Sheriff Dan stepped forward, a big smile on his face, and congratulated them on a job well done. Alex and Henry were wrapped in blankets and fed, Mika never far from her child, fussing over him and kissing his forehead every now and then.
Jon slapped Cal on the back. “I think I’ll get on the road now. It looks like all’s well that ends well. I wish it would always be that way.”
“Listen, thanks for everything. It was great having you here.”
“I didn’t really do anything.” Jon shrugged and laughed. “It was kind of nice not having anyone shoot at me though. But I don’t think I want to get too used to that.”
“It meant everything that you were here tonight for the festival and then helped us look for Alex. Really, man, thanks.”
Jon looked embarrassed so Cal didn’t push it anymore. A damn good friend, Jon never asked for recognition or thanks and that made him a rare breed. He bid everyone goodbye and got behind the wheel of his massive truck, waving as he pulled out of the parking lot.
Cal wrapped his arms around Mika and pulled her close. She slumped into his embrace, worn out from the emotional toll the events had taken. He hoped she could sleep tonight.
“How about we go home? We’ll clean them up and then get you in a nice hot bath with a glass of wine.”
“That sounds like heaven.” Mika pressed her cheek to his chest and once again he thought his heart would split in two pieces, not able to hold the tsunami of love that enveloped him. She was everything he’d ever wanted and so much more. She pulled back, her hands on his chest and gazed up at him earnestly. “I want you to know something. I want you to know that if you want to go back to the FBI I’ll go with you. I mean, Alex and I will. You’re so good at your job, Cal, and you shouldn’t have to give it up for me.”
Floored and humbled in a way he’d never been before, Cal couldn’t find the words to express what he was feeling. His chest felt like a steel band was wrapped around it and he had to clear his throat several times before he could speak.
“I love you so damn much. The fact that you’re willing to sacrifice your own happiness for mine is just so…wow. Dammit, I’m so grateful that you’re in my life and have given me another chance. But I don’t want another chance with the FBI. I meant what I said—I’m staying. You’re stuck with me.”
Her palm cupped his cheek and he could feel the warmth of her skin against his own. “I love you too and I don’t feel like I’m stuck with you. I feel like I’m very lucky.”
“I’m the lucky one, and I promise to be worthy of your love. I promise to be the man that you deserve,” he vowed, meaning every word from the depths of his heart and soul.
He’d come back to a heart he’d carelessly thrown away years before but he’d been given a rare second chance to find love again. Wherever Mika was, that was home.
Chapter Fifteen
‡
Mika stared out the kitchen window that overlooked the backyard and said one more prayer of thanks. Alex was outside in the morning sunshine playing with Henry, his face wreathed in smiles.
It turned out after a meal and bath the dog was actually quite cute, although it was a mystery what breed he was. From the size of his paws he was going to be big but she didn’t mind. Alex could play rough now and then and it was good that the canine was of sturdy construction.
A pair of strong warm arms wrapped around her from behind and she leaned back, luxuriating in the knowledge that she was loved and cared for, her son was safe at home, and all was right in her world.
“I put the breakfast dishes in the dishwasher and folded the towels in the dryer.” Cal’s sexy voice crooned in her ear, and although the words were quite mundane her body responded as if he’d paid her the most extravagant compliment. “Is there anything else I can do to help?”
She’d had an emotional night, barely able to sleep after what had happened, so he was spoiling her today which really wasn’t fair. He had held her all night long so he hadn’t rested much either.
“You’ve done more than your share. I really appreciate it. I’m just going to sit here all day and watch Alex play. I suppose you think that’s silly.”
“I don’t in the least. In fact, I might join you.”
She twisted in his arms so she could look up at him. “What were you and Sheriff Dan talking about last night? You two looked deep in conversation.”
Cal’s smile grew and her heart skipped a beat in her chest. “He offered me a job.”
“A job,” she gasped, hugging him tightly. “Cal, that’s wonderful. What kind of job?”
“His job. He wants to retire. He has for a long time but he hadn’t found the right person to turn Applewood over to. He thinks I’m the one.”
Cal would make an excellent sheriff. He was good with people and he handled a crisis like a pro – which of course he was. He was just what Applewood needed.
“That’s wonderful. Are you going to take it?” Mika didn’t want to push but she hoped he would. This was the perfect opportunity for him.
“There’s some details to iron out but I think I will. Are you okay with that?”
“Very okay. I love the idea. But as I said before I just want you to be happy.”
“I’m happier than I’ve ever been. I have you, Alex, Henry, and now a new job. Things are looking up.”
Mika blinked back a few tears, her throat clogging with emotion. “I’m happy you’re home. I never wanted to admit it but I missed you. I always hoped you’d be back someday. Here you are.”
“Here I am,” he agreed with a laugh and she couldn’t stop smiling back at him. She was filled with life and pure unadulterated joy. “Loving you. The rest of our life starts now and that’s what I want with you. A future.”
For so long Mika thought love had passed her by and that she’d lost her chance to have the kind of life she’d always dreamed about. Now here it was all gift wrapped in passion and happiness and it was almost too good to be true.
But it was true. And it was all hers.
Thank you for reading Unwanted Danger
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Acknowledgements
Thank you to Cat Johnson for granting permission for the use of the characters Jon Rudnick, Zane Alexander, Rick Mann, and Chris Cassidy and Guardian Angel Protection Services, aka GAPS, from her Hot SEALs Series world.
CAT JOHNSON’S HOT SEALS
Night with a SEAL – Jon
Saved by a SEAL – Zane
SEALed at Midnight – Thom
Kissed by a SEAL – Chris
Protected by a SEAL – Rick
Loved by a SEAL – Brody
Tempted by a SEAL – Mack
Wed to a SEAL – Rocky
Romanced by a SEAL – Jon & Ali
Rescued by a Hot SEAL – Grant
Betting on a Hot SEAL – Dawson
Escape with a Hot SEAL – Thom & Ginny
Matched with a Hot SEAL – Will
SEAL the Deal – Zane & Missy
About The Author
Olivia Jaymes is a wife, mother, lover of sexy romance, and caffeine addict. She lives with her husband and son in central Florida and spends her days with handsome alpha males and spunky heroines.
Olivia writes steamy romantic suspense and also contemporary romance. She is currently working on a brand new series that will debut in the fall of 2018.
Visit Olivia Jaymes at
www.OliviaJaymes.com
Other Titles by Olivia Jaymes
Danger Incorporated
Damsel In Danger
Hiding From Danger
Discarded Heart Novella
Indecent Danger
Embracing Danger
Danger In The Night
Reunited With Danger
Window to Danger
Road to Danger
Cowboy Justice Association
Cowboy Command
Justice Healed
C
owboy Truth
Cowboy Famous
Cowboy Cool
Imperfect Justice
The Deputies
Justice Inked
Justice Reborn
Vengeful Justice
Justice Divided
Military Moguls
Champagne and Bullets
Diamonds and Revolvers
Caviar and Covert Ops
Emeralds, Rubies, and Camouflage
Midnight Blue Beach
Wicked After Midnight
Midnight Of No Return
Kiss Midnight Goodbye
The Hollywood Showmance Chronicles
A Kiss For the Cameras
Swinging From A Star
Wild on the Red Carpet
Love in the Spotlight
And the Winner is
Unwanted Danger Page 10
