke raised his head. “You want me as much as I want you.”

  “It seems I’ve been waiting forever.”

  He tasted all along her soft shoulders and then going lower, he pushed the top of her dress down. He looked up. “No bra?”

  “There’s one built into the dress.”

  “I see. This dress makes it much easier to see and touch your gorgeous breasts.” He lifted each one and kissed the soft, white skin around her nipples. His hot kisses had her body pulsing for more.

  When he licked one nipple, she pushed upward closer to him and her fingers sank into his hair, clutching his head against her. His teeth brushed lightly across the tip of one breast and her body clenched tight with desire.

  Hawked raised his head and stared into her shining eyes. She reached for his
shirt and fumbled with the buttons until she parted the sides and pulled it off. Then she ran her hands across his warm skin. He was all tanned muscle. Leaning forward, she licked across his nipple, and her hand moved down to touch the bulge in his pants. She felt him harden even more as she held him tight, and he groaned.

  A sharp rap on the window startled a small shriek of surprise from her.

  “All right, you kids. I don’t recognize the truck, but you’d better straighten your clothes and get home before you do something you’ll regret.”

  Damn. Hawke recognized the voice, and just barely made out the figure of his cousin, Bruce, standing outside the fogged up driver’s side window. If the man wasn’t the chief of police, Hawke would make him sorry. He tried to disguise his voice as he mumbled a promise to head home with his date.

  “See that you do. I’ll check back here in ten minutes.”

  They waited until they heard what he assumed was Bruce’s cruiser start before they sat up to straighten their clothes. Hawke and Vi looked at each other and burst out laughing.

  “I guess my idea of coming here wasn’t so great.” He helped Vi pull up the front of her dress, and she took charge of the buttons on his shirt.

  “I’m glad he didn’t arrive a little later,” Vi said, and then started cracking up again.

  “I’m going to take you home. But tomorrow we’ll go back to the cottage. The next time I’m making love to you,” he promised, “I’ll be sure we’re alone.”

  “Yes, please. If Bruce had recognized us, I’d be mortified.”

  “You? He’d never let me forget it. I’ll take you to Emma’s parents’ place and pick you up at about noon tomorrow. All right?”

  “Okay, but don’t change your mind on me overnight.”

  He stopped in front of the Traces’ house and walked around the truck to open Vi’s door. She got out of the truck, and then stood up on tiptoes to kiss him. “Until tomorrow.” She waved and hurried inside.

  The police car was in front of the ranch house when Hawke pulled up. As he parked the truck, Bruce climbed out of the cruiser, laughing.

  “You can’t have thought I wouldn’t recognize you, Ty. No one else has your build. But I thought I’d be nice and not embarrass Vi.”

  “That was kind of you.”

  “I’d love to tease you and tell the whole town how I caught you parking with a girl, but I know they’d all figure out the woman was Vi. I don’t want to hurt her.” Bruce leaned forward, his tone turning serious. “And you’d better treat her good, sailor, or I’ll come looking for you.”

  Hawke held his hands up in surrender. “Don’t worry, I will. I messed up last time. Vi wouldn’t have anything to do with me if I did it again. But we’re trying this out to see where it takes us. She may be the one to back off.”

  “I hope not. I think Vivian may be able to handle you.” His humor restored, Bruce waved and got in the cruiser.

  Hawke shook his head. “Damn, even the police are on her side. I’ll have to tell her tomorrow.”

  He looked up into the starry night sky. He missed seeing the stars when he was in San Diego. There were only a few places in the city where the lights didn’t drown them out. He jerked around when he felt someone near.

  “It’s me, son. I forgot I need to make more noise and not creep up on you.”

  “It’s late, Dad. Can’t you sleep?”

  “I still like to hear your vehicle drive in when you’re here. It’s a good feeling. I also like what happened at the picnic. I hope it works out between you and Vivian.”

  “I’ve been an ass, Dad. I hope it does, too.”

  “Oh, she’ll make it hard for you, but struggle through whatever she throws at you. It’s worth it.”

  They walked into the house in companionable silence. His Dad turned down the hall one way and Hawke down the other.

  Chapter 14

  Hawke picked Vi up right on time. Emma waved them off. Vi sat in the seat beside Hawke, her hands clenched so tight, her fingers looked pale.

  “Are you nervous,” he asked.

  “A little. In the bright light of the day, I’m having a difficult time believing all that happened last night.” She looked at him. “You haven’t changed your mind, have you?”

  “No. Did you?”

  “My only fear is putting my heart out there again and having it broken. I realize you can’t give any grantees.”

  “No, but I believe this time will work.”

  “Why?”

  “I finally admitted to myself that I hadn’t met anyone since you who has the same pull on my emotions. I can’t explain it. I tried to ignore it and wound up hurting you in the process.”

  “Yes, you did.”

  “Remember, we’re starting over like we just met.” He winked at her.

  “I hope it goes better than the first time. Or the second time. Do you believe in three times lucky?”

  “Let’s hope it is for us.”

  They rode in silence the rest of the way to his cottage. When they arrived, Hawke went around the front of the truck and opened her door. “Welcome to my home. Again.”

  “It is lovely and peaceful most of the time.”

  “Shall we change into our swimsuits and walk to a place I missed showing you last time? It’s a lake filled with spring water pouring out of a large rock. The water’s clean and cold.”

  “Do we have food we can take with us?”

  “Absolutely. The cooler’s already packed and filled with ice. I put it in the bed of the truck before I picked you up.” He handed her the keys. “Why don’t you unlock the door while I get our stuff.”

  Vi went up the steps and had to pause at the front door. Coming inside from the bright sunlight, she needed to let her eyes adjust to the change.

  Hawke bumped into her, her bag and his slung over one shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the side of her neck. She shivered in his arms.

  He said into her ear, voice low and gravelly, “Maybe our first time making love should be in a bed. I happen to know where there’s a bed.”

  She turned her head to look up at him. “You do?”

  “Yes. It’s quite comfortable.”

  “Then what are we waiting for, my big, strong SEAL?”

  He let their bags slide to the floor just inside the door to the living room and picked her up in his arms. Then he took long, hurried steps into his bedroom, where he lay her on his king-size bed. He stretched out beside her and turned on his side to face her.

  “Our last trip here, I hardly slept.” He trailed gentle fingertips down the side of her face. “I heard every move you made. I wanted to join you, but wasn’t certain whether you’d greet me with your arms outstretched or throw something at me.”

  Vi settled her hand on his chest and felt his heart thump against her palm. “I’d have been devastated if you’d made love to me and then rejected all my suggestions. I can hardly believe I’m here with you today.”

  “We’re starting over. Picking up from where we left off at school.”

  “Can we do that?”

  “I hope so.”

  She reached up, and her finger outlined the strong angles of his face. “You look so different and yet the same. Bigger, stronger, and tougher.”

  “I’m putty in your hands,” he said and winked.

  Laughing, she rolled him to his back and eased herself onto his strong body. She squeezed his muscles. “Not quite putty.”

  Her lips replaced her finger, and she lightly kissed his face and then his mouth. Her hands cupped the sides of his head and she lost herself in him.

  Hawke let her have her way as she slowly kissed his body. He leaned his torso up off the bed so she could pull his shirt off. She sat on his abdomen and rubbed her fingers across his nipples.

  His heart raced, and his cock hardened, more than he thought it possible. He ached with the desire to flip Vi over and plunge deep into her warmth. Clenching his teeth, he let her play while his longing for
her gained in magnitude.

  Finally, he had to touch her. She had on the same blue dress she’d worn to the party. He took it as an invitation to pick up where they left off during their make-out session. He hooked his fingers in the neckline and pulled down the top until he could wrap his hands around her lovely, soft breasts.

  Vi raised her head. Her blue eyes darkened to almost black as her pupils dilated with passion. She tilted her head back as he caressed her breasts and his fingers tightened on her nipples.

  “It wasn’t your turn. I hadn’t finished,” Vi said in a breathless voice, her palms gliding down the taut muscles of his forearms.

  “I decided it was time for me to take control. Do you like this?” He rubbed the palms of his hands across her tight nipples.

  “Yes,” she said, drawing the word out in a low moan of a sound.

  Quickly, he unzipped her dress. Handling her body with easy strength, he slid the dress and her panties off in one motion. Then he flipped her on her back before she expected him to move.

  “I wasn’t finished with you,” Vi repeated, pretending to pout. He nipped at her plump lower lip.

  “I’m so hungry for you, if I’d let you finish it would all be over for a while.”

  “Ah. No stamina.”

  He nipped her again as he huffed out a ragged laugh. “Oh, you will regret your remark.”

  “I hope so.” She smiled up at him, and he wondered how he’d ever convinced himself he no longer loved her. Admitting his feelings had opened the floodgates to emotions that both pleased him and frightened him almost as much as some of his missions.

  Vi made a soft sound and touched his cheek. “You went very quiet, and your facial expression changed. Did I say something wrong?”

  “No, not at all. Where were we before you interrupted my attention? Ah, yes.” He let his eyes roam slowly over her, from head to dainty little toes, and back up again. “I was headed down your body. But first, I’m going to get out of my clothes.”

  He levered himself off her and stripped in record time.