by Lea Hart
“I’ve seen what fireworks mean in real life and don’t have the stomach for that sort of drama on a daily basis.”
“That statement tells me I’m paying for someone else’s sins?”
“Not necessarily.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“Doesn’t matter if you do,” she replied, turning her attention to the menu. “I don’t walk into burning buildings, Caid, and as far as I can tell, you’re exactly that.”
“Fire isn’t always a bad thing, and I’m going to make it my mission to prove that to you.” When her mouth opened, he leaned in and pressed his thumb to her lips. “Can we order some food before we launch into the next round of battle?” Her eyes grew large, and he guessed she wasn’t much different than a grenade with a pin pulled out and wasn’t surprised when her teeth bit the pad of his thumb. “Sugar and spice and everything nice.”
“You’re going to get nothing but spice if you try and silence me.”
Letting out a chuckle, he threw his arm over her shoulder. “I love me a woman with fire and sass, and it seems you got an extra helping, so I’m thinking you’re just about perfect.” He tugged her closer, pulling her tightly against his side. “I was raised by a mama and two sisters who could kick the balls off a bull in Sunday heels, so I’d say you and me gettin’ married and livin’ happily ever after is just about inevitable.”
“I’ve been plotting ways to kill you and not get caught for the last five minutes, so the happy ever after may have to wait.”
“Well, babe, I’d say that is the fun of it…or the trouble of it, and since I love both, you’re stuck with me.” He looked down and hoped the fire dancing in her eyes would eventually mean good things. “Knowing I may not survive just makes things exciting, and, considering my line of work, you know I enjoy nothing more than a life and death situation.”
Letting out a huff, she let her head fall back. “I thought I’d gotten rid of the sign on my forehead that said: only crazy people need apply.”
“Sorry, it’s still there, and we both know you would be bored in a minute by a man you could manage.”
“You couldn’t be more wrong.”
“Doubt it,” he mumbled as he looked up at the menu. Once he’d decided, he glanced over and noticed the smile Courtney was trying to fight and understood that whatever was about to happen between them was likely going to be cataclysmic.
A fact that was both exciting as hell and scary as shit.
Good thing he loved nothing more.
***
Courtney pushed her half-eaten chicken taco away and looked out the window, so she wouldn’t be tempted by Caid’s serious arm porn and floppy blond hair.
In what world was it fair for a man to be so damn irritating and attractive at the same time?
Apparently, the one she lived in.
But since fair wasn’t how the world worked, she tried to see it from another angle and decided his appearance in her life was the universe’s way of testing her resolve about making smart decisions.
Studying the people that clogged the streets of downtown San Diego, she mentally relisted all the reasons why having anything to do with the handsome SEAL was a bad idea. With heartbreak and almost guaranteed mental exhaustion topping the list, she knew resisting him wouldn’t be all that difficult.
“Are you almost done over-thinking the sitch between us or do you need a couple more minutes?”
Slowly tearing her eyes away from the window, she let out a snort. “I’m doing no such thing.”
“Want to play strip poker?”
“What?” she sputtered.
“Clearly, you can’t lie for shit, so I figure playing strip poker will likely net a big win for me.”
“How you cleared your last psych eval is a mystery.”
“Quit flirtin’ with me, woman, unless you mean to do something about the sparks you’re igniting.”
Ignoring his nonsense, she brushed some crumbs off the table. “So, what made you decide to disregard the impressive brush-off I’ve been giving you for the last four days and show up at my work?”
Caid wiped his mouth carefully and then folded his napkin. “I don’t like leaving things undone and decided that a face-to-face was the only way to get you to talk.” He leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest. “We flirted our asses off over a dozen or so phone calls, and I know you were as into it as I was. I thought we were going to meet up over the weekend, but something or someone changed your mind, and I’d like to hear what it was.”
“Circumstances changed and…”
“You drop me without explanation?”
“You can’t drop someone whom you haven’t had a date with yet!”
He gusted out a loud breath and leaned forward. “The fact that you’re trying to sell me those semantics suggests you feel guilty as shit. And…it’s kind of cowardly.”
A flash of fury sliced through her body and it took every bit of control she had not to stand up and let every one of her feelings out as loudly as she could. “How dare you even suggest that as a possibility.”
“Then tell me what happened.”
She slapped her hand on the table and leaned forward. “Your best friend knocked up his old girlfriend and is going after my best friend. There is an epic shitstorm on the horizon for my bestie, and I can’t be cavorting with the enemy.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“Sides will have to be chosen, and you and I are going to be on opposite ones.”
“I doubt it since Ace went over to Lisa’s last night and was MIA this morning. I’m guessing they’re working shit out and the hill you’re trying to plant your flag on isn’t even there.”
Lifting her iced tea, she took a careful sip and studied him over the rim of the glass. “Really?”
“Yeah.”
“I did hear some unusual sounds coming from Lisa’s place last night, but I thought she was watching a movie.”
“Why do you look so disappointed? You should be happy your friend has a chance at happiness.”
“I am, but…”
“You don’t trust that Ace is a decent guy?”
“Exactly. I was ready to put his picture up on Cheaterville and…”
He put his hands up and shook his head. “I don’t want to hear the details because then the word accomplice will come up at the trial, and I don’t plan on ending my Naval career because you talked me into some hinky shit.”
She pressed her hand to her chest and sucked in a breath. “I’m a librarian and…”
“Have a dark heart that is ready to exact revenge at the first provocation.”
She flipped her hair over her shoulder. “It’s not dark, just a little gray around the edges.” Watching his big hand move across the table, she shook her head. “Don’t.”
“Hold your hand?”
“Yes.” She moved hers off the table and folded them in her lap. “I can’t be tempted by you. I met a very nice man on Friday and went to dinner with him on Saturday. We have a lot in common, and he’s…”
“Boring as shit and you’re trying to talk yourself into believing the appropriate choice is the right one.”
Dropping her head, she studied the flowers on her dress and knew he’d see through any argument she made. “I’m going to give it a chance.”
“You sure, Court?”
She pushed back her shoulders and raised her head. “Absolutely. The professor and I are a perfect match.”
“I think that’s a lot of bullshit but will do my best to respect your decision.”
“I appreciate that.”
“Don’t look so relieved, woman; I didn’t say I was giving up. We can be friends until you’re singled up.”
Sliding down in the booth, she let out a groan. “And why is that a good idea?”
“Because there’s no way he’s the man for you. When I saw you on Lisa’s computer screen in Yemen, I knew we were destined to have something, and that hasn’t ch
anged. If you have to chase this idea you’ve got in your head about the right man one last time, then so be it.”
“I’m doing nothing of the sort.”
“Yes, you are, and I want you to know that I’ll be waiting on the other end. Just don’t give him more than a kindergarten kiss or,” he waved his hand around, “let him touch more than your arm.”
“I’m going to ignore those ridiculous statements and do my best to squash all the mean thoughts I’m having about you.”
He let out a loud snort. “You go ahead, but just know your dark revenge-seeking side doesn’t worry me in the least.”
She waved her hands and closed her eyes. “Stop!”
“What?”
“Flirting.”
“Not a chance.”
“Well, it’s not going to work.” She pushed herself up and then ran her hand over the table. “Because I’m immune to your…charms.”
“Doesn’t seem like a real truthful statement, but I’m going to let it go for the sake of peace.”
She blew out a long breath. “I’ll have you know that men who have pretty gray eyes, naughty smiles, and super tight asses have never appealed to me, so…”
“Don’t get my hopes up?”
“Yes!”
“Not possible.”
“You sure about that?”
“More than.” He took her hand and leaned forward. “Go ahead and take your time on responding because I know picking out just the right snarky comment to put me in my place is important.”
Covering her mouth, she did her best to stifle the laugh that was begging to be let free. The man was going to be the death of her, and she knew his sharp sense of humor was the only thing that was going to make the whole ordeal palatable.
CHAPTER THREE
Caid strolled up the walkway that led to the triplex Courtney lived in and hoped his early morning donut delivery was going to be welcome. It had been four days since their lunch together, and she hadn’t returned one of his calls.
Which he took to mean that, down deep in her soul, she kinda liked him.
Why else would she avoid him?
And, yeah, he wasn’t going to consider the other likely answer in case anyone was interested.
He and denial had become real close in the last couple of days, and he didn’t see any reason to let go of a good thing, especially since it was the only thing keeping him on this side of sanity.
The summer sun warmed his shoulders as he walked up to Courtney’s door and, just as he was about to knock, he heard a scuffle inside. He rapped his knuckles sharply against the door and then put his ear to it. “Courtney, are you okay?”
“I don’t know how you made it inside, but you’re not staying.”
Cursing himself for leaving the house unarmed, he knocked sharply again. “Courtney, open the door, or I’m breaking it down!”
He put his hand on the doorknob and was relieved when he discovered it was unlocked. The sound of a chair falling over filled his ears, so he didn’t waste another minute and pushed the door open.
Rushing in, he allowed his combat experience to take over and listened intently, so he could determine where the confrontation was taking place.
“We’ve had a standoff for weeks, and I don’t know why you chose this as the day to make your stand.”
“What the fuck,” he mumbled as he moved down the short hall toward Courtney’s voice. Not wanting to announce his presence any more loudly than he already had, he crept quietly and listened for clues. What the hell were those little scratchy sounds against the hardwood floor?
“Enough,” Courtney shouted.
Loosening his limbs so he would be ready to take down the tango, he heard Courtney’s feet slap against the wood, along with a weird swishing noise. He prepared himself for the worst and almost fell on his ass when she came into view. A short pink kimono flapped against her thighs as she waved a back-scrubber at a squirrel and he knew laughing would not be acceptable.
“Don’t just stand there, Caid; help me!”
“How the hell did that thing get inside?”
“Don’t ask questions. Do something super-operator-like and help me get Milton back outside.”
Two small beady eyes stared at him, and he didn’t think his hand-to-hand combat skills were going to be of any use. Moving backward, he maintained eye contact and picked up the bag of donuts that he dropped. “Glazed or jelly?”
“Doubt he’ll be picky,” Courtney remarked as she waved the back scrubber. “He already finished off the leftover Chinese food in my trash can, so this is just a bonus for him.”
“How do you know it’s a boy?” he asked as he took out a glazed twist and held it toward the rodent.
“Because he snuck in and didn’t show any remorse.”
“Pretty sure there’s a message in there for me, but I’m going to ignore it.”
“His tail is twitching, so get ready.”
“Come on, guy, follow me out, and you’ll get this delicious donut.” He continued to walk backward with the fat squirrel following him. “Last meal, buddy.” Stepping through the open front door, he watched the squirrel cross the threshold and then pitched the donut into the yard and watched it fly after the treat. He brushed his hand against his jeans and shook his head. “Next time, I’m coming armed.”
“Little bastard played on my sweet nature and completely fooled me.”
He took one last glance at the rodent as it scampered up the tree with its treat and then walked back into the house, closing the door behind him. “Well, that was fun.”
Courtney leaned against the wall and let out a big breath. “I’ve been in a stand-off with that damn animal for thirty minutes.” She held out her hand and wiggled her fingers. “Pass me a donut.”
Eliminating the distance that separated them, he walked over and kissed her head before pulling out a big donut covered in pink frosting and sprinkles. “Morning, sunshine.”
“Morning,” she mumbled before shoving the donut into her mouth.
Hearing her happy sigh filled his chest with a strange satisfaction, and he decided solving problems for her was something he was going to put on his daily schedule. “Can’t wait to hear how you came to name a squirrel.”
“It’s a story that’s going to require another cup of coffee. Give me a minute to change, and we can sit out on the front stoop, so I can mean-mug Milton and show him his antics won’t be tolerated.”
He ran his finger over the silky pink material and inhaled her warm vanilla scent. “I like this thing you’re wearing; any chance of you keeping it on?”
“No, since I don’t plan on encouraging the naughty thoughts that I’m sure are taking up more than half the space in your brain.”
He let out a snort and gave her a side-eye. “For your information, only forty percent of my brain is currently scheming ways to get you to kiss me.” The sound of her giggles filled the hallway, and he knew making a woman laugh was as good a thing as there was in the world. “Go on and change while I make some coffee.”
“There should still be plenty in the pot, so get yourself a cup, and I’ll be out in a minute.”
He pushed himself off the wall and gave her a wink before turning toward the kitchen. “Roger that.” Moving toward the end of the hallway, he stopped and turned. “Court…”
“Yeah?” she replied breathlessly.
“Don’t feel bad for staring at my ass.” Hearing her sputter, he turned back around and sauntered into the kitchen, feeling pretty damn good about his surprise visit.
***
“Do you feel the weight of that beady little stare?” Tipping her chin, Courtney gave Milton a disapproving frown. “Good deeds never go unpunished.”
“Any particular reason why you though a mangy rodent with no morals or manners needed a good deed?”
“I was trying to practice what I preach and show love and acceptance for all of God’s creatures.”
“And how soon can I expect to see som
e of that love and acceptance?”
Sliding her gaze over, she gave him a slow once-over. “Haven’t decided yet.”
“You know the more you reject me, the harder I have to come after you since it’s not in a SEAL’s nature to give up.”
“Any chance to talk you out of that nonsense?”
“Probably not.”
“That’s what I figured.” She brushed the donut crumbs off her T-shirt and then leaned back on her hands. Tilting her face up to the sun, she let out a contented sigh. “How did you know I liked donuts?”
“I didn’t. But if you refused to eat them, then I’d know our little dance of attraction was going to be a short one.”
“So, it was a test?”
“Absolutely, since there’s no way I’d consider keeping you around if you didn’t understand the importance of fried dough covered in sugar.”
“Interesting.”
“You can give me a test and see how I do if that’ll make you feel better.”
She stretched out her legs and twisted her feet from side to side. “I don’t give people tests.”
Caid leaned away and let out a bark of laughter. “That is a big fat lie, and we both know it.”
“It’s true. I take people as they are and hold on to the good stuff and let the rest fall through my hands.”
“That’s very Zen of you, but I don’t buy it since you’ve given me nothing but a hard time from the moment we laid eyes on one another.”
“I have not. All I’ve done is not agree with every suggestion that comes out of your mouth.” She mirrored his posture and leaned away. “You’re just surprised that a woman hasn’t fallen head over heels for your big…”
“Smile?” he asked with a laugh.
“Sure, we can go with that.”
“For your information, I’m not all that shocked that you didn’t fall all over yourself to get at me.” He ran his hand over her chin and brushed off some crumbs. “I knew the woman of my dreams was going to take some work, and it seems I was right.”
“Am I that?”
“Of course, since you have fire, heart, and smarts. The fact that it’s all wrapped up in a sexy package is a bonus I wasn’t expecting, so know there isn’t a line I’m not willing to cross to make you mine.”
